The Amethyst Flame

Chapter 21 - Rathenaught (Zaxl)

“I never did tell you about my family,” I gestured towards Jethro as we walked past Lazuli Lane, a market town that had seen better days. It used to be famous for selling ultramarine. What happened to ruin it? Once their lapis lazuli deposits were depleted, so were most of their profits. It has been under the control of warlords for a good five decades now, men who could care less about anything but power.

“You’re right; you didn’t. What was your father like?” he asked curiously.

“He was incredibly loving. His name was Rathenaught, and in the draulter language, that means born leader. He would always help those in need and never blamed anyone else for his mistakes. A true leader can admit their faults at all times,” I spoke with a lump in my throat. So many gone in the span of a few hours…

“I’m really sorry about your father. I’m sorry to change the topic, but what is the Order of the Bronze Owl?” Arthur asked in an inquisitive tone.

“I can’t speak of such things here. I do not trust this town or anyone in it,” I muttered.

“How bad could it be?” Jethro asked stupidly.

“Poachers sell like mad here, and draulter scales are used to make boots. It’s illegal, obviously, but since when did rogues care about morality? Their coin lands on either deception or greed.”

I hate being stared at.

“People are staring at me; why?” I asked anxiously.

“You’re nine feet tall for one thing. You know any human that tall?” Jethro jested.

“I can’t say I do…” I replied in a blank tone.

As we walked past the charlatans selling immortality potions, one tugged on my sleeve and asked if I wanted to buy one.

“Well, that depends. Will I be immortal in all circumstances?” I asked with a sly smile.

“Yes! You can survive anything!” he lied through his teeth.

“So say someone decapitated me after I had drunk the potion, would I still be alive?” I asked in amusement.

“N- I mean, yes!” he nervously exclaimed.

“So drink the potion and let me test this theory,” I challenged the fraud.

“Err… I think I have a bit of a stomach ache. I’ll pass on your challenge,” he said, sweating over every inch of his body.

“You have a wife and children, right?” Arthur asked suddenly.

“Well, yes, I do,” he spoke puzzledly.

“How would they feel if they knew their father was a fraud?” Jethro asked in disgust.

The man went silent, and I saw tears welling in his eyes.

“It’s the only way I know to raise money for medicine. My daughter is gravely ill, and I can’t afford her proper treatment. I know what I did was wrong, but I plead with you to help me if you can.”

“What is your daughter sick from?” I asked cautiously.

“Shadow frenzy.”