Book 2 Chapter 42: The First

Book 2 Chapter 42: The First

The rest of the journey was easy, at least for Sampson and I, though dull. We weaved through idyllic well tended forests, passed through multiple villages smaller than the town we went through, all populated by a mix of deadmen and humans living in seeming harmony. I noticed one night that we werent traveling in a straight line, but were instead taking a more weaving path toward a central direction. At first I thought it may be to avoid hills and other topography that would slow us down more than a slight change in direction, but as I paid closer attention I realized that wasnt the case. I also noticed that where we weaved, there were other paths continuing in the straight direction. We were on the most well worn of them, but it was clear that there was frequent travel along the straight line as well, not to mention multiple paths deviating from the one we were taking. Joseph and Sampson were hiding something from me.

The next night when we made camp, I feigned sleep for several hours waiting for them to sleep, and when they did, I went to creep out of camp.

Going somewhere? asked Sampson, sitting up so quietly I hadnt noticed him.

I nodded. Gotta drain the lizard. Be right back.

He nodded, and laid back down.

Caught before I could make it out of the camp, I did the business I told Sampson Id been planning on, then made my way back. I was on his good side, but it was clear his job was to make sure I didnt wander off, at least not until Id met their leader.

The next morning we had a light breakfast, and then continued on. As we moved I felt the telltale tingle of radiation wash over me as we entered what I could tell from my mental map was the furthest deadzone from the entrance to Eden. It was welcome. The heat that Id been living with was easier to endure when I was surrounded by radiation.

We moved maybe a mile or two in when we reached a clearing. Inside was not a town like Id seen before, or a village, but instead a single massive building. It was almost an exact replica of the Mausoleum in Potts, but built of stone and wood rather than the clay domes of the city. This one was also more ostentatious with stained glass windows and intricate patterns carved all across it.

Takes the breath away, does it not? asked Joseph.

Sure. I agreed simply, which led to Joseph making a face. I noticed a number of deadmen milling about, all with different armbands and clothes that I imagined described their jobs. There were also a number of hulking deadmen similar to Sampson and the Butcher, all wielding the same massive axe as him, and patrolling, though their movements seemed to be more ceremonial than practical.

A woman clothed in green and hooded came up to us, flanked by two of the larger deadmen, one of whom was a woman as well.

Joseph bowed, Mary.

She removed her hood, and I was surprised to see a pair of glowing green eyes looking at me over. Mary was tall, almost my height, and had enough hair to put into a ponytail. Her skin was a dark burgundy. This is the one who claims to have come from the East? she asked, her tone imperious, in sharp contrast to the pious calm Id heard in the inflections of the other deadmen in Eden.

This is the one. I answered before Joseph could speak.

Our eyes met for a moment, and I felt as if she was trying to discern something from me through my eyes. I met the stare, letting my red eyes meet her green ones.

She looked away from me, nodded, and turned to Joseph and Sampson.You two may go. Rooms are prepared for you to rest. The First himself will honor you with his presence later.

I am sure Mary. Go in peace, and seal the door as you leave.

She hesitated, but eventually got herself to move. Yes First, she said, bowing. She then did as she was told, and left, closing the door behind her and leaving me alone with the First.

His warm smile evaporated the moment that the door was closed, and he stood up from his chair. I will ask you questions. Lie, and I will kill you.

I tensed, readying myself to reach for my weapons, but also realizing that if he hadnt been worried about me entering with them, it likely meant he had no reason to fear them. Shoot. I said.

Did you come from the East? Across the Cut?

I nodded, Yes.

He took a step toward me, and I moved my hand an inch closer to my gun.

Did Potts send you?

Partially.

Who else?

The Remnants. Whats left of the old US Government.

That gave him pause, but he pressed on. What did each of them want?

The Remnants want information from a nearby bunker, and Potts, I reached into my pack.

Suddenly The First was in front of me, he was fast, had I been drawing my pistol, it wouldve been a close thing if Id been trying to fire at him before he could close the gap, instead, in my hand was the letter Id been given. Wanted me to bring you this letter.

He leaned back a little, and took the letter, breaking the seal with his forefinger and pulling out the stack of papers inside. He slowly walked back his throne, leafing through each page and dropping them casually to the ground as he finished reading each one. When he was done, he laughed and looked up at me.

I guess my friend really had a lasting impression on his little settlement. Youre all still an enormous bunch of pussies.