Chronicles of Ares: Book 2: A God's Absolution (Episodes 6-10) by Antonio Midnight

Author:Antonio Midnight [Midnight, Antonio]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2023-11-22T00:00:00+00:00

EPISODE 9

Divine Prisoner

Morning broke, and feeble light, the sun hidden behind cloudy veils, flooded the high meadows and rock formations of the bandits’ plateau. There was a sharp, biting breeze that blew in from the north, bringing the promise of rain.

I checked in on the old man, still sleeping with his back against a rock. I could not understand how he managed to sleep in such discomfort, but sleep he did. His peaceful posture was broken only by his thunderous, obnoxious snoring. How could such a frail creature produce such sounds? It was as if he were suffocating, and right when I thought this was it for him, he drew in another sharp, rattling breath. And then again.

Humans are remarkable.

I put my clothes on, packed, and ate a few bites of Callista’s provisions. They would not last much longer, but the bandits would have food stored in their camp. It would be mine for the taking.

Last evening, I recalled, the old man had brought up the merits of what he called ‘strategy’ and ‘planning.’ I could not deny its allure. My original idea had been to just storm the bandits’ camp and, well, kill them all on sight.

“You can’t just walk in through the front door, Ares,” the old man had said. “You’re strong, yes, but they are many. They will tear you apart!”

“Nothing can tear me apart, old man!” I had answered. That had produced a series of condescending sighs. Irritating, yes.

Still, I saw what he meant, and, together, we had come up with a more feasible plan. It required him to come with me and put himself at great risk. He hadn’t hesitated for a moment.

Remarkable, those humans, yes.

I glanced at the old man, saw him still snoring away. More and more I felt myself separating from these mortals; becoming, returning to something greater and more powerful. Divine. Like humans to their dogs and dogs to their sheep. Could I be their shepherd and lead them to greater things? I wanted a better life for the people of this island, wanted it desperately. The few humans I had encountered had all been remarkable in their own ways — Elara’s bravery and boldness, Callista’s strength and endurance, this old man’s — Jurki’s — resilience and drive. They were better than all the rotten gods combined; they just lacked their powers. And the ones who were bad among them, the bandits, were so not by their own fault. At least not entirely.

“Wake up, old man!” I shouted. “Time to go!”

He stirred in his old man’s nest. “Huh? Oh, yes. Of course.”

“This plan of yours,” I said while he began dressing himself. “If it doesn’t work, you just run and leave me. Is that clear?”

“‘Course, youngling. You think I want to die?” He crackled. “Not yet, not yet. The time for Jurki will come soon, but not yet.”

I watched the landscape below, the meadow that stretched to the horizon. Still the fog hid most of the bandits’ camp, but now I could clearer discern the huts and some other buildings.

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