No Solace (The Flames of Retribution - Book 1)

Chapter Twenty-Eight- The Magic Tower

Remaining as noncommittal as possible, I posed a question. "I understand, but if Emperor Jarl possessed such a power, why didn't he just create a weapon to obliterate Beltrit?"

With a slight cough, he answered, "It appears that despite his impressive talents, they were not infallible as he had assumed."

I couldn't believe that Altair had actually confessed to Emperor Jarl possibly not having the true ability to create anything, and a subtle grin slowly spread across my face. 

As we ascended to the second level, we were greeted by a vast expanse of open space, with the staircase leading further up. At the far end, a group of Andeperuvial men and women were being meticulously measured and weighed, while a dozen more waited in line.  And, amidst the crowd, I also noticed, with growing alarm, the ragged clothing and tired expressions of individuals from the Low districts, a stark contrast to the elegance of space.

What did the magic tower want with these people? They obviously weren't the ones that the empire had commissioned for services as none appeared to have aptitudes. And those people looked like they were running out of energy if the dark rings beneath their tired eyes were anything to go by. Every now and again, a mage would put an instrument against a person's heart and the poor fellow or miss would sway. It was hard not to keep my alarm out of my voice as I asked,  "What are you doing with those people? Are they slaves?" I knew that the Sanfelton empire did not have slavery, but I could not explain this ill treatment of the common people any other way.

With a casual shrug, seeming oblivious to my concern,  he explained, "Our esteemed tower relies on the selfless contributions of volunteers. In return for their invaluable services, they receive financial support for their families and the chance to ascend to adept status through participation in experimental trials."

My entire body was overcome with chills as I struggled to comprehend what I had just heard. In all my time as a Librarian, I'd never heard such a thing happening in the tower.  "Experimental trials? Why on earth would they agree to something so dangerous?" I couldn't help but ask, my voice barely above a whisper. The pride in his tone was unsettling. I turned to Kohl, who was smirking at his brother as if this was all some sort of game.

"Opportunity, of course. Their family members can't afford the luxuries of education and healthcare that we enjoy. Moreover, the families themselves contribute to our volunteer pool, making it a collaborative effort towards a common goal." Altair gave me a condescending look.

I countered, "If someone else coerced them into serving, then they cannot be considered volunteers. Why can't they simply learn alchemy or hedge work? In Calasha it's quite common for those without aptitudes to contribute to society through those means."

Altair let out a deep sigh as he closed his eyes, seeming annoyed at my inability to understand their glorious work. "It's crucial that we provide every human with the opportunity to surpass their natural abilities. We have far too many Inepts in our population, and if we don't address this issue, those of higher status may disappear. Just imagine the possibilities if every individual, regardless of their birth, could unlock their full potential - our society, no, our world, will be a utopia filled with pure adepts."

My throat burned with bile as I forced myself not to gag. Was he suggesting ethnic cleansing? As I noted the Andeperuvials again within the crowd, I was convinced that he was. My fist clenched. "Is that so, your highness? That's quite interesting."

Kohl spoke up from behind us, amusement at my shock clear in his voice. "The failures from the experiments knew the risks. Their families are reimbursed for their cores. Besides, alchemy and hedgework are against the teachings of our church."