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poll-ventures · 1 year

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Perdition 1.7

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I nodded.

Isaiah took my hand, the smile burning on his lips revealing his teeth.

As he touched me, I felt a shiver go through my entire body. I stood quickly, then paused, rolling my shoulders in amazement. For the last ten hours, I’d felt like I was swimming through honey. Now, I felt like I could run a mile.

Isaiah chuckled. “Looks like it’s already taken a toll on you. Let’s get you right.” He looked down at me sympathetically, relaxed. The federal agent dozing not a few feet behind him shuffled slightly.

I glanced at his teeth again, bright even under the poor lighting, thanks to his boyish smile. I couldn’t shake the feeling I’d seen something there, for just a moment as he’d touched me.

Fangs.

Walking out Old Hill Police department’s cell block, we passed Kim. A commercial was playing on her tiny T.V., and she was watching it unblinking.

Isaiah strolled idly past her, holding the door open for me with a flourish and a bow. I cautiously stepped forward, looking upward at the ceiling for cameras.

Not for the first time that day, I wondered what the fuck I was doing. “Why are we getting away with this? What the hell is going on?”

He paused at the door, still holding it open like an over eager butler. His smile faded, and he said, “We’re getting you out of here.” He bit his lip. “We’ll worry about repercussions later, okay?” Just as quick, another smile rose to his lips, his moment's hesitation vanishing.

I blinked, looking up at his black ball cap with the Fugheddi’s logo on it. “You work for Fugheddi’s?”

He nodded, smile widening slightly. “Good thing you called.” He paused, shrugging. “Course, we already knew where you were, but still. Quite the coincidence! Now c’mon, let’s get you cleaned up.” He stepped back from the door, allowing me to pass.

For some godforsaken reason, I trusted him. I slipped past him, leaving the building.

The sun had long ago set on Old Hill, slipping from the sky, and into the mountain’s purview. The parking lot was empty, save for Horne’s cruiser, a black sedan, and a parked motorcycle.

The air nipped at me, colder now that the only illumination was the bright LED streetlights. It was a cloudy night, but the light of the moon still bled through the swiftly moving clouds.

I looked behind me to Isaiah, who was comfortably walking in a short sleeved shirt and jeans. Behind him, loomed the mountain. The dark mass of the Appalachian mountains painted the west blacker than a starless sky. Its details were enigmatic, shapeless, a broadly painted wall of darkness that devoured the western horizon.

I walked toward the parking lot, eyeing the rock lit by its own miniature spotlight. Isaiah sped past me, hopping onto the rock, then hopping off of it just as quick, untied shoelaces flying through the air.

His shoe left a thin layer of dirt on the Old Hill city crest carved into the rock. I sped up to keep pace with him, until he ran past the black sedan and stepped up to the side of the shiny black and red motorcycle.

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me,” I said, stopping in my tracks.

“What? Oh!” he clapped a hand onto his head, leaning back in exaggerated annoyance. “I forgot, you have a thing with cars.”

“This isn’t--This isn’t even a car! And how do you know that?!” I threw my hands up, stomping my foot. “I don’t even have my phone or wallet! What the fuck is this plan, anyway? You know how fucked I am if we ever get caught? And I doubt-”

He cut me off, stepping closer to me and placing a hand on my shoulder. “Hey,” he said calmly. “I got your stuff.” He cocked his head towards the saddlebags on his motorcycle. “It’s all good. We just have to go. Got it?” He smiled, unblinking as he stared into my eyes. It left me uncomfortable, his touch cold, even through my puffy jacket’s arm.

“Fine. I just… Can we walk? I’m not going on that thing.”

He sighed, shaking his head. “We don’t have time for-,” he groaned, then returned to staring into my eyes.

On instinct, I closed them, right before he spoke. “No! You are not doing that shit to me.” I shook my head furiously as he grabbed both my shoulders.

“C’mon, Parker, we need to fucking go! It’s easier this way, just, open your eyes! It makes it much easier, and you won’t even be scared. You won’t feel a thing, I promise.” He said all this very fast, grabbing my shoulders.

“No. I’ve seen what it does to people, and I don’t-”

I felt two fingers quickly and gently press into my eye, pulling back the eyelid swiftly. For a moment, before I pushed his hand away from my face, Isaiah’s eyes met mine. In that split second, Isaiah spat the word “(Sit!)”.

I felt a freezing warmth spread throughout my body, starting in my head, then pouring slowly down my arms and into my legs. I fought that coldness, his prickling word, (Sit, sit, sit, sit, sit!) but it was too strong. I felt it take hold in my heart, then twist.

Suddenly, I was sitting on the cold cement of the curb. Staring off into space, I saw out of the corner of my eye as Isaiah sighed, then bent to pick me up, heaving me onto the back of the motorcycle.

“That was harder than it should’ve been,” he grunted. With me on the motorcycle, he dusted his thin black jeans off. “She fed you way too much.”

I ignored his words, feeling a sudden spike of panic. Was I sitting? I wasn’t sure. The polished leather of the motorcycle’s seat chafed at my thighs, and I wasn’t technically standing… I adjusted my legs to be on the pegs of the vehicle, to be sure. That counted more as sitting, right? God, I hoped so. I just needed to sit.

You laughed shrilly. It felt good.

As Isaiah mounted the beast, it rumbled to life, coughing out smoke as we swiftly pulled out of the parking lot.

****

“When is a door not a door?

When it is ajar.

When is a horse not a horse?

When it is a…”

I blinked. Where had my mind gone? We were driving past blurry, single streetlight parks and darkened strip malls, driving fast into the heart of downtown, up into the foothills of the mountain.

