Fulcrum of Light (Catalyst Book 2) by C.J. Aaron (ebook reader that looks like a book .TXT) 📕

“The gifts you possess were not meant to linger unused, hidden away in secrecy,” Andr reassured. “Though I know not why, we were sent here for a purpose. I urge you to take advantage of the information you can gain. Do not rush into uncertainty unprepared. If there is a way back to The Stocks, I know you will find it.”

Ryl couldn't help the smile that spread across his face at the reassuring comment from his friend. He was thankful for his company and his steadfast support. He would have perished if not for his unrelenting assistance in the Outlands.

“Thank you, Andr,” Ryl offered.

“And know that I will be by your side every step of the way, my friend,” Andr acknowledged.

The afternoon passed in a blur. Ryl and Andr were treated to a second bath prior to their introduction ceremony that evening. The heated water again soothed Ryl to the core. His senses blossomed with heightened clarity as the warmth and the clean water scrubbed the last trace of the toxin from his body. Andr had rejoined Ryl in his room when the quiet knock on the door announced Brasley’s presence.

“I’m here to collect you again,” the mender said with a grin. “This time, I assure you that the formalities will be brief. The celebrations, however, may prove lengthy. Please Ryl, take heed not to overdo yourself.”

“For the first time in moons, I’m close to feeling myself again,” Ryl said honestly. “I’d like to remain this way if I can.”

The explanation seemed to appease the mender though his eyes held a hint of doubt. With a wave of his hand, he ushered Ryl and Andr from the door out of the residence into the avenue beyond. The sun was close to setting; the final sliver of the blazing orb was still visible over the jagged tops of the mountains. Lanterns had already been lit throughout the city. On every corner, the illumination from their soft yellow glow was beginning to spread as the sun’s light grew more faint. The avenue outside their apartment was devoid of any foot traffic, though Ryl could see and hear the crowd gathered around the colosseum in the distance.

Instead of following their route from the previous trip to the Council Seat, the pair followed the mender north, passing both the primary school and university. From there they turned west onto the main avenue that split the city. The towering columns of the Great Hall could be seen in the distance. The gathering crowd swelled around its entrance, spreading out down the alley toward them. Those they encountered greeted them with warm smiles, graciously moving aside for their small party to pass.

Ryl felt his nervousness grow as they crossed through the central square approaching the front lines of the mass. There were so many people. He felt the weight of every pair of eyes trained on him. The sensation was discomforting. He glanced at Andr; the stoic warrior seemed unfazed, his eyes casually scanning the crowd that closed in around them.

The throng of bodies grew denser as they reached the edge of the colosseum. Here, they were joined by a small contingent of armed Vigil who opened an aisle to the rear of the raised dais that stretched out over the arena. A rectangular line of soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder, granting some reprieve for the councilors on the dais from the entirety of Vim without.

His time here had been short and very secluded, yet he’d heard not even a grumble of discontent with the leaders whose duty it was to steer the city over the course of their short cycle in power. The guard’s presence was more for show and for comfort, alleviating a small degree of the press of the amassing crowd. Despite the air of civility that permeated the gathering, Ryl felt wholly out of place with the volume of people that surrounded him.

The line of Vigil parted with their arrival, allowing for their small group to pass between their ranks. The trio paused as the wall of soldiers sealed the gap behind them. Ahead, the sight that greeted his eyes was overwhelming. The councilors stood in a line, maintaining the same order as they had during his first meeting. Beyond them, filling the colosseum to the brim and spilling outward throughout the avenues beyond was a veritable sea of humanity.

His attention was drawn to the front of the podium on which he now stood. A line of phrenics surrounding the front edge of the raised dais, their heads and shoulders stretching up above the lip. All were wearing their telltale cloaks. All had their hoods raised over their heads.

The apprehension that swelled through his body dwarfed the nervousness he’d experienced earlier. His legs, which had felt strong to this point during their short walk, now seemed startlingly weak. He struggled to stop them from shaking. Ryl wanted nothing more than for this formality to be over, to return to the solitude of his clinic bed. He feared he would have turned and retreated into the crowd had the line of soldiers not prevented his escape.

An unexpected wave of calm washed over him. He quickly surveyed the phrenics in front of him, recognizing the fleeting view of Kaep’s shadowed face as she turned her head back to the crowd. Could they sense his discomfort?

Councilor Irie interrupted his thoughts as she turned in their direction, acknowledging their arrival. She smiled as she inclined her head with a subtle greeting. The Councilwoman took a small step forward, holding her arms up above her head. On command, the crowd that surrounded the colosseum fell into silence.

“Welcome ladies and gentlemen of Vim,” she announced, her voice carrying with ease over the massed citizens. The eager crowd remained silent as she continued.

“It is to mark a momentous set of events that we have gathered this evening,” Irie continued. “As of now, all have heard tales of the arrival of strangers at our great walls.