Taol's Compendium of Nent

Chapter 19: Highwind Castle (Ventus)

The day had arrived – the start of a new journey, the start of a new volume. Well, it wasn’t exactly a new journey, but it’s close enough. Three years behind us, many more to come before us. It was a good thing we were taking a fast trip to the Continent of Ventus – more importantly, we were making a swift move to its capital, where the fabled Highwind Castle lied.

The Land of Wind and Sky…who knew I would reach this point of my expedition. They spoke about how some of the landmasses float in the air, waterfalls cascading and falling down into the ground below, where the rivers and streams catch the water from the skies above…it was bound to be an amazing sight, and that was enough to leave me anticipated. The feeling of excitement and anticipation…now that was a feeling I’ve not felt in a really long time. How long must that have been? Since the start of my journey, maybe? I can’t even remember.

We would arrive at Petram’s dock, where airships that scour all over the world come here in one gigantic meeting spot – and goodness me, the docks were packed and filled with people. Merchants, travelers, tourists…everyone from every walk of life could be found here. It has been a while since I’ve last been to a huge, bustling area like this. Sure, Flos’ capital had its fair share of people, but the amount of people is enough to make anyone feel suffocated and gasping for air. There is barely any space here!

Either way, we would follow the directions that the Judicators provided to us involving where our mode of transport was, and soon enough, we would arrive at a more spacious part of the docks – actually, we were in the restricted area, where only personnel of the docks were allowed as well as Petram’s guardsmen. Upon our arrival, one of the guards, who had been expecting our arrival, had showed up and acknowledged us – with that, he would lead us to a room that was separated from the entirety of the docks, and sure enough, once we were inside and through the door, we were met with a rather astonishing sight.

Before us was an airship that looked absolutely stunning, and admittedly far different from any of the ships that we’ve seen out there in the open. The exterior of the ship itself looked to be partially covered with ornate designs of gold which really mixes well with the steel that was used to make up the rest of the ship. There looked to be countless sails at the ready for this ship, and I am definitely certain that when those sails open up, it will be quite the majestic view…

The wings that were attached on the sides of the ship looked to be green and yellow in color, which strangely enough, was also the same colors that are worn by the soldiers that guard the castle within Petram’s capital. This must be a military ship, perhaps. Looks like the Judicators really were sorry about what we’ve been through to reach them – well, they definitely showed their apology well and made up for it…

The bridge which lead to the ship deck had already been prepared beforehand – all we had to do now to continue our journey was to board it and enjoy the wind against our faces once we’re out in the skies. It wasn’t long before we were onboard, and once we were, the bridge had been taken down, and after the guards had given the green light for takeoff, the ship’s propellers began to burst to life, the once-silent room now overrun by the rather deafening noise of the ship powering on – this was it. There was no turning back now.

Soon, we would look in front of us as the ship was fully activated and raring to go.

The doors that separated the ship from the outside would begin to open up, momentarily blinding us with a bright flash of light that admittedly got us to shirk away from the shining radiance for a moment before we were able to adjust to the light that flooded into the hangar – once the doors were fully open, the ship would jerk forward, which did make us lose balance for a split second, but really, it was nothing too serious and we were able to stay on our feet.

And so, after all that buildup, we were finally taking off as the ship got itself out into the open as it began forcing itself up into the air – I felt my heart leaping as soon as this moment came. My first time on an aircraft…of course I would be excited! Who wouldn’t be? Sure, maybe it would be just another day for a traveling merchant who is on the move every second of every day, but for me, that luxury can’t be applied to someone like myself.

Moments like this…they feel like more than just moments. I don’t know if I can even call them experiences. They’re indescribable, really. But I am definitely not forgetting times like these any time soon, even way after this expedition inevitably ends.

It was from here where one of the crewmates of the airship would advise us to head below deck – liftoff is usually the turbulent part of trips like these, and it would be risky for anyone to be onboard while it’s raising altitude to be above the skies. With that being said, the two of us decided to head below, where the sleeping quarters for both passengers and crew were provided. Of course, due to it being a military ship, there was also a stockpile of weapons scattered about in the corridor which lead to our quarters.

