Chapter 21 PENDANT

NARRATIVE POINT OF VIEW

Clenching his plump fingers, Lord Castledow mewled upon hearing the discovery. Ezekiel watched him with keen eyes, assuring that he’s going to shut his mouth if he helped. “I-I don’t… I c-can’t- “ he blared in between his breath. “I thought… how come a Vatcherun is s-still alive?”

Circling the teaspoon to stir the cup of coffee they served him, Ezekiel lowered his head. “No one ever knew, only the people of Bridgeton were informed. The regiment fears diplomatic conflicts, slaves are the major export and if the world were to know about the last Vatcherun, no one will purchase the goods”

Lord Castledow shook his head in disbelief, “Viscount Claude… you malevolent shape-shifting monster…” his hands slid across his face “you were the one sending those letters…and you’re the one who killed my daughter…the love of my life…” he started sobbing, Ezekiel furrowed his brows. He sighed, seeing the grumpy man at it again.

He hates seeing emotional sufferings, but he had no choice. 18 letters, all addressed to the Lord enveloping his criminalities, were sent to him. All containing irrefutable evidence, threatening outcomes and decisive steps. He cannot move freely, not knowing who it was. The blackmailing took over him, and now that he knows who was behind the act, he cannot bear to fathom the truth.

Ezekiel took a deep breath. He eyed the birds pecking the seeds of a fruit tree by the window. It reminded him of something. He placed his hand inside one of his pockets and took it out.

He eyed the locket, opening it and looking at the murky picture of the kid. He brought it to the table, pushing it towards the wailing noble. “Lord Castledow”

He looked up with tearing eyes, eyeing the locket placed in front of him as he asks “what’s this?”

Ezekiel gulped, “Does the picture ring a bell?” he asked, hoping for a clear answer. Lord Castledow took it, squinting his eyes with soaring curiosity.

“Where have you got this? The material… Henan g-gold?” He asked in shock. He rubbed it to make sure. Henan gold is a pure gold export from China, a material used strictly for royal accessories.

“My father, he gave it to me as a gift” Ezekiel lied with a straight face. That locket is the only thing his Father could save that night, being able to quickly snatch it from the kid before Lawson sees it, might bear a connection to find her.

Lord Castledow nodded. He stared at the picture. “I have a poor memory, and I dislike children…”

Ezekiel's eyes widened, “that kid… it is said that she has jade eyes”

Lord Castledow squints his eyes, “jade eyes… I have seen no one with…” his words were cut off as he remembered a particular incident.

Several kids formed tens of lines. Oddly enough, despite their young age, none of them cried. They’re used to this, their father calls it, the selection. The house of Louis isn’t a dream place. He did not adopt the kids to be well-fed. They are here, because a man claiming to be a single father is selling them for low prices.

Lord Castledow strolled with judging eyes. This selection is important, as he needs someone close to the age of his beloved daughter. “My goodness…” he stopped and looked at a young boy with mucus slavering the top of his mouth. “How come? Why would you sell ghastly kinds?” he asked with a disgusted face. Louis chuckled, “ghastly kids are a big help to farmers. I heard they use them for scaring the crows away”

Lord Castledow furrowed his brows “I, by no means, are interested in scaring crows, show me the beautiful ones!” he demanded. Louis nodded, “follow me”

Inside another cabin, several cells with kids inside gathered closely. “wait here my lord”

After several minutes, he came back with a small kid the size of a full sack of beans. Lord Castledow stared at her, “how about this one? I don’t know where this kid came from, but she surely looks pleasing with these green eyes. Are you planning on building a brothel?”

Lord Castledow kneeled. He smiled upon meeting the kid with gleaming eyes similar to the olive hue of his garden. He knows that would be the perfect gift for her daughter.

“bring me two more”

“Ughhhh” Agatha held her head upon feeling the pounding sensation beating her temples. She clenched her jaw out of pain, her throat ran dry and her legs were numb. With slow breathing, she could finally recover. She swallowed one after another, but was quickly brought to a halt when he heard a sigh. She opened her eyes, squinting it out of queasiness.

“You’re finally awake…” his deep voice echoed across the room. She felt her feet turn cold. She raised her head and there he was, standing a few feet away from the bed she’s in. The hair on her nape stood as the fear she had of him took over, 'how come I’m still alive?' she asked at the back of her head with disbelief.

He stepped closer, making her crumble in fear as she pushed herself against the headboard. He noticed it and stopped. His eyes gleamed with sadness. He sighed, “I’m not going to do anything” he started. She shook her head, she chose not to believe it. In her mind, she’s thinking that he’s probably toying and manipulating her before her ending.

Her eyes trembles with fear, biting her lips, she started tearing. He froze with overbearing guilt, “Agatha…” he called and gulped, “I apologize”