“After General Apophis marries Princess Ife, I hope he stops his abusive ways.” One of them says.
“I am sick of taking his women to the healer. Some of them don’t wake up after he’s done with them. Why does he have to get so physical with them?” He replies. Sudden pain shoots through his chest, he’s never felt anything like this before. Emanating from his heart, it feels like a knife is being stabbed into him She’s promised to another? Reina’s a princess? He’s going to hurt her! I won’t let anyone take her from me again!” He thinks as his rage begins to simmer as his mind races. Before he can stop himself, he leaps towards the soldiers and punches one in the back of his head which knocks him out immediately. The second solider tries to scream but Roderick snatches him by his face and leaps towards a nearby alley. Slamming him into the wall he moves his hand to cover his forehead instead of the mouth. His eyes begin to shimmer and he opens his mouth to reveal his predator teeth.
“Tell me where the General is right now. If you don’t, I will rip your throat out.” He says coldly.
“Wha… What are you? A minion of Set you must be!” The soldier cries out. Roderick punches the stoned wall with his other hand and the rocks explode. Dust falls over the man and Roderick leans closer until he is eye to eye.
“Tell me where the General is. This is the last time I will ask, the next one goes through your fucking skull!” He screams. Stuttering the soldier replies.
“His villa on the Nile! Just follow it west and you will find it. White stone with a black colored statue of Anubis in the front. Roderick stifles his urge to kill and slams the man’s head into the stone knocking him out cold. The moon is rising now, and he moves with speed and grace through the shadows. His hunting instincts are firing on all cylinders and deep in his mind he in unsure of what he should do. As he approaches the villa, he sees a battalion of soldiers approaching it. Most of them reek of alcohol and sweat. The putrid smell fills his nostrils and once again he is at a loss of what to do. Should he kill the General? Take Reina and flee this country? There is a whole unseen world waiting for him to explore it but would Reina even go with him? From a nearby rooftop, he listens in on the two soldiers in the rear of the troop.
“What is this meeting about? I haven’t heard any new commands since the one to retake upper next week.” One of them asks.
“I heard this has to do with our great General’s after-hours activities. He wants to make sure none of his men tell the Pharoah about the other girls. Apparently his last one made it to the palace and one of the guards ended up having to remove her permanently if you know what I mean.” He replies.
“Well, if he wants to pay us a bonus then I’ll gladly keep my mouth shut.” He says with a laugh. Roderick leaps from the roof and lands twenty feet behind them. Grabbing a blanket from a nearby stall, he wraps himself in it and follows them. Anger is slowly overtaking his emotions as he struggles to keep his logical mind in control. Ever since he became this creature his emotions seem to take him over. He used to be so calm and in control of himself but not anymore. If he allows the emotions to boil over its as if his nature itself craves violence. They approach the vast estate of the General. Large statues of Gods line the walkway as the soldiers gather in front of a stone podium. Torches light the event as the man of the hour descends the stairs towards them all. The men begin to cheer for him and clap. Clearly, he has their loyalty. Roderick thinks to himself. The General is a tall man with long dark hair and black eyes. Even though Roderick stands in the back of the crowd his enhanced vision allows him to zoom in on him.
“I’m sorry to pry you from your nightly endeavors men but we must talk about something of utmost importance. As you all know I have many friends who visit me during the night. Sometimes things can get…” He says.
“A bit loud!” One of the soldiers’ yells. Laughter erupts from the men as does cheering.
“Yes, well sometimes the evening can turn a bit physical. Some of my friends have tried to get me in trouble with the Pharoah but alas they just don’t understand the toll battle can take on a man. Our rough play is the only thing that keeps the raging beast who thirsts for battle sated! I long for war, to feel my enemies crushed beneath the might of my blade!” He screams as he raises his sword into the air. The men begin chanting and cheering him on. “If anyone of the palace asks you questions before my big wedding you need to tell them the women are lying. I will give you a month’s worth of salary extra!” He screams.
“Yes sir! Lead us to Victory, we are richer than ever under your guidance!” The men cheer.
“Tonight, will be no exception, let us drink the night away! Remember, if you hear anyone crying out from my bedroom do not come in!” He commands. Roderick is sick with disgust at this filthy excuse for a man. He decides right then and there that he won’t wake in the morning. The party carries on all night and just as he promised cries of help begin to manifest from the pack of his villa. Roderick moves through the shadows while everyone is drunk on wine and women and he approaches from the beachside. Climbing up the side of the cliff with ease he appears on the balcony. Apophis has one woman by the throat and is choking the life from her. The look of ecstasy plastered on his face says it all. Reina will be next if he doesn’t do something. He steps into the room and his foot grazes something. He looks down and sees another woman with a dagger in her chest.