Orthos

Supporting
First seen · Book 3 · Ch. 9

Gender: male
Age: Centuries old (Truegold before Kelsa's grandparents were born)
First appears: Book 3 · Ch. 9
Books: 3

Orthos begins as a once-mighty black dragon-turtle reduced to Jade by the restrictive aura of Sacred Valley, his Truegold power and dragon heritage smoldering beneath a cracked, smoke-wreathed shell. Through his contract with Lindon in Blackflame, he regains stability and purpose, trading his own Blackflame madra for the chance to recover his strength. By Underlord, he has grown both physically and spiritually, moving with deliberate authority as a living remnant of dragon-kind. In Uncrowned, his centuries-old wisdom and regained dignity make him a respected companion whose presence commands deference from allies and rivals alike.

Description

Orthos is a massive black dragon-turtle the size of a horse but thrice as wide, with a broad shell whose facets glow sullen red at the edges. His reptilian head has cracked leathery black skin, and his eyes are inky black pools with furious red irises that shift to orange flame when angered. Black smoke constantly rises from his body in hazy waves while clusters of blazing embers burn along his back. A massive black turtle the size of three horses stands with a broad shell glowing dull red and trailing smoke. Red-and-black eyes shine from the darkness of his head, which he can withdraw completely into his shell. He moves with deliberate stomps and often exhales long clouds of smoke while radiating Blackflame power. A massive black sacred turtle with leathery skin that radiates constant heat, his crimson eyes shining like embers in darkness. Smoke drifts lazily from his enormous shell, and his sheer bulk makes the ground tremble with each movement. His ancient presence carries the weight of Truegold power compressed into a form both majestic and formidable.

Connections

Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals

Eithan Areliusconflicting source relationships
Starts as Orthos's protector and caretaker in Blackflame; matures into a long-standing, affectionate friendship reaffirmed in Underlord and maintained through the tournament arc.
Wei Shi Lindonconflicting source relationships
Begins as a pragmatic contract for mutual survival in Blackflame; evolves into a deep friendship and combat partnership by Underlord and Uncrowned, with Orthos acting as both mentor and emotional support.
Yerincompanion
First appears as a fellow team member in Underlord; their bond strengthens through shared travel and tournament experiences, marked by mutual respect and camaraderie.
BF
Blackflame familyguardian and ally
Orthos once served as an official liaison between the Arelius and the long-extinct Blackflame imperial line; this historical duty underscores his ancient status and lingering loyalty to the fallen bloodline.

Story so far

BOOK 3Blackflame
- Orthos is revealed as a fallen Truegold descendant of black dragons trapped at Jade level in Sacred Valley.
- He forms a mutual contract with Lindon, sharing madra to stabilize his spirit and grant Lindon Blackflame.
- Eithan Arelius uses Orthos to train Lindon and keep the ancient turtle's power in check.
- Orthos serves as a liaison between the Arelius family and the extinct Blackflame imperial line.
BOOK 6Underlord
- Orthos has grown to the size of three horses, his shell glowing dull red and radiating Blackflame.
- He rejoins Lindon and Yerin as a full combat companion during the journey to the Uncrowned King tournament.
- His long friendship with Eithan is reaffirmed as the group travels together.
- Orthos demonstrates restored control over his power, moving with deliberate authority rather than frenzied rage.
BOOK 7Uncrowned (Cradle Book 7)
- Orthos accompanies Lindon to the Uncrowned King tournament as an emotional anchor and combat asset.
- His regained dignity and ancient wisdom earn respect from fellow competitors and sacred artists.
- He continues to provide Lindon with Blackflame insight and steadfast companionship.
- His presence serves as a living reminder of dragon-kind's former glory within the competition.