135. The Vault. *

We were finished our fourth glass killing the bottle when an elderly man stepped forward with about two dozen others.

" Lord Z-zephyr..my name is A-aneas White. First of all, I'd like to thank for.. s-saving us, giving us our freedom. May the great God bless you and your family. "

The man had a small voice it was a surprise he spoke up instead of the younger man or woman behind him.

Zephyr smiled kindly at them. " Don't mention it..please go on. "

The old man shared some nervous looks with the others but after seeing them nodding he turned back to him. " We decided to stay..some of us have family still lost while others. " - he looked back towards people standing furthest. "..they have trust issues.."

I looked a little ..24..28..34 people. A lot more decided to stay than, I thought.

Zephyr looked at the one standing behind sharing distrustful looks and avoided his.

He sighed. " Very well..as promised the clothes are yours.." - he stood up frightened some of them but reached and took out his coin pouch. " I'll give you all a silver coin each..and wish you good luck. "

Aneas took the small fortune and bowed deeply.

" Thank you great Lord. We're forever grateful. "

" Go in peace.."

They left some giving thanks individually and others said goodbyes to those decided to stay.

" Don't take it personally Zeph, even seeing kindness up close..for some it's hard to believe all the same."

" I'm not blaming them.." - he was all smiles and a little red in the cheeks, still can't hold his liquor.

We turned towards the remaining ones.

It was a elder lady Vistellia's senior but much like her stepped forward.

" Great Lord..

" Zephyr..please. " - he put his hands up, can never stand it long when people addressed him like that.

She smiled timidly but nodded. " As you wish, Zephyr me and my people wish to leave for this village of yours..if you have us. "

She bowed as much as her age allowed with the others..about 50 adults 20 children followed and did the same.

He stepped forward and gently touched the lady he smiled kindly. I bet she reminded him of Vistellia too. " ..can you tell me your name, dear lady? "

She was taken back some noble looking lad calling her a lady.

" S-simone Alan. "

" Hmm Simone..nice to meet you..and everyone else. The answer is obviously yes..we would love to have you. "

The people shared some happy looks. They were long way but now all had a promise of a better future.

" People..next thing, a list of things you might need.. this man here. " - he reached and pulled me next to him. "..his name is Carlos..pfft..Julius Em..a noble of this land and family of mine. "

He snickers at my middle name give to me by my great grandfather. " His expertly trained soliders will accompany you towards your new home with frequent visits from me..I'll explain later. "

He saw their confused looks after all they knew he was blessed but not his ability.

" In the meantime spend tonight in peace..the ladies over there will show you to the some of the many..many rooms this wonderful joke..khmm..castle has to offer. Settle in and rest assured no one will harm you..you all have my word. "

After one more unnecessary jab however truthful it was the servants lead then away. Simone and some others who must be her family were the last to leave.

Once all gone he turned to me. " Busy, busy...here's the plan for tonight and tomorrow. "

I smiled how energetic he was and listened patiently.

" I need you to go get the mask and everything else you want..we load most of it with the wagons tomorrow, you decide on security and then find me after dinner bring your cousin. "

Check..check..and yes Heimy check..yes grandmother..yes..Ughh, Ehlite.

He waited for my head to stop bobble and went on.

" I'll go and talk to your father and make sure the provisions are all there with the wagons tomorrow morning. "

He walked back and forth while thinking along the steps.

" I'll head into the shopping district with your lady mother buy some souvenirs before we forget them in all the crazy...then we meet here and head to the other ridiculously large castle ..

" Apostles Palace..

" ..whatever..we celebrate well..me?..and the rest are just words. "

Sounded..ridiculous but nothing's ever simple with him.

" Right..I'll go now. Can't wait to leave and see Seline..also don't get anything jewellery.." - I stopped him before he turned to find father. " I'll take care that. "

He smiled and walked forward. " Don't empty your family vault too much.."

" Just what's needed.."

I made my own list ..let's go grab some empty potato sacks..

——

The family vault was builth underground. Wasn't exactly sure how long or deep it is was but it took extraordinary engineering skills few today posses.

" Lord Em. "

The guards bowed, I've waited until they used two keys while I pulled out my own.

Once all three turned a distinct sound of air and mildew smell hit our faces.

" Thanks boys, I won't be long. "

Stepped inside and let my torch light some strategically placed placed ones on the wall lighting the darkness.

Same as left it..mountains of gold and rare jewels, pendants, rings, necklaces every other accessories I could think of..it would've be a beautiful sight but, I knew some history of the items ..and they weren't beautiful.

I made my way further lighting the torches revealing the entire space. Fully revealed the vault.

It was large enough for a lifetime of blood and disgrace. It fitt well with the treasures.

I headed towards dusty displays in the back and lifted the glass top of the one I needed.

The mask of the ancient. It was made of a material we didn't have a name for but, almost indestructible. Flat with two small holes on each side.

Three black lines running vertically on the white mask it's mouth twisted in an disturbing smile.

It always creeped me out and to this day Zephyr didn't tell me why he wanted this and this alone.

I tried it on looking through its slits and breathing comfortably. It didn't bruise my cheeks, it was smooth and rather nice on your skin.

Well whatever he wants..personally that smile is like a monsters but his choice.

I grabbed a few bracelets, a few handfuls of gold chains, pendants and gemstone and thinking about rings as shoved some fistfuls in the sack..no.. not these.. for Seline it will be grandmothers when, I'll pick up Heimy.

Offering one to Zephyr would be pointless since he never wants jewelry of any kind. Maybe for Ciren and Ilianna, the girls probably liked some..let's take a few more just in case.

I showed inside some gold coins..nice to have cash on you.

I picked up some long gold slabs expertly crafted from gold my family stole from long forgotten people..I just wish, I could forget them and slid them inside the sack.

Some diamonds which Zephyr found ' useless and dull' the man had no taste.. Lylly and girls will love this.

I also grabbed some papers, drawings and scrolls, blueprints, recipes, history, nonsense which didn't mean nothing to me or anyone..dead languages but, Ciren loves these..maps of fantasy lands surrounded Longinus..that will be framed in our house with Seline.

I filled 4 empty brown sacks previously housed vegetables and was ready to leave but spotted a pair of silver daggers with those Sapphires in the pummel..

I didn't have any use having my own pair barely used ..but why not. Zephyr hates jewellery and lavishly made shit...he might like some weapons.

I picked it up as well placing it carefully inside.

I walked out happy if never see this tomb ever again.

Time for soldiers detail tomorrow then granny and Heimy.