My Infatuation With Death

Chapter 8 : An Odd Request

Perspective: Conrad Garnier

It was another cold day on a series of cold days.

As, I struggled to open my eyes, I found them heavy with drowsiness.

I gently caressed my cheek, to clear up the stray droplet of droll still sticking in my cheeks.

While, stretching my sore limbs, I let out a satisfying yawn.

Leaving my bed, I made my way downstairs, descending each step carefully.

Down I saw regina preparing breakfast for us, Regina used to cook for us occasionally. As today we had no guild jobs. There was no rush so, I slept till late.

We lived in a two-story building that we bought with the help of my connections when we moved here. Our bedrooms, including mine, Regina's, and a guest room, were on the second floor. The lower floor had a kitchen, dining area, toilet, and bathroom.

As I yawned once again Regina scolded me,

"Haven't you had enough sleep already,

Now freshen up, ..... breakfast is ready".

I made my way towards the bathroom and washed myself, then me and Regina had our breakfast together.

It was vegitable soup with pieces of loaf. It wasn't that great but I had to praise her, she was staring at me with those puppy dog eyes.

"The breakfast today... is awesome, the soup is well textured and the vegitables look well chopped".

(What am I saying?)

I tried praising her but, my attempts were futile.

(If you could call those attempts)

As she said,

"You are trying too hard... Don't worry someday you will praise me with your heart".

I complimented her,

"Yes keep trying".

I don't think that I would ever praise something so bland, she should try her hand preparing something else.

After we had our breakfast, I and Regina dawned our gears and headed out in the city.

Near the town's square Elkdrack waited for us with Kelvin and that annoying peice of turd Thor Gild.

"How are you my lady today?". Thor Gild had once again started his nuisance.

Regina replied,

"Fine".

While the rest of us ignored him.

I asked Elkdrack,

"Did you guys find any jobs worth doing?".

Elkdrack with a restless face said,

"Nah mate.... all there is, weird plant collecting jobs and becoming test subjects for alchemists?".

"It pays well though... wanna do it".

(No, I won't become test subjects for someone's strange experiments)

I was not that desperate, so I declined.

"Nope".

As we casually took a stroll through the bustling town, Elkdrack noticed someone sitting on a chair outside the winery.

The old man appeared fatigued, with his slouched posture and a visibly stressed expression etched on his face.

Elkdrack greeted that old man,

"Good morning sir".

Initially the old man looked confused, then he recognised Elkdrack and only then he greeted Elkdrack along with us.

Judging by everyone's expressions and the way they interacted, every one knew him, except me and Regina, so I asked Elkdrack to Introduce us,

He pointed his hand towards that old man and said,

"He is Sir Lawrence Cromwell .... he is a merchant and father of our auld pal Patrick".

Regina leaned closer to me, and whispered on to my ears,

"Who is Patrick?".

I whispered back,

"I don't know".

Elkdrack noticed us and said,

"Ohh, That's right you guys haven't met Patrick yet, have ya?".

"I am sure you all will get along, he is a caring and gentle soul".

"Speaking of which".

Elkdrack turned towards Mister Lawrence and asked,

"Where is he?".

"We haven't seen him for two months now".

Lawrence replied,

"He is at home, in our mansion along ..... with that thing".

As he said that his face contorted with fear and dispair.

Elkdrack being worried about him asked,

"Sir are you okay?".

Mister Lawrence started breathing heavily,

Elkdrack asked, "Sir do you need water".

Elkdrack turned towards Thor Gild and ordered,

"Just not stand there like that .... bring him some water".

Thor Gild, with extreme haste, went to fetch some water.

Mister Lawrence was acting as, if he was going to faint.

After Thor Gild bought him some water, his weird outburst subsided.

He drank the water and calmed down.

Now, I was getting curious too,

(Why is he behaving like that?)

Thor Gild sighed, placing his hands on Mister Lawrence's shoulder to reassure him, looked straight into his eyes and asked,

"Sir what happened .... you can tell us".

"Sometimes sharing will make you feel better".

He clasped Thor Gild's hands, quivering in fear and asked,

"You must save my son, that thing will kill him for sure".

Elkdrack attempted to calm him down, once again

"Sir take it slow, tell us properly otherwise we won't be able to help ...is Patrick in danger?.... what thing .... please explain it to us".

The the old man explained,

"For days my son hadn't come out of his room, he would stay in his room and talk to himself, I thought it was some kinda phase of adolescence, he would ask his food to be delivered to him, he won't even eat with me, days became months, my house maids started gossiping about him, I grew wary and concerned, so yesterday I finally decided to open the door and take a look at his room, I busted the door open and saw something sinister, something evil in his room, my son had became frail and ragged...... he was playing with that thing".

