Arthur lay on the raised platform, the cold metal beneath him sending him drifting into his thoughts. Since the trial, every day had blurred into the next, the new world sinking deep in his bones. He spent his time in rooms like this one, vast and gleaming, with walls a pristine white that reflected the bright glow of overhead lights. The air smelled so clean and sharp too that it felt like it was scrubbing the germs out of his nose.
The Citadel of Wisdom, Arthur thought. He had never seen anything like it on Earth. Sure, there were universities, libraries, laboratories, and research centers scattered on Earth, but nothing compared to this. The Citadel was a fusion of all those and more. He was like a child again, wandering the halls of the old library in his hometown.
He had spent days now in this grand structure, watching the Erudyms in their long cloaks and robes scurry about like the scholars they were. In the beginning, he had been tense, waiting for news of his brother, hoping for a way back home. But the longer he stayed, the more the routine of this place settled into his bones. He was treated with respect, given the freedom to roam, and the knowledge he gained about this new world was invaluable. There were things to see here, and things to observe. If only he could read their glyphs, he could very well be that Veilian spy.
"Close your eyes, Arthur," Xalvator said.
Arthur closed his eyes. The ceilings were blinding anyway. Archerudym Xalvator had been studying him for the past days. They were scanning his biological makeup as he lay on the platform. There were many machines surrounding him—stark and sleek—and one in particular moved above him like a hand, its multitude of tiny, precise fingers poking and examining him.
"Close... just close them..." Xalvator's voice echoed from far away. The Vitalis Head was the only one speaking to him among the Erudyms working in the room. "Don't open them. Face scans are dangerous to the eyes, truly dangerous."
Arthur liked Xalvator more than the other Archerudyms he had met since the trial. Some he hadn't met at all, and those he had encountered weren't any better. Something about Xalvator just seems right. He was kind, and Arthur had spent most of his days in his laboratory. Life in the Citadel, Arthur concluded, was good. The food was free, he lounges anytime, and he had a place to sleep that didn't cost him anything.
"It's done," Xalvator said. "I must say, your ears are most peculiar. Most peculiar. How do you handle loud noises?"
Arthur rubbed his eyes. "I cover them." He glanced at Xalvator's cow-like ears. "I assume yours muffle the noise by default."
"Haha! Something like that." Xalvator said. "I'll begin studying your ears tomorrow. I imagine sound waves travel through them differently than ours, truly?"
Arthur simply smiled and nodded. He'd learned about such things in high school, but the information had never really stuck with him. His heart had always been drawn to history.
Archerudym Xalvator worked the machine in his clean white robes. His bluish-grey skin gave him a youthful appearance, and his slender face, sharp nose, and dangling ears made his head seem long. Though the Vitalis Head appeared young, his long grey hair falling down his back made his age a curiousity.
"So, how do you find the Citadel, Arthur?" Xalvator asked as he adjusted a strange metallic device hovering over Arthur's chest.
Arthur shifted slightly, looking past Xalvator at the vast glass shelves of instruments and bottled liquids that lined the chamber. "I like it!" He decided.
"Truly?"
"It's not what I expected. I do wonder what life is like out in the City."
Xalvator's hands moved smoothly over the controls. "Wild, truly wild. Eldarion is both a city and a region. It's an amalgamation of many cities that merged as our population grew. But don't quote me on that! Haha! If you want to explore Eldarion, it won't be possible in just a day. We may escort you and plan a trip, though I fear Rashil won't be thrilled with the idea."
"Is he the one with the woven mask?"
"Truly! Haha! Those old men think that just because they've been in the Conclave long enough, their words carry more weight than the rest. It's absurd, truly absurd! I imagine our trial proceedings left quite an impression on you."
Arthur frowned, recalling the day in the grand court. "They were hostile. They spoke but hid behind those masks. It was unnerving. I wonder why you wear them."
