The threesome made their way up the abandoned spiral stairway inside the tower and emerged in a circular courtyard. They were surrounded by a proliferation of round huts built upon one another in an irregular manner. There were so many of these shacks and shanties stacked high overhead that the dwellings formed a conical bowl that towered up toward the moody sky. In the dim glow that emanated from the numerous windows, Eva could tell that the bottom huts were storefronts and that the travelers had arrived in the middle of an open-air marketplace. Many of the shops were closed, their colorful cloth signage swaying quietly on the abandoned plaza.

“What simple domiciles,” Muthr said, observing the architecture. “Yet there is an exquisite intricacy in how they are all intertwined with one another.”

“It’s amazing!” Eva’s voice rang through the quiet square as she captured holograms with her Omnipod. “Can we look around?”

“Not until we find out about Besteel, and put that infernal device away!” Rovender barked.

“What?” Eva dropped the Omnipod so that it hung from her wrist. “I’m not doing any harm.”

“I know.” Rovender stared up into the pitchy night. “But Besteel may be able to sense the electrical charge that your device emits. Now stay close. We are almost there.”

He scanned the area, then ushered Eva and Muthr to a shaky staircase that led up to a lighted circular doorway on the second tier of huts. Rovender appeared anxious as he helped Muthr up the last few steps. He waved his hand over a blue light embedded in the door, and it switched to yellow. A voice within replied, “Enters.” Rovender swung the thick door open, and the trio stepped inside.

A smell like wet rotting flowers permeated the air as they entered the cozy, dimly lit home. The antechamber was constructed from a series of wooden circular archways woven together to form the ceiling and walls. A curtained doorway separated the trio from the rest of the home, and Eva could hear several voices chatting behind it. A lone Halcyonus emerged through the thin curtains into the lighted entry, allowing Eva to take in the creature’s physical details. The individual was draped in brightly patterned fabric, which only enhanced the distinct markings of its skin. Eva also realized that the Halcyonus had two mouths—one on top of the head below the nostrils, which she could hear breathing, and one lower, which she soon learned was used for speaking.

“Rovender Kitts!” said the female, for that is what Eva determined she was. “So good to sees you agains.”

“Hostia Haveport.” Rovender approached her with his hand raised. Both pressed their flat palms together in a greeting. “It does my weary spirit good to see you again. Tell me, how is your family?”

“They are all well. Holds on,” Hostia said. “Zooze! Zoozi! Rovender is here!”