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Finally, another chapter!
Chapter 15
Gregorius guided Wenstrel and Azure into the hallway that the children had only recently passed through, the weary souls resting and crying pitifully. Many doors poked out in the hallway, each one with a silently sobbing set of children.
Many doors passed by, and several turns in the hallway came, when Azure noticed that there were far too many doors to even house one child each from the band she arrived with. "How many young ones do you have here?" She asked. Gregorius grinned, shrugging with the two Pokémon in his grip.
"Not sure these days. We've been at this for months now, and only Borik or Maxim would really know how many we have, or maybe even Arthus. We all know what happened to our dear prison master, and right now Maxim is not in high standing with Arthus..." Gregorius chuckled, enjoying the conversation.
"Most choose to not let me talk to anyone; say I can babble on forever if I chose, which is dangerous considering I'm trusted with some more private knowledge." His eyes gleamed, looking directly in at Azure's eyes. "Though don't think that makes me a fool. I am sure that Arthus wouldn't mind having one of his captains deal with you if you learn too much. So, if you want something, do not ask me...even if it be as small as a glass of water." He chuckled maliciously, thinking he had made a clever joke.
Azure's heart went to the others who had been forcibly taken from their homes and brought to this despicable place. Arthus seemed to care for their well-being, but the reason why is a mystery. Azure didn't trust him, but for some reason, she felt like she had met him before...
That thought eluded her as an ear-splitting roar came from a nearby cell, claws meeting iron and body meeting door. Gregorius laughed again, even harder. "That one was a difficult one to restrain, let alone get in while we brought him here to Ervine. I don't know if I've ever seen one of his like before; a new species of Pokémon he is." Wenstrel and Azure looked at him perplexedly.
"What do you mean by that? I remember from school that there's 721 species of Pokémon, so surely it must be one of them." Wenstrel replied. Gregorius laughed again, stopping in front of the door.
"You really want know for sure? I've seen plenty of Pokémon in my time on this world, even while I was of the living, but never have I seen one of his like. Here, let me get the viewing window..." Gregorius offered. Claws squealed across the metal afterward, with a challenging roar echoing from within.
"Yes, yes! Face Zacheus Incineroar of the Forgotten Isles! I dare you!" A half-crazed voice called out. Gregorius flinched and drew back, his smile shifting to a grimace.
"O-on second thought, let's move on." Gregorius corrected, pulling Wenstrel and Azure through the hallway.
Azure looked back at the beaten door, wondering what an 'Incineroar' was, until she was thrown into a cell with Wenstrel, landing on the hard-stone floor. "Where did you find Zacheus?" She asked, somewhat worried for the strange Pokémon. Gregorius shrugged, his lips closed.
"I wasn't on the party that found the beast. Only Maxim would know, but I can sure tell you that he won't slip a thing involving Project Empowerment’s plans." Gregorius slammed the door shut, with only his ears poking up through the barred window on the door.
"Arthus couldn't ask what he had originally wanted to thanks to that fool Borik, so I'll take care of the job for him while he's cleaning up Borik and his mess." Gregorius continued, cackling at the end. He floated up so his eyes could look through the window, and said, "What do you know about Matheus Lucario?" Azure remained silent, with Wenstrel looking away from the Gengar.
Gregorius tsked, shaking his head. "We know you know something about him. Our agent Uras Murkrow saw you talking with him in that cafe. Until you decide to spill, you'll be left in this cell with no food or drink. It's your funeral if you don't tell us." Gregorius warned. About to cackle once more, a roar came from Zacheus' cell, shaking the floor.
"Just you wait, Gengar! When I get out of here, you'll be one of the first to feel my fury!" He yelled. Gregorius faded into invisibility, floating along the floor as to not have his footsteps heard. "I'll check in with you tomorrow, this time exactly." His incorporeal voice finished.
Azure sighed, looking up to the ceiling in disappointment. "What did we do to deserve this?" She shuffled to the wall and slumped against it, with Wenstrel following. She brought up her knees and wrapped her paws around them, letting her head hang. Wenstrel simply sat, looking downward, his expression unchanging.
"Sometimes the worst trials make the best of us." He said.
~~~~
Arthus sniffed the concoction of food that was to be considered a meal for his ‘guests’ in Fort Ervine, his face contorting with disgust. “If this is what Borik wanted to give them, I should’ve killed him long ago.” He turned to the weighty Bibarel known as Gaska and scowled.
