Chapter 528: Price of Victory

  The Gale manor had the entire south wing dedicated to their infirmary. As a martial House sworn to the mastery of the blade, the infirmary took care of many aspiring swordmasters and their numerous injuries throughout the year. Stryg had been here on more than one occasion with Clypeus after a bout of sparring with his older sister, Gale.

  The Veres would also be taken to the infirmary if they were ever injured. Both the Veres and Gale manors stood proudly next to each other, with only their gardens serving as a barrier. The Houses had been bonded by blood and loyalty for the last thousand years and neither family would have it any other way.

  Stryg had always admired their loyalty to one another. They were a tribe like no other, forged through fires of countless battles and sacrifices. He had always wanted to be a part of the Gales, to have such shared camaraderie, though he had never told anyone.

  And now as he sat in one such infirmary room, with clean swept floors and pale beige walls, he was reminded once more that he wasn’t one of them. He glanced at the scarlet blade resting on a sword rack in the corner of the room.

  Leave it to the Gales to have a sword rack in every room, he thought wryly.

  A plate of food sat untouched on the small table next to his chair. Usually, a servant would bring the food to the room at the regular meal times, but it was one of the Gales themselves —Willow was her name, he thought— who came to the room in the middle of the night and asked if there was anything he wanted to eat.

  He had declined, but she had brought him food and a glass of bloodwine anyway. Her brother, Stellan, had stopped by and gently reminded him that they had prepared a room for him in the private apartments of the north wing.

  Stryg had declined once more. Like Willow, Stellan had left with a bow and a polite ‘Goodnight, my lord.’

  My lord.

  The words felt odd in his ears. He glanced at the scarlet blade hanging on the sword rack. Stryga Veres’ legacy. He had witnessed her grand investiture ceremony through the memories of Krikolm. He had heard the words she and every Veres Lord and Lady before her, had whispered. The same words he had whispered under Grimstone Mountain.

  I will be the sword of our blood and the bane of our enemies. Be it monster or man, I shall end them all.

  It was an oath to protect the Houses of Veres and Gale. Stryga’s House. His House. Stryg’s lilac eyes wandered to his mother lying in the infirmary bed. Aurelia had protected him from the dragonbane’s fire. She could have escaped, but she chose to stand in the way, between him and the void flames. She was lying comatose because of him. Because he hadn’t been able to protect his family.

  After the Gale’s healers had cast their spells over Aurelia, her forest green complexion had regained its warmth, but she still did not stir. Even now, the white mages weren’t certain when she’d awaken.

  Stryg had sent a message to Jahn about his sister’s condition, but instead of rushing to her side, the Blood Fang chieftain had left Hollow Shade altogether and gone to retrieve the book underneath the Moon Hall.

  Even Jahn had given up on his sister’s recovery, thought Stryg bitterly.

  He reached over the bed, grasped his mother’s hand, and breathed in shakily. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I killed it. The monster. I killed it, I avenged you… but, it’s not enough is it…? Please, wake up… Please.”

  His eyes wandered once more to Krikolm hanging on the sword rack. He lingered on the crimson ripples worked into the blade for a long moment, then he shifted his focus to the black spear hanging next to it. The glass-like metal was unblemished with intricate designs across the long spear-head. He didn’t know how exactly the spear came to him, his memory of the battle with the dragonbane was hazy at best.

  He remembered a voice, in the back of his mind, whispering to him. It answered his call of pain and anguish and whispered to him its name. Svartna. If Ananta was to be believed, the spear was a weapon of the Age of Titans, and it only answered a titan’s call.

  Stryg stared at his palm, his fingers trembling slightly. “Did you know?” he muttered and glanced at Aurelia. “Did you know? About my father? About me?”

  A knock on the door silenced his questions.

  “...Come in,” he said.

  The door creaked open and a vampire with a black speckled beard stepped inside. “Sorry for the intrusion,” he bowed his head. “I hope I’m not bothering.”

  “Gian!” Stryg jumped to his feet. “You’re alright—! Your arm… What happened to your arm?”

  A rolled-up sleeve hung where Gian’s left arm should have been. The old vampire shrugged with a grin, “I’ll be fine. As will the rest of my family, thanks to you.”

  “Me? They’re the ones who saved my mother and I.”

  “After you saved them at the Southern Gate. They would have been overwhelmed by the valley warriors and their mages had it not been for the Sylvan wolves you led in your charge through the gate.”

  “I… I didn’t… I was just trying to reach my home.”

  “And yet you saved the sons and daughters of House Gale and the soldiers of House Veres.”

