Following Iskander's instructions, the group felled trees and constructed two small boats to navigate the river that flowed into the mountain. The journey through the caverns was surprisingly bright, the walls and ceilings adorned with luminous crystals that cast a warm, golden glow.
"These crystals look like the ones in your tomb!" Astrid called out from her boat.
"That's because they came from here," Iskander replied.
"So, where are we headed?" Tamsin inquired.
"The Timeless Spire, in the City of Knowledge."
"A city inside a mountain?" Ilya asked, her eyes wide with wonder. "Why would anyone build a city underground?"
"She's got a point," Astrid added, but Iskander remained silent.
They rowed for hours, the river widening as they ventured deeper into the mountain. Finally, they emerged into a vast cavern, its ceiling adorned with the same golden crystals that illuminated the surrounding city built upon a massive, island-like rock formation.
"Welcome to the City Underground," Iskander announced with a proud smile. "Welcome to Duma."
The group stared in awe at the sprawling metropolis, its towering buildings and intricate architecture a testament to a lost civilization.
"Amazing!" Cael exclaimed, his eyes green with wonder.
"How is this even possible?" Ilya gasped.
"I thought your tomb was impressive," Grave-Walker admitted, his gaze sweeping over the city.
"You and your people liked building things under mountains," Ronan remarked with a smirk.
Iskander chuckled. "This city once teemed with scholars, inventors, merchants, and artists... tens of thousands lived here. It was the pride of the East."
"You talk like you built these ruins yourself," Ilya said, her eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"I'm glad you're naive sometimes," Cael said, a hint of amusement in his voice.
They disembarked and made their way into the city, marveling at the beautifully carved statues, murals, and buildings that lined the streets.
"What are those crystals?" Cael asked, his eyes drawn to the luminous stones that bathed the city in perpetual daylight.
"Sun crystals," Iskander explained. "A natural wonder found only within these caverns. They are Erathos's most valuable resource."
"Why was it abandoned?" Tamsin asked, her voice filled with sadness. "It's so glorious."
"The two kings likely slaughtered everyone who lived here," Iskander replied grimly.
"That's a terrible story," Ilya whispered.
"We're nearing the Timeless Spire," Iskander announced, his voice filled with anticipation.
"Do you think your ConduitBand is still there?" Ronan asked.
"I do. I hid it where no one could find it."
They reached the city center, where the Timeless Spire stood, its massive white walls and towering blue pillars a stark contrast to the surrounding buildings. Inside, they found a giant map of Erathos carved into the floor, depicting every detail of the continent.
"I'm back," Iskander whispered, a sense of reverence in his voice.
He drew a knife and sliced his wrist, letting his blood drip onto the map, precisely where the city was located. The chamber crackled with energy as a large pillar rose from the floor, its surface covered in intricate carvings.
Iskander approached the pillar and smeared his blood on its surface, his wound healing instantly. The base of the pillar opened, revealing a golden bracelet adorned with symbols.
"Finally," he murmured, his eyes gleaming with greed.
He tossed the bracelet to Cael. "Wear this."
Cael slipped the bracelet onto his wrist, a surge of cold energy coursing through his veins. He quickly removed it, his eyes wide with alarm. "What is this?" he cried.
"Power," Iskander replied simply.
"It feels strange!"
"You'll get used to it," Iskander assured him. "Good work, everyone. Rest here for now. You are free to explore the city. We leave in a few hours."
The group decided to camp within the temple, their anticipation growing as they awaited Iskander's next instructions. Unable to contain their curiosity, they split into pairs to explore the city. Ronan and Tamsin headed south, Astrid and Grave-Walker east, while Cael and Ilya ventured north.
Ilya, however, had other plans. She saw this as an opportunity to address the unspoken feelings that had lingered between them for so long. They walked in silence, Cael's discomfort palpable. He still feared the consequences of pursuing a relationship with her.
They reached a grand palace, its crumbling walls a testament to its former glory.
"This must have been the lord's castle," Ilya remarked.
"It's beautiful," Cael responded, his eyes turning green with admiration.
"I wouldn't have seen it if it weren't for you, Cael."
"You insisted on coming," he reminded her. "You were determined to join this journey."
"Not just for the journey," she said softly, stepping closer to him. She gently lifted his glasses, her gaze meeting his. "Your eyes are beautiful." Her eyes softened with a mixture of love and regret. "Ever since that day... since I turned my back on you... I've been filled with remorse."