“Throw this waste out and delve into our stores so that our guests can have a proper meal. I expect expert craftsmanship.” He ordered. Gaska hurried to pick up the massive pot, straining to heave the giant piece of cookware.
Arthus turned to Maxim, who stood behind his leader, a large red scar visible on his chest. “Maxim, get the Lucario and the Quagsire. It’s time to see if we can find anything involving Matheus. Also, I wonder if they could be of service to us here…” Arthus explained. Maxim saluted, grimacing with slight pain, and went out of the kitchen to retrieve the two.
Arthus sat on a wooden chair, taking in the room. On his right was the main affair, where all the tools and appliance of Gaska’s trade lay. The stove simmered with heat, slowly cooking the stew. Various pots, pans and utensils hung in the air above the stove, counter, and sink, making a perfect array of tools for any chef. Past the kitchen, a vast wooden table extended from the edge of the counter to the far end of the room, with at least one-hundred chairs lining the edges.
Moments later a voice cried out, "Stop trying to bite me Lucario!" Maxim came from the hallway, holding Wenstrel and Azure in both hands, with Azure squirming in his grip. Wenstrel, not being particularly comfortable, voiced his complaints.
"I've had enough of grinning and bearing the humiliation, from being lifted into the air by a Krookodile, to being dragged across the floor by a Magmortar. Let me go!" He complained. Arthus nodded, and Maxim let go of the two 'guests'.
Azure looked at Arthus angrily. "What do you want now? I remember your servant Gregorius saying that he wouldn't come until tomorrow. I don't think a day has passed since our little 'talk'." She stood warily, looking cautiously at Maxim as his hand steadily receded into his arm.
Arthus chuckled, amused by her statement. "Gregor can be like that sometimes, making up random times so he can have some control over things. I intended to see you right now, especially after...examining the food that our late Borik had intended you to eat." He waved his hand dismissively. "Do not worry, I never intended anyone, even the most troublesome visitor, to eat the sludge. Gaska is throwing it out now."
Wenstrel sighed in relief. "Thank goodness. If there's one thing I care about, it's a proper diet in every Pokemon, even those I don't care for." He replied. Arthus smiled and clapped his hands together.
"That's just what I want to hear! I figure that you're a chef from the way you care so much for food. Do I figure correctly?" Arthus asked. Azure stepped closer to Wenstrel and clasped his hand.
"He was the best chef in our village, before your cronies burned it to the ground. Why are you taking children away into this ghastly place?" She exclaimed. Arthus put a claw to his heart, his face taking a saddened appearance.
"I am hurt, dear...what is your name?" Arthus said.
Azure growled and said, "Azure." Arthus sighed and began stroking his fur.
"Forgive me, I am pretty terrible with names until I grow closer to the Pokemon in question. Anyway, I never wanted to order such horrible attacks on-" His eye twitched, "-innocent villages, but sometimes to make sure that our guests are happier here, we must make sure there isn't another alternative to return to."
Azure, in shock, stepped forward, with Maxim stepping forth as well. "That is...just wrong! It's thanks to you that so many children are without their parents, or even homes to return to, so how can they be considered 'guests' if you won't let them leave?" Arthus looked to her and snarled, rising up from his seat.
"Unless I gave the order, they would just attempt to escape from the safety of Fort Ervine. Outside these walls is a Mystery Dungeon known as Dracon Canyon, where numerous Dragons reside. When night falls, they flee to the space surrounding the fort, and even my own confederates can't go out without risk of being consumed." He stepped away from Azure, to a window that let pearly white moonlight shine through. A dark shadow passed by with a mighty roar.
Arthus turned back and continued, "I am lucky to have Ghosts as wall guards during the night, or else we would never be ready for a potential attack… or escape. Be grateful that you and all these others have this place of solace." He sat down on the chair once more, closing his eyes.
"I won't talk anymore involving this matter; we've detracted too far from the original reason I asked you here. We have need of an assistant chef within our kitchen; Gaska is getting older, and I'm afraid to say that it is growing harder for him to cook for such a large castle as this." Arthus explained. He opened his eyes, looking at Wenstrel. "Would you be up for the offer?"
Wenstrel, smiling, replied, "Why of course! Anything to make sure that everyone enjoys a lovely meal...the children especially!" Arthus nodded, and Maxim turned and walked through the hallway.
"I'll have a Chimecho keep watch on you. You are still guests here in Fort Ervine, and I can't afford anyone trying to escape to the dangerous world outside." Arthus explained. Maxim returned with a Chimecho trailing behind him, jingling cheerily as she saw her master.
