The Keepers of Eternity

VI

Waking from her nap, Abreigelle carefully rubbed her eyes, her vision clearing. Beshna's sharp nudge was a certain sign that they had arrived at their destination-which was now visible outside through the little window.

Carriages. Hundreds of luxuriant, stallion-drawn carriages poured into a roundabout at the foot of the Grand Ballroom. At least, it had to be the Grand Ballroom, considering how unbelievably enormous it looked. Footmen, butlers, and other human servants helped the Neurean Lords and Ladies out, showing them the way up onto the tall steps and past a row of enormous marble columns. Beyond that were three sets of double doors, which were propped open, each revealing a brightly-lit foyer beyond.

Abreigelle had never seen so many people gathered in one place. The social events that were occasionally held back at the Varner manse paled in comparison to this...this festival. Ribbons, streamers and colorful paper lanterns decorated the driveway, along with golden garlands and hedges of sharply-trimmed topiaries...and that was just outside. She couldn't imagine what the inside might look like.

The Swordfellows, still sporting blank expressions on their faces, left their carriage first, stepping out onto the cobblestone drive. Abreigelle followed them, holding out a hand for Lady Beshna as she squeezed through the door.

As Beshna adjusted her skirts, Abreigelle's eyes darted to the glowing ballroom and out past it...out to the city beyond. It took her half a moment to realize that they were standing on the highest hill in the entire city. Hundreds of thousands of lights from the houses, cafes, and shops twinkled like little stars all the way to the horizon, where they blended in seamlessly with the clear night sky. A glimmer of moonlight on water revealed the location of the Channel-the border that separated the Shah Neurean half of the city, from the Rvyni half. Beyond that Channel, way out into the distance, was an entirely different country, a wilderness of mountains and feral beasts.

The Varners had always been explicit with their servants about their dislike of that place...and it wasn't even because of the harsh terrain or the large reptilian creatures. It was simply because the Rvyni people hated Neureans, and Humans, apparently, were not welcome to live there, unless they were sent on special business. Additionally, Rvyni--at least, those who lived in the home country of Rvyn-were religiously obligated to only wear the color black, much to the Neureans' horror. Abreigelle was certain that she never wanted to visit that place.

"Stay with me," urged Beshna as her shoulder brushed past Abreigelle's. Her voice was quiet, yet commanding. "but always walk four or five strides behind, unless I tell you otherwise. And do not stand too close to me when we get inside. Give me room to breathe."

"Yes, my Lady." Abreigelle said obediently. Beshna obviously did not want a human near her out in public. She needed Abreigelle, but only for her advice. "Whatever you wish."

Lady Beshna continued forward up along the colorfully-lit pathway, her head held high in a forced, stiff manner. Abreigelle bit her lip, and counted to five before pursuing, just to be sure. Evadrian, Asfounder, and Monfreid stayed put. Abreigelle assumed that their job would include even less interaction with Beshna than hers, which was probably better. They didn't constantly have to wait for Beshna's approval-they could just roam around in whatever way they saw fit. At times like this, Abreigelle wished that women were allowed to become Swordfellows because she would have joined in a heartbeat.

The crowd became thicker as they neared the entrance, and Abreigelle had to dodge what seemed like thousands of people-Neurean nobility, handmaidens, and Swordfellows alike. With her left hand, she clung onto her flower crown to keep it from being knocked off. Beshna was near enough that Abreigelle didn't have to constantly keep track of her movements, thankfully. She figured that the Lady was heading into the main chamber like all the rest. As the walkways narrowed closer to the three sets of doors, the mob became like a rushing river, sweeping her away inside, into bright orange lamplight.