Soulbonder

Chapter 40 - Starstone

The Soulbonders and Stargazers were locked into a linked line of chains and manacles, and forced to march at the head of the small procession. The Kersaja rode behind them, with their spears and shields held tight, as if they expected their prisoners to escape at any moment.

Thus, it was a slow, ponderous trek through the plains, on the coldest and windiest morning Shale had known so far. Starstone loomed on the horizon, but no matter how many steps they took, it remained like a sunset, unreachable.

After an intolerable time of shuffling and clinking, for it was only short movements that their bonds would allow, Valera said, "Do you reckon the Shaedri have lapped us?"

"Possibly," Otter said. "At this rate, by the time we get to the city, we'll find it already in ruins."

"I hope there are at least a couple of blankets left behind," Ezil said between the chatters of her teeth. "I'm not used to this cold at all. I can feel every single snowflake, melting in places I'd rather not mention."

Valera chuckled; it was still an odd sound coming from her.

"Do you think the Kersaja will let us have a scratch break?" Shale asked, wriggling her nose in an attempt to eliminate the itch.

"I sincerely doubt that, Firefly," Otter said.

The white walls were finally growing closer. Every substantial passage of time brought about notable progress. The walls were so tall that they cast a shadow a league long.

The men atop the ramparts were like tiny birds strutting along awnings and battling for space. There was a flurry of activity and raised voices; they had to shout to be heard above the tolling of bells coming from the city. In fact, it was such a blind panic that the guardsmen failed to notice the approach of their company until they were right at the front gates.

"I do hope they're more vigilant for enemy armies," Daziran said.

"For the love of the Eleven," Mastari Mazaric roared. It was plain the High Mastari was practised in the art of being heard above noise, for it took little effort to amplify his voice. "Could we be granted access before we become permanent fixtures of the entrance?"

One of the sentries, a red-haired youth, poked his head through the battlements and peered down. "Back so soon? Apologies, High Mastari." Steam gushed from his nostrils with every word. "We'll get the gates opened promptly."

"Be sure that you do."

The youth disappeared and called to his companions. In short order there came the sound of cranking and slowly, the ornate iron gates groaned and creaked open.

The Soulbonders and Stargazers were ushered through like cattle. They plunged into a dark tunnel. The walls were very thick judging by how long it took for them to amble through. When they finally emerged onto the other side, the holy city awaited.

At first, little was visible beyond a blurry skyline, so fierce was the contrast of winter light after near total darkness. But as they were led onward by the unaffected Kersaja, the wonders slowly began revealing themselves.

The buildings were mostly tall or wide. They were built largely of stone and marble, with slatted ceilings. The dwellings consisted usually of modern townhouses or large apartment complexes, but there were private manors and mansions too.

Then Shale began to notice the structures of metal and glass, speckled sparsely across the city. The same glass tubes that snaked through the middle of Urvark were here too, half embedded into the paving stones. There were also many of those large serrated wheels.

That struck her with a sudden profound conclusion. "What in the name of Bragan?"

"What is it?" Ezil asked.