Since the beginning of winter, Aldernon has experienced two consecutive major drops in temperature, causing the city to shed all its autumn colors. A layer of withered yellow and gray tones covers the streets and alleys, while the mist, as in every past year, promptly shrouds the city on the plains—from the high towers of the Obsidian Palace, the densely packed rooftops and distant towers once again become vague silhouettes and islands in the sea of fog, carrying an unreal indistinctness.
Emperor Rosetta Augustus stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in his study, looking silently in the direction of the church district, while the religious building with its iron-gray spire stood in mute companionship.
