CHAPTER 23: THE LEGEND OF NOVA AERIS

“We were told that you would be able to tell us where Nassima’s body is hidden.” Norrin queried.

“It’s not as simple as that I am afraid,” Tsikki replied, “It is hard to explain to you what happened to her physical form. Nassima’s captors were fiendish in their plans. The enchanted prison was only the first obstacle to overcome. I feared her escape would be impossible.”

“I am sure so did others, but I am free. Nothing is impossible,” Nassima said. She did not like being talked about like she was not in the room, even if she could not be seen by all parties involved.

“Yes, my friend, you are free,” Tsikki said sensing the slight offense she dealt her. “But your soul being freed, is only one of the wrongs beset upon you that needed to be corrected. The Azuri were once bound by rules they dared not break, but now they are coming dangerously close to violating those rules, which could spell disaster for the world.”

“The Azuri are spoiled, selfish children! They believe everything is a game. They have no grasp of the consequences of their actions! They conspired against me because I held them accountable. I promise they will get what is due to them!”

Nassima’s anger was evident by all the disciples, and the room fell silent as they sensed the emotions emanating from her. Since they could not see nor hear the conversation, they all feared they did something to anger the deity. Tsikki was able to alleviate their fears with a calm look and a small gesture. Norrin thought it would be best to change the subject.

“I was told the blue griffon attacked the caravan I was leading for a reason. Does that have anything to do with Nassima’s body?” he asked Tsikki.

“I cannot say for sure. Who told you thi…”

Tsikki suddenly stared off into space. Her body went stiff and she closed her eyes tight. Her head fell back as she entered a deep trance, and she began to speak with an otherworldly voice not her own.

“It is on a voyage. It will be stolen. It has consumed great power and will unleash even greater. They wish to use It as a weapon. It cannot be controlled. Their journey only brings them closer to destruction. Ala noc ade cedir a mraken, za den brillen na a lanten.”

Just as sudden as it started, the trance was over. Tsikki blinked a couple of times and looked upon Norrin with a smile. A disciple rushed to her side with a glass of water.

“Oh, thank you! So thirsty,” Tsikki’s voice returned to normal. “What was I saying?”

Norrin looked at her in confusion. He did not comprehend what happened. She delivered a message which was cryptic but also clear to him. Amaliel said the blue griffon attacked for a reason, and now we are being told something on a voyage will be stolen; something powerful. It must be in the chest. They want to use it as a weapon, but who is they, and who do they wish to use it against, since all of the High Governors are involved. He thought.

Nassima also deciphered the oracle’s message. “We have to find the caravan Norrin was leading,” she stated which was in concert with what Norrin was thinking. “It was transporting something across the continent when the griffon attacked. Correct?”

“Yes, that’s right,” Norrin confirmed. “Tsikki, can you tell us where my caravan is right now?” Norrin asked hoping she would have an answer.

“Caravan?” Tsikki was confused. The channeling took over her mind, but she did not have any recollection of what she had said. “We were talking of a caravan?”

“I heard word of a caravan passing through town,” interjected the disciple that brought the water to Tsikki. “A group of soldiers. It was said the commander wanted to cross the sea the quickest way possible to get to Citadel Firstview. There was a slight scuffle because the rest of his company didn’t want to risk it. The commander conceded to some very important looking men, and they ended up traveling the southern route.”

“They were here then!” Norrin exclaimed. He knew the original route was chosen to reach Firstview in the least amount of time possible, which meant daring to ferry across the dangerous waters of northern Crescent Sea. Graykeeper was not the type of person who would deviate from a mission. But maybe the griffon’s attack spooked the Emissaries enough to change the plans.

“If we leave before dawn maybe we can catch them,” Norrin said.

“Oh, this was about three days back,” The disciple continued, she had no idea about the seriousness of the matter being discussed, she was just happy to contribute to the conversation. “They would probably be across the Southpoint bridge by now, if they didn’t hit any Emerald Nation blockades.”

Norrin gave Nassimaa despondent glance. He figured the caravan was too far ahead for them to catch up with, even with her abilities.

“There is another way you would be able to catch the caravan before they enter Citadel Firstview,” Tsikki said. “You can cross the Crescent Sea the fastest way there is, by going through the Necropolis.”

Norrin was afraid that she would say that. Arriving at the Temple and being in its peaceful surroundings had him believing the worst of the journey was behind him, but he knew he should not have gotten his hopes up. The Necropolis was the reason for Summersedge’s odious reputation. No one wanted to step foot in that place, least of all him.

“What is this place you speak of?” Nassima asked sensing Norrin’s dread.

“A lot of things happened after your imprisonment, my dear. I know you remember Summersedge as a once vibrant, growing community. But it was led down a path that marked its doom,” Tsikki told her. “The Necropolis would have been a crowning achievement for this area. But it was brought down by pride, obsession, madness and death.”

“Many good Chasers were lost to that damned place; they went in and never came out,” Norrin added. “If we don’t catch up to the caravan on the road, we can try to find them inside Citadel Firstview.”

