Chapter 17. The Colossus

CYRUS

Present. Iridu, the Paradise of Dragons.

If I could still the hands of time, I would for this moment, for the beauty of Iridu is worth admiring for an eternity. All her buildings are pure white, almost superimposing each other—due to the distinct landscape with hilly topography—and as I march down the gentle declivities of the street lanes, it is as though I am descending into the bowels of heaven.

Petals of varying shades glide in the air, some brushing against my face as a crowd of people chant a sweet rhyme I do not know, lining the street, all clad in pristine white, many of whom hold baskets full of flower petals while others dance and wave palm fronts in the air.

A gentle breeze sizzles by, accompanied by the thick clouds blocking the sun’s breath, as the sounds of beating drums, timbrels, a harpsichord, and other musical instruments I do not recognize join to create a celestial atmosphere.

“Behold! The Almighty Cargne!” Assad exclaims. “Oh,