As Rathurn Burns.

Chapter 5: verum

I knew this question would come up . Yet in the presence of a stranger who I had met only moments before , I found comfort. My mind and common sense told me I would be a fool to tell the of the secrets I had learned , but I cleared my throat and then began.

"I was born of Rathurn. I had no father and no siblings . Only my mother. She was young when I was born , but stress and labour took their toll on her looks making her look feeble and gaunt. I lived as any other child did. I went to school and returned home to complete chores"

Kaufman remained silent . I continued.

" A woman who worked in the apothecary had gone mad according to the townsfolk. Only I never doubted her sanity . I believe that my faith in her sanity is the only reason I live. On the night of midsummer beasts from the blackness rose . I was the only survivor. I made my way here to Amicus with aid from three Horsemen. Baldemero ,Macgowan and Fabron."

At the mention of Fabron , Kaufman suddenly appeared more interested in the tale Veloces told.

"Fabron , you say . Tell me , did your Fabron have broad shoulders? A slight moustache? A slight crook in his teeth? Perhaps he held the reigns on his horse at an awkward angle?"

As Veloces recalled her memory of the horseman she soon realised that Kaufmans description was certain to be of Fabron.

"Yes. He would always hold the reigns lower than normal . Why do you ask of him ?"

"I ask , as he could be the brother my uncle so desperately tried to keep me away from"

Veloces began to study Kaufmans appearance and noticed slight similarities . Both Fabron and Kaufman had ears with pointed tips. Both appeared to be lanky in their nature , but Fabron must have developed more muscle due to the lifestyle of a horseman. She then noticed Kaufman's eyes. They were a shocking shade of gray. Almost blue but not quite. Fabron had similar eyes only his were dull and less striking. Veloces began to speculate about the motives of Kaufmans uncle.

"Why would your uncle do such a thing? Surely he realised that what he was asking of you was in no way reasonable . How did he expect you to not wander after a long lost brother after losing your parents to tragedy? Did he not know that finding your brother may have brought you a sense of comfort? Surely your uncle is a mad man. Only a mad man would do such a thing."

"My uncle may have become cruel but he was not mad. He has lived through pain that burns him like the fires of hell still do this day. My uncle had done what no man had done before . More impressive is that he lived to tell the tale.My uncle knows of the tenebris. He was a soldier in their unholy ranks. He knows of the evil that burnt Rathurn to ashes. He kept me away for unlike he my brother was beyond saving. His mind had been corrupted by pride, lust , anger, greed, gluttony , envy and sloth. Beware of the devil that wears the mask of an angel my uncle warned. It appears you found the devil but now we must discover what lies beneath the mask."

"Fabron spoke of heading to Laus. What must I do? I fear that if I am discovered I will face death ."

"There are many things worse than death. Agony caused by your emotions. Your body will start to eat itself . Your mind will be possessed by unholy spirits. You will wish death upon yourself . Whether or not you feel death is the ultimate price , being desperate to die brings forth the pain of death sevenfold."

"Where do I begin?"

"I do not think you understand the danger you are in."

"I choose not to . My understanding will only bring forth fear and worry"

" You wear the same bravery on your heart that your namesake did."

" It is a name of honour. I intend to earn it."

" How?"

" By finishing what was started long ago . The tenebris shall burn even if it takes my life"

" You have strength in your weakness . You are a deadly opponent . You have lost everything and have nothing left to lose."

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