“Jesus, slow down!” I pounded on the back of whoever I was clinging to desperately, shouting as I straddled the lower half of the motorcycle I was suddenly on. “Slow down!”

He looked back at me, and revved the bike, laughing loudly. The wind made the hem of his black shirt flutter as he took a left turn, leaning dangerously into the curve.

I felt more than I saw the asphalt rush up toward my face, and heard the hum of the wheels changing in pitch as less of the rubber made contact with the road. Isaiah--that was his name, Isaiah--slipped his bare left hand off of the handlebar to brush lightly against the road as we hugged the curve.

As we came out of the curve, he slammed his hand against the road, throwing us back up into verticality. I screamed as the motorcycle straightened, tightening my grasp around his stomach. “Slow the fuck down!”

Then, the nearly deafening sound of the motorcycle died. My scream rang out into the empty parking lot the left turn had landed us in. I looked around as the motorcycle slowed.

We were in Old Hill General Hospital’s parking lot. The building’s core was old, new wings radiating outward from the center. Each was more advanced, cleaner and fancier. They had been built with the same pace as the booms Old Hill had seen, originally built at the same time as the mines.

The hospital had expanded with the first boom in the 1910’s, then again in the 1940’s, 1970’s, and most recently the 2000’s. A sudden surge of a few thousand mine workers meant a need for a bigger hospital. It was one of the oldest buildings in Old Hill, or so the city records in the town museum said.

Isaiah stuck his feet out as the motorcycle rolled to a stop, and I leapt off before it did. I remained silent as the last fumes of the motorcycle were swept away from us by the cold, midnight wind. The parking lot was silent now, just three cars near the entrance.

The mountain still loomed high above us, closer now.

Nervously, I glanced down the street where we’d come from. No police. I rubbed my head, then stopped as I felt my scab crackle. A thin, fresh bead of blood trickled down my forehead. I wiped it away, then turned to Isaiah, who had a finger out in a silencing gesture.

I bit my tongue, looking at him with a disapproving glare.

He smiled from atop his bike, infuriatingly. “Answers, soon.” He held the right handlebar, and was carefully rolling the bike up onto the sidewalk of the parking lot.

It lead down a steep, short hill, to underground parking for employees. The entrance was covered with a metal shutter, a security door to the right.

He looked back at me, waving for me to follow. I looked back to the street we’d come from, watching a car pull up to the intersection, stopping for a red light. As I hurriedly walked to Isaiah, he rolled down the steep hill, kicking his feet up as he went.

When I caught up to him in front of the security entrance, he’d gotten off his bike, and was peering through the bulletproof pane of glass into the underground parking.

“Hey,” I said forcefully enough that he’d look at me.

His smile was tiny, but still there. “Howdy,” he said. “What’d you think of the ride?”

I glowered. “Never do that to me again. Whatever you did, back there, to make me sit? Never again.”

He raised his hands in a placating gesture, smile gone as he put his full attention on me. “I promise, it’s not going to happen again. I just needed to get us out of there, and fast. Sometimes-” he sighed, cutting himself short as he glanced upward.

I followed his gaze, spotting a bulbous camera, sprouting off the side of the wall like a watchful tumor.

He straightened out his long black shirt, dusting off his hands as he let his motorcycle rest on its kickstand. “I’m just saying, it was an emergency. I can’t talk, but I will later.”

“You fucking better,” I said, stepping closer to him. “You know how fucked I am if you get me caught?”

“Oh, you’re fucked?” His smile returned, now with a healthy shake of painful mirth. “I really went out on a limb to-”

There was a heavy, metallic click as the door opened, swinging slowly past the motorcycle to reveal a short, twenty something woman in a black leather jacket and thick blue jeans. She stared up at Isaiah, a wave of exasperation rolling off of her.

“You’re late,” she said, in a higher pitched voice than I was expecting. Her leather gloves wrinkled as her hand tightened around the pull bar of the door. Her brown hair bobbed as she shook her head, it was cinched into a high, tight bun.

“I told you, I get here when I get here.” He jockeyed past her, forcing her to make room for his bike as he did so.

“Are you coming?” She stared up at me impatiently with a large, accusatory nose.

I blinked, then nodded. I sidled past her into the parking garage.

The door closed with a thunk, echoing out loudly into the dark room. Isaiah strolled past empty parking spots, warm yellow light rolling across his cap and gleaming across the metal of the motorcycle.

The wheels squeaked softly as they rolled their way across the lot, leaving a line in the dust that had settled on the neglected cement. The woman followed behind, taking long strides to catch up to Isaiah. I brought up the rear, slowly.

“No scrapes?” she asked, putting a careful hand on the motorcycle as she strolled.

“Just on me,” Isaiah said, and I could hear the grin curling his mouth. He showed her his left hand, and the layers of skin his little stunt had cost him. “But I’m getting better with it.”

She frowned. “You need to show her respect. She-”

“It knows when you’re scared, yes,” he interrupted. “Heard.” He took his right hand from the handlebar, offering it to her.

She shook her head and slowed as they reached a patch of filthy wires next to the elevators. “You need her more than I do.”

Isaiah smirked, leaving her bike to rest on its kickstand again. With the woman’s help, he pulled away the patch of rotted wires, revealing a rusted metal service door that looked like it hadn’t been used in decades.

The lady turned to me. “Turn around,” she said.

“Why?” I asked, stepping back slightly.

“Just do it,” Isaiah said tiredly.

I turned, and heard a quiet rasp of metal on metal.

“You’re good,” he said.

