Chapter 66 - Preparations

  Corvus wings his way through corridors and passages, moving with a speed that feels purposeful but not rushed. To an outside observer who isn’t an Apex, it would more appear like the crow is a moving black bullet, ricocheting around curves in the tunnels and rocketing through open caverns. He had not intended to return to the Tower, but it is the one place where he is confident he can make contact with a specific Apex. He just hopes she is not on the other side of Hell currently.

  Pinnacle Tower operates almost like a social-club for the Apex, with similar installations dotted all across the various sprawling sectors of Hell’s vast expanses. For a modest expense, the Tower’s keepers would set aside private chambers for guests, and cater to every desire or need. One service they offer is of utmost importance to Corvus currently. The ability to contact the other establishments at great distance.

  Finally the tower comes into view, centered in a massive cavern where it reaches from floor to ceiling, as if Pinnacle Tower itself is holding the cavern open. Corvus slows his pace, angling towards the base of the tower and its guarded doors. The doorman bows as Corvus approaches, recognizing him instantly. But even that recognition does not allow him entry unchallenged.

  “Declare your name and Title.” The doorman instructs in a firm, officious tone.

  Taking a breath, Corvus puffs out his chest and tips his beak up slightly. “I am Corvus, The Guide, The Carrion Lord.” He announces, tone matching that of the doorman. As he speaks his titles, the empowered sigils that represent them bloom to life behind his head, flickering in ethereal form before fading again.

  The man bows again and steps out of the way, gesturing Corvus towards the door. As the crow approaches, the doors swing open of their own accord, granting him passage into the tower’s main lobby. The posh interior is a stark contrast from the intentionally barren and empty outer chamber. Polished black and white tile flooring, decadent rugs of deep burgundy and gold, furniture suited for every type of soul or demon. Not to mention the ever-present attendants that were all too eager to fulfill most requests any guest would have.

  Ignoring all of it, Corvus heads straight for the services desk in the middle of the lobby floor. Behind the counter, a human attendant bows to him slightly, but waits until Corvus stands in front of the desk before addressing him.

  “Lord Corvus, welcome back. Shall we have someone prepare your study?” He asks with a well practiced smile. Professional, polite, but never obsequious, that is the hallmark of the Tower’s attendants. Always ‘in service of’, rather than ‘a servant to’.

  Corvus gives the man a polite nod in greeting, before answering. “No, I need to make use of a different service at this time. I must make contact with Generosity’s Grace.” He pauses for a breath. “If she is in residence at one of the establishments, I would seek to make arrangements to speak with her, please.”

  The attendant takes out a card and pen, making notes of Corvus’s request. “As you wish. If the Lord would be so kind as to wait, I will inquire with the communications network.” The attendant smiles and motions towards one of the seating areas. Corvus nods again and gives his thanks, then moves over to take a seat in the lounge area.

  Corvus makes himself comfortable, taking a slow breath and closes his eyes as he rests his head against the back of the chair. Within moments of him taking the seat, one of the other attendants approaches and sets a glass of ice-water on the end-table next to him, leaving it resting on a small tray. Shifting to his human-like guise to make use of the much more convenient lips, Corvus gives a nod of thanks to the server before taking the glass and sipping at the refreshingly cool liquid.

  As he waits, Corvus scans the lobby to see who else is present. He spots a few others, but none that he is familiar enough to strike up casual conversation with. Overall, the Tower feels more empty than it had on his past visits. But it makes sense, given the events happening in the region. So many of the ‘local’ Apex would be trying to find benefits among the ruins of The Gardener of Eden’s efforts. Others would be trying to recover what was damaged.

  Lost in his musings, Corvus didn’t notice an attendant walking up alongside his seat. “Lord Corvus, you will be pleased to know that we have made contact. Generosity’s Grace is currently in residence at our location in the Luminal River.” He presents Corvus with one of the notecards. Taking it, Corvus sees a room number inked onto its face. “She has agreed to speak with you.”

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  Corvus stands and smiles, giving a polite nod to the attendant. “Thank you, your service is much appreciated.” He says, starting to make his way towards the rooms used for private communications.

