CHAPTER 27: THE KING'S PLAZA

Looking at the King’s Plaza and the Unfinished Palace Norrin could imagine how it would have been the most magnificent place in the world. The palace was an incredible sight, even with its missing façade exposing the brickwork, half constructed buildings still framed with scaffolding, and missing windowpanes covered with torn, ratted sheets. The palace was massive beyond belief, covering almost as much ground as the entire town of Summersedge. It was inconceivable all this was being built for one man and his wife. However, Norrin had to admire the ambition that went into this project.

The grounds of the King’s Plaza were also stunning. It was a serene greenspace, like The Garden of Adoration, but twice as large and more open. Though unlike the garden, the King’s Plaza was inexplicably well maintained. The green grass sat at a precise length and was neatly trimmed to the edges of the pathways. Bushes and hedges were cut to perfect shapes, and rows of small decorative flowers were actually in bloom. The trees were also trimmed and groomed to perfection.

“This is unreal. How is is that the plaza has stayed sustained for so long, while the rest of the Nova Aeris sat in disrepair?” Norrin wondered as he strode the length of the plaza. It seemed to him as if he was in a different world from the city of screaming fiends he just escaped. “It’s as if an army of groundskeepers have been taking care of this plaza on a continuous basis without fail. Look at these statues, how are they so well preserved?” Norrin exclaimed as he pointed out a series of pristine white statues lined the pathway to the center of the plaza. They were all set in different poses, so as they passed by, it appeared the statues were doing a beautiful choreographed dance.
“They all have the face of Lady Deidre. I don’t like this Norrin, there is an enchantment here,”Nassimaresponded in a worried tone. “I do not understand exactly what is going on, but something tells me things are not as serene as they appear.”

At the heart of the plaza sat a small square court. On the four corners of the court were high pillars topped with more statuettes of Lady Deidre. Sitting at the center of this court, on a large, elevated block was an enormous, looming statue of Lord Anton. He was seated upon throne carved with intricate details, in full armored regalia and an elaborate crown upon his head.

“Ah, and here is the man himself. Greetings to you sir! It has been pleasure visiting your fine city and meeting its inhabitants.” Norrin said with a sarcastic tone, as he gave an over exaggerated bow towards silent statue.

Lord Anton was a handsome rugged man with a full pointed beard and small wide-set eyes, which the statue caught with accuracy. He sat balancing his sword tip-down in front of him, with his shield on his side. He glared at all that approached him with a hostile gaze and furrowed brow. The statuettes of Lady Deidre topping the pillars all faced away from Lord Anton’s figure in the center. They bore serious expressions on their faces, unlike the previous models of her. The strained looks of these statuettes gave Norrin the impression that they were in deep distress from some unknown slight against them.

“Tread with caution,” warned Nassima as they approached the court. “There is power here. I cannot identify its source, but it is laced with darkness.”

“I’m just having a little fun. Besides we are almost at the end of this damned city. The eastern gate and bridge are just beyond the plaza. Everything is good.” Norrin said with a wink. He was having a hard time believing any darkness was hiding out in this incredible plaza. Even as the looming statue of Lord Anton grew larger as he approached it. The scene was just so peaceful and glorious that Norrin believed he never seen anything which compared to it in his entire life. He looked upon the intricate details of the statue of Lord Anton, the architect of not only this wonder filled plaza but the entire city and became enthralled by his being.

As he studied the monument before him, Norrin’s jovial mood suddenly vanished. Depression overcame Norrin like a dark wave of seawater that saturated him to the bone. It was a heavy feeling that clouded his mind and sat upon his chest. His breathing became labored, he sweated profusely, and his heart raced. He felt an overwhelming sense of dread and fear, but not of any physical pain, for there was no immediate danger here. The fear he felt was of time passing him by.

“I have accomplished nothing as great as this.” He muttered under his breath.

“What did you say?” Nassima asked, because she was so focused trying to identify the dark force she detected earlier, that she did not notice the change in Norrin’s demeanor.

“In my life, I could not fathom to create something as this place. It is so wondrous that I feel unworthy of even being here. This one man created all this, and what have I done…nothing.”

“I do not understand what you are saying. Yes, this plaza is beautiful. But that should not dishearten you.” Nassima said, worried about the growing emotions of despair inside his mind.

“No! It’s not just this plaza. It’s this entire city; he created it all. One man accomplished all this! Who else can say that? Not I, for sure!” Norrin lamented.

“Do not be ridiculous, he did not do all this on his own,” Nassima argued, “I don’t understand how this is a reflection on you.”

“Don’t you see, I’m nothing compared to him. I’m not deserving to be here!” Norrin’s voice cracked at the words.

“Why are you comparing yourself to him? A day ago, you knew nothing of him. Why are you saying these things?” Nassima questioned. She could see Norrin was spiraling downwards but did not understand the abrupt change of his character.

Norrin collapsed as if he was punched in the stomach, and curled into a ball

“I am nothing,” he sobbed as the depression overtook him and his world faded to gray.

"Norrin? Norrin No!" Nassima cried.