chsdbacks Chapter 736: The Fang & Thorn Part 2
Chapter 736: The Fang & Thorn Part 2
Chapter 736: The Fang & Thorn Part 2
Calex swirled the glass in his hand and stared at his reflection in the amber liquid. “Did you kill my mother?”
Stryg’s body went stiff at the question. He tilted his head to the side and slightly furrowed his brow, a slight twist to his lips.
“Rumor has it that it was you who slew my mother with that very sword in your hand. Of course, I tried to confirm the story with my spies, but it’s difficult to obtain such information in the midst of a battlefield, especially when the soldiers who were there are dead, while the rest abandoned their queen and ran away.”
Calex paused, his expression growing dark. He slowly drew Nightshade from its sheath, the dark purple steel of the blade reflecting off the lamplight of the tent. “...I killed every single one of her guards with my family’s blade. I watched as the poison coursed through their veins. They died in excruciating pain. Tell me, Stryg Veres, did my mother die in excruciating pain? Did you kill her? Why do you hesitate?”
“I’m not exactly sure how to answer your question.”
Calex narrowed his eyes. “It is a simple yes or no. Did you kill my mother?”
“I suppose I did.”
“You suppose?”
“I ordered her death. And my mother killed her a moment later.”
Calex leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping silently on the lip of his glass. So it was the Ebon Lady who took the queen’s life. I thought it strange that a mere Aspirant slew one of the most powerful arch mages in the realm.”
Calex gestured his glass towards Stryg. “You know, when you first revealed your nature in Undergrowth, everyone thought you were some kind of miracle, the first Ebon Aspirant in centuries, but you weren’t. Your mother was. The Ebon Lords had already returned and we didn’t know it.”
“Neither did I,” Stryg said.
Calex gave him a funny look. “You know, my mother was obsessed with you. What the power in your blood represented. If she couldn’t have you, then no one could. I counseled her against such ‘drastic’ actions, but she did not listen. I wonder what might have been had she known about Aurelia Veres.”
“To be fair, I didn’t know about her either.”
“There you go again. What are you implying exactly?”
“I didn’t know my mother was—well, my mother, until a few months back. And I certainly didn’t know she was a mage, let alone an Ebon Lord.”
“How could you not know?”
“Children of the Sylvan Tribes are raised by the Sylvan Mothers, priestesses of the Mother Moon.”
“Lunae. Right, I’ve heard stories of traditions. It’s odd to know they’re true, but to you, they must be quite normal. Well, where I’m from, we are not separated from our birth parents. So perhaps you do not understand the loss of losing someone you hold so dear.” Calex gripped his sword tight and leaned ever so slightly forward, “Or what someone might do to avenge the ones they’ve lost.”
“Did you love her?”
Calex blinked. “What?”
“Did you love Ophelia?”
“Of course, I did,” Calex said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, but Stryg took the words with quiet contemplation.
“Oh. I see. You must be quite angry then.”
Calex released the tension in his hand and sighed. “You really don’t understand the concept of family, do you?”
“I never said that.”
“How did my mother die, you odd creature?”
Stryg glanced at Nightshade. “You know how your sword is coated in an excruciating poison?”
“Yes?” he replied in a slow, suspicious manner.
“Well, it was like that. But slower and a lot more painful.”
“Aurelia poisoned her?”
“No. Aurelia didn’t do anything to her.”
“What? But you said your mother killed mine.”
“Yes.”
Calex glared at him. His pale grey complexion made him appear more like a vengeful ghost than a man. “Are you fucking with me?”
“No, you’re simply wrong,” Stryg said calmly.
“Is that so?” Calex scoffed. “Well, then. Enlighten me, Lord Veres.”
“It wasn’t Aurelia who killed Ophelia. It was my other mom.”
“Your other—mom…? As in a Sylvan Mother?”
“No. As in my other mom. Lunae.”
Calex frowned. “Lunae, the goddess of the moon?”
“Yes.”
“So, ignoring the fact that you already have a mother, am I supposed to believe that not only are you the son of a goddess but that she smote my mother from the sky with some kind of divine judgment?”
“Actually, Lunae ate her.”
