Chapter 34: Tavern Brawl

Chapter 34: Tavern Brawl

Stryg wandered the dark streets of Hollow Shade. Various people were out for an evening stroll in the villa district. The patrolling sentinels ensured the high-class safety. How different the villa and commoner districts were. No one had to worry if they were going to be attacked in these polished streets. He wondered how the rich felt about the warlords that roamed the Valley. They probably didnt care, confident that their warriors and the commoners would act as a buffer. They probably looked down at the commoners, just like that Maeve vampiress. Stryg would settle the score. His stomach growled in protest. Hed deal with Maeve another day, for now he needed to get something to eat.

The dining hall in the academy was no doubt closed by now, as were the food stalls in the trade district. That only left a tavern. Looking around at the expensive mansions that decorated this part of the city, Stryg doubted there were any taverns nearby. He needed to head over to the trade or commoner districts if he wanted to eat.

Strygs night vision made it easy for him to navigate through the moonlit night. He walked block after block, eventually making his way to the commoner district. The long walk and cool air helped dry his wine-stained pants and calm his nerves. The stress from his classes, constant studying, and harsh training from Loh, was beginning to add up. He just needed to relax, get something to drink maybe.

Stryg soon found himself in front of the Merry Crescent and the lewd crescent sign that hung from the roof. Light poured out from the windows. He could hear the loud chattering of common folk eating and drinking their worries away. He could use some of that right now.

Strygs eyes scanned the crowd as he walked in. The tavern was completely packed tonight, people of all sorts were laughing and talking with one another. There were a few guards chatting and drinking at one table, but the guard captain, Rorik, was nowhere to be seen. He would be drinking by himself tonight then.

Stryg looked for an empty table, but there were none. There werent even any empty chairs. Hed have to settle for standing, like a few dozen others. Stryg raised his hand and tried to get the attention of one of the barmaids. He easily spotted Felis purple hair, a few tables away. But, the tavern celebritys eyes passed right over him. He frowned. Was it because he was short and she just didnt see him, or was it because he was a goblin? She normally didnt pay much attention to him in the first place, but it would have been nice if she could at least serve him some dinner.

What do you want? Carla, another barmaid, walked up to him. She tapped her foot while her hands held platters of food.

Wheres my food? A patron shouted.

One second! Carla shouted behind her. So, what do you want? Food? Something to drink?

Can I get something to eat, Im quite hungry, Stryg answered.

Carla nodded, We only have some soup left. Ill bring you some in a bit.

Can I also get some honey mead?

But Carla had already left for another table.

Ill get some myself, Stryg sighed. He began weaving his way between people and headed over to the front counter where the tavern master worked.

A human abruptly stood up, pushing his chair right into Strygs face. The goblin staggered a few steps back from the blow.

Watch it, short stuff, the man warned, the scent of alcohol wafting from his mouth.

You hit me, you lumbering halfwit, Stryg glared at the human.

Giving me lip, huh? The man sneered.

He pointed to the symbol etched onto his armor breastplate. It was a grey skull with black sun tendrils sprouting from its center. The symbol of Hollow Shade. Stryg looked over the man and the ones he sat with. They were all guards.

Youre a guard, so what? Stryg asked.

Hey guys, get a load of this goblin. He thinks were lightweights. Not important whatsoever, the human bellowed.

The other guards looked at cyan goblin as if he was the most bizarre thing they had ever seen. They burst into drunken laughter.

Teach him a lesson! Kick his ass! Make him pay our tab! The guards each voiced out.

The guard turned back to Stryg, You heard them. You can either pay all our tabs, or we can make you pay them,you might even get lucky enough to spend a night in a cell. Or we can forgo all that and just throw you outside the walls to the shades?

Feli glanced at the kneeling guard. Everything was beginning to make sense. But why in all the Realms was a mage at a simple tavern in the commoner district?

Strygs anger began to cool as he looked at the kneeling guard. This was one of Roriks men. The captain was one of the few people Stryg actually liked. He would rather not kill his subordinate. He glanced at the corpse beneath him. Then again, perhaps he already had.

Stryg remembered his masters words, focus your anger. He had already defeated his enemy. One of the main reasons he wanted power was to not be pushed around. Of course, that had literally just happened, but at least now the other guards were showing him some respect. It wasnt much, but it was a start. There was no need to fight anymore, not tonight. Stryg stared at the guards corpse.

The kneeling guard raised his head, Please, do not worry about the body. Well take care of it immediately.

Stryg slowly nodded his assent. I need a drink, he muttered and walked over to the counter.

The crowd split and made ample room for him. Everyone stared, but no one dared make eye contact.

Sweat dripped from the tavern masters forehead. W-what can I get y-you?

Stryg leaned his arms on the counter and looked over at all the different bottles that stood behind the tavern master. Can I have some honey mead?

O-of course, right away. The man rushed to obey.

Actually, make that a shot of Fire Breath, Stryg changed his mind. He needed something stronger tonight.

Uh, of course. I keep those expensive bottles in the back. Itll take me a few minutes to prepare.

Stryg tapped his bloody fingers on the counter top, I dont mind waiting.

Someone can bring you the drink when its ready, Feli strolled over, Ill help you get cleaned up while you wait. Theres a tub upstairs we can use.

Huh? Stryg tilted his head.

Can we get some hot water for our esteemed guest, please? Feli asked the tavern master.

Certainly, he nodded vigorously. Carla! Fetch some hot water for the mages bath and make sure its not too hot or Ill have your head!

Im on it! Carla scurried away.

And bring the best soap we have too! The tavern master called out. He clasped his hands and bowed to Stryg, Im sorry, we dont have much, but please make yourself at home.

...Right. Stryg wasnt sure why they were so eager to have him take a bath.

Sure, he was bloody, but he didnt smell. A rag would get rid of most of the blood and gore. As for the rest, he could just take a bath once he got home.

If youll please follow me, Feli said. She grabbed the edge of Strygs shirt and gently pulled him towards the stairs.

Stryg followed, curious to why the normally cold Feli was so interested in him taking a bath.

Feli didnt know what magic Stryg had done to kill the guard or why Stryg was visiting this tavern in the first place. All she knew was that he was a bona fide mage, the most important man standing in the room. This was her chance, her shot to escape this lifestyle. He was her greatest opportunity and she wasnt about to let him slip away from her.

Stryg, was it? Feli smiled.