Book 2 Chapter 59: Closer

Book 2 Chapter 59: Closer

Based on the information the torturer had given me, and my own knowledge of the cathedrals layout, I had two options. Either I could make my way through small side halls, or cut directly through the main hall in the center. Both had their advantages and disadvantages. If I moved through the smaller side passages, it would take longer, and there was a greater chance I would be recognized when I passed someone. If I cut through the larger church room, there was a lesser chance of passing by anyone close enough to be recognized, but if I was then the alarm would be raised far more quickly. There was the third option. I could simply leave, and make a run for it, but since I now knew that Mary could track me, it would mean pursuit the entire time, and shed be far more likely to catch me unaware than I would be to catch her.

I drew my hood close, and made my way across a few halls until I came to the opening to the large anteroom. I started to push the door open, and hesitated. I moved back to the room where Id killed the two researching deadmen and found a box. I piled it high with random odds and ends and closed it, then made my way back to the main door. I pushed it open, and started walking across the wide open, well lit hall. I made a point not to move too fast or too slow, rather focusing on looking deliberate and like I had someplace to be. One of the first things Id learned as a Postman was that when you're carrying a lot of things, and moving like you had someplace to be, very few people get in your way, even if youre a deadman.

I walked through a small group of deadmen who cleared the path without giving me a second look, and made my way all the way to the far door. A deadman there gave me a look as I approached the door.

Can you get that for me? I asked.

He shook his head, and pulled it open. I walked through. Id made it to the other side. I inhaled deeply and kept walking, a notification appearing in the corner of my eye that I pulled up.

Congratulations Citizen! You have earned a rank in loading/unloading! Even the statue of liberty was shipped here one piece at a time!

Well that made being captured and all the torture worth it. I moved through the hallways, and started taking deep breaths through my nose. Mary had a distinct scent, and just like she had her eyes to track me, I had my nose to track her. I passed by a few deadmen, but the halls were clear by the time I got to the room that her smell led me to. Ozone, and blood, the smell was wafting between the gaps in the door. I slowly placed the box on the ground and drew my sword. Id need to move quickly to prevent her from being able to raise an alarm. I knocked on the door and raised the sword. I listened as footsteps slowly approached the door, then stopped.

I started moving again, picking up the pace as I finished tearing into the dead piglet I was carrying in my hands, eating it practically whole. I was finally starting to feel full, and my strength was returning, but I still wasnt sure if I could take the First in a straight up fight. If just consuming his flesh could grant abilities like the improvements to Mary's strength and speed, I was certain he had some advantages that were even more dangerous.

I was less than a mile away from the bombs when the rads build more.

Donny! You clever fucker! Thought we couldnt follow you without Mary, huh!?

I kept moving, not bothering to respond even though the voice was getting closer with every word.

Well, I dont know if you noticed, but my eyes have a bit of a glow to them too dont they? Maybe you couldve put two and two together, huh? There was a pause and when he spoke again he was even louder.Ive decided, I dont think its going to be worth working with you after all! Too much fucking bullshit come with it!

I was hearing a single pair of footsteps rapidly closing in. It was nightfall, and I could also see a glow slowly overtaking me. I stopped running, drew my laspistol and sword, and shot in the direction of the oncoming footsteps. They stopped, and I hesitated for a moment, then the glow grew brighter again, and I saw the First walking through the brush, one of the massive brute axes in each of his hands, that he lifted and moved with ease, brushing a hole in his black robe casually with the back of his hand, through which light was spilling.

You know, I havent had to heal like that in quite a while. Good to know everything still works.