Chapter 327: Naha and Zach

Chapter 327: Naha and Zach

Dragons Peak

The city was not as the name suggesteda single peakit was actually three peaks. From the distance they looked as if a three-pronged claw was reaching for the sky. The mountain peaks were thin and narrow near the top, widening as they went down, until the three peaks joined into a single mountain. The city was magnificent. Grander than anything else that Naha had ever seen before. Greater than the Tournament City, greater than Daldvor, and even the Jewel of the Empire. It was a sight that took away her breath, that made her mind, heart, and soul filled with a sensation of greatness. It inspired a whisper of glory, and it instilled fear, a sense of power. She felt the shadows on the airship tremble, and for a split-second it was as if she was part of the shadows.

Even such beauty, all nothing is timeless, Zach whispered and she turned to glance at him. He was looking at the city in the distance intently, his eyes widening. And that made her realize it a moment later as well. She didnt imagine it, he was affected too. She remembered echoes of a time when she had a Cultivation Path, the sensation she felt was the same as when she gained inspiration long ago. The realization amazed her; she had heard stories and rumors, that the sects knew how to craft objectsartthat could trigger inspiration in people, that could increase morale or terrify. But this it was on a whole other level.

The city itself was a piece of art.

Each peak was covered with towers, built into the mountainside, carved into them, and each peak had a different style of construction. One was swarmed with pagodas, with dark green roof tiles and white walls, tall and short, with the nature surrounding them. Pink trees grew out of the side of the mountain and on top of the peak gardens were arranged around the edge of the peak with a single large pagoda stretching to the sky, at least ten stories high.

The second peak had buildings made out of gray stone, blocky towers and buildings with small windows, on top, something that resembled a castle resided, looming over everything. The last peak was beautiful. Crystal spires rose from the sides, six around the peak, the side of the claw was striped with crystal, purple and white and blue, its color changing as light hit it. The top had a twisting structure that resembled a fire made out of crystal.

It was obvious that the three peaks were the seats of the sects leading family. And the city below them, at the base where the three peaks met was a mix of all three styles. The distance between the peaks was substantial, enough that a city that could house millions was nestled between them. Thick walls surrounded the city, with three sections, each in between the two of the peaks, protecting the city behind them. In front of the city were roads, winding down the sides of the mountain on each of the three sides.

The city itself had tall towers, but none that reached the towering heights of the three peaks looming above them. Buildings set in precise lines, some twisting, others straight. From afar, even the way that the city was built up was art. She couldnt look at it without thinking how beautiful it was. Airships flew around, going to and from the city, following orderly lines. Great caravans rode the up the winding roads up the mountain sides. It was greater than anything that she had ever seen or even imagined before.

Naha glanced back, to the steering station.

Hiro, she called. Head for one of those lines. She pointed at one long line of airships heading into the city.

The young ravzor tore his gaze from the city, blinked, and then nodded. Quickly, they started making their way into the city. The procession went by quickly, and before they knew it, they were landing on a side of a tall building with long landing strip-like platforms on several levels of it. They took the next free slot, on one of the mid levels. The strips were filled with people, guards and workers unloading boxes from the other airships. Their ship was small compared to most of them. But the berths seemed able to accommodate any size. Hiro docked the ship, only slightly rocking it by hitting the side of the berth. He yelled his apology as four guards walked up to them, flanking a single tall drake wearing elaborate sect robes with white and blue colors.

The three of them disembarked and stepped on the platform as the man greeted them.

Im Dockmaster Killu, names and purpose of visit? He said in a bored tone that told her that this was a man that had done this exact same thing countless times. The guards behind him looked ready though, and on a second look she realized that the Dockmaster was only appearing to be bored. His stance told her that he was ready as well. The guards had their eyes on the three of them, each held a long halberd in their hands and wore blue armor similar to what she had seen their warriors wear during the tournament.

Her sense took in their surroundings, and she noticed that people were gently encouraged to move around them. The platform was still filled with people, but somehow the small area around the berth where they landed was kept clear. She also noticed a dozen more guards nearby.

Honored guests, he said as he straightened. I am Peak Commander Ikris Fah Durah, and I welcome you to Dragons Peak. I apologize for the disruption, no disrespect was meant. We screen all arrivals since the wars started, a necessity, even though it lowers our eyes. Your presences were strong and we did not know who you were until you named yourselves.

You know us? Naha asked, surprised.

Zach tilted his head, trying to keep up with the conversation.

Of course, the drake nodded. Everyone in the world knows your names. You fought and killed a Dome Leader, doing a service to all of the Infinite Realm at a time when many looked only for their personal gain. You gained much respect for that among the sects. We are honored that you have come to visit our home. We offer you shelter of stone, and guest rights of the sect, if there is anything that we can do to help, you need only ask.

Based on how Naha was reacting, Zach suspected that she didnt expect anything like this.

I we thank you, Naha said, inclining her head in a show of respect, or at least he thought it was. Weve come because of a personal matter that weve been told your sect might help us with.

If it is within our power to help, we shall do so, for the heroes of our world we can do no less, Ikris said.

Naha glanced at Zach, her eyes hopeful, and then she turned back to the drake.

We were hoping to get an audience with Sect Leader Vitor Fah Storrah, we are in need of his skills, Naha said. It is a matter of some urgency.

Ikris blinked, clearly surprised. Oh, he said, then continued after a moment. All our Sect Leaders are currently indisposed. Though, I will inquire, perhaps an exception could be made for such distinguished guests as you. In the meantime, I can set you up in one of the peaks, have people show you around the city, there is much to see in our sect.

Naha looked like she was about to argue, but then she bowed her head. Thank you, she said. We would appreciate it if you could let your Sect Leader know that we are in great need and are willing to pay just for an audience.

Ikris nodded. I shall let him know.

With that, the man led them out of the room, then called an attendant to him and started talking with him a bit away from them.

Just a little bit more, Naha squeezed Zachs hand. He gave her a small smile, hoping that she was right.