I turned back to see the woman turning a big red knob. It opened with ease, hinges silent. The door had no keyholes.

Inside was a long, dark hallway that led into and past a maintenance tunnel of the hospital. This walkway wasn’t in the blueprint I’d seen, but it seemed old and unused. It was unlit, darkness stretching out from the vanishing point, maybe ten yards ahead.

“Fuck that,” I whispered.

The woman smiled wanly, then grabbed my shoulder. “It’s worth it.” Turning to, then nodding once to Isaiah, she walked forward into the thin gap of darkness until she vanished, then further until we could no longer hear her footsteps.

Isaiah shivered, staring into the blackness after her. Then he shrugged, taking a step forward. I grabbed him by the arm before he could push the bike into the tunnel.

“Now,” I said. “Tell me what the hell is going on. Who are you people, why do you know my name, and how do I factor in this mess?” I paused to breathe. “And what the hell is in there!?” I pointed violently into the wall of darkness.

He looked at me pleadingly, patting my hand where it lay on his arm for a moment. Again, I felt that shock, and pulled back from him. “It’s safe. I promise. As for everything else…” He looked into the tunnel, then back to me. “It’s easier to explain when we get there.”

“What? Why?” I sounded tired and confused.

“‘Cause, I can’t lie to you there.”

****

The motorcycle roared, filling the tiny gap of stone with its smoke and noise. Thin, desiccated wires lined the walls of the stone, linking long-dead light bulbs housed in thin iron cages together over the sightless miles. It must have been miles, because we had been driving for at least half an hour.

Sometimes, the tunnel would break off into a crossroad of stone paths. Isaiah would slow, then continue down one seemingly random direction. I was worried that we’d gotten turned around.

Once, a turn of the tunnel took us onto white, tiled floor, with functioning lights, insulated walls, and mysterious doors that were always locked. I recognized the design. We were under the university, long tunnels that connected the morgue underneath the school to the hospital.

This was by far the best kept portion of the tunnel, though still rife with decay at every step. Dead rats lined the sides of the tunnel, spiders painted webs across the close ceiling of rock.

Always, the tunnel had a draft: Some mysterious wind smelling of well water and old stone that whisked away the fumes from the motorcycle. Always, we rode down a slight decline, the tunnel diving deeper into the earth. The tunnel seemed to be getting smaller, just a few inches of empty air between us and the ceiling or walls at any given moment.

I had agreed to ride the motorcycle because we were going relatively slowly, and Isaiah insisted I should. It wasn’t much worse than a bicycle. “Do you know where we’re going?” I shouted over the thunder of the engine beneath us.

Isaiah nodded, smiling simply as he tapped the top of his black hat.

I looked past him doubtfully, staring into the darkness that even the headlight of the motorcycle failed to pierce.

We came upon another crossroads, where Isaiah didn’t even stop before turning down the rightmost path. He sped up, gripping the reins and bowing low to the body of the motorcycle. The stone hallway gradually melded into a more jagged cut, making me duck my head as we sped past the unlit torches.

For the first time in hours, the path diving into the mountain shifted upward. I felt the motorcycle strain as she began to climb, the lantern pinned to the front of her saddle swaying in rhythm with her gallop.

I craned my head above Isaiah’s shoulders as the tunnel grew tighter. He crouched further to the saddle, rearing his legs to spur the bike forward. I felt my stomach turn in fear at the speed. I could see light, twinkling down from the mouth of the tunnel, just seconds away.

As we crested the hill, I squinted at the end of the tunnel, staring into a vast vista.

Speeding toward the exit, my mind struggled to make sense of what I saw. I blinked, feeling the wind rush past me as we sped out of the tunnel and into the cavern. It was-

A castle. You were looking at a castle, no, the castle. The one you had come from. This came unbidden, from a long, distant memory; nearly gone, but never forgotten. Thick, stone ramparts guarded smaller, radiating rings of towers and buildings inside, each larger than the last, and all surrounded by a thick moat of flowing water.

The river’s water fed the mushrooms, who’s network pierced the stone, who’s glow lit the interior of the castle, suffusing the cavern with a warm, multicolored light. Towering above it all, stabbing itself into the center of the castle itself was-”

A massive stalactite. It was made from its eons old drippings, hanging for miles from the stone ceiling. The monstrosity tapered down from the size of a few football fields until it seemed maybe the width of an eighteen wheeler, before it was eclipsed by the wall of the highest rung of the castle city. I imagined the tip of it, distant and sharp.

The river-moat dug through the cracked stone landscape outside the castle, pouring out from a waterfall in the wall and ending in the throat of a natural cave. I blinked back the twinkling, reflected light of the mushrooms in the moat. It danced in the black waves, painting the castle and cavern in a subdued, drifting rainbow.

The mushrooms grew everywhere, lining the natural walls of the cavern and its faraway ceiling, steadily lighting the inside of the ringed castle. I gaped upward, unblinking. The wind, thick with the smell of the water and mushrooms, stung my eyes.

Isaiah elbowed me as he looked up at the distant ceiling with a grin. When I looked at him, he pointed down at the castle, where a large wooden gap in the wall was lowering.

Leaning past him, I saw that the woman from the hospital was standing lookout in a small tower behind a metal gate at the end of a short cobblestone path, lowering a bridge over the churning moat. She waved curtly when she saw Isaiah pointing.

He nudged the horse into a slow trot, heading down the hill and toward the castle. I looked behind us, down the dark tunnel where we’d come from, and then glanced down.

“A horse!?” I shouted, shocked to find myself on a living being.

You rolled your eyes.