  Located just off the lobby, they are easy to find. There are only three, each one marked with a number. Corvus finds the one on his card unlocked, and lets himself in. The door shuts securely behind him, and he clicks the lock into place. Within are a set of comfortable chairs around a table with a polished and heavily enchanted stone orb set into its center. He chooses one of the seats, and makes himself comfortable. Then, with a breath to collect himself, he reaches for the orb, infusing his will to make the connection.

  The Tower had set the link, the enchantments already tuned to the recipient’s location. All it was waiting for was both parties to initiate the communication. The person responsible for this network is permanently on the payroll for the Tower, and the workings of the orbs are a closely guarded secret. Other forms of long distance communication exist, but are far less accessible.

  The reflective surface of the polished stone flashes under Corvus’s fingertips, and projected into it is a familiar face. “Ah, Generosity’s Grace, Evilyn, it is good to speak with you.” He says, smiling warmly.

  Hundreds of thousands of tunnels and caverns away, the woman on the other end returns Corvus’s smile in kind. “Corvus, you dusty old bird. It’s been too long. I haven’t heard a whisper from you since I left the ‘human’ region an age ago.” She mock-chastizes him.

  The pair exchange pleasantries, catching up in the small ways of old friends. But the connection can’t be maintained for long, and Corvus has urgent business to attend to. “Evilyn, I must beg your assistance.” He says, getting down to it. “There has been a cataclysmic event, and the largest population center in the region has been hit in devastating ways.” He launches into an explanation of the mechanism The Gardener of Eden had constructed and the destruction it had caused in New Europa.

  Generosity’s Grace listens quietly, but as Corvus’s explanation winds on, her face darkens, creasing into a deep frown. “So you mean to tell me that the fool did it, at the cost of that many lives?” She scoffs, disgust clearly written on her expression.

  The crow nods, sighing softly. “Indeed, it is so. I do not believe it was his intention, but the result is the same. Many need aid, the type of which you excel at providing. Would you consider returning?” He asks, laying bare the intent behind his reaching out to her.

  The woman falls silent, then her face shifts, becoming angular, foxlike. “It will take time for me to make preparations. But yes, Corvus. I will be there. I will make myself known when I arrive by the usual means.” She says, the vulpine features sharpening as her true nature asserts itself. The white-fox of generosity stares at Corvus through the communications stone, ice-blue eyes glinting. “Do what you are able until I arrive.”

  And with that, the communication is cut, leaving Corvus just as alone in the room as when he’d entered. He takes a long slow breath and lets it out gently. “That could have gone far worse.” He muses as he gets to his feet again. The conversation had been bitterly short, but every moment had been precious. One of his oldest friends would be returning to him soon. He just wishes it had not come at the cost of another calamity.

  Exiting the room, an attendant approaches and Corvus offers the girl the card. She takes it wordlessly with a bow. “Thank you for the use of your network. If it would not be an undue burden, I do believe I would enjoy my study now.” He informs her. The girl makes a series of handsigns that Corvus interprets through Intent to mean ‘Right away.’

  Corvus takes his time, ascending the stairs to the tower’s upper reaches by foot rather than using one of the Intent-movement shafts that span from base to top. He had spent so long chaining one leap to the next, it would be better to stretch his legs. Even one such as he can find the pleasure in feeling muscles flex and burn, one more small detail to anchor him to the perspective he struggles not to lose.

  The trek up the stairway also serves to provide time for the attendants to prepare his study. Even if that preparation was only to dust things off, and set out one of the bottles of his choice drink. Long ago, when Corvus had come into his power, investing in a private chamber at this establishment was one of the first major expenditures of Animus. And it had proven out as one of the wisest moves he made in those early millennia.

  After what feels like an hour of climbing, Corvus steps out into the hallway leading to his study. A few more steps and he gently pushes open the door. The smell of old books, parchment, and a faint whiff of an incense he appreciates greets him. As do the portraits of his most accomplished charges. He settles himself into his favorite chair, and lets out a weary sigh, finally giving himself permission to relax, both with his prime self and the splinter back with Alex.

  Even The Guide, The Carrion Lord, feels the weight of all that had happened, and he admits to himself that he is tired.