"It's tradition," Xalvator explained, looking at Arthur. "Each branch of the Erudyms wears a specific mask during official proceedings like trials. It's part of our heritage, a way to polish the past, you know." He paused before listing them. "For example, I wore the gas mask because I am the head of Vitalis, the branch dedicated to life sciences and medicine. The Calculor Head wears the smooth plate mask. Agronomics has the woven basket mask. The Sphere-head is Aetheral, the sculpted face mask belongs to the Archivis, and the caged head is Wildurgy."
"The caged head was so hostile," Arthur remarked.
"Haha! Archerudym Daron. He's as wild as the animals he studies, truly. Protective too, too protective. The cage helm was designed to protect Erudyms who study all kinds of beasts. That's the origin of that face cover. Each of our masks has a unique story to them, truly unique."
"But why was he so angry with me?" Arthur asked.
"Too much caution and fear, I suppose. His brother died a few years ago, and Archerudym Daron has never been the same. The wild beasts of the Wander tore him apart, and left Daron torn to pieces inside. It was heartbreaking, truly heartbreaking. That's probably why he's wary of you. You came from the Wander, did you know that? You and your brother. The ancient stones are located there."
Arthur didn't respond right away, his mind stuck on the mention of Victor. His brother had escaped, leaving him behind in this strange place. Where are you? Every day, Arthur grew more anxious about his brother's fate. What if the beasts of this world had devoured him? He shook the thought from his head. Victor is a soldier; he'll adapt. He probably knows more about how we got here than I do. Arthur clenched his jaws. Operation Door. Arthur thought he was a fool for not picking up on the hint sooner. The government knew what the ancient blackstone could do; they just wanted to understand it better. I wonder how much these Erudyms know...
As if sensing Arthur's thoughts, Xalvator's tone shifted. "Speaking of Victor...the City Watchers had a recent encounter with him. He's...extremely wanted right now. Several officers were killed when they found him. Many are on edge, and it's putting a lot of pressure on us."
Arthur stiffened. "Is he captured?"
"No...no. Your brother is resourceful. I can't say for certain what happened, but I heard he had help from some locals. Do you know anything about that, Arthur?"
"I... I don't. We both arrived here at the same time, didn't we? Whatever he did before I woke up must've been part of his grand escape. I don't know anything about his intentions." But Arthur wondered if Victor knew where they were and what was really happening beneath the surface. Who were these locals that helped him?
"The torches' lit, truly. The Watchers will find him soon. They'll have to, especially with the Granderudym arriving shortly. The sails caught the wind this time. His presence will make things...complicated if your brother is still at large."
"Well, I hope you find him soon."
After a moment, Xalvator stepped back and powered down the scanning device. He walked over to Arthur. "That's the last of today's tests," he said, offering Arthur a gloved hand to help him off the platform. "You've been very cooperative, Arthur. I truly appreciate it."
Arthur took the offered hand and slid off the platform. What does Victor know? As Xalvator turned to store the equipment, he added casually, "Fancy silencing the growl? This session truly angered my stomach."
"What?" Arthut snapped out of his thoughts.
Xalvator looked as confused as he was for a moment until he breaks it off with, "Haha! I meant I'm hungry! Fancy grabbing something to eat?"
"Yeah, sure," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. Xalvator tasked the other Erudyms in the lab to tidy up as they left.
"I heard you're meeting Archerudym Styron at noon?" Xalvator asked as they walked the hallways. Arthur's securty guard following them.
"Yeah, he mentioned it yesterday," Arthur replied. "He's the Archivis Head, right?"
Xalvator nodded, pushing open the heavy door. "Truly, the one with the sculpted mask. I'm sure he'll have a lot to say about Vestus. The man's a gabbler."
Arthur spent his lunch time chatting with Xalvator, even though he doesn't understand most words and phrases he use. When he was done with it, he went to the Library of the Citadel to meet the Archivis Head. Technically, he was free to roam the halls of the Citadel, but Athur's sure they tasked someone to watch him. He knows they're not stupid to let an alien wander off without knowing where he goes.
