Chapter 39 Thorne In Your Side

Nathan stares at the amulet.

It glows as energy radiates around it.

Nathan held his head.

"Don't worry Nathan, I need you to take in your surroundings. I know how hard it can be after being released from something like that so quickly. It's straining on the mind, relying on someone else's power, energy and will through yourself."

Arthur said, the amulet sways back and forth in front of Nathan.

"I need you to release it, it's more than just energy. It's Thorne's life force. I won't be able to last without it. I would die without it."

Nathan said.

"That explains why you have aged so quickly in the past year."

I said.

"Did Thorne experiment on you and your family?"

Waldron puts away his book.

Nathan nods, as he looks down in despair.

"What type of experiment?"

Waldron stands up asking.

"She was trying to evolve us, she was trying to make Malakai stronger than they already were."

Nathan said.

Waldron smiles as he looks at Arthur.

"You're a Malakai?"

Waldron asked.

"I thought everyone knew this already?"

I asked, crossing my arms.

"We did have witnesses seeing a giant beast, wandering the streets. But we never imagined that the Malakai would still be alive after all this time."

Waldron said, as he took off his glasses.

"How is Indrik?"

Arthur asked.

"You knew my father?"

Nathan asked.

"He was a very mysterious man, he and his men ran Ciphia. Being his partner, we stood on the same ground but he was my friend. The only man I could trust besides my family, until I met Alder."

Arthur said, looking at his palms.

"I can't believe Thorne abused the remaining Malakai."

Arthur said as he clenched his fist.

Waldron looked at his watch.

"It's been amazing meeting you Nathan. We discuss more. I have business to attend to. I'll see myself out, Alder."

Waldron said, gesturing me over.

Me and Waldron walked around the corner on the way out of the office.

We stepped outside.

"Did you know he was Malakai Alder?"

Waldron asks me.

I sigh.

"So what if I did? I made a promise to Dale. Okay, I won't tell anyone else about it. It was to protect them, Waldron."

I said.

"I'm not mad at you, Arthur, you made the right decision."

Waldron said with a smile.

He pats my shoulder, and walks down the hall.

Walking back into the office.

I turned to the corner and Nathan sat in.

"Alder, I need you to release that life force. I'm going to die without it."

Nathan said.

"I won't let that happen, I'll find another mage to help with your recovery. But I'll need your strength, Nathan. I plan to kill Thorne."

Arthur said, extending his hand.

"No, I can't help you with that, my family needs me now more than ever. I can't leave my people behind like this."

Nathan said, standing up, refusing Arthur's hand.

Nathan leans against the wall, trying to hold himself up.

"I'm going to need you to release Thorne's life force. I need her energy, I need to confirm my people's health and location."

Arthur turns to me, handing me the amulet.

"I'm sorry Nate, I can't do that."

I said, taking the amulet.

"Nathan, we can help your family, but not like this, Thorne is just using you. She won't kill your people so easily, she needs them for her research."

Arthur said.

Nathan punches Arthur.

Arthur grunts as his own blood leaks from his mouth.

"What a strong punch."

Arthur said.

Arthur grabs Nathan's neck, shoving him against the wall.

Choking Nathan, Arthur lifts him up.

Nathan growls, as he scratches at Arthur.

He becomes even more feral, as he reaches out towards me.

Scratching at Arthur's suit, he rips it.

Arthur frowns.

"I don't have the patience to talk you down and I won't. Do you really want to die by my hand right now, Nathan? Never see your family again, if they are still alive."

Arthur said as he grabbed Nathan's arm.

Nathan musters enough strength to lift up both his legs.

He kicks Arthur back.

Nathan falls to the ground, coughing.

"You're strong, Nathan, but not strong enough. I see why Thorne trusted you. In this new era, it's not like the old days where she still has a lot to learn."

Arthur said, wiping the shoe print off his suit.

Arthur's wound heals, as he rubs the spot where it once was.

"We will talk more tomorrow, Nathan. Take time to heal. I'll find someone to look at your condition. By then, Alder will look after you."

Arthur said as he walked out of his office.

"Nathan, you should consider this as an option. Thorne has a strong influence. I know that."

I said.

Nathan scoffs.

"Influence? You have no idea what Thorne is capable of, nor do I to a certain extent. I've been watching their every move, studying their magic. Even then, it's out of my depth. But that won't stop me from gutting her when I get the chance to Alder. When it presents itself I will do that, but you are both in my way."

Nathan said.

"He knew your father, Nathan. That would mean something to you."

I said.

"Yeah it does, my father was a psychopath, a murderer. He was the one who started the war. He was the one who took over Ciphia. Now that Arthur mentions his relationship with him, it would make sense if they worked together in the past. Look at where he is now. He framed my father for his crimes."

Nathan said.

"You think Arthur can't be trusted? He is a man of his word."

Alder said.

"I don't believe that for one second, Alder."

Nathan said, snarling at me.

"It doesn't matter what it takes, but either side you choose. Nathan, you might end up dead. Thorne will inevitably kill you and your family. Stay here, you might die due to her spell. If Arthur doesn't find someone to treat your condition."

I said, extending my hand.

"Give us a chance, Nathan."

Nathan glares at me for a moment before reluctantly taking my hand.