Anyone may have diamonds; but an heirloom is an ornament of quite a different kind.
Zane knew that so he accepted the request of the woman in front of him.
She had stolen her family's heirloom not knowing that stealing it brings misfortune.
Considering she now lived as a prostitute in Cinder Row, the misfortune was surely working.
Zane decided to cure her life and agreed to return it to her family but turned out it won't be that easy.
Because her family…
"They live on another continent. In Vaelreth."
Zane raised his brows.
"You came here from Vaelreth? Why? What's your name?"
"Cynthia Boris."
"Why did you come here? And why did you steal it?"
Cynthia bowed her head.
"I was in love with a man. Isaiah Girtum. But my family was against the marriage. He belonged to the beast kin of the wilderlands. And I belonged to the family of hunters."
"So you escaped with that man?"
"Yes. I was fifteen years old and he was seventeen. I knew about this bracelet so I stole it for our journey to be hassle free and lucky."
"How did you even come here?"
"We chose the illegal route. The Vaelreth continent supplies minerals all over Dwarkam and we sat in one such carriage that was coming here. To Eldros. I have stolen money from my home as well that kept the carriage driver shut about us."
"What happened then? Where is that man now?"
"He is dead."
Zane went silent.
The woman raised her head.
"I was told that the carriages won't be checked until we are in the heart of Eldros. But that day, a thief was on the run so there were Wardens present in the entrance and they checked each carriage. They caught us and because of his brown color, they killed Isiah right there under the pretense of not allowing illegal immigrants."
Cynthia's voice cracked and Zane felt Milo's grip turning strong on his finger.
He looked at Cynthia and gestured with his eyes to not use softer words.
Cynthia understood and carried on.
"Then they dragged me out of the carriage and locked me in the chamber meant for criminals and heretics. All this time, I was wearing the bracelet. Hoping life would take a turn soon. And it did. For the worse."
Zane said nothing.
"I was sold to the slave market in Solmire. I served under many masters for five continuous years. I tried to run away but I was caught every time. And punished for running away. After one point, I stopped fighting. Years went by and I turned thirty years old. Still a slave. But my master came to this city for some work and he brought me along with him.
Since I still had my bracelet, it showed its charm and in our way, some bandits attacked us and killed my master and took everything he owned. Everything including my bracelet as well. I cried for it at that time as I didn't know about its effect. The Bandits wanted to take me with them as well but luckily, some Enforcers arrived on the scene in time, making the bandits run away.
The Enforcers didn't know what to do with me as I wasn't a slave anymore because my master was dead. They also didn't use me for their personal pleasures and with no solution in their mind for me, they dropped me off in this Cinder Row. They told me I was free to go anywhere from here but before leaving they had said: Those who have nowhere to go, stay in the slums. So it's been five years since I have been living here. I wasn't a Gutterborn, sir. That bracelet made me one."
Zane's brows quivered.
"So the bandits took your bracelet. Then how did you get it back? And when did you get to know about its properties?"
Cynthia laughed.
"One of the bandits came to me one day and returned it. His leader had died along with his other accomplices. He was the last one and he had tried selling it to the black market and an artisan from there told him about its bad luck. Afraid he will die too, he found me and returned it to me three days ago."
Cynthia bowed again.
"Just after getting it back, I have been facing sickness and issues. I haven't got any customers for three days straight. I don't want it, sir. Please, I beg you. Return it to my family and tell them that your Cynthia is asking for your forgiveness. Please do this for me."
[ Ding! ]
[ Critical Quest Generated! ]
[ Quest: Family Gathering ]
[ Objective: Find Cynthia's family and return the heirloom. ]
[ Rewards:- 2 ]
[ 1. Rise to Rank 9 and a New Designation. ]
[ 2. Merge Points +10 ]
[ Failure: Capture ]
[ Time Limit: Nil ]
[ Do you accept the Quest? ]
I was expecting this.
As soon as Cynthia finished her story, he knew a window was coming.
But the rewards were certainly different and better.
Each Rank and Designation brought one Skill and Trait with them, it would help Zane a lot to stay alive.
But before accepting, he looked at Cynthia.
"I have never gone to another city, much less another continent. I don't know what happens there. You lived there for fifteen years, will my life be in danger if I accept your appeal?"
Cynthia smiled. "Forgive me but as a Gutterborn, that is a given."
She spread her arms.
"As long as your life is going on, it will always be in danger."
Zane went silent.
Her smile was that of helplessness and acceptance.
His fist clenched on its own.
"That's what I am trying to change, Cynthia. Just to have a breath that isn't a sigh of relief for staying alive for one more day."
Cynthia nodded and Zane made up his mind.
"I accept. I accept your request."
"Thank you very much for your kindness. I wish I could have given you more things but I have nothing."
"Don't bother. You can leave now. I am also getting late."
Cynthia bowed and went back to her shack.
Zane also stepped forward and picked up the spoon that Flora had gifted Zane.
He stored it inside the bag and with Milo, carried on walking.
Milo had gone silent as she simply walked beside Zane.
He decided to have a talk with her later.
"Wait!"
Someone shouted from behind.
Zane rolled his eyes.
I am getting late.
He reluctantly turned around but his gaze softened the moment he saw the person who shouted.
It was a woman.
A woman he knew.
A woman he got to know last night.
She arrived in front of Zane, panting.
"You are going to the Citadel, right?"
"Yes."
"Please take this."
The woman handed Zane a plastic box.
He held it.
It was warm.
"What is this?" He asked.
"It's lunch."
"There's no need for this, ma'am. I will get food there."
The woman shook her head.
"It's not for you."
She held Zane's hand and with an hopeful voice, she requested:
"Please give it to my son Herring. He must be hungry."