Chapter CCCXIII: Vines in the Fire ~Bulaklak

Venin was not a happy man as he dragged himself towards Thorn's High Chamber. Not only had he let Bulaklak escape once again, but he had also lost his hand to her. Knowing Thorn's bad temper nowadays, he was sure to be punished severely. Thorn might even have his other hand cut off!

Crossing the fingers on his remaining hand, Venin took a deep breath and opened the High Chamber door. Inside, several types of plant life grew. Vines and roses crept along the walls and trellises. Bushes and flowers poked up amidst the grassy carpet. At the far end, a giant oak tree reached over the walls of the ceiling-less chamber, beneath of which Thorn resided on his throne.

Thorn looked up for a moment at Venin, and then beckoned him to give him the report. Venin stepped nervously forward and handed him the bundle of paper. Thorn's brow furrowed as he read, his purple eyes growing more and more enraged every second. Grisrose, Thorn's timid seer and servant, quickly scurried to the other side of the room, lest she get caught in the middle of one of Thorn's rages.

Though Grisrose was not near old herself, the years of serving under her violent master had given her and aged, frail appearance. Slinking under a large bush, she peered out as Thorn flung the report at Venin, hitting him the face.

"You let her get away?!" Thorn thundered, rising and smashing his fist to Venin's face.

Venin wheezed and collapsed, out cold. Thorn turned and stormed to the balcony.

"Grisrose!" he barked over his shoulder.

"Yes, master?" the seer nervously replied.

"Tell Leif that his worthless brother failed to capture Bulaklak, and that he is under orders to go out and find her."

"As you wish, master."

Grisrose bowed and scuttled out of the chamber.

Thorn turned back to the balcony view and growled to the skies. "Just you wait, Bulaklak."