  Stryg couldn’t help but grin at his words, albeit a small one. “I’m glad you’re alive, Gian.”

  “As I am for you, my lord.”

  My lord… Those words again. Stryg sighed and glanced at Krikolm, “How much do you know?”

  Gian followed his gaze. “About the Bloodfang sword? Or about your heritage?”

  “You know the meaning of Krikolm?”

  “Of course, it was my sister’s sword.”

  Stryg furrowed his brow. “Your sister?”

  Gian nodded. “Stryga Veres was my older half-sister.”

  “Then— Wait, you already knew, didn’t you?”

  “A boy carrying the name Stryg and claiming to hail from the Blood Fang tribe…” Gian smiled light-heartedly, “I had my suspicions.”

  Stryg clasped his hands together, “I see…”

  “You seem troubled.”

  “I just… When I grabbed Krikolm, I—”

  “You swore the oath and bound the sword to your blood. I know. Every wielder before you has done the same.”

  “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I swore to protect my bloodline, our bloodline. How am I supposed to protect our Houses if I can’t even protect my mother?”

  Gian placed his hand on Stryg’s shoulder. “You are not meant to protect our Houses alone. You are the Sword of Veres. But we are the Shields. We are here to support you. You will not be alone in your struggles, that I swear.”

  Stryg reached into his pocket and pulled out an orichalcum ring with an etched ruby set at the top, the signet ring of House Veres Aurelia left him. “And what if I can’t?” he whispered.

  “Two nights ago, this city was on fire. Thousands of valley tribal warriors were in our streets, murdering any person in their sight. I reckon most of our citizens believed it was the end of Hollow Shade. They would have been right, if a Sylvan army hadn’t come to our aid. And I’m willing to bet that if it hadn’t been for a certain someone, those Sylvan warriors would have never marched out from Vulture Woods and across Dusk Valley. You saved this city, Stryg. If that isn’t worthy of the title Sword of Veres, then no one is.”

  Stryg smiled softly, “Thank you— uncle.”

  Gian grinned, “You’re welcome.”

  “...How is Maeve?”

  “Our healers managed to remove the wooden shards from her calf and mend her flesh. Lady Mora is expected to make a full recovery. She is sleeping down the hall if you wish to speak to her.”

  “No, I’d rather let her sleep.”

  “Feli and the rest of your tribe are staying in one of our apartments in the north wing. They’re eager to see you.”

  “So I heard… I just— I just need some time. To process…”

  “I understand. Should I leave you be then?”

  “No. No, I could use a bit of company.”

  “As you wish,” Gian nodded and pulled up a chair.

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  “Do the others know? The Gales and Veres, I mean?”

  “Most of my House is aware of your heritage. Though even I’m not quite certain what your exact relation to my sister is.”

  “Stryga was my great-grandmother. My mother is her granddaughter.”

  “And what of my sister and her child?”

  Stryg shrugged uncomfortably. “Stryga passed away when my mother was still a child. My grandmother passed away when I was still an infant.”

  Gian bowed his head and closed his eyes. “I see…”

  “I’m sorry.”

  Gian cleared his throat. “No, I, uh… I’m not surprised by my sister’s passing, I just… I held hope, I suppose. Did she have any other children? Any other descendants?”

  “Not to my knowledge. Only two grandchildren and me.”

  “Two grandchildren?”

  “My mom and my uncle.”

  “Is your uncle—?”

  “He isn’t in the city right now, but he will be, in a week or so, I’d wager.”

  “Good. I’d like to meet this new Veres,” said Gian eagerly.

  Stryg shared his enthusiasm but his smile fell at the thought of Veres. “Do… Do the other Veres know about me?”

  Gian’s expression darkened. “There are few Veres left, besides your side of the family. After Eldrin and Carmilla fell in the valley Elise seized her opportunity and killed her siblings.”

  Stryg’s eyes widened. “Then, Cal is—!”

  “Callum is fine. I helped him escape the city. As to his exact whereabouts, I’m not certain. Elise is still not aware of your existence. Though I imagine it is only a matter of time, a rather short amount at that.”

  “I take it she won’t be happy…”

  “No, I don’t think she will be. But you are Stryga’s heir, wielder of Krikolm, and the Sword of Veres. You are Lord Veres and there is nothing anyone can do to change that, not even you.”

  “I was hoping you wouldn’t say that,” he said wryly.

  “The burden of leadership is never easy, but you are not alone. The House of Gale recognizes you as their lord.”

  “Their lord… what does that even mean?”

  “It means you will have to rise to be more than what you already are. Can you do that? For your family? For your friends? For your people?”

