Chapter 106: Tavern Talk

Chapter 106: Tavern Talk

What were you thinking going out to hunt sereguli! You didnt even try to tell me about any of this! You could have been killed! Loh yelled.

You seemed busy, I didnt want to bother you, Stryg said.

Dont bullshit me! You just knew I would have said no! Loh slapped him across the face.

Stryg let her hand hit him. He thought it best if he did not try to dodge. He remembered what it had been like when he had run from First Mothers punishment. She would always find him, drag him in front of the other children, pull his pants down and spank him for all to see.

Loh thought she was punishing him, but the joke was on her, Stryg thought. She did not have claws, there would be no bloody marks left over.

Dammit, why is your head so hard! Loh nursed her fingers.Read latest chapters at nov(e)lbin.com Only

Huh? Stryg tilted his head.

She had been the one to hit him, so why was she the one complaining?

Oh, you think this is amusing? Let me make this crystal clear. Youre grounded. Youre not allowed to leave this tavern until were ready to leave the entire damn city. Is that getting through your thick skull? Loh poked his forehead several times.

But, what about the festival and all their food? Stryg frowned.

Youll have to make do with tavern food and Ill make sure they only send the basic stuff to your room.

But um what about Rhian? Yeah, Rhian. She needs exercise, right? Didnt you tell me beastkin arent allowed to travel on their own. Who will take her out on a stroll if Im stranded in this place?

I think shell manage just fine. Well only be here a week, she can think of it as a vacation.

...Okay, fine, Stryg nodded. He would just agree with her for now and when she was off screwing some flowers he would slip out and get some actual food.

Good. And if I hear that you were seen outside the tavern Ill-

Excuse me, the captain stepped up between them both at the bar.

Amazing storytelling, Miss. What can I get ya? Its on the house, the bartender said.

Oh, why thank you. Ill have whatever this lovely dark elf next to me is drinking, the captain played with her dark curly hair.

Right away, the bartender nodded.

Loh blinked, And you are?

That is the golden question is it not? The captain smiled brightly. Even the simplest of answers is a litany of names that may as well comprise several lifetimes worth of experiences. But, to be honest, Id much rather get to know your name.

The bartender came back and handed the captain a mug, Here you are, blue-bell cider.

I am Loh of House Noir, one of Hollow Shades Ruling Families. And your name? She raised an eyebrow.

Ive gone by many. Being an actor requires these things you see, but you may simply call me Captain, leader of the Singing Willow Troupe. She grabbed Lohs hand and kissed her fingers, Wonderful to meet you Loh the Renounced.

She frowned, Renounced? What are you talking about?

The captain giggled, I find names carry great meaning, it is the exposed part of who we truly are that we show to the world. Yours is fake. You called yourself of House Noir, yet you renounced that family long ago. So, why bother clinging to a name you walked away from?

You pretend to know me? Do you know what happens to someone who tries to bother me? Loh opened her hand, an orb of flame blossomed above her palm.

I have a vivid imagination, Im sure I can hazard a guess. Only thing is, the captain reached out, grabbed the orb of flame and snuffed it with ease. Im not just someone.

Stryg sipped his mug of water and silently watched the entire exchange with interest.

What are you trying to get at? Loh stared at the captains clenched hand.

I suppose what Im truly trying to say is, would you like to dance? She uncurled her fingers, they were unblemished. She offered Loh her hand.

Gale took a long swig of her drink, Hardly. So long as the heir isnt chosen, the Veres children are allowed to challenge each other, it can get messy.

Why are you telling me all of this?

Gale leaned in, I suggest you do not get too close to Callum if you do not wish to get embroiled in their battles.

Stryg paused as he tried absorbing the information. Ill keep that in mind... Do you think Callum stands a shot at winning?

If not, would that not mean Callum would be killed?

Who knows, Gale shrugged. I heard Callum turned out to be a very talented white mage. The Veres are known for black magic and bright spells arent exactly looked upon well among vampires.

So, hes already lost, Stryg sighed.

Maybe. Maybe not. It's not for me to say. My job is simply to watch and wait for Lord Veres to name his heir and to protect them. Beyond that, their politics do not concern me.

In other words, unless Callum is named heir, he has no protection against his siblings, Stryg surmised. What if Lord Veres chooses the wrong heir?

He wont.

But, if he does, what will you do?

I would serve the true heir of House Veres, not a pretender who hasnt been chosen, Gale finished her drink. Anyway, Im glad youre doing alright. Clypeus was right about your resilience. Id really hate to see an up-and-coming prodigy mage destroyed over one mistake.

What does that mean? Stryg gripped his mug.

It means itd be best if children do not try to interfere in matters they cannot handle, lest they end up food for monsters, Gale said.

...Are you really a grand swordmaster? He eyed the longsword at her side.

You best believe it, she smirked. On account of being Clys friend Im telling you this. No academy is as safe as you might think, be careful, she left her mug and walked away.

Stryg finished his water, I need something stronger.

Right away, the bartender nodded.

Loh came back, her face was flushed. Damn, that woman can dance. And have you seen her thighs?

Yes? You do know I just saw her a few minutes ago?

Ugh, never mind, Loh shook her head.

Where did Captain go anyway, Stryg looked around.

I wish I knew. She said she had to leave. I was hoping to have a fun night with her, Loh sighed.

That woman seems off to me, Stryg scanned the crowd.

Everyone seems off to you, you're literally from a village full of savages.

The sylvan tribes arent savages. We just dont have the same compunctions as everyone else seems to. Its why were better warriors.

Yeah, well thats a debate for another time. Anyway, you best get used to that Captain, because I managed to get us a spot on the Singing Willow caravan. They are leaving Mellow Bloom at the end of the week. Luckily, for us, they are heading to Hollow Shade next. So, well be hitching a ride back with them.

Were going home? Stryg asked.

Yeah.

Thats some good news, he sighed in relief.

He missed his large bed, the delicious endless kinds of food, but most of all, he missed two particular women.