DecideA Chapter by Jared Grace
CHAPTER
THREE THALIA It
is the end of the 21st century. Science has to developed to the point where men
can become the monsters they already were inside. And like all progress, it has
brought further divisions between humanity. There are now three groups of
humans. Unfortunately most humans fall under the third, the underdogs. Atlas
is a hero because he's someone who stands up for the common man. The ordinary
folks last hope. There
are Elkin and there are draconians. Draconians are the race that have their
ability to change their physical characteristics at will. Many, if not all,
chose the fictional races of the werewolves and vampires. Although they can use
their abilities even without turning, their full power is unleashed when they
transform. And they heal like crazy, making them close to immortal. At
the other end of the spectrum are Elkin. Their design is based on their elves.
They've developed their brainpower to the extent that they possess 'magical'
abilities. Ever wondered what you could do if you could use your brain to its
fullest capacity? That's an elkin. These
two races have been at war for years. Decades even. Atlas is over a hundred
years old and he was a rebel even before I was born. Atlas
is half elkin. He doesn't hide this fact. The fact that he's half human and has
rejected the antics of his other race makes him more endearing to the people.
Of course not everyone is a fan. John, for example, one of Atlas's affiliates
is one of them. But he's another story. No one knows that story and Atlas
doesn't tell it. Atlas's
crew is basically a third party in the war. They're not on anybody's side. All
Atlas simply plans to do is weaken both sides. To the point they can't fight
anymore. Then life can go on. But
there are a lot of issues. One is that Jason hasn't returned. A second is that
there seems to be something crude going on in Draconia. And the third is the
one only Atlas knows. Well maybe James does too but he's Atlas's right hand man
so he wouldn't do what Atlas wouldn't tell him to.
Right
now, I'm one of Atlas's experts. I'm one of those Atlas keeps close to him.
Ever since that day he saved us, he's wanted to own us, keep us close, make us
part of his crusade. He already had me , Liza and Jason. Now he was coming for
Shawn. I
was against this naturally. Not only because I was biased towards my little
cousin, but because I didn't understand its relevance to our strategy. Why
would he want Shawn, why him? We had an army behind us, many of whom were
impressive. Shawn wasn't the most impressive person around. "Why
do you need him?" I'd asked Atlas. "Don't
you know what they call him?" Atlas said. "Of
course. I heard the stories". Atlas
didn't say anything in response. I
probed further. "But we've got you and James and an army. What exactly
makes Shawn special? Are you sure you're not being biased? Or is there
something you're not telling me?'' Atlas
ignored me. He turned his face away, burying his head in what seemed like a
book. I
bit my lower lip in frustration. Once he'd closed up, he wouldn't answer any of
my questions. I simply nodded. "Fine", I said. "Keep whatever
you know secret. But whatever you're planning, I won't let you hurt them.
You've already hurt one of them. I won't make you use the rest like
pawns." Atlas
set down his book. "Is that a threat?" "Of
course not. You saved our lives and I'm eternally grateful. But don't think
because you saved us on that day, you own us". Atlas
simply smiled.
Water
was poured on Shawn's face. His eyes snapped open. He struggled for a bit
before he realized he was tied to a tree. We had moved an unconscious Shawn to
the woods, where our camp was. At least for the time being. There were tall oak
trees, brown leaves covered the ground and no wild animals. It was still
afternoon. There were tents set up but no one was in them. Everyone had
gathered to see the one who had tried to attack their leader. "Well,
if it isn't my idiot cousin", I said. "I
hate it when you insult me like that", he said. "Let
me go", Shawn said simply. "I'm
afraid we can't do that". I knelt down and grabbed Shawn's shoulders.
"Shawn, Jason is missing". "Missing?
What do you mean?" Shawn's voice rose. I
paused. "He was gathering information when we lost contact-" "You
said-" "-I
know what I said. I lied. I'm sorry." Shawn
simply just sat there. He was trying to process this. Rationalize. Think of
whether I was lying or trying to play him. In his line of work he came across
many deceptions. He'd even caused some of them. One
man came from behind me. His name was Terrell. He was holding Shawn's sword. "You
disrespected and threatened Atlas. We won't take that lightly". He threw a sword at Shawn. Shawn caught it.
Terrell didn't get to continue his speech. There was a loud deafening roar.
Everyone froze. Then someone said what we all knew. "Dragon". Everyone started to move towards
the direction of the sound. I looked for Shawn but he was gone. And so was the
sword. Terrell must have dropped it. I ran after him. I managed to catch sight of him as
he started to get closer to the town. I took out the bow and arrows I had
grabbed before chasing him. I fired. It landed in a tree a few feet ahead of
Shawn. Shawn stopped and turned around. He turned around. "I never
knew you could shoot like that. How many yards was that? Fifty? A
hundred?" "I can do a lot more with a
bow, want to see?" I could sense his mind working. He
was thinking of how to escape whilst I was trying to buy time. Someone came up from behind Shawn
startling him. He reflexively sliced the man's hand off. The man yelled and
Shawn stood there for a second. It was all I needed. I aimed and fired. Shawn's
snapped out of his daze and started to run. But then a large sack ploughed into
him and a net covered him. Atlas appeared. He made a shooing
motion. The message was clear. He wanted to be left alone with Shawn. But I
didn't leave. I hid behind an oak tree. Atlas's smiling face was gone, his
eyes were unreadable. He sighed. "I can only say this. If you really want
to know why it happened to the four of you that night, you will come with me.
If you don't, we won't bother you again." Shawn was not smiling either. Atlas
turned around and stopped beside me. "You can come out now", he said.
"He doesn't know does
he?" Atlas said. I shook my head. Atlas nodded and turned towards the
camp. Shawn yelled the signal and Atlas turned around and went to release Shawn. © 2015 Jared Grace |
StatsAuthorJared GraceAccra, Not Applicable, GhanaAboutI finished my first trilogy: the chosen. Which was ironic because I wanted it to be anything but. Trilogies are so cliche now. Another change is that I've gone from committed evangelical to full blow.. more..Writing
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