Cradle · Character
Orthos
- Major
- First seen · Book 3
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.
- Gender
- male
- Age
- Centuries old (Truegold before Kelsa's grandparents were born)
- First appears
- Book 3
- Books
- 3 of 7 read
Orthos begins as a once-mighty dragon-turtle reduced to Jade-level madness within Sacred Valley, his Blackflame power barely contained beneath a smoking shell. Through his contract with Lindon, he regains stability and purpose, evolving from a volatile guardian into a steadfast companion whose wisdom and combat prowess grow alongside his partner. Across the series, Orthos transitions from a tragic remnant of dragon-kind into an integral member of Lindon’s team, his ancient strength rekindled as he fights alongside his allies.
Description · as of Book 7
Orthos began as a descendant of black dragons with Truegold power, reduced to Jade level within the confines of Sacred Valley. His massive turtle form carried the weight of centuries, hot to touch and wreathed in smoke that spoke of inner fires barely contained. Despite his diminished state, his crimson eyes held the wisdom of ages, and his presence commanded respect from all who encountered the living remnant of dragon-kind.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Eithan Areliusally and guardian
Starts as a protective guardian-client relationship; matures into a warm, longstanding friendship marked by mutual respect and shared history.
Lindoncontracted sacred beast
Begins as a desperate mutual contract for survival; evolves into a deep friendship and combat partnership where Orthos serves as both mentor and emotional anchor.
Yerincompanion
Initially a team-based companionship; grows into a reliable battle camaraderie built on shared trials and trust.
- BF
Blackflame familyguardian and ally
Orthos served for centuries as a liaison and guardian before his power drove him mad; his restored state rekindles echoes of that ancient duty.
Story so far
BOOK 3Blackflame
- Orthos is introduced as a massive, smoke-wreathed dragon-turtle whose Blackflame power has driven him to the edge of madness.
- Eithan Arelius reveals Orthos’s centuries-long role as a liaison between the Arelius family and the fallen Blackflame clan.
- Lindon forms a mutual contract with Orthos, sharing madra to stabilize the sacred beast’s spirit while gaining Blackflame techniques.
- Orthos begins training Lindon in the Path of Blackflame, igniting the duo’s partnership.
BOOK 6Underlord
- Orthos appears fully restored in size and power, now the size of three horses and radiating controlled Blackflame.
- He reunites with Eithan as an old friend, reaffirming their long-standing alliance.
- Orthos fights as Lindon’s contracted partner during the team’s ascent through the Uncrowned King tournament preliminaries.
- He bonds with Yerin as a fellow team member, expanding his circle of trusted companions.
BOOK 7Uncrowned (Cradle Book 7)
- Orthos’s ancient dragon lineage is emphasized as he supports Lindon emotionally and in combat during the tournament.
- He demonstrates strategic wisdom, advising Lindon on matters of advancement and rival threats.
- Orthos’s combat abilities prove crucial in team battles, showcasing his regained Truegold-level strength.
- His presence becomes a stabilizing force within Lindon’s growing circle of allies.
Key events
- Book 3
Ch. 10Lindon Forms Contract with OrthosIn the sealed tunnels beneath Serpent's Grave, Lindon meets Orthos, a three-hundred-year-old dragon-turtle, and forms a mutual soul-contract to share Blackflame madra. This allows Lindon to safely cultivate the destructive Path of Black Flame while helping stabilize Orthos' ravaged mind. - Book 3
Ch. 17Jai Clan Attacks Arelius FamilyThe Jai clan launches a coordinated massacre against the Arelius family in Serpent's Grave. Eithan is trapped by a boundary formation while Cassias fights through the streets, and Orthos attacks Lindon and Yerin in the Blackflame Trials. - Book 6
Ch. 6Lindon and Yerin Enter Night Wheel ValleyThe Blackflame Empire's team enters the Akura clan's Night Wheel Valley through a massive pillar of darkness portal. Akura Charity announces the valley's riches and the competition between the Blackflame Empire and Seishen Kingdom for Underlord tournament spots.
Gallery
Book 3: Blackflame
Appearances
Meet Orthos in Bookworm
Meet Orthos in your EPUB — spoiler-safe to Book 7.