My shout rolled out across the stone cavern. Isaiah patted the flank of the black and brown mare, his smile beaming as she carried us past rings of bright mushrooms poking out of the stone. “Her name’s Bella.”

As we approached the roar of the water, Bella chuffed, speeding up as she spotted her owner across the moat. We sped over the bridge, the mare’s hooves clacking softly on the worn wood, then stopping short in front of the metal portcullis preventing entrance to the castle.

Isaiah dismounted in a fancy sweep of his legs, holding the horse's reins as he went. I realized now that he was wearing a black smock--almost a poncho--that came to a point beneath his knees.

His hat was replaced with a thin sombrero, and his jeans had vanished. In their place were thick, wool leggings tucked into tall, turned down leather boots. With a confused hilarity, I saw that his laces were still untied.

He winked at the woman behind the gate, who was now dressed in a red draping dress, worn under heavy leather padding and belts to make the sleeves. It looked as if the gown was one long bolt of cloth. Her brown hair was in a multilayered braid, laying long and heavy down her back.

She frowned up at me as I sat atop her horse. Isaiah reached up a hand, and I took it graciously, ungracefully sliding off the back of the mare, who whinnied in annoyance. Bella was tall, and had eyes for no one but her owner.

As I landed, a cloak fell around me, covering me almost to my calf. It was very soft and warm, a deep almost-black green. Somehow, I knew that once, the cloak had been the texture of rough denim. Now, it had been worn to the point of smooth velvet.

The short woman clicked her tongue as she pulled a sugar cube from a pouch on her belts, feeding it to the horse through the bars as she patted her mane down. She looked at the happy horse as she spoke, saying to Isaiah, “Say it.”

He sighed, a hand on top of his coiled black hair as his other held his sombrero. “Really? You literally saw us, like thirty minutes ago. Plus, you know it’s her.” He patted the mare’s flank again, but she sidestepped, his second pat missing her entirely.

Stash looked up at him, a small smirk tweaking her upper lip. She spoke with a sing-song voice, savoring every second of having a set of bars between her and Isaiah. “Say it…”

Isaiah sighed dramatically, then hung his head, speaking in a deadpan. “High, low, hinny-minny ki-ki, un-cha-cha, pee-wa-wa, ishkamellakin hunkabunka hunkasunka alley-you-hoo.” He knocked his head against the bars. I stared at him in confused astonishment.

Stash had broken into an honest to god fit of giggles, clapping loudly as she staggered back.

“That’s goddamn demeaning, you know that, Stash?” He pronounced her name with a long a, stepping away from the bars and kicking them as he did. “Now raise the gate, jackass.” There was a thin smirk on his face as he looked up.

Stash walked backwards into a room carved from the inside of the wall, stumbling with high pitched laughter as she went. The string of nonsense words had broken me from my speechless reverie. I turned to Isaiah, who was furiously wiping the smile from his face.

“Where are we?” I asked. The portcullis began to rise, noisy metal churning coming from within the large castle wall. “Tell me what the hell’s going on here, now.” He turned to me, nodding slowly as his fingers fluttered across the rising metal bars.

“You’re at the heart of it,” he said simply. Staring at him as he spoke, I realized his lips were moving at a different speed than his voice now. Whatever he was really saying, I wasn’t hearing. It almost made me sick. I stared out at the entrance of the castle instead, the mare moseying forward now that the gate had risen.

As soon as all of us had passed, the gate fell back, slicing heavily through the air before slamming into its resting place. Then, the drawbridge began to rise, metal chains slowly racketing it back into place.

As we watched, Isaiah spoke softly. “I’m pretty new to it too. It’s a lot to take in at once, I know.” I nodded, eyes wide as I saw the last light of the mushrooms doused by the thick wooden drawbridge.

“That doesn’t really help. I’ve had a really shitty day.” I turned back to Isaiah as I spoke. He stood, idly rubbing the mare’s snout as he watched the bridge rise.

“Yeah. Lots of your memories not matching up with what you used to think, sudden thoughts that don’t make sense.” He spoke dryly, not even asking.

“That’s part of it,” I said, eyes narrowed at him.

“I know what you’re going through. It gets easier. But…” He finally turned his head to me, smiling shyly. “If you need someone to blame… It’s us.”

Stash returned, patting her hands on the leather near her hips before taking the mare’s reins from Isaiah.

“Welcome to Castle Eidos,” she said, waving her free hand to the layered skyline full of thin reaching towers. The horizon was dominated by the colossal stalactite, reaching out of the stony heavens to meet the highest rung in the middle of the actual castle.

We went forward, following Stash and her mare up a two-way road that switch-backed up the hill. As we entered ‘Eidos’ proper, I saw a main street to rival Times Square. It was massive, but empty. Beautiful empty buildings lining an empty street, mushrooms creeping out of alleys and growing in the middle of intersections. It was far larger than any castle I’d ever seen online or in a textbook.

The stone buildings were in prime condition, all looking recently built, if anachronistic in their designs. Traditionally Mayan techniques were neighbors to Egyptian styles, traveling thousands of years and miles in a few steps. Many of the styles I didn’t recognize at all, some even built with materials that seemed foreign, or even alien.

The other two walked up the sloping road silently as I gawped at a Roman statehouse next to a Native American stone lodge. It was tall, wide, and almost dominated the entire block with multiple stories and balconies.

Just beyond the lodge, we came upon the large wall of stones that the next rung of the castle was built atop. There was a wide path sliced into the large stone wall, a lookout tower and checkpoint dug carefully out of the stone.

We walked past the empty borderline, unceremoniously passing what felt like a division of class or era carved into the stone itself. The buildings on the other side of this border were noticeably older, still built in their anachronism.

