74 To Ryans Surprise (1/2)

***Ryan***

It had a musty smell inside what my people called a \”sanctuary.\” It was in fact just a cave big enough to hide 300 people of the resistance or at least that's what we called ourselves; people who were left in this world, aside from the undead.

I woke up with Father, Clay, sternly looking at the \”people\” inside.

They who should have resembled people just before I left this world, now look so emaciated that they could be mistaken as skeletons of the undead army. Their skin was tearing from the lack of food and their eyes were sunken so deep that really, I would also mistake them as real skeletons. I did not know that the situation was already this dire. The smell of people who have never known to clean their own bodies for fear that a single second of letting down their guards would kill them. Living in a world like this is a hell.

\”Son, these people are in dire need of help. I can heal them and put their wounds in order, but food, and nutrients, I can't make that out of nothing, at least not yet. And I have already scanned the whole world for signs of wildlife, to no avail. Food source is deadly scarce, and I fear they may have resorted to cannibalism to survive this long. If you wish to save this world, we will have to get rid of the source of this blight once and for all.\”

Father's voice echoed in my mind, stating all the things that I feared most. Because a look at the history of humanity, when the going gets tough, the tough eat the weak.

\”I do not want to impose on you father; however, I don't want them to easily gain salvation. I know it might sound cruel, but if they gain their salvation in an instant, then that will not make them feel as if they need to work hard on protecting their acquired freedom and salvation. They need to struggle to achieve their most cherished wish. If we could help them to achieve their wish, then I'm sure, that would be the start of their rise into taking care of their world for generations to come. I hope you understand.\”

I explained the risk of helping too much to father and hoped he would understand but as expected of father, he got my intention loud and clear and made me in charge of dealing with this world by helping just a little. At least a little visibly, but just being present, father is a force to be reckoned with.

\”Don't worry. I'll follow your lead.\” He answered. How reassuring.

\”Mister! Where did you come from? You appeared in front of our sanctuary's door like a ghost and you expect us to believe that you are here to help us? I'm sorry to doubt you, but we've seen our fair share of betrayals and cheating already.\” The most emaciated person spoke to Father, with doubt and vigilance in his voice.

\”I have come from a faraway place to find the last remaining bastion for humanity in this god forsaken planet. I come, to help you liberate this world from the undead scourge and raise your people to be good stewards of the coming age of peace.\”

\”I am Clay. Lord of Alleucanth…\”

\”But son, I'm not protector of humanity. I don't like titles like these because they are too stiff!\” Argued father. However, we need this kind of assuring words for these afraid and hungry people. So, no, father, you are a protector of people.

\”…protector of humanity. With me are as your leader, we will purge the undead from this Evernight!\”