METRO 1497 - CHAPTER 13 PT2

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Y7Ncb6Kmp

--LODGE ENTRANCE--

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHq1VlCWjj

The sky sinks lower, dusk, settling like a curtain slowly over the villagers. The community eventually disperses home, Metro waves at them from the Lodge's entrance.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOjLPGIXdA

Rose slips beside him, trembling with a worried smile. She puts her hand lightly on his cheeks, whispering to him.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3ESCiLcRj

The gang heads to Paul's for the night, Metro stays behind, watching them trot away. He climbs the front lodge's steps slowly, backpack slung over one shoulder, breath steadying.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Lo5auvD6h

He enters Theron's chamber.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKd0T3pSGFu

Veronica is there now, standing beside Susan.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1ITN8aMLG

Metro steps forward through the chamber bedroom hallway, entering inside where the King's family is.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3id8qJLJPl

Fire crackles in close distance, and can be seen by the end of the chamber.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzTsYR1gSV

(Beat)

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzG5jqaOz1u

Metro (sturdy, straight forward)

“My king, I've completed the task you gave me.

We've doubled it. I honored our agreement, and I'm asking to be released now.”

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2RFkleNWT

Theron's jaw tightens. He looks away, rubbing his temples as if the weight of the entire Kingdom is pressing down on him.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCSmgjXA6n

Theron:

"You ask me this at the worst possible time. The head of the Province expects several perfect — quality — shipments… If we fail them… my house falls."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5euXDxv0V

Metro's stomach drops, but he doesn't flinch.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xJsg3wziQ

Metro (sharp, almost painful)

"I've given you my all, everything…

I've fought for your fields and your servants.

I've stood with you — and I still do.

But I need my life back.

I need freedom to leave the castle."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5hKZmPlqN

Theron's breath is heard.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajl8Muwip2

For a moment, he looks less like a King and more like a man who has seen too much.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6uyvFqPhcx

He stares at Metro's chest — humbled, shaking, and afraid.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwVlz6RXK3

Theron:

"I… I don't know what to do anymore, with all of this…

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfs0kdnwhR

I saw death.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsxGCsZBNo

I saw light."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXk1FxQplA

His voice cracks.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWNo7CRx4d

He looks down at his hands.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dKLFfojLb

"My Kingdom hangs by a thread."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBSdakWoTE

He looks up to Metro's gaze, totally exposed.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8Vpo6vVhc

"I need this to go through."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL0bDGbCTR

He glances down again, straightening himself slowly, forcing himself back into the posture of a ruler. His voice steadies.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaoya1Itia

Theron:

"One more run.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUV5gvA1xzK

One more harvest.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcU6qew1pq

Teach my farmhands your formula — every step — every measure. Give me that… and I will release you."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFKTP91xBo

He shakes his head gently, firmly, but assuredly.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEdL7NulHs

"You have my word."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHDbGitwuL

Metro stands still, determined to fight a storm behind his eyes.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYHyBv4YbzQ

He nods once.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3jb8JpMVo

Metro turns, and steps toward the chamber door, moving slowly, shoulders easing just a fraction.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrq5peQ890

He passes through the doorway into the hallway corridor.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrnjjw3ulH

And stops there.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5beaLIs2Wt

Because someone is already standing next to him to his left —hands folded neatly behind his back, smiling like he's been waiting for this exact moment.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6dfjM8JQj

Traeven —His eyes gleam with amusement — and something sharper underneath.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFSiG1on48

Traeven:

"Do you mind if we have that talk now?"

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV5x56RzI0

He steps forward, smile widening, just enough to be unsettling.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7SHgWUyIc

Traeven:

"It's about my brother, Mathias."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ542bVuCA89

The air tightens around them, but expressions remain the same.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimG8KPBr2l

TRAEVENS OFFICE —

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3Kyx8SrVS

Metro steps inside the black stoned room.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl3W4QjLFl

Traeven's office.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWpLiONdGp

The room is darker than Theron's chamber — shadows pooling the corners, leather bound books stacked in uneven towers, a massive library wall behind Traeven's black desk. Letters, a quill, several candles burning low. A single lantern flickers by the doorway.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI7URf656g

Traeven moves behind his desk and sits immediately, like he's been waiting for this moment for years.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZDZzFA610

Traeven:

"Please. Sit."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4cks4AlY2

Metro doesn't move. He studies Traeven — the posture, the smile, the stillness.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6JOO6AcSS

Traeven:(extends hand, laidback)

"Metro, you're my guest. Please.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAgjdzBf28

I mean no harm."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBruTIyeOS

Metro sits slowly, eyeing the chair like it might drop into a pit.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyJ1j8tugA

They lock eyes.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqhZpst4XM

Traven leans back further, fingers steepled, a faint smile on his lips.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhLWBIPIoN

In his own atmosphere, looking completely comfortable.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdJjEjjyaL

Then his expression shifts — A slight expressed sorrow.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTcBCzx6p1

Traeven:

"Tell me…

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5LCrwTBWkM

"What happened to my brother?

