Atticus

District 8 - Part 3

Its getting dark , said the old man . It is better we return back . 

Yes , replied Philippe to the old mans request . As they continue their walk to their abode

Suddenly a sound buzzes , a whirring sound . A metallic clink of sorts . 

The old man , continues to walk faster . Unperturbed by the sound . The sound does , however worry a perplexed Philippe . It was not as loud as bombing or even a small building collapsing . 

He looked at the man , is it something that we have to be worried about ? asked Philippe

No , not immediately replied the old man 

However its best we move fast . There are machines on the prowl . Huge 10 feet metal beast with laser eyes like lighthouses . They are programmed as nigh watchers , the keepers of the districts. Dozens roam around the districts at night . 

What's time now asked the old man ?  who continues to walk at a very fast pace 

Its 7:30 Sir , replied Philippe

Too early , I have never seen them at his this time of the hour . They generally come at a very late hour , around midnight .  What must be the reason ? thought the old man 

Must be trouble , lets hurry up. again alerted the old man 

Phillipe seemingly not too concerned about the old mans heeds . Continues to remain calm and relaxed

Aren't you scared asked the old man ? 

I'm more curious than scared , replied Philippe . These new things that roam around the planet , these big buildings , these corporations actually baffle me sir 

Curious ? you say you are curious ? young man 

Yes sir , Nods Philippe 

These machines can kill you , if they sense you are not registered in the system . They have all our face ID's . We will be left with a warning . But you , you could be in big trouble son .So lets hurry . 

Philippe continues to maintain a leisurely pace . 

Who are you son ? any one in their right mind would run to the hills and not look back . You , you continue to maintain bravery at the face of it all . I know you are the lead counsel , and I see the wounds . Maybe you are a good fighter , that alone is not a reason to be as brave as you are .

Sir , I'm the lead counsel .Yes . I'm also the son of Marcus the great general . you surely must have heard about him . 

Son of Marcus , your father is Marcus . the old man was shocked ,  he turned a bit choky too

the great Marcus , you are the son of him...

Yes sir .

And your mother ? My mother I have not seen . I have not seen her in my life . I know her name , the immortal Athena .

The old mans eyes grew large . Maybe you need not be afraid of the Guards . I suppose 

You too are an immortal , aren't you ? asked the old man

That is something I have not yet fully understood . The metallic noises slowly fading away in the background

Maybe its their lucky day , smirked the old man . Philippe drew out a big laughter . 

I have never been really tested , tested enough to find out if I'm immortal . The closest it has come was the shadow warriors who I encountered a while ago , before I reached here . but I was too good for them . I was always a step above everyone . Thanks to my father Marcus , the greatest warrior this planet has ever seen . 

Indeed son , the greatest warrior the planet has ever seen . they sang songs of the general all over the lands . Singing glory of the king and general  , all the people . even me , when i was younger , after every war . we sang till our hearts got full . 

Those were the days , the very best of days . now there is no war son . Just big buildings and guards . And Money and poverty .

The men finally reached the homes , they slowly enter . Before I leave Philippe , may i ask you one thing

Yes Sir , anything.. 

What is the real purpose you are here for ? Who so you seek ?

Philippe looked up at the old man firmly , looking into his eyes 

Sir , I'm ordered by the king . ordered by the king to find his heir 

The old man looks back at Philippe....locking into his eyes !