  “Would it be wrong if I said I don’t know?”

  “No. But I believe you can, Stryg Veres.”

  A second knock rang on the door. Gale walked inside without waiting for an answer. She made a quick bow to Stryg, then looked at Gian, “Is he ready?”

  Stryg glanced at the two of them and frowned. “Ready for what?”

~~~

  …Hollow Shade… Central District… City Council Chambers…

  A somber silence filled the chamber of leadership. Seven seats stood around a wide marble table. Seven lords and ladies. The leaders of the Ruling Houses, the most powerful of Hollow Shade’s noble families, to which every other House within the city owed their fealty. These were the men and women who wielded the greatest power within the greatest city-state of the entire Ebon Realm.

  And yet, Calantha Ashe only recognized one familiar face. Lord Krall Katag sat in his chair; scarlet skin scraped and bruised, his right arm in a sling, and his left eye swollen. Even then, the bear of a man did not seem perturbed.

  “Are you alright, Krall?” asked Calantha with a troubled expression. “We can postpone the meeting until tomorrow—”

  “I’m fine,” he growled. “*Ahem* But thank you for asking, High Priestess.”

  “We can’t afford to postpone the meeting,” said Loh. “The valley armies may have left, but our city is still in chaos. We need a plan and we need one now.”

  “Lady Noir is correct,” said Krall.

  “Right…” nodded Calantha slowly.

  “Lady Veres isn’t here yet,” said Vayu Glaz in a raspy voice. Fresh bandages were clearly visible underneath his silken shirt.

  From what Calantha had heard, the young Lord Glaz had only woken up from his coma early this morning. To have awoken from such wounds only to find a reality where your mother and brother were both killed… She was surprised he had even shown up.

  “Elise sent a message earlier to the council guards,” Freya Goldelm raised the small slip of paper in her hands. “She is still getting her family’s affairs in order. She’ll be late, but she will be here.”

  “Usually, we’d wait. But in light of recent events, I motion for us to begin,” said Krall. “All in favor?”

  Loh, Vayu, and Krall raised their hands. Freya crossed her arms and said nothing. Calantha glanced at the little human boy sitting in his grandmother’s chair. Tristan Helene looked around the table, uncertain of what to say. His advisor leaned down and whispered into his ear. Tristan nodded and slowly raised his hand.

  “Very well then,” said Calantha. “As de-facto leader of the city council of Hollow Shade, I declare this meeting to be in session. As you all are keenly aware, we’ve lost many of our members these past few days. Most of you have never sat on this council before.”

  Calantha glanced at Freya and the golden hammer resting next to her chair, then at Tristan Helene. “I will not question the current leadership of your House, such matters will be decided between your family. I will take the appearance of each one of you today as recognition of your family’s leadership.”

  Freya, Tristan, Loh, and Vayu nodded somberly at her words.

  Calantha went on, “Usually, the council’s leader would hold a ceremony to induct new members into our ranks, but in light of recent events and the death of our last council leader, Lady Ayda Glaz, I motion we forego the usual ceremonies until a later date. Agreed?”

  “Agreed,” said the council unanimously.

  “I’m assuming there are various matters you all wish to discuss. You may now voice your petitions and we will discuss them afterwards,” explained Calantha.

  “Thank you, High Priestess,” said Krall. “Even though our enemies have retreated from our city walls, they are still out there. We cannot let them rest and regroup in large forces. Right now they are fractured. What’s left of the Undergrowth army is already on their way back to their city. Our scouts are following the valley tribe’s forces. They are more split than their allies. As the city’s War Master, I suggest we take our forces and finish them off while we can.”

  “Our forces are also weak and fractured,” said Freya. “We need to recuperate just as much as they do, if not more.”

  “If we let them go now, we may not get the chance to strike back later,” said Krall angrily.

  Vayu shook his head. “Are you seriously suggesting we take our forces and leave our citizens while a goblin army the likes of which hasn’t been seen in 300 years sits at our doorstep?”

  “We don't know if those goblins are our enemy,” said Freya.

  “Maybe we would if any of their leaders stopped refusing to speak to any of our messengers!” yelled Vayu hoarsely. “So far their armies camp in the Commoner District and refuse to go anywhere. What are we supposed to do? Wait until they attack us!?”

  “Those goblins saved your army’s soldiers,” noted Loh.

  “But they didn’t save Lucius, did they?” snarled Vayu.

  “...I’m sorry for your loss, Vayu. I understand your anger and pain, but you are not the only one who lost family that night,” said Loh in a steady voice.

