Drakan (The Chronicles of Eli) [#Wattys2015]

Chapter 22 - Part 2

         Deep in the forest, hallowed trees formed the scene. Dirt blew with the wind, as it scattered across the loose soil. The surrounding area looked as if it were recently carved out, revealing an unconscious Peter in the middle. Eli rubbed the side of his neck. Out the corner of his eye he could see Eldis fidgeting about while he sat on the ground. The flickering gray from the sky caught his attention. With a quick glance, Eli saw the color difference it displayed and wondered if Peter would catch on to it.

                    “I thought you said it wouldn’t last long” Eli said as his eyes drifted towards Eldis.

        Eldis rapidly tapped his knee with all fingers. He then grunted and stood from his Indian style position. The strides he took towards Peter closed the distance between the two in seconds. Once at Peter’s feet, Eli watched as Eldis raised his hand and readied it for an attack. Eli’s muscles tensed as he himself braced for the incoming impact. Cough. Cough. Cough. With red eyes, Peter woke in a coughing fit.

                    “You…Im…beciles”

        Eldis rolled his eyes and whispered something too low for Eli to hear, before lowering his hand back to his side. He took a few steps away from Peter and bent down into a crouched position. Eli loosened his muscles and crossed his arms. He remained where he was as he starred into a pair of crimson eyes.

                    “I order you to release me, or when I break free I will rip both your hearts out.”

        The lips of Peter opened and closed but the words that left them coursed smoothly into Eli’s ears. Squinting, Eli wondered how it was possible to hear him so clearly without him being near.

                    “Still using that child’s play of an ability I see”

        Both Peter and Eldis held each other’s gaze briefly before white replaced the red around Peter’s pupils. Eldis grinned as he dusted his pants, slowly standing upright.

                    “You’re not in any position to order around, but, I assure you, you will be released once I have my questions answered.”

        Peter scoffed. He gave effort to breaking free from his restraints. Several times he attempted before giving in to defeat. He spat to his side and quickly nodded his head at Eldis. His expression held that of an impatient man.

                    “I want to know why you sent Joseph to kill me” Eldis sternly said.

                    “Those were my orders” Peter replied, with just as much sternness.

                    “By whom?”

        A wide grin swiftly swept across Peter’s lips. He tilted his head back and chuckled to the sky.

            “By the ones most holy, the all-knowing. The true Gods of this wretched world.”

        Eli’s countenance remained steady as his eyes went from Peter to Eldis, and back again. He focused not on the conversation, but, on their reaction to each other’s remarks.

            “I thought you Cretans answer only to the Panel?” Eldis said questioningly, as he slowly made his way toward Peter.

            “The old ones think they’re running things, but there’s a new wave coming. Soon everyone will know the power of the Shadows and bend to their will.” Peter held his grin as he looked over at Eli, “Even those most resilient by nature.”