Chapter 1504: Where They Lived

The soldier led the four Dragonborn away from Caelion’s room and toward a quieter part of Skyhold Bastion. They passed through several broad streets made of white stones that reflected the sun before gradually leaving the busiest sections of the city behind.

The further they traveled, the fewer people they saw, until the crowded streets gave way to wide avenues lined with gardens, buildings that looked elegant, and tall stone towers.

"Our accommodations are located farther from the city center," the soldier explained as they walked. "The governor thought you would appreciate some privacy during your stay. The area is still within Skyhold Bastion, of course, but it is much quieter than the central districts."

Eccar glanced around. "You call this quiet?"

The soldier smiled faintly. "Compared to downtown, yes."

Erend looked at the buildings surrounding them with growing interest. Even this quieter district looked prosperous. He saw large houses standing behind decorative walls, smaller plazas with fountains, and strange-looking lamps.

"It seems your governor really wants us to enjoy our stay," Aesa remarked with her cold voice.

"He does," the soldier replied honestly. "Governor Caelion rarely offers this level of hospitality to outsiders."

"Well, we appreciate it," Erend said.

The soldier continued explaining the city as they walked.

"Skyhold Bastion is one of the most important countries in this part of Elyndor. Because of its position near the Shattered Expanse, the city was originally built as a military stronghold. But over time, it became an important center for trade, transportation, and administration."

He pointed toward several enormous structures rising beyond the buildings.

"Those are the primary administrative towers. Most of the city’s trade routes are managed from there. The lower districts contain workshops, markets, residential areas, and military facilities."

Erend listened carefully. Then asked, "What about transportation between the islands?"

The soldier’s expression brightened slightly. "Airships."

Erend immediately looked at him. "Airships?"

"Yes. Skyhold Bastion possesses one of the largest airship docks in this region. They transport passengers, soldiers, supplies, and merchants between the major floating islands."

The soldier pointed toward the distant horizon.

Beyond the rooftops, several enormous towers rose into the sky. Massive docks extended from their sides, and several colossal vessels floated beside them.

Erend stopped walking. His eyes widened. The airships were different from anything he had seen.

They have big wooden and metallic hulls suspended in the air by glowing Magic engines. Huge sails stretched between huge masts, and intricate mechanical structures rotated beneath their bodies.

Some of those vessels were pretty small, enough to carry only a few dozen passengers, while others were enormous enough to resemble floating fortresses.

Eccar stared openly. "So those things actually fly?"

The soldier chuckled, already knowing they came from another world. "Of course."

Erend couldn’t hide his fascination.

He had heard and watched stories about airships in fantasy stories before. He had seen Magical flying structures before, but something about these vessels felt strangely familiar. They look like normal ships, but floating in the air instead of water.

"I’ve heard of things like this before," he murmured. "But I’ve never actually seen one."

"They’re powered by Magic?" Aesa said, while also watching the distant vessels with unusual interest.

"Primarily," the soldier answered. "Magic cores provide the primary force that keeps them airborne. The larger ships require several cores working together."

Eccar grinned. "I want to ride one."

Aesa glanced at him. "We can fly ourselves."

"That’s different. It’s about the experience," Eccar replied.

Erend laughed quietly.

The four Dragonborn really felt less like outsiders in an unfamiliar world and more like travelers simply enjoying everything it had to offer.

Eventually, the soldier led them farther from the central districts until they reached a peaceful residential area surrounded by tall trees and carefully maintained gardens.

Their destination stood at the end of a broad stone road.

The building was a large three-story residence constructed from white stone and dark polished wood. Tall windows reflected the sunlight, elegant balconies extended from the upper floors.

A wide staircase led toward an imposing entrance beneath a carved stone arch.

A small garden surrounded the property, filled with flowering plants and several glowing Magic lamps that illuminated the pathways.

Eccar raised an eyebrow and asked,"This is where we’re staying?"

The soldier nodded. "Yes. Governor Caelion arranged it personally."

Erend looked toward the enormous residence.

"He really went all out," Erend said.

"I believe he wanted to ensure your stay was comfortable," the soldier replied.

The four Dragonborn exchanged glances. None of them had expected such luxurious accommodations.

The soldier opened the large wooden doors.

"Please, come inside."

The four followed him into the residence.

The interior was even more impressive than the exterior. A spacious entrance hall stretched before them with polished floors, high ceilings, elegant furniture, large windows overlooking the garden.

Warm Magic lamps illuminated the room. They saw several corridors extended toward different sections of the house.

Erend slowly looked around.

"Well..." Eccar grinned. "I think we’re going to like this place."

Aesa silently nodded while Sylven examined the strange decorative plants placed throughout the entrance.

The soldier smiled.

"I hope the accommodations meet your expectations. If you require anything during your stay, someone will be available to assist you."

Erend nodded.

"Thank you. This is more than enough."

—

While the four Dragonborn settled into their new accommodations and began enjoying the comfort of the residence, Caelion remained in his chamber, surrounded by mountains of ancient documents.

He continued organizing the records throughout the night, carefully comparing fragments and arranging the information into something the Dragonborn could understand.

The deeper he went into the documents, the more Caelion felt that he had already learned more than he ever should have.

He paused beside his desk and stared at the records in silence.

"This knowledge is too dangerous for me. I’ll hand it over to them and leave it at that."

Caelion had never wanted to uncover the truth behind the Sky Tyrant. Every new discovery only created more questions and potentially greater problems. Once he gave the information to the Dragonborn, he intended to forget everything he had learned and return to the ordinary responsibilities of governing Skyhold Bastion.

He continued working through the night.

Hours passed as he summarized the ancient records, copied important passages, and separated rumors from the few fragments that appeared credible.

Fortunately, nothing urgent required his attention for sometime, allowing him to devote himself entirely to the task.

By the time the first rays of sunlight entered through the windows, Caelion finally placed his pen down.

He leaned back in his chair and released a long, exhausted breath. The research was finally ready.

—