TKC 337
The sky over Arc is explosive, literally. Not only do
vessels attack and explode, but the pressure over the area is in itself an
incendiary device. The latter is at the behest of the Ilfin captains; every
captain in the army is capable of creating flammable air, while each lieutenant
attached to his command is able to shield their craft against the potent
annihilation it engenders. It does not always work, but Ilfin may negotiate the
poison easier than Glonu are able to. The Glonu have no defence other than
their own shields, which are technological and therefore less effective.
As we approach the ruined Spire, my satisfaction knows no
bounds. Glonu flyer after Glonu flyer simply erupts into flame, even when far
from battle. The way is swiftly cleared for us, but it is also a truth that we
have no talented captain or lieutenant aboard; we are vulnerable to the
explosive air.
The pilot glances at me, no doubt wondering whether to enter
the danger zone. I do not look at him or offer words. We have no choice but to
go on. After a moment, the man shrugs and concentrates on his flying.
Enris leans over my shoulder. “The orb will protect us,
pilot.”
Clearly he read the man’s doubt and now I do glance at our
pilot, to see his shoulders relax somewhat. “What do we hope to find at the
Spire?” I ask.
Enris leans into the back of my seat to keep his footing. Staring
into the smoke and flame-filled sky, he responds with “We need to find the
receptacle Glonu use to capture Ilfin talents. It probably survived the
collapse of the tower.”
“Iniri destroyed it.”
“She left part of the orb to do so, but cannot confirm if it
was actually demolished or merely damaged.”
I glance up at the man, noting how dirty his hair is, the
shadow of a beard, streaks of mud and blood on his face. No one has had
opportunity recently to bathe. “Enris, how does the receptacle change anything
for us?”
For long moments he is silent, before he says in an
undertone, “In the battle three thousand years ago a certain talent was
captured when we lost to the Glonu. I want that talent restored.”
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