Tearha: The Number 139

Chapter Fourteen: The Double Edged Prince

The Tower was built by the first Lord Light as the official building of the ruling government. Steam pipes ran throughout the structure, powering the many generators within with heat from the underground lava pool they've tapped. Within the thirty stories tall tower – which included ten more levels underground – varied types and amount of activities took place. Government officials were housed, scientific researches were carried out, political prisoners were held, and even magic was trained. On the tenth floor was the Commission Assembly of The Forum, where the leaders of the country gathered on all issues. The twentieth floor held the Chamber of the Overseers, where the Overseers charged with prediction and handling of epitaphs lived.

Because of that, the first floor bustled with activity. Workers travelled in and out, lamp light continually flickering off the copper walls and steel floor. The large level was pillared by two spiralling flights of stairs that led up and through to the top floor. A manned reception counter was positioned to the right of the entrance with an open-space canteen. The area to the left was filled with chairs and space for gatherings and relaxation. Four doorless elevators were set into the wall at the end of the room. Nadier followed Nora through the crowd, heading for the leftmost private elevator used by high rankers amongst them.

"Where are we going?" Nadier asked, stepping into the steel grate box, the shaft that led underground was lid dimly by torches embedded in the walls.

"The Commission Assembly," the spy answered.

While the main elevator only operated every six floors, the private one had access to all. This was to prevent unwanted individuals from accessing the Assembly and Chamber levels. Though Nadier had rode the private elevator before with his brother, he did not actually have the key for it.

From between her cleavage, Nora took out a silver key and slot it into the control panel. She selected a level and the steam engine ten floors below began to chug. The gears of the machine started turning and the mechanism began pulling the elevator up, the walls of the shaft rushing past by their sides. Nadier had always resisted the inner childish temptation to reach out over the railings to touch the walls that were grinding by. The ride was punctuated by Nora's humming of the travelling tune, The Road is Long.

Annoyed, Nadier asked, "Why are you humming?"

"I thought it would help stave off the boredom. You know how we have travelling music? Well, now we have elevator music."

"That's stupid," Nadier replied. "It's less than a minute of travel. What's the point?"

Before Nora could reply, they had reached the tenth floor and the elevator came to a stop. They stepped out and Nadier followed Nora's lead down the corridor towards the Assembly room. She led him through the double door and into the round chamber.

Shaped like an arena, the Assembly featured hundreds of chairs surrounding a platform in the middle. The path to the entrance was embedded into the south end of the room. It was eerily similar to the dark elf council chamber, save for the perpetual darkness. The chairs all had backs taller than the elf himself, and during the gatherings, the Commission discussed issues amongst each other in equal height, while looking down on any outsiders in the literal sense. But the room was emptied now, and the only other person in it was the Lord Light, who stood on the central podium in a gleaming white robe, shining so ridiculous bright that Nadier could swear his skin itching even underneath the aeronium layer.

The man turned and with a gracious smile and opened arms, welcomed, "Wanderer! Good to finally meet you, after all these years."

Nora left Nadier and proceeded to Light's side.

Nadier bowed his head in greeting. "Lord Light. It is an honour."

"Please, the honour is mine," Light replied, waving the notion away. "The service you have provided for Everwind and the United States of The Forum has been invaluable. We are forever in your debt, both you and your brother."