Apparently, this trip was going to take a day…one day.

In my mind, when I first heard this before boarding the ship, I thought I was hallucinating. I remember having to take weeks, months even, to reach a certain spot that was on our agenda. Now we were finally going through all the hard stuff and just skip straight to the heart of Ventus itself! I swear it felt like I was dreaming or something when I first heard those glorious words! I think those two words were enough to set me off in a wonderfully positive manner. I was most certainly over the roof when I heard just how long this airship journey was going to take!

It would take roughly an hour or so, but when that time passed, we were finally allowed back on deck as the ship was now on maximum altitude – with that, we quickly got above deck and sure enough, we were met with such a beauteous view that encircled us. Nothing but bright blue skies surrounding us, with the clouds acting as the ship’s highway…it was paradise. To have the wind blow against us…it just felt great. Oh, so refreshing…it almost felt like all the stress that I had been building up for the past three years had faded off as the soaring winds blew them away. I don’t know how to describe it, but I guess I felt…lighter.

If only I could’ve started off this journey like this instead of the mess that I had to slog myself through – then maybe things could’ve been different.

Hours would pass, and most of that time would be spent with my companion as we just rambled on about stuff below deck – talking about our anticipation for the next continent that was lying in wait for us, talking about what we were going to do once this journey was over, and me just talking on and on about my personal life as if I wasn’t held back at all. It was nice to have someone lending an ear to me, Tirza was definitely the companion that anyone would want. The perfect partner, if you will. It was nice, comforting even.

It wasn’t long before nightfall began and I went back up to watch the view of the sunset.

And goodness me was it yet another sight to behold. Sure, it was basically the same as the scenery of the sky during the middle of the day, but this striking, mellow orange as the sun met the clouds…it wasn’t anything like I have seen before. There are mountaintops and massive plains that have such great views, but this definitely took the cake. I don’t think any other view could top this one, and I say this with great confidence.

I remained on the ship deck, gazing at the sunset view that graced my eyes for a good while before heading back below deck as nightfall came upon us – it was time to get some well-needed rest. To rest on a bed definitely felt so, so good…sure, I’ve spent so much time resting in Petram’s infirmary back at their castle, but there is a difference between being forced to bed and having the free will to rest on it. The feeling just hits different.

Time flew quickly, and oddly enough, my magic didn’t act up to make my sleep a total hell – for the first time in what felt like years, I actually slept like a log. Of course, when I woke up the next morning, I was quick to realize this, but then again, the pessimistic side of me told me that this was just one occasion, and I should expect the terrors, nightmares and hallucinations to come soon enough. This dampened my mood, but I didn’t allow it to get the best of me.

Conveniently enough, one of the crewmates stated that they were close to landing near Ventus’ capital – she spoke about how the ruler of the continent, Master Altum, wanted to meet us as soon as we set foot on land. Looks like the sense of urgency was coming back – shame really. I enjoyed this airship ride, even if it didn’t last too long.

It took about an hour for the ship to make its landing, and of course, as expected, it was a relatively turbulent landing as we remained under deck as instructed by the crew. It wasn’t until we came at a total stop where we were granted permission to make our leave. Once we did, I was quick to notice the change in environment around us.

Everything was…floating. I could see massive stone columns grazing the clouds, and some of them had waterfalls cascading down into the seemingly never-ending heights below as the waters struck the clouds, creating holes that will never be filled. The air here was fresh, and the winds ranging from calm to strong…it was official.

We had arrived at Ventus.

The crew would say their goodbyes to us, with them explaining that they had to return to Petram under the Judicators’ orders – it would seem that we were on our own once again. That was unfortunate, but I suppose an explorer is one that must adventure and seek out every nook and cranny that they can find. It wouldn’t be an adventure if we took the easy route. With that, we would shift our attention away from the ship and to the capital which lied ahead of us. Unlike the packed, closely stuck together cities that we had grown familiar with, this one was different in the sense that there was so much space.

We could see people in the distance flying around and beyond the city in these crafted wings, something which I thought was rather strange, yet clearly dazzling to behold. Perhaps Master Altum could provide us with a bigger picture of Ventus once we meet him. There were little buildings to be found, but then again, there wasn’t much land that could be used for building infrastructure – sure, this particular floating landmass was bigger than the others surrounding us, but it was still small all the same.

