“Once. I am a changed woman now. I left the past behind, where it belongs. Now here I am, constantly repenting.”
Hmm, repenting…
The body-snatching orc in the mountain had warned me about Jezz, and now her brother said something about her keeping secrets from me. Jezz mentioned being cursed, but could she be in the same situation as Antatha?
“And these happy-go-lucky fae don’t like the accursed. They believe I may infect them. But they also don’t believe in casting away their elders. Hence, why I am still here.”
“Well, I’d like to think that most people are redeemable. And you seem like a kind woman, Antatha. A little intimidating, but kind.”
She chuckled. “I’m glad you think so.”
“Maybe a kind woman like you can help me out with what I’m after.”
Her eyes went back to her box and she said, “Do any of these feathers suit your fancy?”
“Actually, I’m looking for a white Bodoorie bird feather. Do you have any in stock?”
She gave me an odd look. “A white Bodoorie feather? May I ask what it’s for?”
“For a friend back home,” I lied, suspecting she had an idea what I really wanted to use it for.
“The Bodoorie feather, especially a white one, is a very rare and special feather. It’s in short supply because the bird is going extinct.”
“So I take it you don’t have it?”
“Oh I have it, but it’s not for sale.”
I sulked. “I’m sorry to hear that Antatha. Is there any way I could change your mind?”
“I’m afraid not, Syodas. I am sorry to have wasted your time.”
“It’s all right, Antatha. I appreciate your services either way.” I bowed down in respect and then went for the exit, but before I could pass the threshold, I heard Antatha call out to me.
“Well, perhaps there is something we can fix, an arrangement, a trade,” she said. I turned around and saw her scratching her chin before saying, “A group of bandits stole something very special to me. It was given by my son, Edbard, who died defending his home. It is a hairpin made of Jeterium metal. If you can bring it back to me, I will give you the feather.”
“Any idea which direction they went?”
“West, toward Demessia. In the land filthy with cyber sense sightings. The journey will not be easy.”
“But this feather is worth it,” I said with a smile. “I accept your request.”
Obtain Antatha’s hairpin
Reward: One white Bodoorie bird feather
The kind woman squinted at me worriedly. “Are you sure? Do you have a party, Syodas?”
I rolled my eyes. “I don’t really know what to call that unreliable horny fiend anymore.”
She giggled. “Sounds like you already have your hands tied.”
I chuckled. “Don’t you worry about me. I’ll get your hair clip back.”
“I live here in my shop. So you may stop by anytime. I will be waiting for you.”
“Sure thing. Hey Antatha, can I ask you something? Do you know a girl named Jezz?”
“Hmm, that name does ring a bell.”
“She’s a fae wolf.”
“Ah yes, the fae wolf.”
“She’s cursed too. Do you know why?”
“For wanting peace,” she said simply. “Except, she went about it the wrong way.”
“How so?”
“Many would call her a traitor. She tainted her family name, same with her brother. Many say she followed his footsteps. You know these kids, very rambunctious, but there was more to their motives.”
“Can you tell me exactly what she did?”
“I cannot,” she said frankly.
I choked. “Why? Was it that bad?”
“You may be an outsider but you should know that speaking about the High Order condemnations are forbidden. Especially those that lead to a banishment,” she said, whispering that last part.
