Page 121 of Riftborne
“Relax, please. There’s no reason for you to behave like this. Iassure you, I’m less interested in discussing the context, and much more fascinated by the fact that you were able to enter my dream at all.” He nudged my arm, offering me an apple. “You didn’t eat this morning.”
After hesitating for a second, I took it from him and sighed.
“I still don’t understand how it happened. Or how I did it. Now I’m rethinking every dream I’ve ever had.” My tone was quiet.
“It seems like your focus is growing more vast by the day. Give it time, and you’ll adjust.” He bit into his apple, staring at the path ahead.
How was he being socasual?
“Sometimes it feels like I’m losing my own mind,” I admitted.
“I wouldn’t even know how to train you to enhance this ability. I mean, I’ll certainly try. Imagine what you could do…” his voice trailed off.
A part of me sank inside.
He didn’t need to finish his sentence. I knew what he was going to say. I was simply an asset to him. The dream had meant nothing.
I looked up to see the shimmering towers of Emeraal in the distance.
It waslate morning when we reached the border of the city. The sun had since taken shelter behind a layer of clouds, and in its absence, the wind had adopted an icy chill.
The road through the city was rocky and unstable, cracking and falling apart in patches. The city was made up of predominantly simple dwellings, stately with timber-framed walls and steeply pitched roofs with asymmetrical gables.
The homes were all connected by a shared characteristic: emerald stained-glass windows set in diamond patterns—an homage to the vast emerald deposits that ran through this land.Chimneys billowed smoke all across the city, creating dark and foggy air that reeked of coal and wood.
The streets were sparse, and I noticed quite a few boarded windows and doors. The few people who did move through the city did so in a hushed fashion, hurrying to their destination.
As we approached Emeraal’s center, a cathedral came into perfect view. It loomed over the town, with tall spires reaching into the sky, its facade adorned with intricate stone carvings and detailing, depicting scenes of the mighty Esprithe. The same stained glass windows lined the exterior, reflecting the moody sky.
It seemed to be the busiest place in town with Aossí filtering in and out, leaving offerings on the front stairs. Some huddled close to their families, holding candles and humming softly, almost in a trance. The singing of hymns could be heard from the streets as worshipers filled the cavernous space, begging their Esprithe for salvation.
The shining towers of the Fortress beckoned us forward as the road began to incline. The path spiraled up a hill encapsulated by evergreens. We reached the first gate, and the entry guard immediately recognized Laryk.
The metal bars screeched open, and we passed through. I couldn’t help but steal a glance at the city behind.
I returned my attention ahead, taking in the Fortress of Emeraal. Banners flew violently in the wind, secured to tall watchtowers that dotted the perimeter. Beyond the ramparts, I could make out towers in the heart of the commotion.
Down the hill, on the northern side of the Fortress, a cluster of shimmery blue and violet crystals protruded from the ground, high into the air. Slivers of light ran through them. The stones were surrounded by their own set of watchtowers.
Arcanite.
I hadn’t realized there were stores of it here as well.
We neared a massive gatehouse, flanked by portcullises andiron bars. I squinted to see past, finding narrow alleys winding between what must have been barracks, armories, and storerooms.
“General Ashford, welcome back to Emeraal. Our commander is awaiting you in the briefing room,” A man called from the tower above, motioning for the gate to be lifted.
I stole a glance at Laryk, who still wore an uninterested expression as he nodded toward the soldier who had spoken.
We rode through the gate and dismounted. Base Guards came to collect our horses. Another set of guards came to transfer our belongings to our quarters.
“Show Initiate Riftborne to her room, please,” Laryk said without looking back at me. My eyes darted around to the men who were now staring at my left hand.
“Erm–General, a word?” I said, attempting a respectful tone that was perhaps not as practiced as it should have been before coming here.
“Make it quick,” he said, sauntering over. He arched an eyebrow and tilted his head for me to follow.
“I’m not going to the briefings with you?” I said, my brow scrunched.
