From The Top Of The World

The Star Atlas shook from the roar of the crowd as they cheered within the amphitheatre. Wings of Archadia had just ended their final song of the night, finishing with another burst of magical energy that washed over the crowd. It appeared like multi-colored fireworks, bursting high above, slowly fizzling out as they rained down. Three years ago, the band could barely get a gig playing outside Stocks Pub in Illmarinen, the mountain city in Tuska. To see a standing ovation once more still made Royce Blixtrande smile. The band leader threw his guitar pic out into the crowd like he always did at the end of their concerts. He swept his hand threw his white sweat moistened hair and flung his Gibson Flying V back across his red leather jacket, raising his arms in appreciation of the crowd.

To his right stood Roffe Snow who held his violin to his side as he bowed his head like a member of an orchestra. Next to him, the youngest and most energetic of the group, Clyde Colte, clapped his hands above his head, cheering back at the crowd. Behind Royce, Allastr Grimmgold still sat at his drums, his face blank under his long turquoise colored hair. Jakko Wohlhart, the band's bass player, flashed "peace" signs towards the crowd as he smiled wide with his Washburn XB600 bass guitar. And at the far left stood Zander Isdal, hands in his pockets and that cold face that he was known for. His Schecter C1 Hellraiser dangling from its strap around his shoulder.

Royce leaned in to the microphone as the crowd still cheered, "Thank you, Star Atlas! Goodnight!" And the crowd roared once more as Wings of Archadia made their way backstage, smiling and waving goodbye as they did. The lights around the stage turned off while the rest of the Star Atlas lit up, giving the audience clear visibility as they made their way out. Stage workers ran out and quickly began dismantling and packing up the band's equipment.

"I say that was a pretty good show." Jakko said as he lightly punched the back of Royce's shoulder.

He was quickly startled by Clyde who had jumped on his back, wrapping his arms tightly around the bass player's neck. "Would have been better if you hadn't missed a couple of those notes." Clyde said teasingly as he rubbed the side of Jakko's head with his knuckles.

"Bullshit! I didn't miss any notes!" Jakko exclaimed, managing to maneuver Clyde so his back was on Jakko's shoulders and carried him around as if he were in a torture rack position. "Tell him, Royce." Jakko gestured towards the band leader as Clyde squirmed to free himself.

"I don't know. I think you were off a bit." Royce chuckled as they made their way towards the exit sign.

"You guys are so full of shit." Jakko let go Clyde, who managed to roll off and land on all fours like a cat. Clyde quickly sprinted out of Jakko's reach. Jakko's scowled and Clyde pushed the large metal exit door open. A blast of cold air hit them with a few snowflakes landing on their faces as they walked out into the cool mountain air.

"I counted 7 missed notes." Roffe said with a smile as he slid open the side door of their old black truck. Each member slowly piled in, Jakko taking shotgun as Royce walked around to the driver's side.

"Alright, enough raining on Jakko's parade. Drinks back at the pub." Royce stated as he turned the key to start the ignition, bringing life to the truck. Aside from Zander and Allastr, the rest of the band hollered at Royce's offer and Jakko banged on the roof as Royce put the truck in drive and headed back towards Stocks Pub.