Endfall by Colin Ososki Read Free Book Online Page B

old.
                  “Welcome to Havensheil, Milo.” It was a voice that came from Abraham, the lynx. He spoke by barely moving his mouth, and it came in a sort of distorted purr, yet hitting Milo's ears powerfully.
                  “You speak?” Milo asked, curious. Lyrah stepped forwards to answer, but Abraham interrupted.
                  “Intelligence,” he answered. “All of us lynxes can speak, though most of us simply don’t. We were the first to figure it out since the Second Birth.”
                  “What is the Second Birth?” asked Milo.
                  This time, Abraham leaned back in relaxation and Lyrah stepped forwards to answer. “Life on Pæraleth has not just been us. A long, long time ago the entire planet was full of life. Humans called it Earth .”
                  “Humans, from before? What happened?” Milo asked.
                  “We ended. When the world seemed to be at its worst, strange creatures came down from above to cure us. They obliterated everything and started over. All they left behind were several creatures and the metal men.”
                  Abraham spoke, “The Second Birth.”
                  “How do you guys know of this?” Milo asked. “Why doesn’t everyone know?”
                  “Some do,” said Lyrah, “you just have to look in the books they forbid a century ago.”
    “Who were they?” Milo interrupted. “The creatures from the skies?”
                  “In the books they were described like serpents, with wings and strong arms with talons.”
                  “Wait, what are metal men?” Milo asked.
                  “They used to live and assistants the humans, but towards the end, some of them began to show independence. When the Second humans discovered them, they learned from them. They had them frozen and put away somewhere. That’s why they aren’t around today.”
    “You said Mr. Charlie was trying to bring war,” Milo said. The tone is his voice changed. “With what army? The Guard hasn’t been in combat practice for ages, and even if they were able, they don’t follow the command of the Prime.”
                  Abraham got up and began to walk towards the stone table in the center of the room. He took large footsteps, but gentle and silent. “We have spies inside the Hall. There are speculations.”
                  “Of?” Milo asked. “Charlie must have known about the rebellion, right? Otherwise, was he planning to attack the citizens?”
    “He does, and he was. It’s already in motion, there’s no stopping it. Mr. Charlie is not one to negotiate with. If we stand by without a fight, he will tear the world to pieces. And even if hubris took his fate one day, it would take ages for us to pick those pieces back up and mend them into a peaceful world.”
    “What sort of speculations were there?” Milo asked.
    Abraham was hesitant. “The metal men.”
    “You said they were all gone.”
    “Asleep,” said Abraham, “not gone. Charlie will use them. It’s only a matter of time.” Milo looked at Lyrah.
    “The doctor who was murdered,” he said, “do you think he had anything to do with it?”
                  “Perhaps. We must protect Pæraleth.” Lyrah said. She walked to the table as well.
    Milo, still abashed, did not move. He lowered his head. “I don't want to fight,” He said, “I'm no warrior.”
                  Lyrah looked at Abraham, who was walking in a slow circle around the table, as if deep in thought. “We have an ally in the South.” He said. “You would be safe there.”
                  “I’d be sent away, to do nothing?” Milo asked.
                  “Not to do nothing, Milo.” Abraham looked into his eyes, with a glare of assurance. “You’re not here