“She ate her?”
“Well, Lunae was in her wolfen form, so she was like a lot—bigger.” Stryg gestured with his arms. “Lunae bit down on Ophelia and severed her spine and then swallowed her whole. I imagine it was quite painful for her. Paralyzed. Bleeding out. All the while, her body was being digested. A titan can eat pretty much anything. The acid in our stomach is very potent.”
“You’re not very good at this.”
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“What?”
“If you’re trying to anger me, you should say something more believable. Otherwise, you might as well say you slept with my mother. I know it’s obviously not true, so your words hold little sway.”
“I’m not lying.”
“You’re shit at lying too.”
“So I’ve been told,” Stryg sighed.
“What really happened? And don’t lie to me again or this conversation will be over.” Calex gripped Nightshade’s hilt and aimed the blade at Stryg’s feet.
Stryg looked him in the eye with a leveled stare. “Calex, I have no interest or need to lie to you. Honestly, it’s getting tiring trying to convince people. Who my mother is has no impact on what is going to happen next.”
Calex leaned forward on his chair, ready to bolt up at a moment’s notice. “And what’s going to happen next?”
“That depends on you.”
“What is it that you want?”
~~~
“Our scouts report that the armies of Undergrowth and Frost Rim have congregated right here and here,” Gian pointed at the map on the table depicting the Dusk Valley.
The city council members stared at the map, their faces a mix of concern and grimness.
“That doesn’t seem to be very far,” Loh noted.
“About 3 leagues from here. If it wasn’t for the hills, you’d be able to see them from atop the shade wall,” Gian said.
“How many strong?” Krall Katag asked.
“Our scouts estimate the enemy is about 14,000 strong,” Gian replied.
“It isn’t as bad as before, right?” Tristan Helene spoke up for the first time in the meeting today. The boy was only 10, but he was trying his best to live up to his position as a member of the Ruling Families. His caretaker and steward, placed her hand on his shoulder and gave a subtle shake of her head.
“Correct you are, young master Helene,” Gian said. “Marek and Undergrowth’s forces combined boasted a little over 20,000 warriors. Unfortunately, our numbers have also dwindled since then.”
“Oh… I see.” Tristan dipped his head. “My apologies.”
“None taken,” Gian replied.
“How many soldiers can we muster before they attack?” Calantha Ashe asked.
The council glanced at their War Master, Krall, for confirmation. His frown only deepened as he ran silent calculations in his mind. “Before we could boast a solid 9,000 soldiers, battlemages included. Now… Excluding the injured who are not battle-ready? 4,600 at best. Most likely around 3,900-4,000.”
“They have over thrice our fighting number,” Calantha said.
“I came back from war only to deal with this bullshit. Fuck my life,” Freya muttered.
“Are we certain of the enemy numbers?” Loh asked.
“I confirmed it this afternoon.” Vayu pointed at his eyes. “I flew my hawk over the valley. The scouts’ reports check out.”
“Have we started the evacuation of the docks outside the city?” Loh asked.
“Yes, about an hour ago,” Krall said.
“What’s the status on the city gates?” Calantha asked.
“They’ve all been repaired and are in working order. They’ll hold,” Krall said.
“As for the wall itself. It may not have any shades left in it, but the enchantments that reinforce the magestone seem to still be in working order,” Gian said.
“What about the segment that was obliterated by those winged monsters?” Loh asked.
“The dragons’ repair work is impressive. Their Manifestation magic is holding strong. The white crystalline structure seems to be as tough, if not tougher, than the magestone. The gap is secure,” Gian said.
“Even if the entire wall is secure, how exactly are we supposed to fight against another horde of enemies?” Freya asked. “It’s not like the Sylvan are here to save our asses again.”
“Lady Goldelm is right. We cannot rely on the aid of the Sylvan armies… Can we?” Krall asked.
The entire council turned to look at the only member who had remained silent, the interim master of House Veres, Ebon Lady herself. Aurelia looked up from the map and frowned as she noticed them staring. Gian cleared his throat and spoke on her behalf as he had been, “The Sylvan armies will be unable to provide any aid at this time.”
“So, we’re on our own,” Freya sighed loudly.