"I'll gladly serve the great Arthus for whatever you need!" She chimed. She floated above the kitchen, and attached herself to the ceiling. She gave a quick ding and set watch on the room.
"Maxim, take the Quagsire named..." Arthus said, waving his arm for someone to reply.
"Wenstrel." Wenstrel replied.
"Yes, Wenstrel, to Gaska's quarters. They'll need time to get used to each other." Maxim nodded, and reached out to grab him. Arthus added, "And please, let's have a level of trust and not treat him like a prisoner." Maxim took back his arm, grunting slightly, and led him to a doorway past the kitchen.
Arthus smiled, then turned to Azure. "As for you, I have need of someone special for taking care of our guests. My guards are...how should I say it...rambunctious and uptight involving them. I heard from Maxim and Gregorius that you took special care of the latest party to arrive." Azure, her expression softening, nodded.
"Yes. With such a loss, someone had to do something. I even lost..." She replied, trailing off at the end. Arthus' eyes flashed, and he diverted the subject.
"Yes, well, I want to know if you would be interested in acting as caretaker. You would visit each of them and do what you need to make them happy here. I don't want to appear as a demon to them. I would much rather be a guardian." He grinned, and snapped his fingers.
The wall behind him shimmered, and a black ball of fur ran to Arthus. It stopped at his feet, and Arthus leaned down and picked it up.
"Meet my son, Erik." He set it down and revealed a black and blue Zorua, cheerfully yipping and hopping on the table. "He has need of a nurse. Sadly, his mother is currently..." He looked around, searching for the words. "...on a trip. She can't take care of him, and with a sudden arrangement I didn't have enough time to arrange another. Would you be interested in being caretaker of all the children within Fort Ervine?" He looked down at Erik and continued, "Including my own?"
Azure, still unsure of how much she should trust Arthus, felt her heart go to his son as she saw him play with his father. She also knew that if she did have this chance, she could finally have a chance of organizing some sort of jailbreak...regardless of the wild Pokemon outside.
"I will." Azure replied. Arthus pointed Azure, and Erik dashed to her and began nuzzling into the soft fur below her neck. Taken aback, she at first reared back, but then gently hugged the young Zorua.
"I can see that my son is already taking a liking to you. If you have any issue, don't regret to come to my room to explain. I have no secrets within these walls." Maxim stomped back into the room, without Wenstrel in tow.
"Maxim, one final favor. Take Azure into Erik's room, and have her meet his guardian."
~~~~
One Day Later...
“Ah, it hurts!” Theus cried out as he stepped out of the house. He wanted to finally get on the road again, toward his old friend Saria to repair his leather cloak.
Laryon stood nearby, ready to help his uncle up if he fell. “Maybe you should take another day inside before we walk around some more?” He suggested. Arianne stood in front of Theus, and shaking her head, held out her hand for Theus to be supported.
“He’s quite enough for now. If he expects to be the explorer he was before the injury, he’ll need to walk around.” Arianne explained. Theus grunted with approval, taking slow steps to heal his back.
“Yes…yes indeed. I never got anything done sitting on a chair, and I don’t plan on spending the rest of my days sitting, watching the world go by as I grow old. Now, get me my staff!” He spat. Laryon sighed, shrugging his shoulders.
“It got lost in the Were-Forest as we were getting out. Unless it got out somehow with the Phantump, I think it’s gone.” Laryon replied. Theus groaned, forcing himself to stand despite the pain in his lower back.
“Curses! I made that out of quality wood too…” Theus muttered, forlorn for his handiwork. A rustle came from the trees, causing Theus to turn to see the source.
Another rustle came, and a clatter of wood echoed from the source. Yet another clatter, and a slim shaft of wood fell to the ground. Theus recognized it and went walking as fast as he could.
“My staff! How could it have gotten up in the branches? Ah, who cares, it’s safe!” Theus exclaimed. Laryon, curious as to how it could have gotten there, dashed ahead of Theus to see it.
Ignoring the protests of his uncle, Laryon picked up the staff and studied it. On the surface were many engravings of the same pattern that lay within the pendant around his neck. Some were large, others were small, and some were wrapped completely around the surface of the staff. All of them were carved with great precision, as if there was a guide to assist the paw that engraved them.
Before Laryon could say anything, Theus snatched up the staff and used it as a support for walking. “The least you could have done is give it to me so the process of walking could be less painful.”
