Peniel

[Patricus I]

The warning fires of danger lit the pilot’s gaze. The man moved like a shield, rotating around the Pope while the flying creatures took their aim. Patricus’ gaze was transfixed upon them, having no awareness such a creature existed. The animals were disturbingly intelligent. Philip could see it in their motion and strategy. These were something greater than reptilian, but less than what the divine hand of God fashioned. Demons, the church would call them. Whatever they were, they were as unnatural as the scorched land of Tungsaka itself. The pilot was frantic to remove him until Philip placed his gloved hand on the man’s shoulder, squeezing it carefully. And while the others did what they thought best, Patricus prayed silently to know what to do.