I'm not Alone

Chapter 19

The trio headed towards the big house, their pace naturally faster, making the children who followed scramble. They saw that only a few, smart campers and Olympians were present. If there was one thing that made Eidos frown, then it would be being late. The Commander prized his army on being the most disciplined and punctual in all armies. 

But Eidos knew that it was the gods arrogance which was allowed the demigods behavior. They were raised in a place where it was alright so there was little he could blame the kids for.

The few gathered gods bowed their heads in greeting while the campers rose from their seats. They watched as the Commander and his companions entered, a new silence fallen in the room. They could feel the heat of gaze on them as he looked who were present and they suspected he was also noticing who weren't. 

The only reason why they were perfectly on time was because they had heard rumors that Eidos disliked people who were not punctual almost as much as he disliked betrayals. And that was saying something, not that they knew.

He simply sighed and sat down on a bean bag, walking past a excessively extravagant throne, making the simple act look regal and graceful. His companions also sat, rather clumsily compared to his grace.

There was a immediate scuffle as everyone adjusted their seats to be able to watch him better. Few Olympians exchanged looks, wondering whether they should sacrifice their thrones. They didn't.

It took the rest exactly 10 minutes to arrive and 2 extra more for Duke and Zeus. Everyone sat, grumbling in complaint. They weren't aware they were testing Eidos's patience and that he wasn't a impatient man. 

The mumbling continued as people yawned and bickered. Eidos and his party stared straight ahead, and the smart realized that ever under the hoods, their eyes were burning. 

Finally when silence arrive, Eidos, started.
"I am glad we are gathered. Even if it took a while." His words were twisted with barbs, making those who read between the lines, wince.

Now that he had used a polite enough greeting, he went right to business. But just as he was to open his mouth, bickering between the gods and campers rose. Once again.

"Why are we sitting here?"
"Oh, shut up, drama queen!"
"What is wrong with yo-"
"Can we focus?"
"Did you see what she called me?!"

He gave them a few minutes to calm. It seemed like they barely noticed him. 

"Quiet." 

Eidos had finally had enough. He didn't raise his voice at all but used his Commanding voice. It was low and loud in a different way. It resonated within their heads and compelled them to shut their mouth.

The fact that they were late and arguing and not to mention his personal grudge which came to be because they were the ones who almost killed him, made his almost non-existent temper flare up. He had used his Commander voice which made everyone obey him.

They had stopped all their nonsense talk and were scared to even breathe loudly. The aura of authority leaked out of him making not one soul question him.

"This may be your usual methods for a war meeting, but may I remind you all that without me, you will lose." He continued with the same tone.
"I will not be disrespected."

His words slithered between them like a snake. The lingered threat to his words did not go unnoticed. It was unsaid, but impactful all the same. 

"There is a reason you were called and my presence requested. I was promised a war council not a job of baby-sitting." If would have been better if he snarled out the words. His method made it seem like what he said was perfect logic, digging wounds in their inflated pride. 

Now he started the real threatening.
"Again I remind you. It was you who called for us to fight in war you brought upon yourselves. If you do not desire our help or dislike our methods then we will gladly leave. Let Earth be destroyed. I pity the innocents here but better dead than to be under such a rule."

Some part of them realized it was the truth but of course not all.

"There are many more planets who need our help. They are desperate and ready to beg. Let it be known that we will not hesitate to leave if you do not show us the respect we deserve."
After a pause, he made a final statement. 
"I will excuse this discourtesy but I am not lenient enough to give another warning."

Eidos's controlled tone and relaxed stature was the perfect way to hammer his words in their head. The silence of the voice made it more threatening. By the end of his speech the gods and campers, saving Hestia, Hades, Coraline and Xavier looked properly shamed.

Eidos waited for the silence to stretch before returning to his purpose.

"Now let's talk in a more civilized manner, shall we?"

~(Edited)~