Chapter 25: Errands

Chapter 25: Errands

Strygs numb feet slapped on the pavement as he dashed across the cobblestone walkway. Professor Loh stood in front of a luxurious red carriage, pulled by two well dressed centaurs. Her arms were crossed and she tapped her foot as Stryg ran up to her.

I told you to meet me here right after class. Ive been waiting for 15 minutes. Youre late on the first day as my apprentice.

Sorry, I got caught up with-

Im not interested in your excuses nor in your apologies. What I want is for you to follow my orders. Do you understand? Loh glared.

I understand...master. Stryg forced the word out. He was uncomfortable with the term. He wasnt anyones servant. One of the main points of learning magic was to have others serve him. Yet, he needed to obey. Stryg always wanted a proper teacher ever since he was a child. He had once been stuck with the eccentric goblin Sigte, who had taught him how to read and write. While the skill had become useful, Sigte was dead. He clearly hadnt been strong enough. This drow was powerful and she was willing to teach him. He couldnt miss this chance.

Good, now get on, Loh commanded and entered the carriage.

Stryg got in without another word. Once they were both seated, the centaurs started pulling the carriage. Loh took out a small journal and began to write in it. Stryg was exhausted, but it didnt stop him from looking out the window and watching the people pass by.

Where are we going? Stryg asked in curiosity.

Youll find out when we get there, Loh answered without looking up.

...Master? Stryg sat back down.

What is it? Loh said in a mildly annoyed voice.

Today I learned about the gods. Specifically, about how they arent real.

She raised her head, Who taught you that? Professors arent allowed to say anything of the sort.

Rime did. But afterwards, a classmate told me that the gods are real, he even showed me a painting about them. I guess what Im trying to say is, are the gods real or not?

Loh closed her book and sat back in her chair. What do you believe, Stryg?

I was raised to believe in the gods, honestly I didnt know there was any other way until today. I was taught how Lunae watched over all the goblins from up in the night sky. My people told me that I was a bad omen sent by the moon goddess herself. A cursed existence. Stryg looked at his hands. I was different from the rest. A freak. Everyone believed mother moon hated me. Even I did I still kind of do. But, then I came here and I found out that Im a mageborn. The moon is only supposed to bless those she favors with magic, so how can I have magic if she hates me? I I dont know. I dont know if the gods are real.

Loh sat quiet as she watched his expression. ...Stryg, youre free to believe whatever you wish. If you want to know my theory, not a fact mind you, I think the gods, or the beings we call the gods, did exist at some point. My best guess is they were powerful magi that held great influence during their time. People told stories about them long after they passed from this world, embellishing their heroics and eventually a religion was formed around them. Until the person was forgotten and a myth stood in their place. She blew air from her mouth, pushing a strand of silver hair from her face. Who knows, maybe the gods are real and the drow are screwed for being a bunch of atheistic assholes. I rather choose to believe in my own theory instead.

Stryg pondered her words. He looked out the window to the sight of crowds milling about. Thats good enough for me, he whispered.

The carriage stopped in the middle of the street. And this spot is good enough for me. You can get out now, Stryg, Loh said.

Stryg nodded, stepped outside, and looked around, This is the trade district, right?Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

Thats correct, Loh said as she rummaged through her purse.

Im not a servant, Stryg frowned. Im her apprentice and assistant too, I guess.

Dex raised his head in surprise, Oh, my apologies. Most who come here are magi or servants of wealthy families come to pick up one concoction or another. You said you were an apprentice? Dex sized Stryg up and down. Ah, of course, I should have noticed from the clothes. A student of the mage academy. Its been a long time since Ive spoken with a goblin mage. What an interesting day this has turned out to be. Yes, excellent, indeed. It will be my pleasure to do business with a colleague of the craft.

Youre a mage? Stryg asked. He was uncertain of how to gauge the old drow.

Of course, Dex pulled out a mage necklace embedded with a ruby form underneath his apron, Who do you think made these superb potions? My apprentices? Please, they wouldnt be able to distill the simplest of bottles on just this shelf.

Stryg looked around the store. Dozens of shelves filled with glass bottles covered the area.

So, what can I get for you, Mister... Im sorry, I didnt quite catch your name.

Stryg, from the Bl- No, just Stryg, he grimaced.

A pleasure to meet you Stryg. How may I be of help? Dex asked.

Stryg glanced at his list, Do you have a bottle of lily blight?

Why, yes, on this shelf over here. Dangerous stuff. It can give you an extra burst of stamina, even just a few drops more can prove quite disastrous to the body. Dex walked over and handed him a small yellow vial. Anything else?

You said youve spoken to a goblin mage before? Stryg asked in curiosity.

Yes, although it's been almost 80 years since then. There were a few back in the academy when I was a student, Dex recalled.

Do you know where they are now?

Im sorry, but Im afraid they are no longer around. Some died a long time ago, others left Hollow Shade not long after graduation. Though, like I said it's been 80 years. A goblin's lifespan is at best around the same. It is impossible for any of them to be alive today, Dex explained.

Oh, I see. Stryg looked down.

But, I see that age will not be a big problem for you. I can tell, you're a hybrid. Judging from your looks Id say one of your parents was a drow. Dex rubbed his chin.

Why do you think theyd be a drow? Drow have grey skin and are far taller than me. Stryg asked with genuine curiosity. Professor Tuari had made the same conclusion.

Your body definitely seemed to have leaned more towards your goblin parents height. But, not all drow have grey skin. Like most species, they have different skin tones. A drows ranges from pale grey, to soft blue, and even a few hues of purple. Despite having an obviously toned body, your short limbs arent stocky in the slightest, more lithe, like a drow. Your hair is also grey like a drow. I suppose you could technically be half-frost giant, they too have blue skin and grey hair, unlikely though. Frost giants are quite hostile to outsiders. I dont see a goblin ever being with one. Dex drew his head closer, But your eyes are most unusual. Ive never seen lilac eyes before, and the way your pupils dilate, extraordinary; most likely a physical mutation based on your hybrid nature, Dex smiled. So, did I guess right?

I wouldnt know. Stryg rubbed his nose. The scents here were really starting to bug him.

Dex took a step back as if burned. Ah. Forgive me for being intrusive, I have overstepped my bounds. Dex bowed his head. Please, take that bottle of lily blight free of charge. Is there something else you perhaps require?

Stryg was stunned. Someone actually apologizing to him? Why? As a mage Dex was clearly more powerful than him. There was no need to apologize to someone weaker. After a few moments, he shook his head. This drow was just a strange man. Stryg read his list again. Do you have scented blue ore?