Chapter 581 (1/2)

Book 5, Chapter 86 – Seeing the Tree

Cloudhawk faced the mysterious city sprawled out before him His eyes instinctively widened, for he couldn't believe such a place existed in this ice-choked land

I more than an expanded version of Woodland Vale While a little surprising, it made perfect sense After all, it was once the realm of the Shepherd God As it just so happened, Cloudhawk had considerable experience with Silvana's homes

The Shepherd God's strongest powers lay in control of plants and animals Everywhere her presence was felt – whether Woodland Vale or Greenland – the city was dominated with an enormous God Tree By coy pylons of Skycloud These trees drew energy fro protective enchantments

For a thousand years no one had gained entry into Woodland Vale Once its borders were activated even someone like Arcturus couldn't force his way inside Meadow's [1] enchant that even demon elder Judas and his Noxian armies were thwarted

Once Cloudhawk and his group were free from the Carnivorous Forest, they found themselves at the base of the God Tree He lifted his eyes to its cloud-scraping canopy, stricken by the sight This tree was different – different fro to swear there was nothing else like it in the world

It was a stunning presentation of blooe it was difficult to wrap one's mind around While not much taller than the God Tree in Woodland Vale, it was more than twice as thick

The city built within its boughs had been named Oakstead, or the City of a Thousand Trees I, was how it had codom over time Woodland Vale's God Tree housed a few hundred thousand people, but Iave shelter to several million

Cloudhawk continued to drag his eyes across the scene The base of the tree was like an enormous black wall, or a lofty mountain face It was so massive that you couldn't even see the curve of the trunk's edges It was like standing at the foot of a colossus

Right now there were several groups gathered at the base of the tree Judging by their clothing and equipdom

For soazed upon the God Tree with devout reverence, it wasn't with the saree of amazement Others stared with eyes so wide they threatened to roll out of their skull or prostrated themselves in the dirt with faces of zealous awe

Different places, different cultures Sometimes the discrepancies were quiet marked

Meadoas on the southern border of the ancient battlefield, whereas Skycloud was to its north They ht as well have been in completely different worlds, and in fact Cloudhawk sort of felt the same as when he slipped into different dimensions Whether culture of environment, Meadoas completely different from Skycloud

“Welconificent Imperia” A man dressed in the city's livery presented hiroup “Each of you have co, victors of the Chosen Council in your various cities I ratulate on you this opportunity to enter our fair capital Each of you are pere you to do the ift while it lasts”

The er continued to heap volu as no less than a God, whose unerring guidance brought this kingdorace the people of the Silver Kingdom came to know prosperity As they listened the visitors to Imperia ate it all up For the nor Monarch held an unalienable place in their hearts

Cloudhawk, however, was reminded of Desmond's words He wondered what happened to hi's Enforcers

“You are about to be admitted into Imperia Besides a few restricted areas, you are free to do what you like and go where you please Rerand city iveness will come to you”

With this final warning offered, the er put a small horn to his lips and blew The visitors all felt a powerful gust of wind sweep by overhead

Several enor fors, with a wingspan a hundred e, and three heads each Strangely, each head was a different color They each worked harmoniously and filled the area with a sense of power

The three-headed rocs served as airshi+ps They glided to the base of the God Tree, buffeting the croith fierce winds They landed with force enough toall around

“Do not be afraid!” The er tried to soothe the newcomers “These divine beasts dithin the God Tree and protect our ho you into the city”

It seeent, for they needed no orders to bow and allow the hus With a mixture of excitement and trepidation the visitors clambered onto the backs of this incredible creatures

Each roc could carry roughly two hundred people