Chapter 1503: Curious Things

The four Dragonborn continued exploring the floating islands scattered throughout the Shattered Expanse. They moved from one island to another and dealt with the monsters that posed an actual threat to the surrounding region.

Whenever aggressive creatures attacked them, they killed them without hesitation. Those that kept their distance and showed no intention of attacking were simply left alone.

None of the four considered the task troublesome. After everything they had experienced across many battles and worlds, clearing out these monsters had become almost routine.

Sylven also continued searching for information through the ancient trees scattered throughout the region. Whenever they encountered a tree that looked old enough to possess significant memories, he would approach it and establish a connection with its consciousness.

But every tree showed him essentially the same story. Each had witnessed the ancient black Dragon fighting an unknown entity, and seen the devastation that followed.

They had watched the land become corrupted as the aftermath of that battle slowly transformed the once-thriving wilderness into the Shattered Expanse.

Eventually, Sylven realized they had reached the limit of what the trees could provide. Their memories were bound to their locations and lifespans so none of them had witnessed what happened beyond the places where they had grown and observed the final fate of the Dragon.

"There isn’t much point in asking them anymore," Sylven finally said.

The others agreed. They had already gathered everything useful the ancient trees could offer. Continuing to search them would only lead to the same fragments of history over and over again.

Without realizing it, several hours had passed.

The sky had gradually darkened as the sun traveled toward the western horizon. Its golden light fading behind the enormous clouds and layers of mist far below the floating islands.

Somewhere beyond the distant horizon, the sun would soon disappear beneath the clouds before rising again over another part of this strange and magnificent world.

Eccar looked toward the darkening sky and said, "Okay. I think we should head back now."

Aesa and Sylven nodded. Erend looked at the others for a moment before accepting the decision.

"Alright. Let’s go back. Hopefully Caelion has finished his task."

He didn’t mind returning either. They had already accomplished everything they could within the Shattered Expanse for the moment.

The four Dragonborn spread their wings and began flying back toward Skyhold Bastion.

They eventually reached the eastern side of the floating island and descended toward the same secluded section of the settlement they had used when leaving.

The route was deliberately isolated from the main population. Caelion had provided it specifically so the four could enter and leave without attracting attention.

There were no ordinary guards stationed there. Instead, several of Caelion’s most trusted soldiers quietly maintained the area.

They recognized the Dragonborn immediately and allowed them to pass without asking questions.

The four Dragonborn pulled their cloaks over their bodies and raised their hoods before entering the city. They followed the same discreet route Caelion had shown them earlier, moving through less crowded sections of the city before eventually reaching the inner walls and the governor’s castle.

The soldiers guarding the route recognized them and immediately stepped aside. No one questioned their return.

After passing through several corridors, the four finally arrived at Caelion’s chamber.

The moment they entered, Sylven looked around and saw papers covering almost every available surface, were stacked across tables, chairs, and piled in uneven groups across the floor.

Several opened books lay beside sealed containers, ink bottles and writing tools had been left carelessly around the room.

Sylven smiled faintly. "Looks like he found quite a lot."

Before anyone could say anything else, a door at the rear of the chamber opened.

Caelion stepped through. He immediately stopped when he saw the four Dragonborn standing inside his room.

For a moment, his expression became difficult to read. Surprise crossed his face, followed by a flash of worry. They had returned far sooner than he had expected.

Then Caelion forced a smile.

"You’re back. Please forgive the mess." He gestured toward the mountains of documents surrounding the room. "And forgive me for not having everything summarized yet. I still haven’t finished organizing all of this into something useful for you. I hope you don’t mind waiting a little longer."

Caelion carefully watched their reactions. He genuinely hoped they wouldn’t be disappointed.

The Dragonborn had already completed the task he had given them much faster than he had anticipated. If they had returned expecting immediate answers and became dissatisfied with his progress, Caelion honestly wasn’t sure what he could do.

Erend simply smiled. "Don’t worry. Take your time. While you’re working, we’ll enjoy your beautiful city."

He glanced toward the others. None of them appeared to have any objection.

Caelion visibly relaxed.

"Oh, right. Please enjoy your stay while you’re here. I’ll arrange proper accommodations for all of you and assign someone to guide you around the city."

"Thank you," Erend replied.

Caelion turned toward one of the guards stationed nearby. "Show them to their accommodations."

The soldier immediately bowed. "Yes, my lord."

He then approached the four Dragonborn and gestured toward the corridor.

"Please follow me."

Erend and the others followed him out of the chamber, leaving Caelion alone.

The door closed behind them.

Caelion released a long breath and leaned against the edge of his desk for a moment. Only then did he allow himself to relax.

He looked around at the enormous piles of documents surrounding him. His expression slowly became exhausted.

"I still have so much work to do..."

With another tired sigh, Caelion returned to the mountain of ancient records scattered across his chamber. He couldn’t ask for help either because these were secretive matters.

Caelion returned to his work, carefully reorganizing the mountains of documents scattered. Then one particular record caught his attention.

"Some scholars speculate that the Sky Tyrant may have actually been a protector, although this theory remains unconfirmed due to the lack of supporting evidence."

Caelion frowned and continued reading.

"The creature’s traces were eventually lost to time. However, several scholars and explorers have reported unusual findings within the cold southern regions."

He leaned back slowly.

For years, Caelion had never cared about the truth behind the Sky Tyrant. Yet now, after meeting the four Dragonborn, curiosity had begun replacing his old indifference.

—