As we made our way up the winding road, we passed more of these demarcations, equal lengths apart. As we passed each of them, the surrounding buildings grew more dilapidated and ruinous, forgotten. Past the fourth and final line, mushrooms choked most surfaces available, and some buildings had fallen apart entirely.

“Is this place real?” I asked, my eyes having made their way back up to the tapering, upside down spire at the center of the ringed castle once more.

“The realest,” Stash said. “This all was here long before us, and will be long after.”

I glanced between Stash and Isaiah, both were quiet as they trudged upward. “Okay… But who built it?”

A few moments passed, silent save for the clatter of boots and horseshoes on stone. Stash looked to Isaiah and said, “Isn’t yours more talkative? Tell the man.”

He shook his head, then bit his lip, focusing. After a moment, he shrugged. “Nobody. It grew.”

I lowered my eyebrows, breathing a little heavy from the steep incline. “Grew? From what?”

Isaiah nodded upward, eyes locked on the spire.

I stared at it for a moment, then pointed a finger at Stash. “Wait, what’s more talkative? What do you mean?”

She shook her head, feeding her mare another sugar cube from her belt. “Yours is already talking to you, is it not?” She tapped her skull, braid brushing at the clips on her leather belts.

“Yes, but what the hell is it?” I was pleading now, exhausted.

Isaiah smirked, then nodded upward again.

The spire.

Now that we were close enough, I could see it was covered in small, spiraling carvings, as far as I could see up the shaft. No mushrooms grew on its length, and it was a darker gray than the surrounding stone. I glared up at its enormity, following its length to where it must become a point.

Only a few blocks ahead, still eclipsed by the ruined walls. I felt dread roil in my stomach, seeing the stalactite far above me. If it were to fall… Well, I’d die for sure. These two though?

“Hey, why can you do the things you do?” I asked suddenly, sounding annoyed, even to my own ears. “You can tell feds to let their prisoners go,” I said, pointing at Isaiah. I moved my finger to Stash. “You got here first, even though we were on a-” I paused, turning to the mare. “And you! Can turn into a horse!”

She whickered, unimpressed. Isaiah snorted, and Stash grinned, then spoke up.

“Tools of the trade,” she said plainly. Her lips and words moved out of sync as she spoke. I looked back to the road. “Except for Bella. That’s just Eidos’ effect on her.” I blinked at her, confused, and she said, “You’ll see soon enough. Isaiah’s right, though. We got you into this mess, and we were working on getting you out,” she said, glaring backwards at Isaiah. “Max is super pissed at you for jumping the gun.”

The boy smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. “Let’s just focus on the bigger picture. I wanna leave small talk for the break room.”

“Fuck that,” I said. “If you got me into this mess, the least you can do is explain it. First, what’s up with your words? They don’t match your mouth.”

They both nodded, and started speaking at the same time. Isaiah lowered his head to Stash, who said, “Eidos is a place of… Reality. We can’t lie. And whatever we say gets translated to its most true meaning. Here,” she said, looking me in the eyes.

She walked forward as she stared at me, speaking slowly and carefully. “I am speaking Polish. Good morning, good night, brush your teeth, dumbass, goodbye, hello.” Her words were still out of sync.

“That was all English,” I said, staring back.

“Not to me. But you understood it, perfectly.” She nodded, then turned back to the road.

“Okay… Why? Why is this all like this?” I gestured to the entirety of the walled city.

She shrugged, matching Isaiah’s. “You’ll find there’s not much reason we can make of this place. Try asking your voice.” Stash tapped her skull again, and I watched a thin strand of her brown hair catch in the buckle of a belt.

I frowned at her curiously, then closed my eyes, hand on the horse to guide me as I looked inward.

Isaiah tapped my shoulder, and I could hear his grin. “You, uh, don’t need to close your eyes. It’s not some Matrix shit. You just think at the thing.”

Think at the voice. Easy enough, okay. I lowered my head, pulling my mind to the center of my chest, my soul.

Why can I understand Stash?

“Groundwater. Blood of the Mothers. Odyssey. Vein of the Moon.” You were grinning.

The words erupted in my mind, unbidden, in the same voice I’d been hearing. I could see the smile on its face, even though I couldn’t see an actual face.

“Weird, right?” Isaiah clapped me on my back, the clap muffled by my cloak. “Yours is probably quiet. You didn’t get that much.”

“That much what?” I glanced up at Isaiah, but he pointed ahead.

We’d come upon the spire’s resting place.

There was a small, wooden door in front of us, set into a mossy wall. Along the edge of the street, mushrooms lit the lower half of the tall wall. Trees poked up above the wall, the only I’d seen in the walled city. Their green leaves looked wrong in this place of stony sky and cobbled floor, the mushroom’s glow lighting the undersides of the lowest leaves with a ghoulish red tinge.

Beyond the trees, was the spire. Stash and Isaiah halted. The spire towered above us, much closer, but still too far to touch. It obviously came to a point within the walled forest. I looked back at the others, both standing far away as they looked up at the spire.

The door was made of thick, well cut basswood. I grabbed the knob, turning it as I stepped back. It opened with the tired squeal of decades old hinges, swinging heavily to reveal a misty path through a copse of trees.

Inside the walls of the forest, there was real dirt. I put one boot in, feeling the soft earth give just a bit as I stepped on it. I looked back, hesitant. “Are you coming?”

They looked at each other, then Stash spoke. “Only one of us can come. Boss’s orders.”

I looked between them, trying to see if she was joking. They looked dead serious.

