[Book II Chapter 90] HOPE: Sovengard Politics

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Hope sighed watching Helix and Gali Karel pour over Astrolis. This morning they’d ask her to move the mech to one of their workshops, and she’d complied out of gratitude for her rescue. That was hours ago, and they didn’t appear any closer to finishing their inspection. Having already explored everywhere, she was left sitting idly, bored stiff.

Adding to her frustration, her wristal didn’t work down here, and she’d been unable to communicate with anyone. When she’d complained, the twins had told her not to worry since everyone knew she was safe. Apparently, news of her escape with Astrolis had spread across the world. That’s nice, but I’d still like to speak with mother so I can ask what to do next. I was also supposed to start training with Clay Donnaster weeks ago.

She’d been astonished by Nihilister’s obliteration after she yelled ‘Cursed Fate’. At first, she’d believed she’d directly caused the destruction, but then Secret had informed it was the work of a weapon system called Artemis. This had brought her back down to earth. From what I was able to gather, Cursed Fate extended the range of their weapon and possibly their inclination to intervene.

The twin’s had hailed them when they’d entered Aery airspace, instructing them to proceed to Roskild. After passing through large underground airships factories, they’d entered their underground sanctuary deep within the floating island, and Hope had collapsed as soon as she’d been shown to her room. I guess I should be grateful they restrained their curiosity to allow me one night’s sleep.

“… What do you think of shoulder-mounted disintegrator cannons?” Gali asked. Wait, what?

“Escuse me.” Hope broke in. “Sounds like you’re discussing remodeling. Isn’t that a bit premature?”

The pair immortals turned to her and then glanced at each other. “Astrolis was custom-designed for Jenna Crystal, and you don’t have the power she did.” Helix said. “Whether the pilot is you or someone else, alteration will be required.”

“Understandable,” Hope replied, “but that’s a problem for later. I’m sure mother will figure something out once I get back.”

“About that…” Gali gave her a pitying look. “Astrolis represents a paragon-level military asset. Do you believe Queen Kalista will let you just fly it out of Aery?”

“She won’t?” Hope said dumbly. The gears in her mind grinded into action, and she began to realize her situation was nowhere close to resolved. Maybe not letting me communicate was no accident.

“The queen has dispatched Bracus Karel to escort you to Sovengard.” Helix explained. “Speaking of which… Sister, I think if we keep him waiting longer, he’ll be upset.”

Gali peeked at the controls next to her, “Judging by the three messages he’s left us, it’s probably too late for that. We’re going to be scolded again, aren’t we?”

Without further elaboration, Hope was ushered into Astrolis and told Bracus would meet her at outside. Once away from the twins, she stopped in the cavernous space between the giant metal airship factories to consult with Secret.

“Seems like things have gotten complicated again.” She said sadly.

<<I WAS LISTENING TO THEIR CONVERSATION WHEN YOU WERE OFF WANDERING.>> Secret replied. <<SO I’M MORE INFORMED THAN YOU REGARDING THE MATTER.>>

“What did they say?” Hope asked.

<<SINCE THEY WERE KNEW THE QUEEN WOULDN’T RELEASE ME, THEY WERE CERTAIN THE TASK OF REFITTING ME WOULD FALL TO THEM.>> Secret reported. <<THEY WERE MORE DIVIDED ON YOUR FATE. WORST CASE, YOU WILL BE CONFINED UNTIL YOU AGREE TO COOPERATE.>>

“Just great.” Hope winced. At least they probably won’t make me wear a severing collar. “Any chance we can escape?”

<<I RECOMMEND AGAINST TRYING.>> Secret advised. <<BRACUS RIDES THE ICE DRAGON WINTERFALL, WHO IS MORE THAN CAPABLE OF SUBDUING US GIVEN OUR COMBAT READINESS. ARRIVING IN SOVENGARD IN A BLOCK OF ICE WOULD HURT YOUR NEGOTIATING POSITION.>>

Figures, Hope lamented. “Then there’s no sense in delaying.”

Flying out of Roskild, she turned and was amazed. Lying on the island’s edge was the largest winged creature she’d ever laid eyes on. Mother mentioned him in her stories, but I never really comprehended his size.

Winterfall was Sovengard’s former guardian beast and Aery’s oldest subject, having served the first king. Only the strongest of immortals were permitted to ride his back. She watched in awe as the dragon rose and spread its wings.

“About damn time.” An angry voice boomed.

Frazzled by the callout, Hope spotted an armored man standing on the dragon’s enormous head grasping its horns. She quickly broadcasted a reply. “Sorry, I left as soon as I could.”