The Citadel housed ten buildings. Six were dedicated to the schools of knowledge, one served as an apartment for the Erudyms, and another was a public space accessible to other vemans who want to learn. Arthut hadn't been to the last two yet, but overheard the one is also a public space. As he walked through the common halls, he made his way to the Archivis School of Knowledge.
There were Erudyms who welcomed him at the entrance and took him to a sitting old man. "Arthur of Earth!" Exclaimed the old man as he stood on his cane. "Oh, it is an honor to finaly meet you! I'm Archerudym Styron, the Archivis Head!"
Archerudym Styron was an old grey veman, his robes and cloaks and other linens layering his body was brown like parchment. He could see faint hints of patterns designing the fabric, but they were too faded to be understood. At the fringes his cloak were what looked like glyphs. If only he could read them.
"Let me show you to the Library of the Citadel."
Arthur followed Styron inside the grand hall. The library was so vast it seemed to stretch into eternity, its towering shelves crammed with ancient books, scrolls, and artifacts. Chandeliers hung in clusters overhead, their soft, warm light casting a golden glow over the polished floors and levels spiraling upward, connected by winding staircases and suspended walkways. There was life in every corner—lush green plants draped from railings and balconies, mingling with the scent of coffee that drifted through the air like a gentle breeze. Arthur reached for his groin to check if he had pissed himself at the sight.
"Apologies. Oh, I am so sorry for meeting you so late, Arthur. Cleaning the library is...tiresome these days. It is." Styron said. "Most of our records are digitized now, as you may have noticed. The old halls are not visited as often as they used to be."
Not VISITED?!? Arthur could only gape his mouth wide open. This is a MARVEL to behold!
The place wasn't just a library—strange relics were everywhere, hanging from the ceilings, mounted on the walls. Old bones, small and gigantic, were everywhere. Some massive sea creatures suspended in the air, others like dragons and handor beasts standing mightily over platforms.
As they continued to walk, Arthur's eyes wandered over more wonders. Marble sculptures, perfectly carved, lined the paths between the towering shelves—figures of gods, warriors, kings, and scholars. Paintings adorned the walls too, some depicting scenes of war while others captured moments of love. There were paintings of the heavens too, of the stars and moon and other celestial wonders.
The place was truly a sight to behold, and something inside him stirred in amazement. A flush of red covered his face. He adjusted his walk to hide his strange, involuntary reaction.
They turned left into a vast, open space where the towering shelves faded away, revealing a stunning marble floor painted with map of a continent. The map spread beneath Arthur's feet, its rivers, mountains, and forests rendered in breathtaking detail. Words are written too, naming Cities, regions and landmarks, but Arthur does not know how to read them.
"Welcome to Vestus, Arthur." Archerudym Styron said, gesturing at the grand map spread before them. "The Archivis of the Citadel are responsible in keeping records of our History, Geography, and Literature of the known World."
"This is magnificent work, Erudym Styron!" Arthur said. "I've seen grand maps back on Earth, but not as grand as this is!"
"Flattering, oh it is! But the proper title would be Archerudym." Styron said. "It can be shorten to 'Arch.' and Erudym into 'Er.' just like Mister into Sir. I do believe your language does not use the word Erudym. Is it?"
"Yeah, you're right. Erudym. It's an interesting word, I've give you that. But I have a question, if you don't mind, Arch. Styron."
"Curious! I love it! Be my guest." The old man gave a soft smile as servants come into the room and arranged around them some table and chairs. There were six chairs put into place and Arthur wondered if the other Archerudyms will join them.
"On Earth, there are three major languages: The common tongue, the eastern tongue, and the Iztimè tongue." The two of them sat across each other. "Each has different variants from country to country, but essentially similar to the core. From where I'm from, we speak the common tongue, as do most in my world. You go to a different continent, say Browoth, and they speak different variations of Iztimè. Then you go to the easternlands, Saiah, and they all speak the eastern tongue, with different variations of course."