Isaiah was still staring up at the tapered spire as he said, “Or you can go alone.”

Stash gripped her mare’s reins, looking at me with a thin layer of regret. “You’re going to go through some shit in there, honey. Even with one of us there, you’ll need to do some of it alone. Either way, you should take Bella.” She patted the horse fondly.

I looked back, into the wooded path. The mist curled around my boots, a soft wind blowing at the hem of my cloak. The darkness of the forest seemed to bleed into the old city street, dampening the colored light of the mushrooms. I bit my lip, feeling something inside my mind shift as I made my decision.

What do you do?

< ≡ >

#Perdition 1.7 #Perdition

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hozon70 · 1 year

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Enlightening the Future: The Wonders of LED Lighting

In this blog post, we will delve into the captivating realm of LED lighting, examining its many advantages, diverse applications, and its pivotal role in forging a more sustainable and energy- conscious future.

The Evolution of Illumination

Before we explore the myriad advantages of LED lighting, it's important to appreciate the historical context. For many decades, incandescent bulbs dominated the lighting landscape, casting warm but highly inefficient light. These bulbs were notorious for generating excessive heat and consuming copious amounts of energy.

In the mid-20th century, fluorescent lighting emerged as a more energy-efficient alternative, but it had its share of drawbacks, including the presence of hazardous materials like mercury. However, the 21st century ushered in the era of LEDs, which addressed these issues and introduced a host of transformative benefits.

Advantages of LED Lighting

Energy Efficiency: LEDs are astoundingly energy-efficient, using up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. As a result, you save a lot on your electricity bill.

Longevity: LED bulbs boast an impressive lifespan, often exceeding 25,000 hours or more. This results in less waste and fewer replacements.

Durability: LEDs are solid-state lighting devices, making them more robust and resilient to shocks and vibrations compared to fragile incandescent and fluorescent bulbs.

Instant Illumination: LEDs provide instant brightness without the warm-up time associated with some other lighting technologies.

Color Variety: LEDs are available in a wide range of colors and color temperatures, facilitating creative and customized lighting solutions.

Environmental Friendliness: LEDs are environmentally responsible, emitting less heat and containing no hazardous materials. Their lower energy consumption also contributes to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Applications of LED Lighting

The versatility of LED lighting is reflected in its extensive range of applications, reshaping diverse industries and enhancing our everyday experiences. Here are some noteworthy uses:

Home Lighting: LED bulbs are widely used for general lighting, accent lighting, and even integrated into smart lighting systems that can be controlled remotely for convenience.

Commercial and Industrial Lighting: LEDs have become indispensable in warehouses, offices, factories, and retail spaces due to their energy efficiency and long life.

Street Lighting: Many municipalities have adopted LED streetlights to save energy and improve nighttime visibility.

Automotive Lighting: LED headlights, taillights, and interior lighting have become the standard in modern vehicles for their brightness and energy efficiency.

Entertainment and Decorative Lighting: LEDs are the go-to choice for creating captivating and dynamic lighting displays at concerts, events, and theme parks.

Healthcare and Horticulture: LEDs play a pivotal role in healthcare for surgical lighting and horticulture for controlled plant growth.

The Future of LED Lighting

The future of LED lighting holds immense promise. With advancing technology, we can anticipate even more energy-efficient, intelligent, and sustainable lighting solutions.

Smart Lighting Integration: Seamless integration with smart home systems will offer personalized lighting experiences, enhancing comfort and energy savings.

Human-Centric Lighting: LEDs will increasingly mimic natural daylight, supporting circadian rhythms and promoting overall well-being.

Li-Fi Technology: LEDs may play a significant role in Li-Fi, a technology that uses light waves for high-speed wireless communication.

Sustainable Design: LEDs will be prominently featured in sustainable architectural and interior designs, further reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

Conclusion

LED lighting has not only illuminated our surroundings but has also brightened the path to a more energy-efficient and sustainable future. From the coziness of our homes to the brilliance of city streets, LEDs have transformed the way we see the world. As technology continues to evolve, we can eagerly anticipate innovative advancements and applications in the realm of LED lighting, all contributing to a greener and more comfortable planet for generations to come. So, embrace the brilliance of LEDs and be a part of the enlightened future of illumination!

Abhay V Shah.

CEO

Hozon Tech Innovation Private Limited

Mumbai

[email protected]

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shineled · 1 day

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Expand Outdoor Illumination with High-Quality Area Lights for Light Poles!

Shine LED’s area lights for light poles provide bright, expansive illumination for outdoor spaces. These lights are perfect for parking lots, streets, and other large areas where comprehensive lighting is required. Featuring energy-efficient LED technology and robust construction, they offer long-lasting performance and reduced energy consumption. They enhance safety and visibility in public and commercial areas.

#Area lights for light poles

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taslim123 · 4 days

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Understanding Automatic Car Parking Barrier Prices in Bangladesh

As urbanization continues to expand, parking management has become a critical component in city infrastructure. Businesses, institutions, and residential complexes need efficient parking systems to manage the growing demand for vehicle spaces. One popular solution is the automatic car parking barrier, which provides both security and convenience. If you're looking to invest in an automatic car parking barrier system in Bangladesh, understanding the price range and factors that influence these costs is essential.

What Is an Automatic Car Parking Barrier?

An automatic car parking barrier is a device installed at parking lots or entry/exit points to regulate the flow of vehicles. It typically consists of a motorized arm that rises and falls automatically, controlled either by a remote, access card, or other automated systems such as license plate recognition or ticketing systems. These barriers help control traffic flow, reduce unauthorized access, and streamline parking management for large and small-scale facilities.