“I know.” Bracus replied, softening his tone. “It’s not you I blame. It’s those bloody twins. I bet they were so caught up studying Astrolis they forgot to mention my arrival. Another hour and I would’ve forced my way in to get you.”

“Come, we’ve kept the queen waiting long enough.” Bracus finished, urging Winterfell into the sky.

As they followed, Hope deliberated the mess she found herself in. “How do you feel about being remodeled?” She asked Secret.

<<IT’S A NECESSITY IF I AM TO PARTICIPATE THIS DARK AGE.>> Secret answered. <<EVEN IF YOU WERE IMMORTAL, YOU COULD NOT OPERATE ME AS JENNA DID. SHE HAD A SUBLIME VAGARY THAT AMPLIFIED THE POWER SHE POURED INTO ME.>>

<<I AM MORE CONCERN OVER WHO WILL PILOT ME. IF IT’S SOMEONE LOYAL TO THE QUEEN, THIS MEANS I COULD ONE DAY COME INTO CONFLICT WITH YOUR MOTHER, ASTRA SKYFELL. THIS WOULD SADDEN JENNA GREATLY.>>Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“We can’t let that happen.” Hope agreed.

Aery’s highest island came into view. On three sides stood snow-covered mountains, with Sovengard built in the wide valley between. Unlike its surroundings, patches of inviting green filled the city.

From afar, the white-stoned buildings resembled those of the Isle of Dreams, but once they drew closer Hope noticed the difference. On the structures were columns, arches and other flourishes. Statues and carvings, large and small, were everywhere. The whole city is a work of art.

Passing the docks on the outer cliffs, they headed to a wall-off section and dropped towards the central courtyard of a giant palatial complex. Hope grew nervous noting the welcoming party in fancy dress. Five powerful immortals.

“The silver-haired woman at the front must be queen Kalista.” Hope said. “I have no idea who the other four are.”

<<CONSIDERING YOU’RE THE DAUGHTER OF ASTRA SKYFELL, THEY WOULD BE DISAPPOINTED TO LEARN THIS.>> Secret warned. <<IN ATTENDANCE TODAY ARE THE HEADS OF THE SIX GREAT HOUSES. BEHIND THE QUEEN, FROM THE LEFT TO RIGHT, STAND ANASTASIA VELLOR, BRANDON GLADESONG, ELLARIA RAVEN, AND ROBIN BRACK. THE LAST, BRACUS KAREL, YOU ARE ALREADY FAMILIAR WITH.>>

Committing the names to memory, Hope hopped out. Winterfall landed nearby, and everyone stood silently as Bracus made his way over.

“You sure kept us waiting.” Queen Kalista reproach lightly. “The twins?”

“Please forgive them.” Bracus said tiredly. “They’re eager to begin retooling Jenna’s wonder.”

“I believe the question of ownership has yet to be settled.” Robin protested.

Bracus shrugged. “True, but the only the twins have skills worthy of Astrolis.”

“Which is why the pilot will must come from another house” Brandon said smoothly. “House Karel is domineering enough already.”

“Isn’t discussing other pilots a little hasty?” Hope couldn’t help interjecting. She regretted it immediately as all eyes focused on her.

“Astrolis might’ve recognized you at its master, but it doesn’t belong to you.” Ellaria Raven smiled slyly. “It’s rightfully the property of the Northern Empire, which presents a problem since returning it is unthinkable with Jenna’s murderer on the throne. Considering the twins’ intervention averted its destruction, I believe Aery is within its rights to retain possession.”

“We also saved you from incineration.” Robin added. “You are in no position to object.”

“That is…” Hope struggled, wishing her sister Rose was here. “I don’t——”

“All semantics aside.” Anastasia Vellor cut in. “The reality is Astrolis is too valuable to pass up.”

“True.” Kalista agreed. “But there’s no need to settle the issue now. Young Hope is clearly overwhelmed by her arrival in Sovengard. Weren’t you also recently the captive of Argon Blast? Why don’t you take the day to relax and appreciate the splendor of the city. We’ll reconvene tomorrow to continue this discussion.”

The queen snapped her fingers and a knight in white armor appeared next to them. “This escort will answer your questions and show you to your quarters once you’re done taking in the sights.”

With this, the queen retreated, and the others followed. Hope was left alone with her silent attendant. “Hum… where should I go?” She asked.

“I would recommend the statue garden.” The knight pointed. “It is the place most palace guest start with.”