The servants begun pouring some kind of coffee to the cups at the table. The aroma filled Arthur's soul and suddenly he wanted to retreat to his office and study some ancient pottery again. Archerudym Styron took a sip from his own cup and Arthur played his drink for a moment.
"I want to ask, how in this world you speak the common tongue?? Has the Lodarians colonized you too?" Arthur chuckled. "I mean historically speaking, in Earth, the Lodarians spread the language which we now call the ancient tongue through conquest."
"Hah!" Styron set his cup down. "Curious! I've been mulling over that as well, and it led me to an interesting conclusion. You see, what you call the 'Common Tongue,' we know as the 'Ancient Tongue.' Oh yes, it is. It was the trade language long before the Age of Kings. Over time, though, it faded away.
"Most religious texts were written in it, so about 300 years ago, a priest, rather keen on the matter, commissioned our order to study it. After we published a book on it, well—hah!—it caught on like wildfire. Now, 300 years later, it is the trade language across the five realms."
Arthur processed that as he nods and drank his cup. "A language that died and came back to life."
"Hah! Just like the Othoroloh." Styron said.
"Must've been that in the ancient days, our world were connected, and traded with each other using the same language. It's a luck ours survived and yours came back."
"Mmh, it is not 'luck', I dare say, Arthur—rather 'fate'. The Blackstones that once might've linked our worlds have brought you here, at the Age when our species can understand each other. It is quite the enigma."
"Fate." Arthur chuckled. Such things were ridiculous. "I take you for a man of reason, Archerudym."
Styron smiled. "Hah! When you study history long enough, son, you realize chance plays its part so often, it starts to feel like a loaded dice. Too many random turns of luck, and you begin to wonder if it was ever luck at all—or something larger at work."
Arthur would not agree so he simply scoffed politely.
"History flows like river, son." Styron added.
Arthur chuckled. "I thought thats suppose to be time."
"It flows like river, son, because history is predictable. It follows the same path over and over again. It is our wonderful tragedy. It is."
He paused, tapping his cane to the marble floor. "Speaking of wonder, your arrival through the Blackstones is an unprecedented event for us. It is! As you may have guessed, those ancient stones are not well understood, even after centuries of study. That's why I tasked my Erudyms with revisiting the debates surrounding them—debates that go back more than 300 years. It is my hope that through revisiting the old knowledge, we might find some answers about your arrival."
There were four people who discreetly came as Arthur drained his cup of coffee. It was unusual to drink this type of hot beverage at the height of noon, but being in an alien world that spoke the Lodarian language, drinking coffee at this time seemed the least unusual thing. Maybe this debate would actually clear things up.
"Let's visit them, then, Sir Archerudym." He still couldn't quite get his tongue around that title.
"Wonderful!" Styron gestured to the four young scholars who had quietly taken their seats around the table. "Each of them has studied the old texts, theories, and records about the Blackstones. And now, Arthur, we will test their knowledge! Oh yes, we will! Perhaps in the process, you and I will gain fresh insights about how those stones could be linked to your journey from Earth."
Arthur glanced at the scholars. They were young and nervous. One particular is a lady with a pretty face and dazzling hair. Styron turned to the first Erudym. "Er. Delron, let's start with what we know about the Blackstones."
Delron, adjusting his brown cape nervously, cleared his throat. "Yes, Arch. The Blackstones are an ancient structure found on the Wanderways. They've been there for thousands of years, though their exact age is unknown. They've been presided over by House Galvar of Yestermoon during the Age of Kings. Later, during the Age of Swords, the Freehold of the North took control. Then it was breifly held by the Veilians during the... uhm... Sunset War. Yes."
Delron begun scratching the back of his head. "After the war, the Freehold Republic oversaw the structure and passed laws protecting it due to its historical and cultural significance. And… uhm.. yes. They've been studied ever since, but much remains a mystery."
