Liza recalled bits and pieces of the life she used to live. They invaded her brain when she least expected, breaking out of the little compartments she forced them into. She vaguely remembered a tiny seaside town on the coast near where she lived. It had a little wooden pier where fishing boats and the occasional navy vessel would dock. In her mind, those were the biggest boats that she would ever hope to see in her life, or could ever exist.
Not so.
Chamel's Landing looked like a page out of an illusionist's art book. Metal piers extended out above and below her, to either side, as far as the eye could see, like the pristling spines of a colossal porcupine. Woven between these piers sat endless drydocks for large ships, small landing pads, self-extending gangplanks, observation decks, loading bays, and seating areas. All about her, massive galleons encircled by rings of light drifted into port like graceful whales. Creatures of all styles of dress, from the industrial attire of Besnior residents to flowing robes and headscarves of Bozkiri travelers to the gaudy displays of wealth by Serna's elite and powerful. She looked back into the alley they were in. Glowing arcane signs illuminated the alley in all the most eye-catching colors of the rainbow, advertising window stores, food stands, places for weary travelers to buy travel essentials or get some rest. Liza felt as if she stepped through a portal and traveled several decades into the future. Besnior truly was a magical place.
On one such dock stood a woman with long, raven black hair. She wore a saber over a dark blue military jacket. The top half of her face was obscured by a pair of tinted goggles. Seeing Wren and Wendy's looks of awe and admiration, a sense of intimidation grew within Liza.
"P-Professor Vozalt," Wendy said timidly, "We have your mask."
The woman turned around. Her hair swished dramatically behind her. Behind her goggles her eyes gave off an otherworldly glow, as if a boiling sea of raw power laid just beneath the surface, barely kept in check by her constant vigilance.
Wendy presented the mask to her professor. The living legend stood before her, framed by the setting sun, and gave her a smile.
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Author's Note:
This will be another two-fer. I made some quick cuts in the original draft, so these parts are short.
YOU ARE READING
Shadowcast
FantasíaIn the world of Serna, magic is well-known and well-studied. Those who wish to bend reality to their will come to Sigilspear University, the best mage's university on Serna. Shadowcast follows Liza Hawken, an average girl from a small border town, w...
