After leaving the church, the group did not return to the manor, instead heading to Belinder Big Ben in the city center. Just as the man who had tried to sell Shade "Eternal Light" had said when Shade first arrived here, it was not open to the public. Only important members of the Belinder Family and the City Council could enter.
As evening approached, Council Square was packed with people. Seeing that it was getting late, Shade had intended to bid them farewell and leave, then find Mr. Bernhardt to tell him about the Dragon Devouring Order. But the witch insisted that Shade stay:
"You helped me today, so I want to show you my favorite thing in this city."
The clock tower doors opened, and the Tower Keeper respectfully watched the group enter. The elevator, powered by a high-output Steam Engine underground, stood at the very back. Even with all seven of them on it, it did not feel crowded.
Miss Matilda pulled the gate switch on a nearby pillar. Amid the rumbling from underground, the elevator smoothly carried everyone from the bottom floor to the top.
On the observation terrace, Shade and the witch stood together by the railing, looking over the city in the sunset. On the nearby Tatton River, sailors and towmen had already finished work. In the distance above the Dock Area, flocks of seagulls could still be seen wheeling through the air. Council Square bustled with people; vendors, speakers addressing the crowd from raised platforms, and travelers from elsewhere all watched this unusual sight.
"The view here really is quite nice."
Shade commented, but that was not what Miss Belinder was thinking about at the moment:
"Do you know? Aunt just refused me again."
Shade looked at her in surprise. He had not expected