Cael's eyes turned blue, then a mix of blue and yellow, reflecting his surprise and the joy that bloomed in his heart. "It's alright, Ilya. I never blamed you."
"You're wrong!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "I never thought of you as just a shepherd, not even for a moment!"
"But it's true," he insisted, his eyes turning indigo with a familiar self-deprecating sadness. "We belong to different worlds. I'm just a herd boy, and you're nobility. I never thought of you as anything more."
"You're lying!" she cried. "I can see it in your eyes. You hate lying. Tell me the truth!"
Cael realized she knew about his eyes, likely from Master Elian. He turned away, lowering his glasses. "There's no truth. That's it." His left eye turned orange, his right brown, reflecting his internal conflict.
"Then I'll tell you mine," she declared, her grip tightening on his arm. "I've loved you since we were children. It never stopped, not even when your eyes changed. I don't care about your status or your family's poverty. I love you, and it hurts when you're not near."
Cael's eyes turned blue as her words filled him with a happiness he had never dared to dream about. He had been blind to her feelings, his insecurities preventing him from seeing the truth.
"I never thought I'd hear you say that," he stammered, his voice thick with emotion. "I never thought you had such..." He paused, searching for the right words. "...thoughts."
"Of course not, you idiot!" she exclaimed, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination. "All you know are rules and boundaries. You undervalue yourself, hiding in your little corner of the world. You think I'm better than you because of my father's wealth. You never tried to understand me, to reach out to me. You're weak, dull and dense. I waited for you, but you never came. So now, I'm here. I love you, you stupid dork!"
Cael's eyes turned green, his heart overflowing with love and a bittersweet pain. However…
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I can't give you what you want." He placed his hands on her shoulders, his eyes turning violet with sadness. "I know my place, and you should think about yours."
"I don't care about my place! I care about you!"
"You said it yourself, I'm weak," he said, his eyes turning indigo with self-loathing. "I'm nothing."
"I don't need anything else! I need you, and only you!" she cried.
Cael turned away, his heart breaking as he uttered the words that would forever haunt him. "I'm sorry, Ilya. I don't love you. I can't give you what I don't have."
"Coward! Weakling! Idiot!" she screamed after him, tears streaming down her face as he walked away without looking back.
Ilya followed, her heart shattered. She had hoped he had changed, that he would finally be honest with her. But she had been wrong.
"I thought you had changed," she sobbed. "But I was wrong. So stupid."
"I am who I am," Cael replied coldly, his voice devoid of emotion.
They returned to the temple in silence, the others instantly understanding what had transpired. Astrid and Tamsin comforted Ilya, while Ronan pulled Cael aside.
"Cael, you're a moron," Ronan said bluntly.
"Perhaps," Cael replied, his eyes turning violet with regret.
"He's an idiot! A coward!" Astrid fumed, trying to soothe Ilya's broken heart. "How can he stand without a spine?"
"I knew he was stupid," Tamsin added, "but not that dumb!"
"It's his loss," Astrid said, her voice softening. "Let it all out, Ilya. Cry, be angry... just let it out."
The group remained divided for the rest of their stay in Duma. Cael wandered the temple, seeking solace in the ancient inscriptions, trying to distract himself from the pain he had inflicted on Ilya and the doubts that gnawed at his own heart. Iskander found him there, studying the symbols.
"Is it starting to make sense?" he asked gently.
"Nope," Cael replied with a forced smile. "But they're nice to look at."
"I could tell you what they say," Iskander offered.
"No, thanks," Cael declined. "There's something else I want to know... where are we going now?"
"Come," Iskander said, leading him back to the others. "It's time to discuss our next destination."
Ilya excused herself, giving them space to talk.
"It's time I told you where we're going next," Iskander announced, his expression serious.
"I want to get this over with," Tamsin said, her voice tight with impatience.
"Why do I have a feeling we won't like it?" Astrid asked, her eyes narrowed with suspicion.
"We're heading west," Iskander revealed. "To the Obsidian Spire, in the Sea of White Dust."
"The Obsidian Spire!" Tamsin exclaimed. "No one goes there and comes back alive!"
"The Obsidian Spire?" Cael asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Grave-Walker explained the dangers of the Sea of White Dust, a vast expanse of scorching dunes, poisonous creatures, and deadly sandstorms. It was a place where water was scarce and survival was a constant struggle.
"What's there?" Cael asked, his eyes filled with apprehension.
"The key to controlling your powers," Iskander replied.
