The Savages

Chapter 14: A Story As Old As Time

"Jonathan Walker lived a long time ago," Verician explained, walking the vast length of his home library with Gary and Tully in tow. "He envisioned a world where clones and humans could live together in harmony, and his list of achievements stretches on for miles and miles through the ages." He retrieved a book from its place on the third shelf, proudly showing the well preserved brown leather cover to the two brothers. "In this book is every single accomplishment ever made under his very name. Even now, when he is dead and buried in the ground, his legacy continues on in the hearts and minds of those who take residence on Unai; a place of immeasurable happiness, where beta clones can thrive amongst one another."

Tully took the book from him, running his hand along the spine. It was smooth to the touch, like stroking the fur of a long-haired one-month-old kitten. He was impressed by how well the prince maintained the condition of all his belongings, and not just the books lining each shelf. To the far side of the room, allowing minimal light through the stainless windows, was a pair of neatly ironed royal red curtains with golden trimmings from the 16th century. Much of the physical structure was the same - pristine clean creamy white walls shone in the sunlight, and the vigorously polished mahogany wooden floorboards reflected everything around them in fine detail. Tully could see his own reflection blinking back at him in stupor, temporarily caught off guard by the pale face looming over his shoulder.

"Nice place," Stephen breathed, scoping out the spacious room as Tully straightened his posture and turned around. "Although I can't help feeling the owners of this establishment would not take kindly to a vampire being under their roof."

"Whatever gave you that impression?" Gary asked innocently, pointing across the other side of the library to where a patent golden cross was hanging above the door. "Seems like his royal highness might be a Christian."

Stephen swallowed, not making any further conversation. Verician and Tully strode past the two of them, stopping when they noticed the silence falling thick over the room. Tully got the impression the prince was not one who took kindly to being left out of conversation. He was proven right.

"If you must know," he said, "my religious beliefs have nothing to do with the God you're referring to. My kind remain faithful to Jonathan Walker, and hope every day that he is watching over this fair planet he created, proud of us for what we have accomplished."

"So... you're basically a cult?" Stephen asked, deadpanned. "I'm not sure how I feel about this. May I remind you that there have been dozens of creepy documentaries filmed about crazy cults, some of which sacrificed children to the devil?"

Tully elbowed him, shooting a glare his way. Verician didn't seem to take offence, releasing a half-strained chuckle as if he were choking on an acorn.

"I don't know what world you come from, but here there are no such things as 'cults'," he said, using his fingers as air quotations. "Everyone on Unai lives in perfect harmony, except for -

"Except for what?" Gary pushed, suddenly intrigued.

"It doesn't matter," the prince waved them off. "They've been extinct for centuries."

Tully wondered what Verician was reluctant to talk about. He had knowledge on every single life form which lived on Earth, including the long-deceased reptiles humans called dinosaurs. Perhaps there was a far more sinister group occupying the land a long time ago; one which, for some reason, clearly put Verician on edge. If something like that intimidated the royal descendant of Rekione, it must've been closely related to demons.

"Now," he breathed, happy to distract them all from the heavy topic, "I shall arrange for my men to guide you to Rekione. For personal reasons, I cannot accompany you along this trip." He turned to Tully, Stephen and Gary then, pursing his lips. "I hope you will understand, and not think bad of me."