Time to act.

We’d quickly get a move on, and once we were within the city parameters, we could see the ship leaving as it took off and disappeared into the skies – oh well, it was fun while it lasted. Considering how small this place was, we would merely pass through a few houses and shops before swiftly arriving at the castle entrance just a minute or two later.

The soldiers were dressed quite differently compared to any other military figures that we’ve seen so far – Ventus’ soldiers were covered with armor head to toe…which would mean that they were basically knights. Cross helms, spaulders, plate armor…you name it. They had it. All they had were the flips at their helms which they could use to improve their field of view. At first, the knights who were guarding the front door stood in our way, demanding to know why we wanted to enter the castle.

However, when one of them flipped their helms and took a good look at us, their eyes widened as they punched the other knight in the shoulder, exclaiming that they were the ones that ‘The Master’ was looking for – I’m assuming they were referencing Master Altum. With that, they would express their apologies for getting in the way before moving aside, allowing us passage.

We were quick to move through the castle corridors, and upon further remembering the castle interior, it was basically a linear race to the top, where the throne room lied. With each staircase we went up, we were always in a different room – the first room, which was past the entrance doors, was an empty meeting room, with the first, second and third floor being the infirmary, barracks and observation tower respectively. At the very top, that being the fourth floor, lied the throne room, where a very elderly man sat atop the dais.

That probably explains why he was given the title ‘Master’…just how old was he?

His skin looked pale and very wrinkly due to his advanced age, his beard snow-white – he wore what looked to be robes consisting of a striking mix of yellow, red and green, and where there was red, there were green polka-dots, and where there was green, there was yellow dots. Yellow was spotless, though. Quite literally.

Upon noticing us, he would squint his slightly greyed out eyes before raising his hand up – as to why he did that, I didn’t know…at least at that moment. Suddenly, a staff would materialize out of thin air right on his outstretched hand as he slowly lowered it down and got himself off his seat. He would lumber over to us, using his staff to support him as his entire body arched forward while he was in a standing position.

When he did approach us and come to a stop, he would shake in place for a moment before ceasing, and with that, he would thank us for managing to reach here on such short notice. He too, had kept Lord Bell and the other two rulers, the Judicators and Queen Glacea’s distress letters involving the whole ‘edge of the world’ issue to heart.

I wonder how many times have I said that.

And once again, I got more answers involving the Void Servants and the state involving the potential existence of the ‘Edge of Nent’ – however, what I ended up learning from Master Altum was even more disturbing than every bit of information that I had ever received from Queen Glacea and Petram’s Judicators.

It was true – the unexplored plot of land within Inanis does pose as the passage to the edge of the world. But it was more than just that.

According to Ventus’ researchers, who have attempted to scout the unexplored lands via the skies, they were met with some rather disturbing findings that have led to this one theory: the idea that this darkness extends far beyond Nent, and that this darkness was coming from some kind of extraterrestrial source – as to what it was, not even the Master knew for sure…but he was certain that this darkness can be dispelled, and when he brought up my magic which has infected me for the past three years, when the abyss has been dispelled, my magic can too.

But there is a cost.

He doesn’t know what kind of consequences lie when it came to dispelling and eradicating the corrupt magic within the unexplored bit of Inanis. He theorized that if I were able to return my magic back to the source of it all, then it will result in the darkness receding. But it would mean that I would also bear witness to what lied outside of Inanis.

Just what lied there? I wish I knew. But admittedly, I was terrified of seeing what lied beyond it.

After learning all that, the Master would give me a nod before letting out a sigh and turning away from us and taking a few steps forward, towards his throne. However, he would come to a stop, taking in one hoarse, deep breath before speaking up once again – he would ask me to go a floor down, to the observation tower. I had to meet this woman by the name of Curio, who was in charge of watching the stars as well as looking after the wellbeing of the people who were flying about within Ventus’ parameters.

