Fifth Rider of the Apocalypse

Chapter 2

   "We can't just give up our vantage point to go eat breakfast." War argued. A mammoth of a man with broad shoulders and a dark visage, he stood nose to nose with the thin and gaunt looking Famine. Famine didn't seem to be bothered by his brother's intimidating build.

   "And why not?"

   "You never give up the high ground! You'll be at a disadvantage." War sputtered. "We need to maintain superiority and the place has every advantage we could ask for."

   "I agree with War." interjected the Conqueror. "We need to keep our location secure."

   "I don't see why we all have to stay here." pouted Famine. "War is perfectly capable of establishing a secure compound without us. He complains when we try to help anyway. While he gets things rolling, we can pop into town and check out the local cuisine."

   "He's right, War doesn't need or want our help and I could use a bite to eat. All this talk of food has made me hungry." Pestilence added.

   "They have a point." Conqueror conceded. "You don't really like it when we help."

   War waved them all off. "You can do whatever you want, I'm going to get started. We are now looking a laying down a long term siege. There's a lot of work to be done if we are going to do this right."

   "Then it's settled." Conqueror announced. "Can we bring anything back for you?"

   "No, I ate earlier." War pulled a cell phone out of his cloak and began making a phone call. The conqueror turned and took the reins of his horse and indicated that Jacob should join him.

   "Do you recommend any place in town?"

   Jacob eyed the man warily. The Conqueror seemed to be taking his role a bit too seriously. All of them did. Their costumes looked expensive and their weapons appeared to be authentic.

   "There is a diner in the middle of town that is good. It's the only place open this early besides Starbucks."

   "Starbucks coffee is a little strong for my liking. Besides, they don't really serve much food." Famine complained as he led his horse beside Jacob and the Conqueror.

   Jacob turned and looked behind him. At the top of the hill he could see War pacing while talking on his cell phone. He seemed to be measuring out the land and periodically stuck something in the ground as he went. "Should we have stayed to help War?" Famine rolled his eyes at Jacob's question.

   "Naw, he doesn't need our help." the Conqueror assured him. Not to mention that I want to eat when I get in town, not have a fight."

   "A fight?" The role playing was beginning to be a bit too realistic for Jacob.

   "Really, did you take a good look at War? Do you honestly think we could bring him into town without ending up in a brawl? Then who would cook breakfast? You needn't worry about him going hungry either, some of his kids will be there shortly to help him out and they'll bring provisions."

   "He has kids?"

   "Lots of em!" snorted Famine. "He keeps busy between campaigns."

   "His oldest is Mars." Pestilence waved vaguely as he led his horse past. "Then there would be Diana, Helen, Alexander, Thor, Cleo, Nero, Guan, Macha, Neit, Woden, Argona...What does he have, 15?"

   "Yep, something like that." responded Famine. "They are mostly all grown now." He tilted his head toward Jacob. "Except his youngest, Artillery, but they will probably bring him along for the fun."

   "I shouldn't be surprised if they have a fortress up by the time we finish breakfast." The Conqueror smiled at the thought. "Or maybe he will start right away with a castle. War is fond of castles, even if they are outdated."