After this split second thought, he also rushed to grab this opportunity. However, his attempt to escape petered when the creature stretched out her arm, picking along the way his stomach with a surprising strength. The pain cut short the breath of the Aodhe for a moment.
Without wasting a minute, she wrapped him in one of her rags before dragging him to the elevator that she has used to come there. Surprised and shocked, he wasn't able to resist. It was only once the doors closed that he managed to reject her violently in one of the device corners.
-Who are you? He asked in a whisper.
The creature didn't answer him. Even when she got up, she remained silent without approaching him.
-Where are you taking me? He added immediately despite the fact that he could take a look at the panel of the elevator to find out.
She stood still for a moment before she raised slowly one arm and pointed out: Below. He felt as if a snake was tying around his stomach. Why didn't he noticed it before? The strange skin of his abductor, her outfit, her semi-bestial behavior... Below. In the Heart. He eventually raised his head toward the panel to find that it was effectively where they were going.
-How did you have access to the authorizations? No, rather... How have you managed to get this far ? He said while looking at her again.
Still silent, the stranger seemed to pay no attention to his words. So he continued his reflection.
-Only the Judges and the Aodhes have the necessary authorizations to access this level. Only an Aodhe has access to the Lodges... Only an Aodhe...
When the answer came by itself, he stopped from the shock of the revelation. He didn't want to believe it himself but the name eventually escaped.
-Cahal !
-I'm glad that you already noticed, my brother.
The words sounded as the face of the Aodhe Cahal appeared on the screen of the device. He offered a kind smile to his colleague but it only grew the feelings of fear and incomprehension which clutched Hayden to the point when they soon changed into rage.
-What is the meaning of all of this?
-How does it feel to feel again after all this time?
The question took Hayden by surprise but Cahal kept his smile.
-It's something else, isn't it?
-I don't understand what do you want to talk about... Cahal, answer me, what's going on?
-I thought I was clear enough : how does... it feel to feel again after all this time? He reiterated once more while weighing his words.
Hayden realized that Cahal wouldn't answer him before he answered his question. He took the time to considerate it and, after some thought, he realized the strangeness of his own behavior. He, the Watchman, the guardian of Cinaed, never had any reason to feel anything. He had always followed the dogma without thinking, convinced that he was protecting the common interest. A dogma that he probably set up himself. His whole life had consisted of a well-written and executed routine.