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I have never seen the gates this close, only heard of them in passing. They stand at the bottom of the mountains, guarding the entrance to the palace and adding an extra measure of security that would be useful for the Sidus when the dark creatures bypass the shield.
But as the royals have no care for the Sidus, only the Caligo will benefit from its neighboring shelter.
Although it is still not bright out, the light, even amongst the murky gates, is a contrast I didn’t realize would be so vivid when this close up. I look around, seeing shades and colors unlike anything I imagined. So bold and beautiful and rich.
The guards wait as more light filters through the large gates, groaning and grinding as they slowly creep open.
I had heard rumors that the Caligo could no longer shadow in or out of the void once they neared the palace grounds. An effort made to deter any intruders that would want to harm the royals.
A smart move, considering the reputation the royals have gained over the last decade with the Sidus.
The gates, now open wide, reveal a whole other world. Light that is so brilliant and clear impales the ascending steps like spears that sparkle and shimmer around me. The shrubbery housed at the sides of the steps have been transformed to emeralds and jewels, their alure bewitching me and catching me off guard.
“Move it,” a guard barks out, breaking me from my stunned awe.
Walking up the steep steps, I notice an emerging gold trim beginning to form at each side, guiding our path. After a few minutes, we reach its top. I pause, seeing the long bridge that sits in front of a magnificent structure. Its shimmering golds and whites, which I have only ever seen from a distance, don’t compare to its true beauty up close.
The pale bridge is worn with slight cracks and ridges but easily holds its large structure and base. It spans wide enough to fit an army should it need to. Giant statues of old guards stand tall, as though in slumber, ready to come alive and protect. They spread out on each side, watching the people who dare try to pass its bridge without invitation.
Multiple Caligo guards are stationed beside and in front of the statues, acting as their watch and backup, and I feel their distrustful eyes as I pass them.
Ignoring them, I look out past the statues to see the hidden world below. A town covered by a night so dark it disappears among the shadows.
My home and a forgotten world for those who look down on it.
I wonder if this is all the Caligo ever see when they look down at us. A lost part of its kingdom that is too lost in the shadows to think about, as they live among the light.
Do they think about us at all and the hardships we face, or do they go about their lives living in sweet oblivion?
I turn away from the side and toward our impending arrival. At the end of the bridge stands wide arches that reach toward each other, forming a grand entrance. Stained glass with intricate designs spans out among the tall towers and bold walls around it. Passing through the entrance, I look upon a ceiling made from gold. Delicate carvings of ancient gods facing battles cover every inch of it.
Archways open up to a long corridor, and the sound of gushing water hits my ears as we pass through large open hallways that look out among the world of light.
The palace is in another world of its own. My own imagination holds only a fraction of its magnificence.
From the small view around me, I spot lush gardens with small fountains of gold and white. A courtyard sits in the middle of the palace grounds, housing every flower imaginable, with colors so bright and vivid they seem almost alive.
The structures around the palace are pieces of art. Vines of gold metal swirl and curve into designs so intricate only someone who has been blessed by the gods could create such a thing.
We pass structure after structure, each one just as beautiful as the first. Pale doors, rooms, and long hallways all pass by in a blur as we hurry along.
Abruptly, we come to a halt. A guard with wavy dark hair and piercing blue eyes walks up to greet us. His guard clothing is similar to Amaro’s, with the same insignia revealing a high rank. Finding my gaze, his distant look turns to disgust.
“Were you able to procure the item?” Amaro asks the new guard.
The new guard nods his reply before walking toward me.
I smirk at the sneer on his face, and he continues to stare, waiting for a threat that would not reveal itself until ready.
“They smell like the excrement they live in. Vile creatures,” he says.
I bite my tongue, holding back the foul reply on the tip of it while keeping my smirk in place.
Amaro chuckles softly. “I would have to agree with you, Levon. Vile creatures, they are indeed. Why we cannot just wipe them out and be done with it, I will never know.”
Levon grunts an agreement before yanking my hands forward and placing thin gold bands that look like expensive bracelets on each one.
“What are these?” I try pulling at them, but they don’t budge. It is as though they have molded to my skin. From the smug expression on Amaro’s face, I know they are not normal bracelets.
