Chapter 52: Something About Fate

Chapter 52: Something About Fate

Celica got up from her desk and rushed over to Sophis bed. Stryg followed from a distance. Shirleen was crying over Sophi, hugging her tightly. Sophi blearily looked over to her dad, unsure what to make of the situation.

Get off her, youll squeeze the poor girl to death! Celica chastised.

At the mention of death Shirleen threw herself back, afraid to hurt her daughter. Her husband held her hand in comfort. Celica smiled at Sophi and began a short examination over her condition. Celica placed her hand over Sophis ribs. The palm of her hand began to glow a bright white, as if a fire was right beneath. Sophi sighed in relief at the healing spell. Once Celica was done she spoke with the parents for a bit, then walked back to Stryg.

Her body seems to be responding to my healing spells, Celica said.

I didnt ask, Stryg said.

You didnt need to.

...So, shes going to be alright then? Stryg asked.

Yes, thank the gods.

Stryg looked at Celica in surprise, I thought orcs werent religious.

Oh, thats a common misconception. Orcs in general believe in all the gods, we just dont worship the ebon gods, after all our ancestors arent from the Ebon Realm. We worship the gods from our homeland, the Scarlet Realm.

Can they even hear your prayers from all the way over here?

I like to think so. Not everyone does though, of course. Most dwarves gave up on gods a long time ago, the few that didnt tend to worship the ebon gods instead. Look at the humans, they abandoned their homeland gods in favor of the ebon god Stjerne. Or maybe it was Stjerne who abandoned the Ebon Realms native drow in favor of the humans, Im not sure. All I know for sure is that the orcs have stayed true to the scarlet gods.

Wait, humans and dwarves arent native to the Ebon Realm either?

Of course not, why do you think they are looked down upon. Drow and Vampires are native to the Ebon Realm, which is why they tend to hold the greatest positions of power all across the Realm. The only reason orcs have a spot at the high table so to speak, is because we fought hard for it, for centuries.

Yes, Im well aware of the orcs wars. Especially the one with my ancestor goblins, Stryg frowned.

Its in the past now, it doesnt really matter anymore.

Only the victors ever say that.

Fair enough, Celica winced.

So, what Realm are the goblins from then?

Huh?

Not even humans get treated as badly as goblin-kind in this city, Stryg said.

Stryg, goblins are native to the Ebon Realm.

What? Then why the hell do people look down on us?

Way of the world I guess, various defeats of past wars and such, Celica shrugged.

Stryg felty greatly disturbed at the thought that the entire Realm really had been underestimating goblins for centuries.

I should get going, Stryg muttered.

You should really set an appointment to get a thorough checkup, Celica called out.

Pass, Stryg said without looking back.

He bumped into Karen on the way out, along with an unexpected visitor.

Perfect, we have a deal, Ill see you then. I do hope you stop by the temple before then of course.

I doubt it.

Ah, a pity, but Ill hold hope. Anyway, I must go check on Sophi. Karen I understand if you dont want to go inside. Wait for me out here until Im done. We have a lot to talk about concerning your new duties at the temple. Young mage, its always a pleasure. May the moon bless you both on your journey, Elm said.

Stryg ignored him.

Thank you and may the stars light your path, Karen responded.

Elm bowed his head and walked inside.

Karen slowly turned to Stryg, What was that about? Why did you volunteer to go with him, just to help me? I thought you hated me.

I dont hate you Karen, well I did, a lot actually. But, youre not who I thought you were. I was wrong about you. It was the closest Stryg would get to apologizing.

I didnt lead you into a trap, but you werent wrong about me. Im a horrible person, Karen looked down.

...Not to me. Youre the person who showed me around the trade district when I didnt know anything about this place. Consider this my thanks, dont look too much into it, Stryg scratched his cheek.

Karens eyes began to well up with tears. She had thought herself a failure of a person, someone not worth saving. But, Stryg had seen her differently. He had seen a living person, worth sticking up for. The savage had seen the girl among all the horridness. If Stryg could do it, then perhaps there was a chance her family might too. She had a long road ahead of her, but someday, maybe, just maybe.

Stryg grimaced at the sight of her tears. And he thought Plum cried a lot. I dont plan on visiting that temple if I can avoid it. Nor will I be hunting for you anymore. We probably wont see each other much, if ever.

I hope we do, Karen wiped the tears from her face. Thank you, for everything.

It was truly odd hearing someone thanking him. Stryg didnt know what to make of it. Goodbye Karen.

Stryg walked away from the clinic and Karen.

Stryg!

He turned around.

Rorik? Whats going on? Stryg asked.

Im glad I caught you. I just wanted to invite you to drinks later today to celebrate the end of this whole gang mess. How does the Merry Crescent sound?

Sure, I could go for a drink, Stryg nodded.

Oh, by the way I heard about that guard incident you had the other night.

Yeah, the man started the fight. I just finished it, Stryg shrugged.

You mean killed him, Rorik said flatly. He quickly raised his hands, Dont worry about it. He wasnt one of mine, not really, he was just some transfer from another district. Im glad hes gone. Who cares if a human goes missing am I right? Rorik laughed.

Stryg didnt find his words funny, but he didnt care if a human went missing either, so he just left it at that.

Stryg, one last thing.

Yeah?

I heard some strange rumors about Feli and you. I didnt think much of it, but I just wanted to make sure. There isnt anything going on between you two right?

Stryg tilted his head, Shes mine if thats what you're asking.

What? What do you mean shes yours? Hey, Stryg, where are you going? Oi! Stryg!

Stryg left Rorik behind and melded into the bustling crowd.