Norrin heard the stories about the Necropolis. Chasers learned to control their fears, but something about that place turned him cold. As much as he dreaded dealing with the bureaucracy, authorities, and the potential conflicts he would find in Firstview, it was nothing compared to the unease he felt venturing into the Necropolis.

Nassima scoffed at Norrin’s lack of conviction. “Did you not understand Tsikki’s message! The caravan is carrying something dangerous. We have no idea of the havoc it could wreak. We must not let it fall into the wrong hands. We have to retrieve the chest before it’s too late!”

Norrin noticed a change in Nassima. A renewed sense of urgency. Did she really believe whatever was in the chest to be dangerous or was it something else? The oracle said another line while in her trance, using words Norrin did not understand, but Nassima could.

“Nassima, what did Tsikki say at the end of her prophecy?” He asked.

“I will tell you when it is important for you to know,” Nassima responded with an irritated glare in his direction. Her current mood was not one for interrogation.

“Well, damn me I guess,” Norrin huffed under his breath. Nassima gave him a defiant look, but Norrin decided to not cause a scene in front of Tsikki and her disciples. “How do we pass through the city then?” He asked deferring to Nassima’s demands.

Tsikki motioned to one of her disciples and whispered something to him. He rushed out of the dining hall and returned a few moments later with a dusty scroll from the library. Clearing a place on the table, Tsikki unfurled the scroll revealing the master draft of the Necropolis.

“The Necropolis was to be called ‘Nova Aeris’, and be a grand feat of architecture, engineering, and city planning, spearheaded by Lord Daxtr Anton,” Tsikki explained as they examined the plans. “Thousands of men died in its construction, lost into the waters of the Crescent Sea, but it was a small price to fulfill Lord Anton’s vision. He commissioned the city to be built as a central hub of commerce for the Citadels and spared no expense. He obsessed over every detail of the city, day and night. So much so his wife, Lady Deidre, feared for his health. There is a courtyard dedicated to her here in the center of the city,” Tsikki pointed out.

Norrin studied the map with great interest. It was evident, Nova Aeris was the result of meticulous planning and preparation. Long and stable bridges supported by solid beams, led to a solid base structure held up above the water by a group of hard stone reinforced pillars. The city itself was a series of district and neighborhoods placed at different elevations, connected by a network of arching bridges and stairways. It seemed designed so a traveler would be enthralled by the city so much, they would lose a couple of days just wandering it streets. But there was only one road Norrin was interested in; the one leading out of the city to the other side of the Crescent.

Tsikki intuited Norrin’s imperative need and pointed out the way to the city limits. “To depart the city, you must pass through here; the Kings Plaza. The plaza was meant as a highlight for visitors that travelled into the city, so Lord Anton can flaunt the glory of his palace nearby. But the palace was never completed, because Lady Deidre fell ill from the stress of the troubled construction of the city, even though Lord Anton was so obsessed he failed to notice his wife losing her battle. He was not even at her bedside as she took her last breath. Instead, he was in his study, occupied with pouring over the final details of the palace.”

“When he heard of the news of his wife’s passing, he showed no emotion, he only spoke on completing the city, but his mind was driven mad with loss and he grew bitter and enraged. Nova Aeris was supposed to be his dedication to Lady Deidre. His vision and dream was to a make something as perfect as she was to him. But she was gone, and nothing nor no one else could live up to the memory of his beloved wife. This led to him believing no one else was of merit to reside in his city and thus were not worthy to walk its streets. He put everything he had into Nova Aeris, and he lost it all. He condemned the city and all that laid eyes on it to eternal damnation.”

“I have never heard this story of the Necropolis. How do you know of this tale?” Norrin asked, now struck with curiosity over the tragedy.

“I was there when construction began and served at Lady Deidre’s side throughout her ordeal. She was an inspiring woman, lovely, kind and gracious until the end.” Tsikki said with a reminiscent look on her face.

Norrin’s eyes opened wide, “But… But that was over 125 solars ago! How…”

“My sweet child,” was all Tsikki said as she patted Norrin’s cheek. He saw in her eyes a woman that lived long beyond what her youthful looks implied. The wisdom and understanding she possessed, was gained over many hundreds of years of learning, love and hardships. Norrin gained a new level of respect and admiration for the Oracle and her temple.

“Norrin, gather your things and rest. We will depart for the Necropolis before the dawn. Time is of the essence,” Nassima commanded.

Tsikki called over a disciple. “In the morning, please meet with Norrin and supply him for his journey,” she told him, and then turned to Norrin. “You can take everything you may need Norrin. We are in service to you. Thank you for facilitating the return of my dear friend. Now you should get some rest. You have a long journey ahead of you.”

Norrin bowed to Tsikki. “Thank you for your hospitality and generosity Tsikki. You and your disciples have given me hope for this world.”

Tsikki then escorted Norrin to his room. “I wish to counsel with my friend once more, in private. If you don't mind,” She asked him as she sat cross legged on the bench outside his door. Norrin nodded and entered the room while Nassima’s ethereal form stayed beside her. He was curious about what they had to discuss without him, but would not pry. He was sure if it was important enough, Nassima would let him know. He closed the door behind him, looking forward to sleeping in a real bed in what felt like ages.