Warton
Quote:
“It’s a magical place, an amazing library of infinite knowledge and wisdom!”
~ Warton, on the Grand Library
“Er, wait! Before you go, could you do an old man a kindness?”
~ Warton
Species:
Bulldog
Gender:
Male
Profession:
Owner of Warton’s Books. Former King of Diadem.
History:
Warton Tarbh was the ruler of Diadem before Akarui, and the owner of Warton’s Books. He first visited the Grand Library at age five, and its librarian Conroy inspired him to open his bookstore. He hosted storytime hours for the city’s children, read every new children’s book he found to his son Peyton that same night, tutored students (including young Cody of the Violet Demesne and a college-age Nash), and was the closest friend and gambling buddy of Rowena’s husband. He told the Chamberlins about the island’s legend the day they arrived.
Like other long-time residents exposed to the Masters, Warton aged gracefully, looking only mid-forties well into old age, and was one of the few people open about his extended lifespan. He borrowed The Phantom Tollbooth from the Grand Library as a child and kept it all his life, asking newcomers to finally return it so the next generation could be inspired, which earned him 43z in late fees according to a delighted Conroy.
Warton was killed during a Marauder property damage raid outside his store. He caught Nash in the back burning the old island history books and tried to stop him, then ran for the phone. Nash chased him, tripped, and Warton was fatally wounded, his injury laced with the gold dust that defies healing magic. He became the first, and possibly only, fatality of the gold dust epidemic. His funeral was held in the Gray Demesne, where Peyton delivered his eulogy and his spirit could be seen beside his son.
Notes:
- Short brown hair, thick glasses, and a metal cane.
- Wore a blue apron over a red tee shirt.
- Was Dr. Tohru Leumadair’s patient for some time.
- His death left Nash permanently haunted; he describes Warton’s blood as staining his hands forever.