“What about House Lilith? Were the Veres not on close terms with them? Any chance they might be swayed to stop this war? Or at least leave the enemy’s side?” Calantha asked.
Again, the council looked to Aurelia for answers. She glanced at Gian, a question in her eyes. But this time it was Aurelia’s other aide who spoke up, Elise Veres. “Ever since my brother rejected the betrothal to House Lilith’s daughter, they have been silent on any aspects of negotiation. I suspect this war may have partly been caused by Lady Sera Lilith herself.”
“The Liliths completely turned their back on a centuries-old alliance with your family because of a single engagement rejection?” Calantha cocked her eyebrow.
“Well, I may have imprisoned my late father’s wife, Regina née Lilith, and had her killed,” Elise said with a cold smile.
Calantha rubbed her temples and sighed. “Why do I even bother with you Veres.”
“Perhaps a brief recess is in order?” Krall said.
“Yes, please,” Tristan nodded in agreement.
“Works for me. I’m starving,” Freya pushed off her chair and hefted Oginum onto her shoulder.
“I think I’ll join you, if you don’t mind,” Loh said.
“By all means, professor,” Freya said.
“I’m not your professor anymore,” she said dryly. “Loh is fine.”
“If you say so,” Freya shrugged.
The rest of the council quietly excused themselves, except for Aurelia, Gale, and Elise. Krall glanced at Aurelia from the doorway, “Lady Veres, would you join my wife and me for dinner?”
“Perhaps in a little while, Lord Katag,” Elise said.
“I was referring to—”
“I know who you meant,” Elise said. “My lady, uncle, and I have some things to discuss first.”
“As you wish,” Krall gave a small nod and walked out of the council chambers.
When the doors finally closed, Aurelia spoke. “Elise.”
“Hm?”
“Why did you kill this Regina woman?”
“She had Callum’s mother assassinated. Even worse, she did it by seducing one of the Gales,” Elise said.
“Marcus was no true Gale,” Gian growled. “His name has been struck off our records.”
“In any case, Marcus was assassinated by Regina later on, as well,” Elise added.
Aurelia nodded. “I see. A life for a life. You did well.”
“I aim to please,” Elise curtsied.
“With all due respect, my lady, Elise’s actions have placed us in a difficult strategic position,” Gian said.
“We don’t need traitors in our tribe, Uncle. In this, I agree with Elise. If this Lilith tribe does not agree with our actions, then they were no allies of ours to begin with,” Aurelia said.
From Gian’s expression, Aurelia knew he did not agree, but he stayed silent and respected her decision.
“Any thoughts on the matter at hand?” Elise tapped on the map. “You were quite silent during the meeting.”
“One learns best from listening, not speaking,” Aurelia said.
“And what have you learned?” Elise asked.
“That this city is utterly doomed,” Aurelia said. “I say we begin evacuating our manors and retreat to Murkton to recuperate.”
“Murkton? Is it not quite volatile at the moment?” Elise asked.
“If Freya and Gale’s stories are true, the city will soon be entirely under the Mother Moon’s control. It will be safe for us,” Aurelia said.
“And what about the other tens of thousands of innocents who live in the city?” Gian asked.
“We’ll evacuate the goblins as well,” Aurelia said.
“And the rest?” Gian asked.
“The rest can fend for themselves,” Aurelia said.
“As much as I like the idea of escaping to safety, is there any alternative where we don’t lose our home?” Elise asked.
“I have one.”
Everyone jumped at the sudden intruder’s voice. Gian immediately drew his sword and stepped in front of Aurelia. Elise followed in his steps, quickly shifting her stance to protect Aurelia’s back. The trio relaxed when they recognized the intruder sitting atop the council table.
“Lady Holo,” Aurelia inclined her head.
“How did you get in here?” Elise asked.
“I’ve been here the entire time,” Holo yawned. “I walked in with the rest of you.”
Elise frowned, and for the first time since Aurelia met her cousin, Elise seemed unsure of what to say.
“Lady Holo, you mentioned an alternate solution to our predicament?” Gian asked.
“I did.” Holo nodded grimly. “The shade wall.”