The Abstraction Chronicles: The Abstract

Chapter 15: An Old Man Gives Us a Lift

"Thaddeus!?" Cynthia and I cry out in astonishment. "The Abstract has gone to the Beyond since you've been gone."

"It's nice to see both of you. Even if you've given me quite a lot of trouble," he says with a grim smile. "You could have just told me what was going on." He looks at Cynthia with disapproval. Looking to the man drooped between our shoulders he asks, "Now, who's this?"

"My brother...he's the reason we left the city and took the First Key."

"I suppose this is my fault then. I didn't know anyone else from your village had survived." Walking over he places a hand on his head. "He'll be fine. He just needs rest. Let me take him and I'll see to it that he gets the care he needs." Reaching down he swings his left arm over his shoulder supporting him just fine which surprised me considering Thaddeus' apparent age. *Meowra* "Oh, hello there. How has Alfur been?" *Meowra* *Meowra* "I see. I'm sorry, he was a good person."

"Thaddeus, not to interrupt, but where have you been?" Cynthia asks.

"Yes well, about that. While Farin and I were discussing how we should deal with the two of you, and the rising of a new Dweller threat outside of the city, he temporarily killed me with his machete," he says raising an eyebrow at us. "Luckily, being created from the Abstract I can regenerate. Information I'm sure he wasn't privy to."

Speaking of Farin, we tell him how he killed Alfur and everything that he's done up to this point and everything with Vinieus that has just transpired. Thaddeus just stood there his arm raised, stroking his beard while deep in thought. Finally, he says, "I'm sorry that I couldn't get here sooner to help you, and I think my old friend has been chasing ghosts. I'll deal with him

myself."

"Speaking of which, how did you find us?" Cynthia asks.

"Oh, yes. I don't suppose you know this, but once I finished regenerating, I was able to make a wormhole to wherever the First Key is. Another perk of being created by the Abstract. It just so happened that the two of you were still in possession of it. A fact that brings me great

joy."

"Do you know how the battle at his fort is going?" I ask.

"No, although I did sense something from the UnderDwelling. My priority was to make sure the First Key was safe. Now that's been accomplished we should head to the battle."

"What about the Dwellers that were outside of the city?"

"Oh, them? Without the First Key, they will never be able to get close to the city. They retreated as soon as you defeated Vinieus. Now we should get going. I will meet you two at the

battlefield as soon as I drop our boy Atticus here safely in the city. Would you like to come with me Alex?" He asks gesturing to the Temmel sitting at Cynthia's feet.

"So that's his name!?" I ask.

"Her name." Thaddeus corrects me. *Meowra* "Hmm, it will be dangerous are you sure?" *Meowra* she replies jumping into Cynthia's pack. "She has decided to stay and help." He smiles. "Now, we should be leaving soon. May I have the First Key please?" Giving him the Key, we stand back as Thaddeus creates two golden wormholes and turns back. "Prepare yourselves you may see some grisly scenes. Stay strong and know that we will prevail, you've already done so much for us." He smiles before leaving with Atticus still draped across his shoulder, the wormhole he walked into closing behind him.

Feeling a bit of pride, I look down. I wonder what my dad would think of me now?

Noticing that I was looking down, Cynthia says, "There's no time to be thinking, we need to go help Saxley!"