Enter the Enigma.

Chapter 10: Perry, the Servant

Little did Peter and the Drusselstinian know, there was another force at play. For, as much trouble as Perry had gotten himself into, it was only due to the influence of the Red Sultan, who ruled his life. It was this one-eyed creature that held the power of the curse over Perry and, with it, command over his actions. The Red Sultan often made Perry do unspeakable acts for his amusement or convenience. He lived off of the sufferings of others.

"My time is drawing near again, my servant," said the Red Sultan to Perry.

Perry was on one knee before him, trembling. The magic command over him was forcing him to bow, forcing him to obey. "What does my master bid of me?" asked Perry.

The Red Sultan smiled devilishly. "The Drusselstinian has been meddling in our affairs for far too long… and that panda that is in love with Penelope… my dear, sweet Penelope…"

"Master, I had thought that you would have let me have her, as I have been faithful to your every command."

Further words from him were halted as he suddenly felt himself choking. The Red Sultan stood with a hand outstretched and magic emanating from his fingertips. "I did not give you permission to speak, peasant!" his tone seething a cold rage. "I only had you do these things to bring her to me. She is to belong to me. She is to love me." With each self-reference, Perry's breath became shallower. He was almost unconscious by the time the Red Sultan let go.

"Forgive me… my Master… I won't trespass again…" Perry gasped.

"Good. Now, listen closely: I order you to kill the Drusselstinian and the panda." His one red eye gleamed. "And let Penelope out of her room. I want some time with her."

Perry's voice came out strained. "Yes… my Master…" He stood stiffly and walked off. His movements were forced, his form shaking. All this ugliness I would take without a murmur, so long as I didn't have to keep getting blood on my hands, thought Perry.

It had been seven years. Seven long years for Perry. For the Red Sultan, however, it was a small part of the eternity he kept borrowing. For, he had a magic emblem that allowed him to steal a person's life, or rather the life they might have potentially had if they had lived fully. Every time he had made Perry kill someone, it wasn't just to keep all of this a secret, it was to prolong his life. He wanted to live forever.

Perry had, up until he met Penelope, wanted to die. He heard her sing, saw her, and finally met with her. He told her everything about him. The Red Sultan had seen her too and wanted her. Perry feared for her life. No one should have to be subjected to living with such a horrible person, especially for forever. Perry had tried to keep her away, but had fallen in love with her in the process. He knew Peter was better for her. Peter had better looks, he could give her wealth and happiness, unlike the fear and despair his life promised.

The room Penelope was being kept in had a door to the torture chamber. The Drusselstinian had been at work trying to find the catch that would open the door, but it was to no avail. They did not know the other was there.

Perry came into Penelope's room then. "Come, my dear, we must away. The Master wants you to have some freedom," said Perry. His tone was sad and remorseful. He untied Penelope. Her fur was stained with tears and her wrists were chafed. "I'm sorry, Darling, truly I am." Perry cried now. "I don't care what happens to me, but by everything I hold dear, I want you free from this… I wish I could free you from this. You shouldn't have come to know me, Penelope, you shouldn't have come to know me." Tears streamed down his face and he sobbed. He was on his knees before her and she cried for him.

"I'm waiting!" called out the Red Sultan. They both jumped at that.

"Whatever it takes… please get out…" said Perry softly.

"Not without you," said Penelope. She kissed at the brim of each of his eyes, dispelling some of the tears.

Perry rose and offered her an arm and guided her from the room. "Perry!" called a voice. They both jumped and stopped in their tracks. Perry shook.

"That can't have been…" said Perry.

"What is taking so l-" the Red Sultan came in, but stopped short. "Something is… different…" He pressed a button that unfolded a part of the wall. Stairs formed and led to the top of the torture chamber. "Well, well, well… come here, Perry, take a look at this." Perry's arms shook. "Perry, I order you to come up here and look in."

Perry knew he had heard the Drusselstinian. If he saw him, he would have to kill him. His movements were mechanical, against his will. When he got to the top of the stairs and noticed the Drusselstinian and Peter inside, he cried out and covered his eyes. His body shook as he fought the urge to obey the order given to him previously.

"Take heart, Perry, you needn't kill them. All I want you to do, all I order you to do, is to turn on the light for our little friends in there," said the Red Sultan.

The room had one light, and that light burned brightly and reflected on the mirrors. It made the room seem bigger and reflected the tree in its corner as if it were multiple trees in a great forest. There were two options in this chamber: die of the heat exhaustion or go out on your own terms with the lasso hanging in the corner. Perry turned on the light and knew the sad torture that awaited the two unfortunate souls within, yet he could not disobey an order. He could not. He could not.

We're getting closer to the end everybody. Stay tuned and please keep reading and reviewing, thanks :)