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHk0vKDSkR

Metro says nothing at first.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJV9bAjAmY

He just stares at Traeven, reading him.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfny1FCdeGo

Finally,

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EAwrpiqVT

Metro:

"Mathias led a frontal attack, it was a trap.

The enemy used it as a distraction to penetrate the back wall.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnXDZHjM1O

Traeven watches him like he's watching a play — fascinated, entertained, hungry for the next line.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAz1xU7dRu

Metro continues, unsure of Traeven’s mood.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1QzuE67tZ8

Metro:

"I was about to die.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK8gfQyo6s

Your brother saved my life.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreDFQh5uTn

He was murdered from behind, right after that."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOuwYhUEpS

Metro looks down, the memory twisting in his gut.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt39BLuNSmt

Traeven's face goes still — calculating, not grieving.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpWO1wpPYl

(A long beat.)

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjePoA34Gt

Traeven:

"He died for you."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawbIugzzAh

Metro's eyes sharpen — intensity rising.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrCX5mWvpQ

Traeven leans forward slightly, studying that reaction.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAn7J1Sr40

"I'm glad you didn't run."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHwhwKWMOa

"You were there — on the battlefield.’

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9zx8RvYsY

"I can't imagine what that was like.”

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikygPr5KzD

He watches Metro like he's trying to see inside him.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Xmid2mGHU

Traeven:

I haven't seen you in so long…

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8GlmrGr0c

I've missed having you around, really…

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWOiiq9KBE

And I want you to know…

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJuDdkcdQW

I've forgiven you.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMC7YwyKyp

Metro stares into him — no expression, no warmth, no acceptance.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMRmhJaIJz

Traeven presses on.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgA7lghPKw

Traeven:

"While you've been climbing the ranks by accident, I've been here, grinding.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiPOsh6PH3

Weighing the balances.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwPqY5txQR

Pushing Forward."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRhNf3JWlab

Traeven (voice softening)

"I'll say what you already know.’

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQb7UydYeW

"You're a threat."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3zPrFwga8

"To everyone."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqFMCkmP4V

He shakes his head, almost in disbelief.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBaLyp5gxG

Traeven (whispers)

"What did you do to them?"

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjk7RdbMCo

Metro's voice is steady.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmsGChaJKY

Metro (voice low)

"I think you know — deep down — exactly what happened."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXN0xFKaIKU

Traeven leans back, delighted.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLTVkRlYZz

He throws his left arm over the back of his chair, crosses his right leg over his left and grins.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESeKcnuPFw

Traeven:

"The King and Queen were corpses, Metro…You were shining bright.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuSk5ItUtp

(Beat)

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6ZSXLFpfb

"Are you planning to make a run for the crown?"

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgenNinKSNT

Metro doesn't react.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJLeMAXhac

He's not amused.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDm8TGO276

Metro:

"You know I'm not here for that." I'm trying to get out of this. I don't want anyone hurt, or killed. This isn't a game to me."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06LCsrcxNW

Traeven's smile fades.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb55MIEGpj6

He matches Metro's seriousness.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1wSV7JaGO

He looks down at the letters on his desk, fingers steepled again.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPUm1bCphU

Traeven:

"You're not safe here".

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hVsmDpiDp

He looks up — eyes sharp, voice low —

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQH4rEaDrY

"Or in the fortress, but I don't have to tell you that.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAWnHJjQb1

' People fear what they don't understand. You know that."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1sRjokojL

He leans forward.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoCK9KRWhC

Traeven:

"So, let me stand beside you."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4bUbK5wrI

Metro's expression shifts — the smallest crack in his armor.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASjLhMS2Ot

Traeven sees it instantly.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgHWmJCGgs

Traeven:

"my record proves I'm a master strategist…

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFiHNZ9QpQ

An advisor."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBU5Z1TobJ

He glances up at the tapestries on his wall, admiring his own legacy.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ952hmZyGI9

Then he looks back at Metro — confidence sharpened to a pointed blade.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPTnfbaJ0y

Traeven:

"I can manage your problems. Your influences... I'm not afraid of your aura."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQcncDHfWV

For a split second, Metro looks like he might give in.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBReuXgcG1Y

Traeven's eyes narrow — predatory, triumphant.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZgSovyNro

"The people are following you."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssEygxs3d4

"The soldiers too."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfs9Ky2nopf

"But Theron…"

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zBhCGfV7c

(Heavy Beat)

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJP1HaE9Tq1

Traeven:

"He's afraid of you."

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBmWRM0ptL

Metro lifts his gaze — keeping eye contact — a quiet realization settling in.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDeFphfwlL

Traeven leans in, voice barely above a whisper.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEKaSnrP1z

Traeven:

"Listen, Let me help you…"

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJW2Jr2cwd1

Metro stares into outer space, unsure.

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu8hKhgnV5

Stalling,

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhRryn1SL0

thinking...

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbZtg1EqXg

scene fades black —

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuqmlA928q

end scene —

56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WCI07aRwv
56Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8LAWulw0O

ns216.73.217.14da2

Reading Theme:

Font Size:

Line Spacing:

Paragraph Spacing:

Load the next issue automatically