Styron gave a slight nod, letting Delron off the hook. "Accurate, oh yes! Their history is well-documented, but their purpose… not so much. Moving on. Er. Eynon, tell him, what's the most significant point of debate surrounding the Blackstones?"
Eynon had a lighter-grey skin compared to the two young men. "The main controversy, Arthur, is about the origin of the stones. Some historians believe the Blackstones were part of a larger structure—possibly a gateway to a long-lost kingdom. There are old texts that suggest House Galvar chose to build Yestermoon near the site because it once served as a capital of this forgotten kingdom. The rectangular shape of the stones leads many to believe they formed an entrance gate, perhaps to a grand castle of long lost Kings."
Eynon smiled slightly at Arthur. "But this would put that lost-kingdom's fall before the Age of Kings, which wouldn't be too fitting. It's still speculation at this point. We have no solid evidence to confirm that theory, though it's the one most archivis lean toward."
Arthur nodded as he toyed his cup, hoping for the servant to return and fill it again.
"Mmmh, glorious, isn't it? Oh I love this theory!" Styron said. "But, moving on... Er. Raplyn, share with us some of the alternative theories."
Raplyn fixed his notes and hid them in his cloak. He's dark-grey and a bit older than the rest. "Of course, Arch. Now, while most folks like the idea of a lost kingdom, there are those who think the stones were never part of any royal structure. Some argue they were a place of worship, maybe dedicated to a deity of order or precision. The locals near Yestermoon are recorded to have worshipped the stones for centuries. Even House Galvar adopted the Blackstones into their sigil, and some says they view it as a sacred place."
Raplyn snickered, adding, "But if those stones were so sacred, they sure didn't help the Galvars keep their power. That house fell among many others."
Arthur smiled at Raplyn's bluntness. He remembered the priest of the old Lodarian gods claiming the same foolish things back on Earth. Will I ever return?
"A heresy! Some would say, isn't it?" Styron acknowledged, "Divine or not, the stones have endured. Oh yes, they did. But let's hear another perspective. Er. Galanel, tell Arthur about the more naturalistic explanation."
Galanel's bluish-grey skin and tiny long ears were attractive. "Some scholars believe the Blackstones aren't man-made at all. There's a theory that they're a natural formation—volcanic rock or something else that solidified over time. The rectangular shape could have formed naturally, and later civilizations might have refined or altered them."
She looked at Arthur, and he drowned in her deep blue eyes. "It's not the most popular theory because it doesn't have the allure of a lost kingdom or divine origins. But it would explain why they've stood for so long, outlasting every civilization that claimed them."
Arthur leaned back. "A natural formation that became something more over time… I can see why people might not want to believe it. I've investigated the blackstones on Earth in the brief time I had. That's my initial assumption, but the longer I looked, the more it seemed unnatural. It glowed red within, and I don't know any kind of rock that does that."
The five Erudyms looked at each other a bit confused.
"Glowed?" Acherudym Styron asked. "Did I heard you right? The stone glowed?"
"Yes... why?"
"Oh, isn't that just thrilling!" The Archerudym looked at his four Erudyms as he tapped his cane against the marble floor. "You see, Arthur, there are claims about that too, but they were always been set aside as folk lores and old legends. It is! Never seen it myself, and neither the Archivis Heads before me. The blackstones had always been dry and old. Oh, it is a wonder!"
"We might have to look into that, Arch." Arthur said. "I am certain of the glow. I do think it's a form of ancient technology that binds worlds together. The glow I saw was probably it's ignition."
"Mmmh... Ancient Techonolgy..." Styron rubbed his clean shaven chin. "Oh, it is an interesting hypothesis you got, Arthur! There's a lot of digging we have to do here, oh yes. I want you to help us. Hah! Archerudym Jyn will shit himself if this is true!"
The Erudyms laughed, even Galanel, but Arthur did not understand the jest. He picked his empty cup of coffee, realizing how big this world is. He barely knows a thing and he's here solving a grand ancient mystery just to go home. Why not savor the coffee first before swallowing it whole?