Hidden Thread (Part 2)

Hannibal?

Guk had nearly forgotten that name, and what it represented, but none of that mattered. If his memory was correct, that man should have been in the distant New California Republic, not here.

"What's he doing here?"

Guk demanded.

Grakas sobbed. Under the immense psychic oppression, he could barely speak.

"He... I don't know... He is eternal... He..."

"That's not a very good answer."

Guk shook his head.

"Maybe I should blow you away."

"The bishop... the bishop wanted me to warn you!"

Grakas pleaded.

"Go on."

"Please—"

"Stop, Mogtrakka."

The shrill sound faded away.

"He sent you to warn me?"

"Yes..."

Grakas sighed.

"You mean that kind of warning, or this kind of warning?"

The Wendigo Church spy shook his head.

"A warning about danger—"

Guk immediately drew his pistol. Grakas had not even seen the movement.

Moments ago, the massive weapon had still hung at the giant beast's waist. An instant later, it was clenched in that iron fist, aimed directly at Grakas's head.

"Are you insane?"

Guk demanded sharply.

"Are you blind? Look at me! I am Guk! Conqueror of sky and earth! King of the Orks! Why are you spouting such madness? Danger? There is nothing here that can threaten me!"

"If that is truly the case, then I apologize. I meant no offense."

But that astonishingly large-caliber pistol remained pointed at him.

"You said Hannibal invited us here. Explain yourself."

Grakas swallowed.

"The bishop believes your attention is focused on the wrong place. The true enemy is not here..."

"Why?"

"To be honest, sir, I don't know... I am only an intermediary. The bishop hopes that, during this war, you will see certain things with your own eyes."

"See what?"

Grakas straightened slightly, boldly staring directly into the gun barrel pressed toward his face.