Book 7, Chapter 15 - Conscription Exam (1/2)

Book 7, Chapter 15 - Conscription Exam

“Is this a palace…?” Idonea stared at the scene before her with wide eyes.

It was an impossible sight. A vast network, floating thousands of meters in the air. Just as amazing were the thousands of ships that were clustered around it with more arriving every day.

They stepped out into a smooth white corridor that stretched endlessly into the distance. Common sense said that it couldn’t continue off into space and if there was any air, it was extremely thin. However, when Cloudhawk and Idonea walked out they found that gravity was the same as it ever was. There was plenty of air. It was exactly the same as though they were on the ground.

Cloudhawk didn’t find it strange. Through their Temples the gods could easily create enchantments like this. What he wanted to know was the Temple’s location. So he closed his eyes and searched with his special sense. The first thing he discovered was the immensity of the place. An outer force, garrisoned troops, and a group deep in the center. Consistent with what Noah had told them. In addition, there were enchantments separating them all. It stopped soldiers from different groups shuttling back and forth.

Sky Fortress was connected all over by these long hallways. They honeycombed through the area and were the only way into the floating citadel. Security stops and defensive barriers were a common sight.

Cloudhawk couldn’t sense the Temple’s location. It was likely the gods were hiding it somehow. But tellingly, there was another enchantment that wrapped the center of Sky Fortress. Space was warped and unstable, making dimensional powers weaker. Defenses like that were a huge target.

He also figured there was more to it than that. Gods and Master Demonhunters were waiting on one side. Although there were few who were dangerous to Cloudhawk one on one, a group like that would tear him apart.

“Well don’t just stand there like an idiot. Let’s go.”

Idonea watched Cloudhawk star off into space and figured he must have been struck dumb by the sight. It could certainly be understood. When she noticed people starting to move through the hall she tried to get Cloudhawk’s attention. They followed the other demonhunters.

This hallway was specifically for new arrivals. Before they could get deeper into Sky Fortress, they were subjected to another identity check. No issues were raised and their group was let through the checkpoint.

On the other side they were met by a man dressed in the garb of a senior officer. “Demonhunters from all the realms; welcome. I suspect you are all aware of how we do things up here. We will begin testing your abilities to determine where you’ll be sent.”

Noah had explained the structure of the holy army already. As standard there were the soldiers, the elite and the strong center. The Argyris Elder arranged for them to be placed in the elite squads. On the one hand it was appropriate for their skill level, and for the other there was family garrisoned there.

Most demonhunters in their group aimed for elite status. Idonea also. She was very clear about her abilities and knew where she fit. Anyone applying for the inner circle had to be of veteran demonhunter status or better. She was close, but not quite there.

Yet when the intake officer asked her and Cloudhawk where they wanted to apply, he surprised everyone.

“The inner circle.”

What? He thinks he can get in?

Everyone around gave him a strange look. Only a few were confident enough to apply for such an honor. This kid thought he was worthy? Lance was a name no one had heard of in Stormford, what gave him the impression he was good enough?

The officer looked him over, the corners of his eyes tightening. “Are you sure? If you don’t pass you’ll miss a chance at elite – we sent you right back with the grunts.”

Everyone knew getting accepted into the inner circle was not easy. Tests were designed to make sure only the best got in.

Cloudhawk answered without a shred of doubt. “If we’re willing to take the test then we’re capable and willing to take the consequences.

“Alright then, young man. You’re brave at least. Come with me.”

Idonea gaped at him. What the hell made him so confident?! Hadn’t the plan been just to get into the elite division? Why was he changing things?

He saw the question in her eyes and answered. “We’re here, we won’t settle for anything but the inner circle.”