The Veil Read Online Free

Standing proudly in the centre of it was a noble-looking Luminar with blonde hair, dressed in battle uniform. He had one arm placed across his chest. The words underneath were written in Qi’lern and passed from right to left in an electronic display.
     
    Never forget those who fell . Never forgive those who felled them.
     
    Aegis caught me staring at the banner. “That was Prince Ashan, the Luminar leader,” he said with a sigh. “He was lost to us over half a cycle ago, defending the Iron City from The Sorrow and its followers. Of all the dreadful threats he faced, he was killed by Devil carrying a diamond blade.” He shook his head as if he still couldn’t believe it. “His brother, Prince Rashad, has assumed control…but he is young and still finding his feet.” Another sigh. “I can’t imagine how difficult it must be inheriting such a dreadful war. The weight of all that suffering and death resting on your shoulders.”
    “The sins of the past have a way of stretching into the future,” said Gabriella. “Most of all the sins of war.” The Highwarden gave an agreeing nod.
    “The city seems quite calm,” said Scarlett, seeming more herself again. “Do you not get much of a threat here?”
    “On the contrary, Guardian Reid, Fenodara is a constant target for Umbra attack. As I was explaining to your huntmate earlier, it’s just that our defenses are so strong here in the capital. Beyond that, we are quite proactive. One of our primary focuses is to create the semblance of normality in this troubled time, through prevention rather than reaction. We patrol the seas, we scan the skies and we send out scouting parties to search for incoming threats so we can deal with them before they reach the city. I care for my citizens and wish to see them safe. Although beyond that – panicking hordes are hard to control and terrible for already-low morale. So we do what we must to keep them safe. He paused. “Though with resources dwindling and most of our supply lines cut off by the war, I fear it is only a matter of time before this city suffers a great blow.” The Highwarden lowered his head and stared down at his hands. For the moment he seemed to be done speaking.
    We kept floating down the waterway until it splintered off in various directions. The gondolier used the lever-come-oar to steer the boat along the leftmost path, passing underneath a shimmering silver skyscraper that straddled both sides of the waterway. On the other side was an expansive park area where Fenodarian citizens – dressed in white robes trimmed with gold – sat on glass seats, talking and laughing. Majestic trees stood among a series of fountains in the park, and both were put to good use by large groups of Luminar children, who climbed up the branches or ran through the jetting water, squealing with innocent laughter.
    Several workers  – identifiable by their simple black sash tops and harem style trousers – were attaching rigging to various buildings and setting up stands. They seemed quite skinny compared to the other citizens – and there was something glinting on all of their wrists – but they seemed focused and content to do their work.
    It was a humbling sight. My experiences on Earth had made me imagine Pandemonia as a living hell, where evil hid in every looming shadow. I’d never imagined that I would see a place where people acted just like normal humans, trying to live their lives and be happy. A sudden strong feeling poured through me. We can’t sit by and let this war claim the only light left in this world. It’s not just about Earth anymore…this war affects us all. I flexed the fingers on my tattooed hand. And if they need someone to lead the charge…could there be anyone more equipped than me to do it?
    Some of the children stopped playing and stared at the Valoons as we passed, pointing and whispering. They seemed to be focusing on one of the boats behind me. I turned my head and saw who they were