Factors Influencing Automatic Car Parking Barrier Prices

Several factors influence the cost of automatic car parking barriers in Bangladesh. These factors include the technology involved, brand reputation, size, installation complexity, and additional features. Here's a breakdown of each:

Technology: Advanced systems with features such as RFID access, license plate recognition, or remote control access will typically cost more than basic models. While the higher price may seem like a downside, the additional functionality can significantly improve the overall parking management experience, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing efficiency.

Brand and Quality: The brand of the barrier can also play a significant role in determining its price. International brands or well-known manufacturers may charge higher prices due to their reputation for quality, durability, and reliability. However, there are also several local and less-established brands that offer competitive pricing without compromising too much on quality.

Material and Durability: Car parking barriers are generally made of robust materials to ensure durability, especially since they are often installed outdoors and exposed to various weather conditions. Barriers made from heavy-duty steel or high-quality aluminum will likely be more expensive than those made from lighter materials.

Size and Capacity: The size of the barrier is another determining factor for its price. Barriers designed for wider entry points or those that handle a higher volume of traffic will naturally cost more. Larger facilities, such as commercial parking lots, airports, or hospitals, may require more sophisticated, larger systems compared to small residential complexes or office buildings.

Installation Costs: The complexity of installation can also affect the overall price. For example, parking lots that require underground wiring or complex integration with other security systems will incur higher installation costs. In contrast, a simple, standalone barrier system may require minimal installation labor.

Additional Features: Some parking barrier systems come equipped with extra features such as LED lights, automatic sensors, or integrated security cameras. These additional functionalities can enhance the security and user experience but will also add to the total cost of the system.

Price Range of Automatic Car Parking Barriers in Bangladesh

The price of automatic car parking barriers in Bangladesh can vary significantly depending on the features and specifications. As of 2023, here is a general price range:

Basic Models: A basic automatic car parking barrier with a simple motorized arm and manual remote control may cost between BDT 40,000 to BDT 70,000. These models are ideal for smaller residential buildings or low-traffic areas.

Mid-range Models: Mid-range barriers, which include additional features such as RFID access control or basic sensors, typically range between BDT 70,000 to BDT 150,000. These models are suitable for medium-sized commercial parking lots or office complexes.

High-end Models: For advanced systems with integrated license plate recognition, smart card access, or advanced security features, the price can go up to BDT 150,000 to BDT 300,000 or more. These barriers are designed for high-traffic environments such as airports, shopping malls, or government buildings.

Custom Systems: Custom-built systems that are tailored to meet specific security or functional requirements can exceed BDT 300,000. These systems usually involve detailed planning, installation, and integration with other infrastructure elements such as CCTV or access control systems.

Where to Buy Automatic Car Parking Barriers in Bangladesh

Several local and international suppliers provide automatic car parking barriers in Bangladesh. You can find these systems through hardware stores, security solution providers, or online platforms that specialize in parking equipment and automation systems. Some of the leading suppliers in Bangladesh include:

Techshop Bangladesh: Known for providing various electronic and automation solutions, Techshop offers a range of parking barriers from entry-level to advanced models.

Bangladesh Automation Technologies: This company specializes in providing comprehensive parking and security solutions, including automatic car parking barriers with various features.

Al-Amin Brothers Ltd: A reputed name in the automation industry, offering different models of automatic parking barriers suitable for residential, commercial, and industrial use.

Considerations Before Purchasing

When purchasing an automatic car parking barrier, there are a few factors you should keep in mind:

Warranty: Ensure that the product comes with a warranty to cover repairs or replacements in case of any defects. Most reputable brands offer a warranty period ranging from 1 to 3 years.

Maintenance: Inquire about after-sales service and maintenance support. Some companies offer maintenance contracts that can help prolong the lifespan of your parking barrier system.

Compatibility: If you are integrating the barrier with an existing parking system, ensure that the new barrier is compatible with other equipment, such as cameras, ticketing systems, or access controls.

Conclusion

Automatic car parking barriers provide an efficient and secure solution for managing vehicle entry and exit in various settings. In Bangladesh, the price of these barriers varies based on the technology, brand, and additional features. Whether you're looking for a basic system for a small parking lot or an advanced solution for a high-traffic commercial area, there is a wide range of options available to suit different needs and budgets. By understanding the factors that influence the cost and evaluating your specific requirements, you can make an informed decision when purchasing an automatic car parking barrier system.

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marvellighting1 · 4 days

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C204BC Architectural Bollard by Wave Lighting

Optimizing Outdoor and Architectural Lighting with Advanced LED Drivers and Bollards

In today’s fast-evolving lighting industry, energy efficiency and precision control have become essential. Businesses and homeowners alike are seeking innovative solutions that provide high performance, durability, and energy savings. With the growing demand for eco-friendly and reliable lighting products, it is crucial to select the right drivers and fixtures that enhance both functionality and aesthetics.

At Marvel Lighting, we offer a diverse range of lighting products and energy solutions designed to meet these demands. From cutting-edge LED drivers to stylish bollards, our inventory caters to the needs of commercial and residential spaces alike. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at some of the top products that can transform your lighting systems: the 150W EMT Series Magnetic Outdoor Non-Dimmable LED Driver by EMCOD, the 480W 315-4200mA EUD-DT Series Programmable LED Driver by Inventronics, the HLG-600H-42B Constant Power Driver by Mean Well, and the C204BC Architectural Bollard by Wave Lighting.

