104Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9xfP1PNF1
"Humans are not completely asinine. They are not entirely insensitive to the needs of other races. They can be smart, emotional beings that hide their feelings."
Creed stood firmly with his eyes blazing. His lips then sealed themselves tightly into a frown. He was surrounded by fourteen tables, filled with two gentlemen at each table. The gentlemen all wore the same emotionless look on their faces. They reminded him of vultures waiting for an opportune moment.
Laughter began to ring around Creed, echoing throughout the entire room.
A tall, intimidating man cleared his throat, and all was hushed.
He must be Siphon, Creed thought. That man was the leader of this little group known as the Council of Casalynn. His eyes danced over the large, dimly lit room, to the barely seen members, not that you could tell any difference between them. All of their heads were shaved. They all wore black suits, white shirts and black ties. Some of the members of the council might have been thin and solidly built, while others may be fat, weak and complacent. But in the dark room, clones came to mind.
"Is that why you wish to leave our city of superiority? We Casalyians are smarter, stronger, and have more technology," Siphon announced with pride. His face came into view wearing a sadistic smile. His arms were outstretched, as if they showed all the glory of Casalynn. His dark, gleaming eyes peered intensely. Siphon's wings rested behind him, waffling a putrid smell of decaying flesh. "Not to mention we live in the sky in a floating mechanical city, far above those pests on the ground."
Creed shook his head holding in a breath. The angry stance revealed his well-developed frame, readily noticeable even in the suit he wore for today's occasion. One might easily estimate his age to be older than his youthful sixteen years. His maturity probably reflected his difficult history. Now was the time to emphasize that maturity.
"No, that is not my only reason to study the Humanoids," Creed continued. "I want to learn. No, I yearn to know more about them. All we do is stay in this city and only go near the Humanoids if it is necessary. I truly think that there is another way. I think Humanoids and Casalyians could one day co-exist, side by side."
The gentlemen of the council snickered. Siphon slammed his hands down, shaking as he responded to Creed. "The Humanoids are a young and vile race! Once they discover you, they will chain you down and dissect you, piece by piece, part by part! Then they will throw what remains of you into a museum!"
Creed aggressively extended his wings. They stood at an amazing six-foot length and emitted an odor like lilacs. His eyes narrowed at Siphon, as he double-downed. "We are still a rather young race! We have already done those things! It is written in our history! We are just further along than they are!"
Siphon roared, leaving his seat at the speed of lightning. He moved close to Creed, eye-to-eye. Creed's wings bent forward until their tips poked Siphon in his chest. Siphon's face went livid, and he wrinkled his nose as he leaned backward.
Creed managed to calm himself down. A serene feeling suddenly began to drift from him. The mood slowly infected the room with quiet sincerity. The other council members accepted this intrusion, while Siphon only sneered, glowering. He seemed to be immune to the calming effects of Creed's ability.
However, the longer Creed had this emotion out, the stronger it became. Finally, Siphon succumbed to it. He slowly looked around the darkened room and relaxed.
Then Siphon stood up roaring again, but this time with laughter. He turned and faced the council.
Creed studied Siphon, cocking his head.
Siphon finally stopped laughing, and the same sadistic smile returned. He turned around to face Creed. "Boy, you are determined. Well, it doesn't matter to me, Filth." He spat out the last word he spoke.
The council gasped in horror.
Siphon's smile widened. "Yes, this is the forbidden lad, created by that inexorable excuse of a treaty." Siphon began to pace behind his table. His left hand swooped down, yanking up one of the many papers that waited for his approval.
"The one time our dear beloved king goes over our heads . . . Not caring if we approved or not, it led to a treaty that has long since fallen through." He began lecturing Creed on what he considered to be his wasteful existence.
Siphon quickly took the paper he had snatched from the table and held it to his face. His eyes rapidly scanned the offending official document. "In fact, I have a copy of that treaty right here." Siphon faced Creed. "Now let us hear how much of a failure your existence is."
Siphon began to read, " 'It is hereby this day that I, King Fredal of the Casalyian Nation, recognize this treaty. I recognize this treaty for three things: One, peace between our two races, as such, an heir to the Nard Kingdom is to be born to a woman of noble intent and raised as her own in Casalynn; Two, to ensure the Humanoids keep unaware of our existence; and Three, to end this conflict that has plagued us for generations.
" 'Since one being is to be born between the two races, a Treaty of Protection has been added in regard to this being's safety. If any side harms the heir to the Nard Kingdom, retribution will be paid, and the cease casualties will no longer be in effect.'
"Now do you understand, Creed. Your birth is a scar on our history. Not only did the Nards disregard the treaty, but they also ousted you. You have neither home, nor race to call your own."
Again, Siphon burst into a fit of laughter. Almost near crying and out of breath, he finally stopped and suddenly announced, "The council grants your wish," he heaved, exhaling air as he spoke. "At least the council will be rid of your filth for a while."
Creed's gaze wavered, as the other council members began to pass around the document to be stamped. Finally, after all twenty-eight of them branded it, a venerable council member in a mechanical wheelchair handed it to Siphon.
With an ill-tempered tone, Siphon took the document and threw it at Creed, announcing, "Your request is granted!'
Creed turned toward the door to his left and walked out of the darkened council chambers. He was met by the rainy outside world of Casalynn.
As soon as Creed left the Chamber of the Council, the members began to murmur among themselves. One member, slightly younger than the rest, jumped up, seething. "What have we done, Siphon! That arrogant fool will reveal us all. The Humanoids will turn their disgusting attention to us!" the younger member huffed, sitting back down.
Siphon sat down, contemplating his answer. He smirked. "Plans are in motion . . . the insufferable brat will not survive."
"Are you sure?" the younger member asked, feeling satisfaction upon Siphon's words.
"Most definitely! That is why one of Casalynn's greatest warriors guards the portal as we speak."
When Creed reached the outside, he took a deep breath. The rain seemed to pour harder, as if he had infringed on a private moment. He looked toward the sky and murmured, "Filth." It was a word he had heard all of his life. It was a word that he never seemed to escape, despite all his efforts to do so.
He was not at the top of his class in grades, but when it came to other things, like debating, fighting, using a sword, or learning how to become a knight to the king, he could excel at those things. He was at his best when it came to them.
Tears began to cascade down Creed's face, but he covered his eyes with his hands. Creed bent down sobbing carelessly. He suddenly felt a hand resting on his shoulder. He did not tense because that presence felt familiar, safe even. It was soothing to him. The hand gently slipped down his back and rubbed the middle.
"Did you get what you asked for?" The voice was masculine, with a touch of quiet darkness. Creed started to stand, and the hand retracted. He turned around to face his half-brother, Vincent.
"Yes." Creed's tears began to falter. "But it is because I am filth."
The tears completely stopped, but now his voice faltered.
Vincent stared at Creed, and took a breath before he spoke. "You are what saved us all. I am truly sorry you have to bear this." His hand found Creed's shoulder again. He tried to console Creed as best he could. "If not for you, the Casalyians and the Nards would have destroyed each other."
Creed swallowed thickly. "I know that," he whispered.
Vincent gently released Creed and turned away. "I think we need to start preparing for your journey to the Humanoids."
Creed nodded in agreement, then realized his brother was already walking away. He blushed in embarrassment and followed him, their shoes clacking against the metal surface of Casalynn.
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