The Chronicles of Onyx: Book 1

Chapter Eight

Onyx's eyes embedded in his soul like two setting suns, radiating raw power. He could sense her thirst, dim yet with a hungry glow, a similar hunger to the one he had harbored. But now he understood that such a hunger would only lead to a path of destruction, one filled with sorrow and pain. He, of all people, knew that path all too well.

Onyx's gaze was strong, yet breakable. He could see it, and he sensed her vulnerability. "They know what I am, I keep no secrets from them. I trust them, and secrets will only break that trust," she replied calmly.

"Wise," Dezenym mused. "She takes after me, perhaps I don't have to worry too much about her being foolish after all," he thought, a brief smile touching his lips. "So we can talk freely?" he asked, softening both his gaze and tone.

"Whatever you have to say to me, you can say it to them," Onyx replied, glancing at Rok with a comfortable, trusting glow in her gold eyes, a look that Raven had often given him. "I trust them with my life, and they deserve to know everything," she added, smiling softly.

Dezenym's gaze shifted towards Rok, his initial suspicion slowly returning. "And perhaps I was wrong, I have been wrong countless times before..." he thought, reassessing the situation.

"Um... even me?" a boy's voice chimed in. "Because... uh... all of this is kinda new to me. To be honest, I don't know much about Onyx or magic cuffs or even magic at all or–"

"Aye, stop there lad, we get the point! You don't know your butt from a hole in the ground!" boomed the gruff voice of the Dwarf. "Shaddup and listen if ya want to learn!" Oldren grumbled.

"Okay... I'll... I'll just stay quiet then," Jade responded, a little disheartened.

"Good riddance," the Dwarf mumbled under his breath, though just loud enough for everyone to hear, including Jade.

Dezenym sighed, shaking his head at the bickering pair. "Listen, we don't have the luxury of time. Bickering over trivial matters is a waste of precious moments we will never get back."

"Ha! That's what I said!" Oldren sneered, glancing at Jade, who responded with, "Well, at least I am not spending my time as a grumpy, bearded boulder!"

"Har! I was born with this beard, have some respect!" he lectured as he pointed his stubby finger towards Jade, "Just know when yer folks were wrapping ye up in little blankets to keep yer scrawny bones warm, I was winning wars!"

"But all the while losing ladies, for who would want to date a beard? ," Jade added, seemingly unaware of the wrath he would incur later for making such a jest about Oldren Barrelshoulder, a dwarf who rarely tolerated jests.

"Aye, ye will pay dearly for that, boy! Come and fight me like a man!" Oldren's voice grew louder as he stood up and thumped his chestplate three times, creating a series of loud thunks that filled the room.

As the banter continued between Oldren and Jade, Dezenym felt a mixture of amusement and frustration. They were in the presence of someone who potentially held answers to many questions, and yet here they were, squabbling like children. To be honest it mused him greatly to see a Dwarf and a boy fighting over a beard of all things.

"It is good to see some thangs don't change," He thought with amusement.

"Enough of this nonsense," Rok grumbled, clearing his throat and shooting a stern look at both of them. "We have important matters to discuss. Let's focus, shall we?"

Jade pouted but nodded in agreement. Oldren simply grunted and leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

Dezenym nodded in approval at Rok's words. "Very well. First and foremost, we need to discuss those cuffs and how I may be of use."

-ooooo-

The sun began its descent, casting a tapestry of soft, colorful hues that painted the sky. Rok trailed behind Onyx and her father as they made their way to a small, woven shack nestled in the forest, not far from the small village. Oldren and Jade had volunteered to go hunting with the 'pack,' although whether they'd return together and unscathed was anyone's guess.

Onyx's father remained unknown and mysterious, his name shrouded in secrecy. It only deepened Rok's suspicions. Why was he withholding his name? What secrets lay behind his veil of silence? More importantly, what was he hiding from?

As they approached the shack, Rok couldn't help but notice its rustic charm. The walls were woven from thick vines and branches, while the roof consisted of overlapping straw, hitched together to form a watertight shelter. It was a humble abode, and felt warm and inviting.

"I wonder if the dwarf would approve of the construction?" he mused briefly.

"Here, come in," Onyx's father gestured, holding the wick door open for Onyx and Rok. The interior was surprisingly cozy, with the soft glow of candles illuminating the space. The room was adorned with various trinkets, from feathers and ink to intricately woven tapestries and books, lots of books. It felt like a place where secrets were kept, and Rok couldn't shake the feeling that he was about to uncover some hidden truths.

Onyx's father moved to a small wooden table in the corner, and took a seat, gesturing for them to do the same, or so Rok thought. As he followed Onyx to the table Rok started to take a seat by her, until he was suddenly interrupted.

"I was hoping I could speak with my daughter alone," His voice called out as he held out a hand motioning for Rok to stop.

"Sure you would", Rok thought wearily as he glanced at Onyx, only to receive a nod from her.

"Rok, I think I will be fine, I would like to speak to my father as well," she said softly, her rosy lips forming a small smile.

Rok took an uneasy breath, his gaze shifting between Onyx and her father, "Fine I will go look for Jade and Oldren, but before I go I would like to learn your name", he turned his full attention towards him, his eyes locking onto his golden gaze.

"My apologies for the rudeness, in the excitement I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Dezenym", Dezenym said with a calmness in his voice, or so Rok noticed.

"Dezenym?" Rok repeated.

"Yes?" Dezenym asked with a questioning look.

"Nothing just a fitting name," he glanced eagerly at Onyx, "I will be back" he said before leaving through the door without another word.