09-23-2014, 11:15 AM
Crossing the threshold into Valdir's house felt a little like entering the lair of a beast. The atmosphere was taught and Valdir's stark presence loomed as an ever present threat. Nikolai's comment was met with a raised brow.
While Nikolai spoke to their host, Michael inspected their surroundings. The house was immaculate. Disturbingly so. Despite evidence of wear, there was no trace of recent use. Three pairs of shoes lined the wall adjacent to the door in perfect order. They were brand new.
Michael glanced at Nikolai at the offer of tea and the room grew darker in a way that had little to do with lighting. The following cry pieced his ears on a tangled web of power.
Nikolai spoke carefully as Michael sketched a standing bow and closed the door. Usually, it was almost impossible to contain his presence but Nikolai dominated the room. He was Aconcagua in the shadow of Everest.
Michael watched Nikolai and Valdir as 'recognition' sparked in his eyes. No smile cracked his lips, but amusing was an understatement. He remained silent until Nikolai stopped after moving into the living room.
It did take long to notice the source of Nikolai's frown. Michael's face remained neutral while the fires of power raged just beyond his reach.
"A pleasant man, indeed."
"A god among ants,"
was his whispered reply.
Michael turned to address Valdir for the first time, circling the scene like one would view a prize portrait. Valdir seemed eager for his reaction. "Your daughter is lovely,"
Michael said in a soft voice laced with steel. His blue eyes were cooler than Arctic ice. His gaze lingered on the tiny pale figure who's head was bowed in imitation of a prayer. Reverence.
"Would you like an autograph? I am sure our host would be happy to give you it. Why don't you fetch a pen, I'm sure your daughter would be pleased."
Valdir's face darkened at his instruction but the prospect of a personal meeting with a television star brightened his mood. "An excellent idea!"
Valdir exclaimed with a sudden clap of his hands. "Your assistant is perceptive, sir! If you would sit down, I shall be right back!"
Michael turned his back on the room to approach Nikolai and lean in close. "We must disable him. When he returns. I shall follow your lead."
His tone and stance brooked no argument, even if Nikolai was the ruler of half the world. War was his kingdom.
When Valdir's footsteps grew louder, Michael raised his voice, once again circling to the opposite side of the room. He quoted a passage from an author of the 30's who wrote about ancient conflict. He had no doubt Nikolai would understand his meaning. "'And it was said his left hand was a shield, the right, a sword.'"
Edited by Michael Vellas, Sep 23 2014, 11:19 AM.
While Nikolai spoke to their host, Michael inspected their surroundings. The house was immaculate. Disturbingly so. Despite evidence of wear, there was no trace of recent use. Three pairs of shoes lined the wall adjacent to the door in perfect order. They were brand new.
Michael glanced at Nikolai at the offer of tea and the room grew darker in a way that had little to do with lighting. The following cry pieced his ears on a tangled web of power.
Nikolai spoke carefully as Michael sketched a standing bow and closed the door. Usually, it was almost impossible to contain his presence but Nikolai dominated the room. He was Aconcagua in the shadow of Everest.
Michael watched Nikolai and Valdir as 'recognition' sparked in his eyes. No smile cracked his lips, but amusing was an understatement. He remained silent until Nikolai stopped after moving into the living room.
It did take long to notice the source of Nikolai's frown. Michael's face remained neutral while the fires of power raged just beyond his reach.
"A pleasant man, indeed."
"A god among ants,"
was his whispered reply.
Michael turned to address Valdir for the first time, circling the scene like one would view a prize portrait. Valdir seemed eager for his reaction. "Your daughter is lovely,"
Michael said in a soft voice laced with steel. His blue eyes were cooler than Arctic ice. His gaze lingered on the tiny pale figure who's head was bowed in imitation of a prayer. Reverence.
"Would you like an autograph? I am sure our host would be happy to give you it. Why don't you fetch a pen, I'm sure your daughter would be pleased."
Valdir's face darkened at his instruction but the prospect of a personal meeting with a television star brightened his mood. "An excellent idea!"
Valdir exclaimed with a sudden clap of his hands. "Your assistant is perceptive, sir! If you would sit down, I shall be right back!"
Michael turned his back on the room to approach Nikolai and lean in close. "We must disable him. When he returns. I shall follow your lead."
His tone and stance brooked no argument, even if Nikolai was the ruler of half the world. War was his kingdom.
When Valdir's footsteps grew louder, Michael raised his voice, once again circling to the opposite side of the room. He quoted a passage from an author of the 30's who wrote about ancient conflict. He had no doubt Nikolai would understand his meaning. "'And it was said his left hand was a shield, the right, a sword.'"
Edited by Michael Vellas, Sep 23 2014, 11:19 AM.
"She saw a flaring halo around his head, radiant in gold and blue. It shouted of glory and power to come"
"No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it."