Informed: The Bone Man

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CHAPTER 15 - The Bone Man

His words had hit home, shocking the innkeeper who till now could not believe he was told off.

"Now. I believe you owe me something. Bribe or no bribe."

Mumbling some incoherent words, he threw away his shame and picked up a knife from his side of the counter, and placed it on top in front of Zale.

"There."

To Zale's surprise, as soon as he lifted it, he saw no insignia as he had once seen before in Ashedore.

**Flashback**

"I am guessing the perpetrator is not from the sea. Only a human possessed such a knife."

"What do you mean?"

"Their insignia on their weapon. None from Ashedore wields such," Zale said and looked at his father. "It is a lotus in a ring."

"The kingdom of Noterra," KaiKane informed.

**Flashback Ends**

He lifted his eyes to the innkeeper, his face filled with confusion as his unspoken question showed in his eyes.

"Tell me, what question do you seek?"

"Have you by any chance, seen a knife with this symbol on it?"

"What symbol?"

"A lotus in a ring."

Immediately the words fell out his lips, and the innkeeper's eyes dimmed further as all playfulness drained from his face instantly.

"Tell me, please."

"The lotus in the ring," he recalled thoughtfully.

"Yes?"

"Any knife bearing that belongs to the family of Old Dradevow. Popularly known for their sorcery. Only them possessed such knives and rumour had it that they were the original starters, one of the first families of Noterra."

"I see."

"Yes. However, they had been long gone. And the only one capable of having such possession is the witch."

"Witch?"

"Yes. Had you told me sooner, I would have referred you to her and not the black market."

'Hmm, so it was not a man that did the stealing, but a witch? What business would she have with the soul pearl? No, she can, she is a witch after all and the pearl is the most powerful thing in Ashedore.' Zale clarified inwardly.

"But if that is not what you want, I would understand, considering no one had heard from her in over twenty years. She despises us but she watches us. People call her evil and some say, she is a good human with powers."

'In that case, it is possible that it was stolen from her perhaps, or the theory of her being the culprit. Either way, I just had my search broadened. Looks like I would be staying longer than I imagined in the human world.'

Just then the sound of a cup being hit against a table could be heard accompanied by the deep base of the man who had succeeded in gathering a crowd around him.

"Ender, I need a refill here, a barrel if you must for me and my friends. Time to tell the tale of how I won three years' championships in the king's melee games and several more enchanting tales."

"Aye. I'll soon be there," the innkeeper yelled back.

"Once I win this, then I can go purchase the shiny blue pearl the Bone man spoke of. And be the richest man in this village."

Zale's eyes flew open as soon as he heard the mention of a blue pearl, ignoring the next set of words the innkeeper and his customer said.

Sensing his piqued interest, Ender's smile spread across his lips, spilling into his eyes as he watched Xavier turn his head a bit to the side.

"I told you, sit and eat. You'll get the best information out there, in here instead of being cooked up in your room or aimlessly running around."

Aimlessly?!

Zale's eyes darkened at that word. So, did that mean he had been sent on a wild goose chase all this while?

"Now, I have customers to serve and I believe you, have some listening to do," he noted, gesturing with his eyes at the men. "Enjoy, I'll say. Maybe you can eat your bread while at it."

Without further ado, Zale moved back and found a quiet spot at the left end of the shop to sit.

At first, he did not wish to order anything, but when his stomach growled, he knew he needed to eat.

He waited for the burly man to be served his drink alongside his friend and began talking.

At first, they spoke about the three-year championship in a roll which he won and by the time Zale was done eating, he was getting bored of their tale and decided to spice things up for them.

"A…"

No sooner had he opened his mouth than someone else beat him to it. "Sir Collin, tell us about this pearl. Is it that good for you to spend all of your reward money on?"

Seeing as the main topic had been thrown open, he settled back down and requested water.

"Oh, I saw it when I visited the bone man's shop the other day for a good artifact and it called to me. Glistening as it sat where he was. I could not look away. No. Right there and then, I knew it was my destiny to have it."

Zale scoffed, a bit too loud than he had hoped he would.

Immediately, a few pairs of eyes whipped in his direction but he ignored them and kept his gaze facing forward.

"Hmm, let the young last be. Indeed what accomplishment has he?"

He knew better than to respond to such provocative words. It was simply what Collins' agenda was.

Provoke him to the point whereby he would retaliate, then beat Zale and be seen as a strong champion.

As much as it thrilled Zale to help him out on his secret wish and put him to shame, he knew better than to attract too much attention and ignored him.

Soon enough his water arrived and bearing it in her tray was the very same girl who the other customer had wanted.

"Here sir," she filled up his metal cup and smiled at him. "I hope you enjoy," she added, flashing him a sexy wink.

At this point, Zale knew he was bound to get into trouble in this kingdom.

As much as he chose to stay away from trouble, it found him still.

As though ignoring her wasn't enough, the young lady placed a hand on the table, drawing his attention to her as she leaned in, ready to whisper some words to him, while giving him a good show of her cleavage.

"I am here, handsome if you wish for a good time," she licked her lips.

His smile dropped and he leaned back away from her. Instantly he felt sharp stares shot at him and knew without being told who it came from.

"I wished to avoid trouble but it keeps finding me."

Muttering those words, Zale leaned forward and gently whispered right back at her.

"Cover up, I do not wish to see. If you feel like giving, you know the right customers to go to."

His words had sent her confidence crumbling as she watched him pick up the cup, drank the water in one go, and slammed it down on the table.

"A word of advice, stay away from these men and be watchful of your innkeeper if you do not want to spend a night in their arms."

"Hey, you!" Both of them heard a yell from the opposite side of the inn, signaling trouble.

"And there's my cue," Zale muttered. "The bone man it is then," he whispered as he rose to his feet, looking over her head at the wolves ready to bite.

They have all sought her attention but none got it and he did without batting an eyelash.

"Thanks," Zale mouthed at the innkeeper and left.