Decide

Decide

A 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


My Review

Would you like to review this Chapter?
Login | Register




Share This
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Request Read Request
Add to Library My Library
Subscribe Subscribe


Stats

141 Views
Added on December 19, 2015
Last Updated on December 19, 2015
Tags: Futuristic, Fantasy


Author

Jared Grace
Jared Grace

Accra, Not Applicable, Ghana



About
I 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
ONE ONE

A Chapter by Jared Grace


TWO TWO

A Chapter by Jared Grace