The Weave Book 1 - Collision

Chapter 4 - Stuck In The Sky

As they approached the castle, its grandeur came into full view. Towering spires of stone and crystal rose from the earth, gleaming with elemental energy. The outer walls were carved with intricate symbols of power, each marking the dominion of the elements—air, water, fire, earth, and lightning. Massive gates of reinforced stone stood guarded by sentinels, their armor shimmering faintly with enchantments. The castle seemed to breathe with life, its architecture both functional and beautiful, blending natural forms with sharp, angular defenses. Elemental power crackled in the air, and the guards were on high alert, their eyes trained on every corner.

The path leading to the entrance was surrounded by lush gardens plants unfamiliar to Earth, thriving with ethereal energy. Each flower and tree seemed to glow faintly, and even the birds in the sky seemed to fly in synchronized patterns, as though attuned to the magic of the kingdom.

As they neared the main gate, Arthur and Finn marveled at the precise layout of the castle's defenses. There were watchtowers at every corner, each manned by guards who looked vigilant and highly trained. Archers lined the walls, their quivers filled with arrows that sparked with elemental energy. It was clear that this kingdom was ready for war if necessary, though its beauty seemed almost at odds with its martial readiness.

Just beyond the gate, a young woman, not more than twenty-four years old, stood waiting with a group of elite guards. She had a sharp, confident demeanor, her armor shining in the light, though it seemed more ceremonial than practical. Her dark hair was tied back, revealing intense eyes that took in everything with a single glance.

"General Gerath, where have you been?" she demanded, her voice authoritative. "The queen has been asking for you."

Gerath, who had remained stoic throughout the journey, gave her a quick nod. "Alexandra, we received intel on an unknown energy source. We went to investigate."

"Did you find anything?" she asked, scanning the two prisoners with interest.

"Two fools," Gerath said dryly, gesturing towards Arthur and Finn. "Nothing more than that."

Finn bristled at the insult. "I am a certified historian, working for one of the best corporations in the world. A fool can't do that!"

Gerath ignored him, turning to Alexandra. "This one talks too much."

Alexandra smirked and nodded to the guards. "Take them to the prison for now. We'll deal with them later."

Arthur stepped forward, his voice calm but urgent. "Wait. We need to speak with the queen. Please, just one conversation—"

But before he could finish, the guards grabbed both Arthur and Finn, forcing them to march forward. The path led them deeper into the castle grounds, and suddenly, the floor beneath their feet began to rumble. Arthur and Finn gasped as the stone platform they were standing on lifted into the air, carried by a whirlwind of elemental wind. It soared upward, higher and higher, past the towering spires of the castle until they found themselves floating toward an isolated island suspended in the sky.

The island seemed unnatural, as if pulled from the earth by magic and left to hover far above the ground. It was bleak and desolate, the perfect place for a prison. Jagged rocks and storm clouds surrounded it, and the constant winds made it feel even more isolated.

The platform landed at the gates of the prison, where two more guards stood waiting. The entrance led to a narrow stone bridge that hung precariously over a sea of molten lava. Arthur and Finn exchanged worried glances as they were marched across the bridge, the heat from the lava rising up to meet them. Along the walls of the prison were rows of cells, each one housing prisoners of various races and creatures, many of whom looked like they'd been there far too long.