Chapter 15
Gregorius guided Wenstrel and Azure into the hallway that the children had only recently passed through, the weary souls resting and crying pitifully. Many doors poked out in the hallway, each one with a silently sobbing set of children.
Many doors passed by, and several turns in the hallway came, when Azure noticed that there were far too many doors to even house one child each from the band she arrived with. "How many young ones do you have here?" She asked. Gregorius grinned, shrugging with the two Pokémon in his grip.
"Not sure these days. We've been at this for months now, and only Borik or Maxim would really know how many we have, or maybe even Arthus. We all know what happened to our dear prison master, and right now Maxim is not in high standing with Arthus..." Gregorius chuckled, enjoying the conversation.
"Most choose to not let me talk to anyone; say I can babble on forever if I chose, which is dangerous considering I'm trusted with some more private knowledge." His eyes gleamed, looking directly in at Azure's eyes. "Though don't think that makes me a fool. I am sure that Arthus wouldn't mind having one of his captains deal with you if you learn too much. So, if you want something, do not ask me...even if it be as small as a glass of water." He chuckled maliciously, thinking he had made a clever joke.
Azure's heart went to the others who had been forcibly taken from their homes and brought to this despicable place. Arthus seemed to care for their well-being, but the reason why is a mystery. Azure didn't trust him, but for some reason, she felt like she had met him before...
That thought eluded her as an ear-splitting roar came from a nearby cell, claws meeting iron and body meeting door. Gregorius laughed again, even harder. "That one was a difficult one to restrain, let alone get in while we brought him here to Ervine. I don't know if I've ever seen one of his like before; a new species of Pokémon he is." Wenstrel and Azure looked at him perplexedly.
"What do you mean by that? I remember from school that there's 721 species of Pokémon, so surely it must be one of them." Wenstrel replied. Gregorius laughed again, stopping in front of the door.
"You really want know for sure? I've seen plenty of Pokémon in my time on this world, even while I was of the living, but never have I seen one of his like. Here, let me get the viewing window..." Gregorius offered. Claws squealed across the metal afterward, with a challenging roar echoing from within.
"Yes, yes! Face Zacheus Incineroar of the Forgotten Isles! I dare you!" A half-crazed voice called out. Gregorius flinched and drew back, his smile shifting to a grimace.
"O-on second thought, let's move on." Gregorius corrected, pulling Wenstrel and Azure through the hallway.
Azure looked back at the beaten door, wondering what an 'Incineroar' was, until she was thrown into a cell with Wenstrel, landing on the hard-stone floor. "Where did you find Zacheus?" She asked, somewhat worried for the strange Pokémon. Gregorius shrugged, his lips closed.
"I wasn't on the party that found the beast. Only Maxim would know, but I can sure tell you that he won't slip a thing involving Project Empowerment’s plans." Gregorius slammed the door shut, with only his ears poking up through the barred window on the door.
"Arthus couldn't ask what he had originally wanted to thanks to that fool Borik, so I'll take care of the job for him while he's cleaning up Borik and his mess." Gregorius continued, cackling at the end. He floated up so his eyes could look through the window, and said, "What do you know about Matheus Lucario?" Azure remained silent, with Wenstrel looking away from the Gengar.
Gregorius tsked, shaking his head. "We know you know something about him. Our agent Uras Murkrow saw you talking with him in that cafe. Until you decide to spill, you'll be left in this cell with no food or drink. It's your funeral if you don't tell us." Gregorius warned. About to cackle once more, a roar came from Zacheus' cell, shaking the floor.
"Just you wait, Gengar! When I get out of here, you'll be one of the first to feel my fury!" He yelled. Gregorius faded into invisibility, floating along the floor as to not have his footsteps heard. "I'll check in with you tomorrow, this time exactly." His incorporeal voice finished.
Azure sighed, looking up to the ceiling in disappointment. "What did we do to deserve this?" She shuffled to the wall and slumped against it, with Wenstrel following. She brought up her knees and wrapped her paws around them, letting her head hang. Wenstrel simply sat, looking downward, his expression unchanging.
"Sometimes the worst trials make the best of us." He said.
~~~~
Arthus sniffed the concoction of food that was to be considered a meal for his ‘guests’ in Fort Ervine, his face contorting with disgust. “If this is what Borik wanted to give them, I should’ve killed him long ago.” He turned to the weighty Bibarel known as Gaska and scowled.