Elkdrack asked, "Sir, what thing".

The old man's eyes widened in terror as he recalled,

"An Acheri".

As, every one heard that name, their face stayed a gape, eyes widened in disbelief and shock by the mere mention of that name.

Thor Gild asked "How did it got there?".

Elkdrack knowing his friend full well he answered,

"Knowing him .... he very well has bought it himself ... like some lost puppy or kitten".

Regina interrupted,

"That's insane".

Elkdrack replied,

"That's just how he is, way too much caring for his own good".

As I was still hoping it would be a mistake, I asked, "Are you sure it was an Acheri .... It could very well be something else .... l mean we are talking about a legendary Monster here".

Everyone knew what an Acheri was, we had heard about it, we had studied about it, during our guild exams, It was a legendary class monster that is said to have appeared in the form of a little girl before many travellers and warriors, but when you look close enough, you will notice their hands and nails more elongated then that of a human and their body is covered in fish scales.

Legends say, that they carry souls of little girls, who were harmed or tortured during their time of death.

Thor Gild suggested "It must be from that forest ..... you know the forest where no one goes .... the weeping forest .... It is said to be haunted by crying noises".

That was quite a bold assessment on his part, but it could be correct because in the past we too witnessed crying noises coming through that forest covered in mist and snow. The guild warned us not to venture there, as in past various adventurers had gone missing.

The situation was getting weirder and weirder with every passing second.

But,

I was the kind of man, that requires to see before believing anything.

We had no choice.

Elkdrack, besides being a caring person, was also a skilled communicator. He cleverly arranged for us to receive compensation from Mister Lawrence if we successfully eliminated that thing. And when it came to gold coins, I, along with Regina, Thor Gild, and Kelvin, eagerly joined in. Together, we paid a visit to Mister Lawrence's lavish mansion to uncover the truth behind the situation.

As we approached the gate, our anticipation grew, our weapons ready for the task at hand. Mister Lawrence had ensured that his servants and gardeners stayed clear, giving us unhindered access to the mansion. The gate itself was an impressive sight, towering in size and exuding an air of grandeur. Peering through its iron bars, we caught a glimpse of the magnificent mansion that lay beyond, framed by a meticulously maintained garden.The mansion, with its majestic presence, stood proudly against the backdrop of lush greenery. The building's beauty was evident, reflecting a perfect blend of classic elegance and modern refinement. Every detail had been meticulously attended to, showcasing the utmost care and attention paid to its maintenance.

From the carefully selected color palette that adorned the exterior, to the flawlessly manicured lawn that stretched out before us, it was clear that every aspect had been meticulously tended to. The symmetry of the mansion was perfect, creating a harmonious balance that was pleasing to the eye.

As someone who had spent their childhood in a castle, I had an eye for such things, and it was evident that Mister Lawrence's mansion was a testament to meticulous upkeep and a commitment to perfection. It was a sight that evoked a sense of wonder and admiration.

The gates were opened allowing us to barge in.

Inside the property we started calling his name,

I, Elkdrack and Thor Gild shouted his name,

"Patrick .... Patrick it's us your friends won't you come out".

"Patrick ... Patrick".

"We were worried about you".

As his room was right on the second floor with the balcony overlooking the garden, we were sure that he could hear us.

While we shouted, Regina had been enjoying viewing flowers in his garden.

After a moment, of intense one sided shouting, we heard a voice coming from his room..

"Go away I don't want to talk to you guys now".

It was Patrick, his voice sounded frail and weak.

Elkdrack shouted, "No mate ..... we came to see you

.... where have you been for the last two months".

He disregarded Elkdrack and shouted,

"Go away".

Thor Gild too shouted "Okay first you show us your face .... we came all the way here ..... not seeing your face won't be worth it".

Patrick, upon our persistence, emerged in front of us, clad in his pajamas. His frail and weakened figure revealed a body consisting mostly of bones, barely concealed by the thin layer of skin that remained.

Taking a daring leap of faith, Elkdrack mustered up the courage to ask,

"I've heard that you've acquired a new pet mate......... Would you be willing to share it with us instead of keeping it all to yourself?"

Regrettably, Patrick responded with a hint of disappointment,

"I trusted you all as my friends, but it seems like you also came to take her away from me.... just like my father did........ I won't allow it."

With determination etched on his face, Patrick retreated indoors, donning his armor and gearing up for a battle. He leaped from the balcony to the ground below, exuding an aura of fury. It was evident that he was prepared to engage in a fight, ready to defend what he held dear.

There was still a bit of information that everyone knew but I and Regina were left in the dark of, Patrick was an Orichalcum rank adventurer.