Evalyce: Worldshaper Vol. 1: Mother of Wolves

Chap. 2- Seeking Gasta

Stymphalian, 10000 ft above the Aeryth Ocean, Year of the Golden Hart, 2013 CE

Kalla yawned, shifting position in the gunner's seat. She glanced out the window, smiling at the sight of Amaterasu's graceful swooping around the ship. The wyvern had had no trouble keeping pace with the strike-fighter, even over long distances.

As they approached the outermost boundaries of Argoth's skyspace, they were greeted by the flagship Kujata, strike-fighters swarming around her like bees around a hive. Static crackled on the radio.

"This is the Imperial Flagship Kujata. Identify yourselves."

Aleister gave her a wry look.

"So much for blending in," he said, reaching for the radio. "This is the Stymphalian, requesting permission to enter Argosian skyspace. We have business on the mainland. The wyvern is with us!" The last was added hastily when he noticed several of the fighters were making a beeline for Amaterasu. His message must have been relayed, as they broke off and went back to circling the flagship.

"Argoth's boundaries are closed. No one is allowed through." The voice sounded apologetic. Kalla gestured for the radio and Aleister turned it over.

"This is Kalla kyl'Solidor, of House Solidor. I have urgent need to reach Argoth. If needed, send an escort with us, but we must reach the mainland." There was a long pause before the radio came to life again, and when it did it was no less than the Kujata's Admiral himself.

"Lady kyl'Solidor, this is Admiral Ventaal Karlgraffsson. We must acquire permission of the Phoenix before we allow you to pass. Please bring your ship into the Kujata."

"Thank you, Admiral. We shall do so." Kalla put the radio back as Aleister guided the ship into one of the Kujata's numerous docking bays, passing easily through the airshield that kept the workers safe when the bay doors were open. Strike fighters of many different classes filled the bay in neat, orderly rows. The bay flagmen guided them to an empty spot and Aleister snugged the Stymphalian into place as neatly as one of the military pilots might have. The flagmen gave nods of approval.

Amaterasu had followed them inside, but hung back by the hanger doors. The Argosians in the hanger gave her a wide berth, nervous as horses near fire to be in the presence of the great creature.

An aide scurried up to Kalla and Aleister, bowing to them.

"Greetings Lady kyl'Solidor. Admiral Karlgraffsson will see you in the great-room," he murmured. Kalla gave Amaterasu a wave, which the wyvern returned with a solemn nod, and turned to follow the aide. The great-room lived up to its name. It was a large room containing an immense table of burnished oak surrounded by plush chairs. The Admiral was at the far end of the room. He looked up as they entered and dismissed the aide, who snapped a salute and left.

"Well, well. If it isn't little Kally returned home." Ventaal had dropped all pretense of formality once the aide had left. Hazel eyes twinkled in delight and he wrapped her in a bear hug when they reached him. Kalla chuckled to herself as she felt Aleister's alarm.

"What brings you back to Argoth, Kalla? Official business for the Kanlon?" Ventaal turned to regard Aleister. "And who is this fine, young gentleman?"

"Something like that, Ventaal. This is Aleister, my magister," she replied. Ventaal gave the Sky Fox a hearty handshake and an appraising look.

"Magister, huh. So they finally made you get one?" the Admiral asked in a jovial voice. Ventaal turned back to Aleister. "I don't envy you, son. You're going to have your hands full."