The Falling Darkness Series

"Humans are not completely asinine. They are not entirely insensitive to the needs of other races. They can be smart, emotional beings that hide their feelings."

Creed stood firmly with his eyes blazing. His lips then sealed tightly into a frown. He was surrounded by fourteen tables, filled with two gentlemen at each table. The gentlemen all wore the same emotionless look on their faces. They reminded him of vultures waiting for an opportune moment.

Laughter rang around Creed, echoing throughout the entire room.

A tall, intimidating man cleared his throat, and all was hushed.

He must be Siphon, Creed thought. That man was the leader of this little group known as the Council of Casalynn. His eyes danced over the large, dimly lit room, to the barely seen members, not that you could tell any difference between them. All of their heads were shaved. They all wore black suits, white shirts and black ties. Some of the members of the council might have been thin and solidly built, while others may be fat, weak and complacent. But in the dark room, clones came to mind.

"Is that why you wish to leave our city of superiority? We Casalyians are smarter, stronger, and have more technology," Siphon announced with pride. His face came into view wearing a sadistic smile. His arms were outstretched as if they showed all the glory of Casalynn. His dark, gleaming eyes peered intensely. Siphon's wings rested behind him, waffling a putrid smell of decaying flesh. "Not to mention we live in the sky in a floating mechanical city, far above those pests on the ground."

Creed shook his head holding in a breath. The angry stance revealed his well-developed frame, readily noticeable even in the suit he wore for today's occasion. One might easily estimate his age to be older than his youthful sixteen years. His maturity probably reflected his difficult history. Now was the time to emphasize that maturity.

"No, that is not my only reason I wish to study the Humans." Creed continued. "I want to learn. No, I yearn to know more about them. All we do is stay in this city and only go near the Humans if it is necessary. I truly think that there is another way. I think Humans and Casalyians could one day co-exist, side by side."

The gentlemen of the council snickered. Siphon slammed his hands down, shaking as he responded to Creed. "The Humans are a young and vile race! Once they discover you, they will chain you down and dissect you, piece by piece, part by part! Then they will throw what remains of you into a museum!"

Creed aggressively extended his wings. They stood at an amazing six-foot length and emitted an odor like lilacs. His eyes narrowed at Siphon, as he double-downed. "We are still a rather young race! We have already done those things! It is written in our history! We are just further along than they are!"

Siphon roared, leaving his seat at the speed of lightning. He moved close to Creed, eye-to-eye. Creed's wings bent forward until their tips poked Siphon in his chest. Siphon's face went livid, and he wrinkled his nose as he leaned backward. He walked back to his seat, sat down, and continued to glare.

Creed managed to calm himself down. A serene feeling suddenly drifted from him. The mood slowly infected the room with quiet sincerity. The other council members accepted this intrusion, while Siphon only sneered, glowering. He seemed to be immune to the calming effects of Creed's ability.

However, the longer Creed had this emotion out, the stronger it became. Finally, Siphon succumbed to it. He slowly looked around the darkened room and relaxed.

Siphon stood up roaring again, but this time with laughter. He turned and faced the council.

Creed studied Siphon, cocking his head.

Siphon finally stopped laughing, and the same sadistic smile returned. He turned around to face Creed. "Boy, you are determined. Well, it doesn't matter to me, Filth." He spat out the last word as he spoke.

The council gasped in horror.

Siphon's smile widened. "Yes, this is the forbidden lad, created by that inexorable excuse of a treaty." Siphon began to pace behind his table. His left hand swooped down, yanking up one of the many papers that waited for his approval.

"The one time our dear beloved king went over our heads . . . Not caring if we approved or not, it led to a treaty that has long since fallen through." He began lecturing Creed on what he considered to be his wasteful existence.

Siphon quickly took the paper he had snatched from the table and held it to his face. His eyes rapidly scanned the offending official document. "In fact, I have a copy of that treaty right here." Siphon eyed Creed. "Now let us hear how much of a failure your existence is."

Siphon began to read, " 'It is hereby this day that I, King Fredal of the Casalyian Nation, recognize this treaty. I recognize this treaty for three things: One, peace between our two races, as such, an heir to the Nard Kingdom is to be born to a woman of noble intent and raised as her own in Casalynn; Two, to ensure the Humans keep unaware of our existence; and Three, to end this conflict that has plagued us for generations.