“Throw this waste out and delve into our stores so that our guests can have a proper meal. I expect expert craftsmanship.” He ordered. Gaska hurried to pick up the massive pot, straining to heave the giant piece of cookware.
Arthus turned to Maxim, who stood behind his leader, a large red scar visible on his chest. “Maxim, get the Lucario and the Quagsire. It’s time to see if we can find anything involving Matheus. Also, I wonder if they could be of service to us here…” Arthus explained. Maxim saluted, grimacing with slight pain, and went out of the kitchen to retrieve the two.
Arthus sat on a wooden chair, taking in the room. On his right was the main affair, where all the tools and appliance of Gaska’s trade lay. The stove simmered with heat, slowly cooking the stew. Various pots, pans and utensils hung in the air above the stove, counter, and sink, making a perfect array of tools for any chef. Past the kitchen, a vast wooden table extended from the edge of the counter to the far end of the room, with at least one-hundred chairs lining the edges.
Moments later a voice cried out, "Stop trying to bite me Lucario!" Maxim came from the hallway, holding Wenstrel and Azure in both hands, with Azure squirming in his grip. Wenstrel, not being particularly comfortable, voiced his complaints.
"I've had enough of grinning and bearing the humiliation, from being lifted into the air by a Krookodile, to being dragged across the floor by a Magmortar. Let me go!" He complained. Arthus nodded, and Maxim let go of the two 'guests'.
Azure looked at Arthus angrily. "What do you want now? I remember your servant Gregorius saying that he wouldn't come until tomorrow. I don't think a day has passed since our little 'talk'." She stood warily, looking cautiously at Maxim as his hand steadily receded into his arm.
Arthus chuckled, amused by her statement. "Gregor can be like that sometimes, making up random times so he can have some control over things. I intended to see you right now, especially after...examining the food that our late Borik had intended you to eat." He waved his hand dismissively. "Do not worry, I never intended anyone, even the most troublesome visitor, to eat the sludge. Gaska is throwing it out now."
Wenstrel sighed in relief. "Thank goodness. If there's one thing I care about, it's a proper diet in every Pokemon, even those I don't care for." He replied. Arthus smiled and clapped his hands together.
"That's just what I want to hear! I figure that you're a chef from the way you care so much for food. Do I figure correctly?" Arthus asked. Azure stepped closer to Wenstrel and clasped his hand.
"He was the best chef in our village, before your cronies burned it to the ground. Why are you taking children away into this ghastly place?" She exclaimed. Arthus put a claw to his heart, his face taking a saddened appearance.
"I am hurt, dear...what is your name?" Arthus said.
Azure growled and said, "Azure." Arthus sighed and began stroking his fur.
"Forgive me, I am pretty terrible with names until I grow closer to the Pokemon in question. Anyway, I never wanted to order such horrible attacks on-" His eye twitched, "-innocent villages, but sometimes to make sure that our guests are happier here, we must make sure there isn't another alternative to return to."
Azure, in shock, stepped forward, with Maxim stepping forth as well. "That is...just wrong! It's thanks to you that so many children are without their parents, or even homes to return to, so how can they be considered 'guests' if you won't let them leave?" Arthus looked to her and snarled, rising up from his seat.
"Unless I gave the order, they would just attempt to escape from the safety of Fort Ervine. Outside these walls is a Mystery Dungeon known as Dracon Canyon, where numerous Dragons reside. When night falls, they flee to the space surrounding the fort, and even my own confederates can't go out without risk of being consumed." He stepped away from Azure, to a window that let pearly white moonlight shine through. A dark shadow passed by with a mighty roar.
Arthus turned back and continued, "I am lucky to have Ghosts as wall guards during the night, or else we would never be ready for a potential attack… or escape. Be grateful that you and all these others have this place of solace." He sat down on the chair once more, closing his eyes.
"I won't talk anymore involving this matter; we've detracted too far from the original reason I asked you here. We have need of an assistant chef within our kitchen; Gaska is getting older, and I'm afraid to say that it is growing harder for him to cook for such a large castle as this." Arthus explained. He opened his eyes, looking at Wenstrel. "Would you be up for the offer?"
Wenstrel, smiling, replied, "Why of course! Anything to make sure that everyone enjoys a lovely meal...the children especially!" Arthus nodded, and Maxim turned and walked through the hallway.
"I'll have a Chimecho keep watch on you. You are still guests here in Fort Ervine, and I can't afford anyone trying to escape to the dangerous world outside." Arthus explained. Maxim returned with a Chimecho trailing behind him, jingling cheerily as she saw her master.
