No Solace (The Flames of Retribution - Book 1)

Chapter Twenty-Eight- The Magic Tower

As we approached the grand Imperial Magic Tower, its gleaming walls and intricate details left me in awe. It was just one of the many opulent structures that adorned the imperial square. Altair led me through a colossal hallway that extended deep into the building, eventually revealing a grand staircase adorned with shimmering gold trim. The hallway was flanked by massive windows, offering breathtaking views of the city and showcasing the other magnificent buildings that stood tall and majestic in the radiant sunlight.

The sight of the Imperial Magic Tower was a familiar one to me, having spent years working in the Imperial library with its immense presence as our backdrop. Its spires towered above the city, surpassing even the most magnificent cathedrals in Sanfelton. It used to be that whenever I gazed upon it, I couldn't help but feel a sense of fortitude and determination.

A sense of hollowness consumed me at the moment.

As we made our way up to the second floor, Altair regaled me with the rich history of the Magic Tower, dripping with an air of superiority reserved for those who weren't privy to its origins. "Did you know that this tower was built by the very first emperor of the world, Jarl Balin Sanfelton? Back then, the world was at our feet." His smile was patronizing, but I forced a polite one in return.

"I am familiar with such a tale," I acknowledged with a slight nod.

As he began to speak, he cleared his throat, his eyes glinting with the weight of the story he was about to share. "This is not a mere tale, but the truth," he said, his voice carrying a weight of conviction. "History has it that he was bestowed with a divine gift by Faluel - the power to create anything he wished, be it organic or inorganic. It was a gift meant to reshape the world, to bring it closer to perfection. But the Beltritians, consumed by their own envy and fear, fought against his vision, determined to thwart his every move."

I imagined that the Beltritians were fighting more against the invasion of their lands than anything else. "I see."

"He created this magic tower to assure we had the means to keep them from destroying our lives. He wished that the towers would grow and become so powerful that they would be unstoppable so that anyone who dared cross our borders with ill intent would suffer the consequences." Altair looked over at me, and I feigned being impressed by a story I knew by rote.

As Altair recounted the tale of the magic tower, I could hear the pompous voices of my instructors telling the same tale. I had heard the story countless times before, but I paid attention, nonetheless, hoping to gain understanding of the man through his recounting of that old tale.

"He created this tower to protect us from those who would seek to harm us," Altair continued, his eyes gleaming with pride. "It was his greatest creation, and he poured his heart and soul into it. He wanted it to be so powerful that it would be unstoppable, a force to be reckoned with."

I nodded along, pretending to be impressed, but inside, I wondered. Was the tower really as powerful as Altair claimed? I hoped that I would find some evidence to the contrary. Only time would tell.

"Such an awesome legacy to your country's prowess," I stifled a yawn.

Kohl's lips curved upwards with amusement, and he stifled a laugh. His calculating agate eyes glittered with interest as he listened to my answers.

As Altair spoke, my tedium grew. His voice droned on, completely absorbed in his own words. He waxed poetic about the tower, further extolling its virtues and its history. "For centuries, this tower has remained untouched by the ravages of war," he said, his eyes shining with pride. "It stands as a symbol of our ancestors' might and power. We are truly fortunate to have such a treasure in our midst."