Prologue: The Founding

Prologue: The Founding

Pytis, with his sharp features, his eyebrows drawn together, his eyes piercing Till’s like daggers, whispered dangerously, “It is a good idea, but unfortunately, I do not agree with you.”

“They are not as repulsing as you think. They are equal, and they defy all the cruel ways of the past.” Till’s face, with his brown eyes and thin lips harden as he spat the answer back at Pytis. His cream khaki pants and green shirt were pressed against the door, the colors muted when seen through the frosted glass. His wrinkled skin appeared even more aged, like just arguing with Pytis was draining his energy.

“But how?” Pytis’ voice was alarmingly calm and soft, like a tiger laying low in the grass before it pounced.

“At least Velia has sense to stay here,” Till snorted, annoyed. It was unusual for someone as old as Till to be so rude, especially to someone as powerful as Pytis. But Till was always adamant; he strived for people to stay alive during the Wipeout.

Pytis bristled, struggling to keep his composure. They were in a soundproofed, private meeting room, their shadows being cast upon the whiteboard with Till’s plan projected on it - a plan for a new country to rise out of the rubble. The box of pencils rattled precariously at the edge of the shelf behind them as their voices escalated. Pytis disliked Till’s idea for the new country.  

“Velia? She wished our child to revisit her homeland. But now? After hearing your plan, the only way our successors will be allowed to come here is when we are threatened. Velia wanted to stay, but is following me because she loves me. It is the only way I could even think about loving her back. And I need a child to rule after I die,” Pytis said in frosty tones. His icy face appeared even more closed off and cold when his wife was mentioned. “Besides, how will making people equal prevent trouble?”

“You, Pytis Noriss, think that just by making everybody equal, havoc will erupt? It’s the opposite! People will be content!” Till shouted, his beard quivering with anger.

“But that’s just it! One day or another, someone will want to gain power. We need this country to be safe! We need this country to be pure. Only humans. A society built by humans, for humans. Think! My plan is perfect. Besides, even if you do make this Eirus Arc,” Pytis sneered, as he mocked the name Till had chosen for the new country, “what will you call yourselves? I call myself The Preserver, because I preserved humankind. Unlike you. Your plan is to eradicate the existence of humans?” Pytis barked a laugh.

“My followers and I will call ourselves Scholars, the founders of Eirus Arc, because we actually think our plans through, unlike the narcissistic man in front of me. Now leave. I’ve had enough with you. Stay or go, I do not care.”

“Call yourselves what you’d like, call me what you’d like, but I will know you only as one thing. A greedy fool.” Pytis slammed the door.

And then he was gone.

© Roopal Kondepudi, Erin Hearne. All Rights Reserved