Z is for Zacharius

Zacharius watched Renial a moment more. The risk may yet be paying off. Only time would tell. “My thanks, child. You do well to watch over him. Your father has made a wise choice in this. I retire to speak with him now.”

          “Yes sir. Thank you sir,” Bella-Josephine answered.

          Zacharius turned away from her and began the journey back down the staircase to the ground level below. What were the dreams of a demon like? Zacharius laid his hand upon the banister rail. What were the dreams of this demon like? Zacharius shook his head clear. Such fear lay within that face, nerves appeared to frame each muscle as Renial tensed. Is that it? Is it you Lived? Are you attempting to recover him, one of your faithful servants? Zacharius drew a hard frown across his eyes. There is no clear way to tell. He raised his head level and released the excess tension laying weight across his eyes, cheeks and jaw. Zacharius lowered his head consideredly. However it is a possibility. Lived you are strong to reach within this house if it is you. He twisted at the waist and found the doorway of the demon again, murmuring, “You whisper to him.” Watching the door Zacharius breathed slowly. He steadily turned about setting forth down the staircase once more. “A number more sun-phases and he will not need Bella-Josephine’s shelter any longer. He will not hear you.” Zacharius reached the bottom stair and knocked lightly upon the door of the Praesa. His knock sank into the wood subtly but the sound caught on the silence like fingers stroking down an instrument. For a breath the silence sang then cast its quiet again just in time for Zacharius to be granted, “Enter.” Zacharius pushed upon the door and it swung inwards.

          “Sire, have you had the opportunity to interrogate Renial Legatz further?”

          “I have. He knows little of Lived’s ways.” Phoenix raised his head from his papers and looked at Zacharius. “I do not understand why you captured this beast, Zacharius. I had thought that it was to help our fight but…perhaps that was not the purpose,” he mused.

          Zacharius bowed his head and paused before answering. “I am unable to explain fully sire.” He stepped forwards toward a seat as Phoenix waved his hand in one’s direction. “The beast and I met whilst we were both walking in the city. I felt it necessary to bind our sutrens together.”

          “Fully understanding the risk this posed?” Phoenix asked genially.

          “Suna sire. Perhaps it would have been wiser to say that I felt a guiding presence.”

          “Perhaps.” Phoenix replied. Zacharius studied his face and caught the very slight smile shaping his Praesa’s mouth.

          “I would not endanger the population willingly. If there had been any doubt in my mind I would not have risked such a dangerous act.” He offered with a quiet force.

          “Thank you Zacharius. I would not have thought you would endanger the population. Please accept my apologies for any offence caused.”

          “You have not offended me sire.” Zacharius nodded his head once with respect, endeavoring to impart assurance.

          “Thank you Zacharius.” Phoenix gathered his brow and took a breath, probably one of thought. “Tell me, how are your studies progressing?”

          Looking at his hands Zacharius considered the turning of the conversation. It was not filled with obtrusiveness… “They are slow,” Zacharius slid his eyes to the window on his right, “I feel that Lived is attempting to block my way.”

          “Is there any assistance I can provide?”

          Zacharius returned his gaze to his Praesa. The answer came instantly. Though Zacharius took time for consideration all the same. “No sire, however thank you for your offer.”

          “”Then if you will excuse me Zacharius.” Phoenix got to his feet.

          “Of course sire. May I have the use of your library?”

          Phoenix smiled. “Certainly Zacharius, it is always open to you.”

          “Erisin.” Zacharius bowed his head as he left. He closed the door quietly behind him and walked slowly across the hallway.


Zacharius, nephili, found in Enfractu.
Renial, demon, found in Enfractu.
Lived, demon, found in Enfractu.Bell, angel, daughter of Phoenix the Praesa, found in Enfractu.
Praesa, aka Phoenix, lord, governor and protector of Frellick, found in Enfractu.