"I'll gladly serve the great Arthus for whatever you need!" She chimed. She floated above the kitchen, and attached herself to the ceiling. She gave a quick ding and set watch on the room.
"Maxim, take the Quagsire named..." Arthus said, waving his arm for someone to reply.
"Wenstrel." Wenstrel replied.
"Yes, Wenstrel, to Gaska's quarters. They'll need time to get used to each other." Maxim nodded, and reached out to grab him. Arthus added, "And please, let's have a level of trust and not treat him like a prisoner." Maxim took back his arm, grunting slightly, and led him to a doorway past the kitchen.
Arthus smiled, then turned to Azure. "As for you, I have need of someone special for taking care of our guests. My guards are...how should I say it...rambunctious and uptight involving them. I heard from Maxim and Gregorius that you took special care of the latest party to arrive." Azure, her expression softening, nodded.
"Yes. With such a loss, someone had to do something. I even lost..." She replied, trailing off at the end. Arthus' eyes flashed, and he diverted the subject.
"Yes, well, I want to know if you would be interested in acting as caretaker. You would visit each of them and do what you need to make them happy here. I don't want to appear as a demon to them. I would much rather be a guardian." He grinned, and snapped his fingers.
The wall behind him shimmered, and a black ball of fur ran to Arthus. It stopped at his feet, and Arthus leaned down and picked it up.
"Meet my son, Erik." He set it down and revealed a black and blue Zorua, cheerfully yipping and hopping on the table. "He has need of a nurse. Sadly, his mother is currently..." He looked around, searching for the words. "...on a trip. She can't take care of him, and with a sudden arrangement I didn't have enough time to arrange another. Would you be interested in being caretaker of all the children within Fort Ervine?" He looked down at Erik and continued, "Including my own?"
Azure, still unsure of how much she should trust Arthus, felt her heart go to his son as she saw him play with his father. She also knew that if she did have this chance, she could finally have a chance of organizing some sort of jailbreak...regardless of the wild Pokemon outside.
"I will." Azure replied. Arthus pointed Azure, and Erik dashed to her and began nuzzling into the soft fur below her neck. Taken aback, she at first reared back, but then gently hugged the young Zorua.
"I can see that my son is already taking a liking to you. If you have any issue, don't regret to come to my room to explain. I have no secrets within these walls." Maxim stomped back into the room, without Wenstrel in tow.
"Maxim, one final favor. Take Azure into Erik's room, and have her meet his guardian."
~~~~
One Day Later...
“Ah, it hurts!” Theus cried out as he stepped out of the house. He wanted to finally get on the road again, toward his old friend Saria to repair his leather cloak.
Laryon stood nearby, ready to help his uncle up if he fell. “Maybe you should take another day inside before we walk around some more?” He suggested. Arianne stood in front of Theus, and shaking her head, held out her hand for Theus to be supported.
“He’s quite enough for now. If he expects to be the explorer he was before the injury, he’ll need to walk around.” Arianne explained. Theus grunted with approval, taking slow steps to heal his back.
“Yes…yes indeed. I never got anything done sitting on a chair, and I don’t plan on spending the rest of my days sitting, watching the world go by as I grow old. Now, get me my staff!” He spat. Laryon sighed, shrugging his shoulders.
“It got lost in the Were-Forest as we were getting out. Unless it got out somehow with the Phantump, I think it’s gone.” Laryon replied. Theus groaned, forcing himself to stand despite the pain in his lower back.
“Curses! I made that out of quality wood too…” Theus muttered, forlorn for his handiwork. A rustle came from the trees, causing Theus to turn to see the source.
Another rustle came, and a clatter of wood echoed from the source. Yet another clatter, and a slim shaft of wood fell to the ground. Theus recognized it and went walking as fast as he could.
“My staff! How could it have gotten up in the branches? Ah, who cares, it’s safe!” Theus exclaimed. Laryon, curious as to how it could have gotten there, dashed ahead of Theus to see it.
Ignoring the protests of his uncle, Laryon picked up the staff and studied it. On the surface were many engravings of the same pattern that lay within the pendant around his neck. Some were large, others were small, and some were wrapped completely around the surface of the staff. All of them were carved with great precision, as if there was a guide to assist the paw that engraved them.
Before Laryon could say anything, Theus snatched up the staff and used it as a support for walking. “The least you could have done is give it to me so the process of walking could be less painful.”
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