The Fifth Dagger

Chapter Seventeen - Onward

The barley fields stretched golden beneath a cloud-speckled sky as Arson and Daryl approached the figures they'd spotted in the distance. Jethro and Pam were walking between the rows, seemingly in deep conversation, their backs turned to the approaching brothers. The quiet, peaceful setting made it almost surreal, considering the revelation burning in Arson's mind.

When they drew close enough, Arson called out, "Jethro!" His voice held an edge that made Jethro turn, his expression shifting from mild surprise to guarded caution as his brothers approached.

"Arson," Jethro greeted, wary. "Daryl. I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"We came for answers," Arson replied, his eyes sharp, all semblance of pleasantries gone. "We know about the Fifth Dagger—and the Vorrak."

Pam tensed at this, his usual composed demeanor fraying for a moment. Jethro's expression, however, remained steady, though a slight wariness glinted in his gaze. "And how did you come by that information?"

"We have our sources," Daryl interjected, looking between his brothers. "Arson wouldn't have us leave Lionhold without a solid reason."

Jethro sighed, glancing at Pam before addressing Arson. "Very well. Since it seems the news is spreading faster than I anticipated... yes, I know where the Fifth Dagger is and who holds it."

Arson's eyes narrowed. "Then you know it's too dangerous to leave in just anyone's hands. Meliah could use a weapon like that against the Ashen Five, Garibaldi, even the Vorrak themselves."

"No." Jethro's answer was firm, his tone brooking no argument. "You've seen what the dagger can do—what it's already caused. It's a weapon of destruction, and if wielded recklessly, it could tear Ever-Realm apart. I'm bound to protect it, not to use it for our own ends."

Arson's face darkened, his stance shifting, his fists clenching by his side. "You're a fool to think that keeping it hidden will protect anyone. We have enemies who won't hesitate to use every weapon at their disposal, and here you are, holding back power that could end this war before it even begins."

Jethro stepped closer, his voice cold. "And you're a fool to think that the dagger won't corrupt whoever wields it. There's a price to such power, Arson—a cost far higher than anything you can imagine."

In an instant, the tension between them snapped as Arson pushed Jethro back, his frustration boiling over. "You'd risk everything, all for the sake of keeping some naïve promise to an artifact?"

Jethro caught himself, his face tight with restraint as he clenched his fists. He took a deep breath, resisting the urge to lash back, but Arson's words had stung, challenging his dedication.

Daryl quickly stepped between them, raising his hands in a gesture of peace. "Enough, both of you!" he said, voice forceful but calm. "We're on the same side, remember?"

Pam, ever the steady presence, joined Daryl, his tone rational and soothing. "We don't gain anything by fighting each other here. Meliah needs all of us united—especially if the dagger and the Vorrak are already threats on our doorstep."

Arson's jaw tightened, his anger barely concealed as he turned away, muttering, "You don't know what we're up against."

Jethro met Arson's glare, his resolve unwavering. "Neither do you. But I'll not have the Fifth Dagger turned into a tool for war. Its burden is my responsibility, and I won't risk all we've lived for."

The tension lingered a moment longer, like a tautly drawn bow, before Arson, with a frustrated growl, nodded. "Very well," he said, though his eyes held a glint of determination. "But mark my words, Jethro—when the time comes, you'll have to decide where your loyalty truly lies."