The Day the Waves Fell Still

After the vast cargo fleet departed, the docklands beneath the night sky seemed quieter than ever—all the heavy loading equipment had been shut down, nonessential personnel had withdrawn from the work zones, and now, aside from the necessary watch teams, only gas lamps stood in rows along both sides of the roads, keeping vigil over the city.

Down the slope on the southern side of the docks, past a long flight of steps, lay a shore covered in fine sand. Back when sunlight still shone, citizens often came here to rest.

But now there was only a deathly silent beach and a dark, heavy sea beneath the night. The briny, frigid wind blew in from that boundless darkness, seemingly carrying suspicious sobs within it. Broken waves struck the distant reefs along the shore, raising unsettled foam that gleamed corpse-pale beneath the cold radiance of World's Creation.

Stern-faced guards watched over every path leading to the shore. Holding lanterns and swords, they vigilantly observed the endless night beyond the city-state.

"The shore has been sealed off," a fully armed Knowledge Guardian said as he stopped Taran El. He shone his lantern on the Grand Scholar's face, cautiously confirming the shape of his features and the number of his eyes. "It's very dang... Your Excellency the Keeper of Secrets?"

The dutiful night watchman finally noticed the figure following behind Taran. In the lantern's glow, he saw Ted Riel's face with surprise.

"We're taking a walk along the shore," Ted Riel said, giving the guard a slight nod. "We'll be back within an hour."

"...You may pass, but this gentleman needs to present authorization," the Knowledge Guardian said after a moment's hesitation, still looking at Taran El with rigid seriousness. "No one passes without clearance."

"I'm Taran El, a professor at the academy.