"Then we'll find a guide who knows the way," Ronan suggested.
"Few have ventured into that wasteland and returned," Grave-Walker said, shaking his head.
"I know the way," Iskander stated confidently. "And I can bring you back safely."
"Are you sure about that?" Astrid asked, her voice laced with doubt.
"Yes. But first, we need more information. We're going to Meridium."
"The City of Knowledge!" Cael exclaimed.
"Exactly."
"I don't care anymore," Tamsin said, her voice resolute. "Let's go to the Obsidian Spire, or the sun itself, if that's what it takes to bring my brother back."
The others nodded in agreement. They left Duma and retraced their steps through the Ashen Wastes, their bodies and spirits tested by the harsh conditions. They rested in Petra, and then set off for Oakhaven, their journey taking them closer to Meridium.
The tension between Cael and Ilya had eased, replaced by a somber acceptance. Ilya seemed to have come to terms with his rejection, while Cael buried his feelings deep within his heart.
Four and a half months after leaving, they reached the outskirts of Oakhaven.
"We'll rest here for a few days," Iskander announced. "Ilya, Ronan, you may want to see your families. But Ilya, this is where we part ways. It was a pleasure."
"Thank you, Iskander," Ilya said, tears welling up in her eyes. "I enjoyed it. Thank you for everything." She embraced Tamsin, Astrid, Grave-Walker, and even Iskander, her departure leaving a void in the group.
"See you around, Cael," she said softly.
"Yeah," he replied, his eyes violet with a mixture of sadness and regret.
"We meet at the western gate in one week," Iskander instructed. "Rest well. If you need anything, you know where to find me."
Ilya turned to Ronan. "Will you come with me to my family? My father and Meike respect you. I fear they won't believe me if I go alone."
"I look forward to seeing what punishment awaits you," Ronan said with a mischievous grin. "But we need to get our stories straight first."
"Alright," Ilya sighed. "I just hope they'll understand."
Cael rode off without a word, his thoughts focused on his parents. He worried about how they had fared during his absence.
"It's been a while since I slept in a proper bed," Astrid sighed as they entered the town, followed by curious stares from the townsfolk.
"I just want a bath," Tamsin added, wrinkling her nose at the stench of travel that clung to her clothes.
Iskander noticed the villagers' apprehensive glances, and a sense of unease settled over him. "Something's not right," he muttered, approaching an elderly woman. "Do you know us?" he asked.
The woman scurried away without a word.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Iskander said, turning to his companions. "Split up and ask around. Anything odd that's happened in the past few months, anything connected to us."
"What do you mean?" Astrid asked, her brow furrowed with concern.
"I don't know yet," Iskander replied, his voice grim. "But something feels different."
They dispersed, questioning the townsfolk, but were met with silence and averted gazes.
Ronan accompanied Ilya to the Thorne mansion, where they were greeted by a surprised house cleaner who rushed to inform the masters of Ilya's return.
Meike appeared, his face etched with relief and joy as he embraced his sister tightly. "Thank the Sun Lord, you're alive! We thought you were dead!"
"I never thought I'd see the great Meike Thorne shedding tears of joy," Ronan joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Thank you, Ronan!" Meike exclaimed, pulling away from Ilya. "You must have saved her from that cursed shepherd!"
"What are you talking about?" Ronan asked, confused.
"What's going on, brother?" Ilya added, bewildered by her brother's reaction. "I expected you to be furious, not happy."
"Why would I be furious?" Meike replied. "You did nothing wrong. That damned shepherd kidnapped you! He tried to defile and kill you, but Ronan must have saved you! What took you so long to return?"
"Kidnapped? Defiled? Killed?" Ilya's voice rose in disbelief. "Brother, have you gone mad? Who told you that?"
Meanwhile, Iskander and Grave-Walker, frustrated by the townsfolk's silence, decided to seek answers from Master Elian. They arrived at his house, but received no response to their knocks. Iskander, his patience wearing thin, broke down the door and called out for the scholar.
Elian emerged from his library, his eyes widening in surprise. "I can't believe it's you! Is Cael with you?"
"No," Iskander replied, his voice tight with concern. "What's going on? What happened?"
"You don't know?" Elian asked, his voice trembling with emotion.
Iskander, sensing something was terribly wrong, grabbed the old man's hand, making a small cut with his nail and tasting the blood. His expression hardened, his eyes blazing with fury.
"Cael needs us," he said to Grave-Walker, his voice low and dangerous. "We must hurry."