The Anomalies

Chapter 2

Kieran entered the large council chamber at a cadenced pace, slow but determined. The heels of his black leather boots, high to below his knees, echoed sinisterly on the polished black and white chequered marble floor as he approached the large table around which the eleven councillors were seated.

The almost deafening silence in that excessively large and luxurious space was purposely maintained by the council members, who were waiting for him, to instil awe and fear.

Kieran felt neither.

He knew all their psychological methods well. No one would intimidate him thanks to the great life lessons and mind games bestowed upon him in the past by the best, Reagan, his father.

Kieran continued to advance with the same confidence, coolness and resolve as ever.

His cape fluttered slightly at ankle height with every step he took.

He calmly looked around and, a couple of metres away from the long semi-circular table, took the time to peer into their faces one by one, finally resting his eyes on the stern face of his parent.

The Cerberus sustained his gaze and then a faint, wicked smile tilted, almost imperceptibly, the side of his mouth.

<<We sent for you because there is big trouble in the area bordering 'The Great Forest' and 'The Solitary Cliffs'>>.

<<I heard something about that>> Kieran commented atonously, showing no particular concern about it.

<<The situation is heating up and there has been unrest near section one. Rebels and Anomalies seem to have started to collaborate>>.

No wonder, reasoned Kieran.

<<You have to find where their hideouts are and where their headquarters are. You must stop them. It would be appreciated if you captured the leaders>>.

<<Hmm>>.

<<Take your time, but don't take too long. You will not go alone. You will be joined by other Hunters with their 'Hunters' and a garrison. Use all the necessary resources. You will have command of the operation>> the Cerberus informed him.

<<Is this really necessary? You know I prefer to go it alone, and according to what you're telling me, this is exactly one of the situations where it's better to be inconspicuous if you want results>> Kieran objected, pleased by the reaction of disappointment and irritation he read on his father's face.

You know I'm right, he thought contemptuously.

Reagan hated being contradicted. A reddish colour gradually rose from his neck to his temples.

Kieran knew how to do his job well and, even now, showed more competence than he did.

After a great effort not to burst into a fit of rage, Reagan had to give in to his son's righteous remark.

<<All right, you will do it your way, but the other Hunters will remain supportive>>.

Of course, and also to control me. How many snakes will I have to worry about or get rid of? Who will you put after me?

<<There have been several major clashes>> another councillor seated to the left of the Cerberus informed him.

<<You have the authority to proceed when you want and how you want to stop them permanently. The situation has escalated too much to resort only to containment methods>> this one continued.

I knew it! You can forget it. I don't do executions, he thought with rancour of his father and that group of invaders.

<<When do I leave? >>