Shards: Intro- Part 2 (old)

Chapter Three: The Human Factor

The Lost City, Alyria, Central Atlantis

Paige
*~~~~~~~~~~*

Typhon waited patiently for me to respond to this. "Hmm, when would this course of action take place?" I asked him with a subtle quiver in my throat.

"The errand I sent Siphon on would be useful to us on this mission. We will wait no longer than the timetable I've given him to return. But whether he meets my timetable or not, we will leave nonetheless. I'm afraid this venture can't wait longer than three more days."

I nodded a bit too fast.

"If you're afraid Ms. Paige, it had better be for the right reasons."

"I'm.....skeptical to a degree." My voice cracked as I tripped over my own thoughts. That's not what you should've said!

With a frustrated expression, Typhon causally rubbed his eyelids. "I told you I had a plan; indeed, a risky and bold one. Both of our lives will be at stake, but if this proves successful, we will both come out alive."

Is this serious?! My thoughts exclaimed.

"Far be it from me to question your excellency, but how does an attack against the Outsiders solve the threat? Wouldn't this only make certain their suspicions of your existence? Or worsen this situation by sparking all-out war? We still have yet to win the war here!"

"Careful Ms. Paige. You have proven yourself in battle and in affiliation. But I requested you here for your counsel and secrecy, not your dissent."

Stop being foolish. Start listening! I scolded myself. "Apologies, your excellency."

He then stood up. "Follow me."

As I got up and made my way towards the door, Typhon held it open for me. Some of the guards made way to take the door for him, but he waved them off. Even as we got out of hearing range, I could still feel Harold's eyes piercing the back of my head.

Once we rounded the corner, it felt safe to speak freely. "My deepest apologies for asking, your excellency, but was this plan thought through?"

His majesty sighed, and rubbed his eyes once more. "Ms. Paige, I personally did the digging. Be silent until we get where we are going."

"Yes your exce-agh!" I yelped in pain as a rough hand caught hold of my arm. "And, from now on, just refer to me as 'Typhon' or simply 'my lord'. No more formalities, understood?"

"Y-Yes.....Typhon." I stuttered before he let go. My arm had a large white spot devoid of blood flow in the area he grabbed me, but he could've done a lot worse. As we continued to walk on, my mind wouldn't shut up.

There were questions I felt just had to be asked. Where are we going? What is the plan?

We took a few turns until we got to a staircase and made our way down. After several flights, my companion suddenly paused and turned towards me; a skeptical expression on his hard, dark face. "Does this task seem too far-fetched to you?"

"No, my lord," I quickly responded. "Good," he declared. "Your earlier concerns were valid, but I have considered them long before I summoned you over. Have you no patience, girl?"

I just stood there holding my arm, still hurting from where he had grabbed me. I didn't really know how to feel. Expressing genuine embarrassment was no longer a part of me. Maybe the old Paige, but I wasn't her. I am now the best part of myself and nothing but that, am I? If I really am so, why am I still flawed? Am I truly myself? Am I truly loyal to Typhon?