1. 150W EMT Series Magnetic Outdoor Non-Dimmable LED Driver by EMCOD

Outdoor lighting often faces harsh environmental conditions, from extreme weather changes to constant exposure to the elements. This makes it critical to choose lighting components that are not only powerful but also durable and reliable. The 150W EMT Series Magnetic Outdoor Non-Dimmable LED Driver by EMCOD is an ideal solution for various outdoor lighting applications.

Features and Benefits:

High Power Output: The 150W output ensures robust and consistent lighting, making it suitable for large outdoor areas such as parking lots, pathways, and building exteriors.

Magnetic Design: Magnetic drivers are known for their long life expectancy and reliability. They can withstand high temperatures, ensuring long-term performance even in extreme weather.

Non-Dimmable: While dimmable drivers are useful for certain applications, non-dimmable options like this one offer simplicity and efficiency, especially in situations where constant brightness is necessary.

Outdoor Rating: This driver is built to endure the challenges of outdoor environments, including water exposure and temperature fluctuations. Its durable housing provides added protection against dust and moisture.

Whether you're installing LED lighting for a commercial parking lot or illuminating a residential landscape, the 150W EMT Series by EMCOD offers a powerful, reliable solution that requires minimal maintenance over time.

2. 480W 315-4200mA EUD-DT Series Programmable LED Driver by Inventronics

For more complex lighting systems that require precise control, the 480W 315-4200mA EUD-DT Series Programmable LED Driver by Inventronics stands out as an excellent choice. This programmable LED driver offers a range of features that make it ideal for applications where flexibility and customization are key.

Features and Benefits:

Programmability: One of the standout features of this driver is its programmability. Users can adjust current levels between 315-4200mA, allowing for precise control over lighting intensity. This is particularly useful in settings like commercial buildings, where lighting needs may vary depending on the time of day or activity level.

High Efficiency: With a power output of 480W, this driver is designed to power high-output LED fixtures while maintaining energy efficiency, contributing to lower operational costs over time.

Wide Application: It can be used in various applications, including industrial lighting, street lighting, and large-scale commercial projects.

Durability: Like all Inventronics products, this driver is built to last. Its rugged design ensures long-lasting performance even in demanding environments, and its high power output makes it suitable for large installations requiring consistent lighting.

By incorporating the 480W EUD-DT Series Programmable LED Driver into your lighting system, you’ll gain greater control over your lighting environment, leading to improved efficiency and cost savings in the long run.

3. HLG-600H-42B Constant Power Driver by Mean Well

When it comes to LED drivers, Mean Well is a recognized leader in the industry, known for producing reliable and efficient products. The HLG-600H-42B Constant Power Driver by Mean Well is no exception. This constant power driver is perfect for applications that demand a consistent and stable light output.

Features and Benefits:

Constant Power Design: The constant power feature ensures that the driver delivers consistent performance, regardless of voltage fluctuations. This is especially beneficial for sensitive environments where steady lighting is essential, such as hospitals, schools, or retail stores.

High Efficiency: With an efficiency of up to 96%, the HLG-600H-42B offers significant energy savings, reducing operational costs over time.

Protection Features: This driver includes multiple protection mechanisms such as short-circuit, overload, and over-temperature protection, ensuring the longevity of both the driver and the connected LED fixtures.

Outdoor Ready: Designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, the HLG-600H-42B features an IP67 rating, making it dust-tight and waterproof. This makes it ideal for outdoor applications such as street lighting, architectural lighting, and signage.

The HLG-600H-42B Constant Power Driver by Mean Well provides a robust and reliable solution for both indoor and outdoor lighting projects, ensuring that your lighting systems run smoothly and efficiently.

4. C204BC Architectural Bollard by Wave Lighting

When it comes to outdoor architectural lighting, bollards are a popular choice due to their sleek design and functionality. The C204BC Architectural Bollard by Wave Lighting is an excellent option for enhancing the look of outdoor spaces while providing effective lighting.

Features and Benefits:

Modern Design: The sleek, cylindrical design of this bollard adds a contemporary touch to any outdoor setting, making it ideal for commercial landscapes, parks, pathways, and residential gardens.

Durability: Made from high-quality materials, the C204BC is designed to withstand the elements, including rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. This makes it a perfect choice for year-round outdoor use.

Energy Efficient: Equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, this bollard offers bright illumination while consuming less energy than traditional outdoor fixtures.

Versatility: The C204BC is available in multiple finishes and styles, allowing you to match it with the aesthetics of your space. Whether you're illuminating a garden walkway or adding lighting to a commercial plaza, this bollard provides both style and function.

Architectural bollards like the C204BC by Wave Lighting are essential for creating safe, well-lit outdoor spaces that also maintain aesthetic appeal. With their durability and energy efficiency, these bollards provide long-term value for both commercial and residential applications.

Conclusion

In the world of lighting, choosing the right components can make all the difference in terms of performance, energy savings, and aesthetics. At Marvel Lighting, we offer a wide range of products designed to meet the needs of various lighting applications, from outdoor spaces to complex commercial projects.

The 150W EMT Series Magnetic Outdoor Non-Dimmable LED Driver by EMCOD provides a reliable and powerful solution for outdoor lighting needs, while the 480W 315-4200mA EUD-DT Series Programmable LED Driver by Inventronics offers advanced control and customization for more complex projects. The HLG-600H-42B Constant Power Driver by Mean Well delivers consistent and efficient power, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments. Finally, the C204BC Architectural Bollard by Wave Lighting combines style with function, providing an elegant lighting solution for outdoor spaces.

By incorporating these products into your lighting systems, you can ensure long-lasting performance, energy efficiency, and enhanced aesthetics, making your spaces brighter, safer, and more beautiful.

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