Prologue

Prologue

            The balloon descended slowly, quietly dropping from atop the North peaks and seemingly absorbing the beautiful portrait that was Lamberdine. The sun was falling in line with us, casting a thick sheen of fading pink-orange atop the many rooftop shingles, invigorating the tried, weather bricks into eclectic squares of unfettered color. The people in the streets, hardly visible save for their collected movement, moved in a harmony befitting the view from the gliding craft, as though symbols of the straight and direct beauty that enamored onto Lamberdine every evening.

            As we fell, we came to measure the same height as the Academy. Opal and white, clean and inspiring, majestic and proud, the Academy looked down upon Lamberdine from the highest peak in all Lamberdine, and with proud faith Lamberdine looked up toward it. It was where our nation remained our own, where the republic operated, where the Magi conversed, where the structure of our dreams continued to stand.

            It's appearance befit that of Lamberdine's own image of its great nation, and the people that led it. Most important was the flag strung atop the cliff, massive, gracefully sweeping in the gentle winds across the high peak and over the roads, the bright yellow "X" and orange background capturing always the wondrous sunset we'd always known and admired.

            Nearing the ground, I turned away from the view and looked upon my crew; they were tired, and completely uncaring of the descent as always; our lives as mercenaries had demanded as much.

            Elex stood upon the other end of the basket, watching the cliff face return to its massive glory, a cigarette tucked into his mouth. Katdja cleaned her daggers, spreading the sharp, bright blades again and again against a soft fabric. And the twins sat quiet, Acai napping with his head against the ground while Anber sat taut and reserved in her own quiet.

            Watching them, I felt a smile form. Again, we were all returning home, alive, safe, and richer then ever.

            Life was good.