  Vayu frowned but said nothing more.

  Freya spoke up, “The goblins have proven to be allies so far—”

  “So far,” grumbled Vayu.

  “Lord Katag is correct,” Freya pushed on. “The valley tribes are a threat. As is Undergrowth. We still don’t know their queen’s whereabouts. For all we know Ophelia Thorn is planning to mount another attack in a few weeks or months. We must prepare for that potential outcome.”

  “What of the other two Great Cities?” pondered Loh. “Frost Rim and Murkton’s forces are fresh and ready for battle if they so wish. Our forces are depleted and our wall has fallen. What’s to stop them from thinking that now is the time to plunder Hollow Shade for all its wealth and take control of our city’s trade routes?”

  “Frost Rim is known for their defensive stance towards war. I do not believe they will begin a war without provocation,” said Calantha. She glanced at Krall, “Lord Katag. Your House is close to House Morrigan, is it not? Do you think the warlord Morrigan will launch an attack on our city?”

  Krall sighed tiredly. “Lord Morrigan is my cousin, our families have been close since the founding of our Houses in this Realm. Which is why I know it’s very possible for Murkton to attack. It all depends on what Morrigan thinks will benefit his city most. Perhaps it is attacking, perhaps not.”

  “I fucking hate Morrigans,” muttered Freya. “No offense,” she added with a wince.

  “Mm,” Krall grumbled.

  “And what of Marek?” said Vayu.

  Tristan paled at the name and his advisor gently grabbed his small trembling hand.

  Loh glanced at Tristan and her expression broke with sympathy. “Your parents’ murderer is locked up in my family’s dungeon. He will be tried in front of this council and receive justice for his crimes, I promise you.”

  “Are you really suggesting a trial? Why haven’t we fed him to the shades already?” said Vayu indignantly.

  “Besides the fact that the shade wall is broken? Marek has taken lives from every single one of our families and our subjects. His sentence must be handled properly by the entire council, not just one House,” said Loh.

  “How very wise of you, Lady Noir,” Calantha bowed her head respectfully.

  Vayu calmed his breathing and nodded reluctantly, “Very well.”

  “I recognize that our city now faces more threats than we have in many years,” said Calantha as she looked at everyone around the table. “But our first priority should be to our people. Hundreds of homes have been burned and destroyed in the Commoner Districts. Entire neighborhoods wiped out. Let alone the Trade and Bourge Districts. Even the Night and Villa Districts have suffered significant damage. Not to mention the Ebon Tower and the shade wall. Before we can face the threats outside, we must first heal the wounds inside our walls.”

  “And how do you propose we do that with a goblin army roaming our city?” asked Vayu.

  The chamber’s large double doors abruptly swung open with a heavy creak. The afternoon sunlight bled into the room and blinded them for a moment. Gian and Gale walked inside; their black armor was covered in battle marks, but their fresh scarlet cloaks were pristine.

  Calantha smiled at their appearance. They were alive and well. “Lord Gian, Lady Gale, we’ve only just begun.”

  Gian bowed with a flourish, “Apologies for our late arrival, High Priestess.”

  Gale went straight to the empty council chair and pulled it out, “My lord.”

  A familiar figure stepped out of the sunlight and into the council chamber. He wore a loose white tunic and black trousers. An ebon cape with a blood-red lining hung over his shoulders snugly. His silver hair was slicked back in a traditional noble style. A black signet ring was wrapped over his blue index finger and an unsheathed scarlet blade hung from his waist.

  Loh furrowed her brow at his appearance. “Stryg…?”

  Vayu blinked several times, uncertain of what he was seeing.

  Freya’s jaw went slack at the sight of Krikolm. “What the fuuuck—”

  Krall frowned, then slowly broke into a curious smile.

  Tristan looked around the council and his stunned advisor, uncertain of what was happening.

  Calantha looked the blue goblin over, lingering on his lilac eyes. “And you are…?”

  “This is the Ebon Prince, Lord Stryg of the Great House of Veres, first of his name, and you will address him as such,” said Gale with a no-nonsense tone.

  “Lord Veres?” Calantha mused wryly. “I take it Lady Elise will not be joining us today?”

  “Elise is not the Lady of House Veres, so she will not be appearing here any longer,” answered Gale.

  “I see,” Calantha nodded in understanding. “Please, take your seat, my lord.”

  Stryg inclined his head and sat down on the last empty chair. Gale and Gian stood to his right and left respectively. The entire council stared at him without a word.

  Lord Veres placed his elbows on the marble table and clasped his fingers together. “Where were we?”

Book 5 End