Apparently, he asked me to request this Curio fellow some ‘wind catchers’, which were, based on my educated guess, probably what those people flying about use in order to roam about in the skies. How do they even control the winds, though? I guess that is something me and Tirza had to find out. Atlum would explain that if I needed to progress and get myself to Candor, the penultimate continent of our expedition, I would need to make fast detours through the winds of Ventus in order to cut my trip through the continent short. The Master would wish us luck, and would dismiss us as we left the throne room and down to the observation tower.

Now, the room that made up the area was ridiculously small, so small that it looked like only five or so people were allowed to inhabit it – when we did arrive on the scene, one half of the room was completely occupied by the telescope, with only the end of the telescope integrated into the castle exterior from outside. The other end was an area where countless books and boards could be seen scattered around, as well as some pieces of paper and stray notes.

And right in the center of it all was this woman who looked completely unkempt and messy – as if she was prone to having sleepless nights and streaks of frustration. Well, she was certainly relatable to a certain extent. She didn’t seem to have noticed us, with her turned away from us while she found herself staring at a board with a few drawings, one of which I assumed was a very rough map of Nent, based on my own knowledge anyway.

She would be mumbling to herself, and as to what she was rambling on about, I didn’t know. It wasn’t long before she stopped talking, and soon enough she would turn around to face us, and when she did see us, she would blink a few times before asking what we were doing here. She looked far from pleased, and it looked like as if she was on the verge of shooing us out at any given point in time – it was best to explain ourselves before she did exactly that, considering how she barely had any patience judging by her exasperated expressions.

So, we explained ourselves.

Upon explaining our meeting with Master Atlum, she would let out a wheeze as she quickly went on a rather long tirade about the edge of the world as well as this whole ‘corrupt magic’ mess that everyone has gotten themselves into, but she would eventually come to a stop as she realized that she was talking too much. She would quickly apologize before going down a floor to the barracks, asking us to follow her – and so we did.

When we arrived, she would whip out a key and head towards a presumably locked room within the barracks, and with the door unlocked, she would swing it open before presenting us our new equipment – the wind catchers. She would teach us how to put it on, and after a few complications here and there, we would finally manage to equip them. It felt a bit weird, as if I was wearing a suit of some kind, but this looked like something I didn’t have to take off – something which was proven true by Curio in one of her many explanations involving the wind catcher suits. That being said, she soon came to the explanation how to actually use this thing.

Whenever the wind catcher is exposed to a high burst of wind, we had to stretch my arms out wide in order for the wings to activate and spread out, and then came yet ANOTHER tirade where she explained how the wings worked – apparently the wings would be connected from our wrists all the way towards our hips whenever we don the wing catcher suits…so in the end, we’d probably look like flying foxes from afar.

It wasn’t long before she returned to how the suit worked – just stretch your arms out when you meet high-speed winds and the wings will automatically come out, and when the winds are basically non-existent, it will retreat and disappear into the suit. Sounds easy enough. But there was something which greatly bothered me.

I had to jump off the end of the landmass in order to fly through the air. That…sounded utterly terrifying to me. The fact that the people of Ventus do that so freely without much fear made me feel rather jealous – still, I can’t deny that this will be such a priceless asset to our adventures. It wouldn’t hurt to make a few shortcuts here and there without having to take so much time and effort to make some progress.

Curio would advise us to take what is known as the Great Wind Current, which is a powerful, fixed stream of wind that the people of Ventus use to navigate from the capital to the next landmark of the Land of Wind – the Skyward Temple.

The Skyward Temple…that was where the next trace of corrupt magic resided.

With that, she would shoo us off, demanding that we didn’t waste any more of her time as she forced us to the first floor, and with that, she would slam the doors shut as she presumably returned to observation tower, where she would continue to languish within her own work space. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her, honestly. She looked like she was investing her effort in something that was clearly putting a strain on her being, both physical and mental.

We would soon leave the castle and out into the city, and after asking a few locals for directions on where to go to reach the Great Wind Current, we would be led just behind the castle, at the very end of the landmass. It took about an hour or so to reach there, if my sense of time is still intact. Well, this was going to be a rather…odd exploration of Ventus.

Not something I’m familiar with, I’ll tell you that much.

And it was definitely something that I wasn’t looking forward to at all.