Hope entered the garden as suggested, and was relieved when the knight remained at the entrance. At least this is better than a severing collar. Relaxing slightly, she observed her surrounding and found her mother staring back at her. After a brief shock, she understood the figure of Astra Skyfell was made of stone. It’s a statue…

Hope pivoted in place. All around her stood the flawless representations of Enera’s greatest immortals. So famous were they that she knew most of them. She even spotted a woman who resembled a grown up version of Free. Awe washed away her worries as she wandered. They are detailed down to individual strands of hair. How do you do that with rock?

She stopped in front of robed figure of elderly man and frowned. There had been other statues she didn’t remember names of, but this was the first one whose face she couldn’t place. Why have I never seen it before?

In the midst of her pondering, she realized elderly man’s chest was imperceptibly moving. She did a double take, doubting her own eyes. It’s breathing? But it’s rock…

“Almost ‘as if they’re alive’.” Said a jovial voice behind her. Hope turned to find short, well-dressed bearded man, approaching her.

“Who are you?” She asked.

“Anthony Skyfell,” He responded. “Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

That name rang a bell. “You’re Aery’s immortal sculptor!”

“In the flesh.” He chuckled.

“I didn’t expect to meet you here…” She continued stupidly.

Anthony looked at her sideways, “I’m married to the queen. Why wouldn’t I be at the palace?”

So I’m talking to Aery’s king? Hope barely kept herself from gawking. I swear I am giving up studying firearms and focusing on immortals until I know them all by heart. I can’t keep going through experiences like this.

Oblivious to her internal agonizing, Anthony stared up the figure of the elderly man. “Visitors often stop here in confusion, and I can’t really fault them. As far as I know, this is the only statue of Salazar Rook in existence.”

Hope examined the feared villain carefully. He was in sixties with a receding hairline. His face had an amiable expression, but there was a sharp, confident look in his eyes.

“The reason for these statues of legendary figures…” Hope asked. “Does it have to do with your sublime vagary?”

“Good guess! I can’t explain the details, but…” He winked. “In this garden, I may just be the strongest immortal.” If he can bring them all to life, that could be true.

“How was your meeting with my wife?” Anthony asked.

“Short and terrifying.” Hope admitted. “I have no idea what’s going to happen to me…”

“If you turn over control of Astrolis, nothing at all. You’ll be free to leave straight away.” He offered.

“Unfortunately, that isn’t something I’m prepared to do.” Hope said sadly.

“You’re showing some powerful determination.” Anthony raised an eyebrow. “May I ask the reason for it?”

“I can’t really say…” Hope apologized. While she got along with this laid back king, she wasn’t ready to reveal Secret’s existence.

“Don’t fret too much.” He assure kindly. “Your position isn’t as bad as you think.”

“Queen Kalista is terrified Astra will return and challenge her to the throne. If this were to occur, she’d need to rely on Bracus Karel as her champion, but she isn’t certain he’d agree. The man isn’t enthusiastic about the prospect of facing your mother, and I don’t blame him. Basically, if the queen provokes Astra unnecessarily, she risks losing his support.”

“Wait…” Hope said. “Wouldn’t forcing me to turn over Astrolis anger mother and do just that?”

“Yes, but she believes it’s worth the risk.” Anthony explained. “With an immortal pilot and a complete refit by the twin, Astrolis could serve as a viable champion. Not only would she no longer be dependent on Bracus, Astra might be deterred from issuing a challenge due to her reluctance to damage Jenna’s mobile armor.”

Hope was shocked. “She wants Astrolis as a hostage to ward off Astra?”

“Essentially, yes.” He nodded. “You haven’t been allowed to communicate to prevent you from learning all of this.”

I can’t allow that. Even if I must be a prisoner again, I won’t turn over control. Hope stared hard at the bearded king. “Why are you betraying your wife by explaining this?”

“’Betray’ is a strong word.” Anthony sighed. “It’s complicated.”

“When the last king died during the last dark age, both Ethan and Astra were at Bastion leading the campaign against Sola. As the third strongest Skyfell, Kalista was given the throne temporarily. Due to the unstable nature of her rule, Kalista was heavily reliant on those around her. These were mostly immortals who’d stayed behind and focused on Aery’s defense. By contrast, those who fought outside our borders universally favor Astra taking over. This shapes the division of our politics to this day.”

“If the queen gets Astrolis and feels her position secured, Aery will turn more isolationist than it is. The assistance extended to the Adventurer’s Guild will be cut back. The results would be tragic.”

Hope grimaced. I can’t believe there is so much as stake. Why am I in the middle of this?

Anthony watched her agonize. “One solution would be for you to choose a compromise candidate, someone you trust who the queen will accept.”

If it’s someone that would never turn on mother, that could work, but… “Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone in Aery…” Hope regretted.