Chapter 118: Lesson in History

Chapter 118: Lesson in History

Stryg walked into the enormous library intent on finding an interesting book to read on a rainy afternoon. He had been practicing his illusion spells all week and would have continued had it not been for Felis insistence that he take a break. So, he decided to pick up a book or two to read on the couch for the evening.

It was a Sunday and most of the students had opted to do anything besides spending their time in the library. Stryg noted only a few faces throughout the stacks and shelves of books. He wandered about looking for anything that might catch his eye.

Is there anything I can help you with?

Stryg turned around at the soft voice. Oh, hello, he bowed his head.

An elderly drow wearing thick-rimmed glasses stood in front of him, holding a few books in hand. The head librarian smiled, Well, if it isnt Stryg. How are you holding up?

You know my name?

Indeed I do, though I suppose we havent officially made acquaintances. Im Gladys, most people simply know me as the old lady who helps them find one book or another, she chuckled.

Right, I can see how that may be annoying.

Oh, not at all. Im more than happy to help others in the pursuit of knowledge. Although, it is quite annoying when they forget to return the books they borrowed. I memorize each one of those troublemakers names.

Is that why you know my name? He asked.

No. You havent been late on any of your returns, I would know. I know your name thanks to Plum.

Plum? He swallowed.

She had a sharp tongue, but she was a great assistant and an even better person. I was sad to see her go, Ill miss her, she sighed.

Of course, she used to work for you, he nodded slowly.

Yes, she was quite helpful. You just arrived about a year ago, so you wouldnt know, but Ive actually only been the head librarian for two-and-a-half years. The previous head librarian had been fired after we had a break-in at the librarys rare archives.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

Those books were off-limits to most, even Plum had difficulty accessing them. Was anything stolen? Stryg asked.

Why do you think the head librarian was fired?

Makes sense, I suppose. Librarians are meant to protect their books and all. I can see how failure to do so would result in being burned alive.

What? Burned alive?

Well, you said they were fired.

...Right.

Stryg glanced around, My question is how did the thief even manage to steal from the rare archives right in front of an entire school of magi.

Gladys shrugged, Lack of caution on the previous head librarians part. Although, one of the guards managed to wound the thief across their face before they escaped.

So an ordinary guard was able to injure the thief, but not a single mage was able to stop them?

Not the academys proudest moment, she admitted.

Clearly. What did they end up stealing anyway?

They only managed to escape with one book, The Anthology of Recorded Dragon Histories. But, it was still a great loss to this library. There is little verified information regarding dragons, she sighed.

I remember, Plum told me something similar.

Plum always was interested in dragons, way before your group started that dragon project of yours. Plum loved reading about the secrets and mysteries of this world. Im glad she finally got a chance to explore the world around her.

Stryg wasnt sure how to feel about those words. He cared about Plum, but every time her departure was mentioned all he could feel was bitterness.

Plums gone, why even talk about her, he grumbled.

Gladys placed one of the books she was holding on the shelf next to Stryg. What happened between you two was a tragedy. Sometimes things happen that no one can foresee.

What are you talking about? He narrowed his eyes.

After the previous head librarian was fired I was given the job. They only elected me mainly because of my long years of service. I never expected to be landed in such a position. I think you can relate to that.

Stryg glanced around the library, a place of books and reading and learning. Had someone told him hed find himself here a year ago he would have never believed them.

I can relate, Stryg muttered.

...At the time I was scrambling to find assistants to help with my newfound duties. Plum volunteered. She was a quiet girl who mainly kept to herself, which is why I hired her. She worked harder than any of my other assistants, even if her mind wandered off now and again.

Stryg found himself smiling, Yeah, she had a habit of doing that.

And she had had a habit of talking about you.

Me?

Gladys pursed her lips, Patience, child, Im getting there.

Stryg groaned and took a seat next to her.

Gladys waited until he sat quietly before she continued.Once the Schism occurred the Realms were cut off from each other. There was no more traveling between them. Many people were only visiting, but now they found themselves stranded.

Stryg nodded quietly, he knew all of this.

Gladys continued, The orcs decided that if they were going to stay they wanted more than just a few plots of land to call home, they wanted the entire Silent Marshes.

Wait a second. You said Lunis was in the Marshes. Youre saying they fought each other?

Correct.

And an entire Great City and her people, lost? Against some stranded orcs?

Correct, yet again, she pushed her glasses up.

He frowned and shook his head, How?

Gladys opened her arms wide and pointed all around, Take a guess.

Strygs eyes widened. Hollow Shade? He whispered.

Hollow Shade was a young city at the time, but the ebon lords who ruled the city were anything, but weak. They betrayed their allies, the Republic of Lunis. Instead, the ebon lords backed the orcs and aided them in the war between the orcs and Lunis. The armies of Lunis fought bravely and fought hard, but it wasnt enough. The power of the ebon lords proved too great.

They lost, Strygs jaw went slack.

The ebon lords destroyed the City of Lunis and gave her people an ultimatum. Disband their armies and submit to Hollow Shade and be given asylum or face annihilation. Lunis council, the Lunar-

-Elect. The Lunar Elect, Stryg mumbled in realization.

So, you do know some of this story, Gladys said with sympathy.

He swallowed the lump in his throat, The Lunar Elect is the name of the council that rules over all the Sylvan tribes.

I did not know that. I suppose it makes sense they would make their own council with the same name, Gladys placed a hand on her chin.

They?

The armies of Lunis. You see, Lunis Lunar Elect decided to surrender to the ebon lords. They chose to disband their armies, but the Lunis generals refused. The armies would not submit to their enemy. And so, the Lunar Elect led their own armies into an ambush.

What!? The fucking cowards! The damn council betrayed their own people! Stryg seethed.

The Lunar Elect had been promised special privileges if they surrendered. They did not care what happened to the people of Lunis nor her armies, so long as they could continue with their lifestyles.

What happened to Lunis armies? Stryg asked with clenched fists.

The ebon lords, Hollow Shades armies, and the orc militia ambushed them. All seemed lost for the Lunis armies. What happened next, well, some say it was a stroke of genius by one of the Lunis generals, others say it was divine intervention by Lunae herself.

Stryg remembered the words of the temples head-priest, Elm. It was as if the final piece had suddenly fallen into place. Lunae saved her children. She led them to Vulture Woods.

And the armies of Lunis have stayed there ever since. The world has forgotten them, even their own name... Hollow Shade prefers to keep it that way.

Stryg swallowed, How have I never heard any of this? How has no one in this damn city told me about any of this!?

Gladys placed a finger to her lips, We are still in a library, I expect you to keep a quiet tone.

Quiet? You want me to be quiet after what you just told me? What happened to the rest of the Lunis? Were they slaughtered after they lost their armies? Do any of them still exist?

Gladys lowered her head, The ebon lords wanted for the world to forget them. The Lunar Elect was betrayed and executed by the ebon lords. As for the rest of the people? Their homes were burned and their wealth was taken. Little by little they too lost whatever was left, including their own name.

She pointed at Strygs nails, They were even taught to be ashamed of who they were. Why do you think people look at a goblins claws with such disdain? Do you think that opinion spawned out of nowhere? That goblins just shave down their claws for no reason?

The goblins of Hollow Shade They are the descendants of Lunis, he trembled.

Gladys placed her hand on Strygs shoulder, The goblins of this city have grown up believing they were unintelligent, powerless, deserving of being below the rest because Hollow Shade wants them to believe they are. You may be the only goblin mageborn in this academy, but I promise you, you are not the only goblin mageborn in this city.

...None of them have taken the mageborn test. They dont have the money nor the connections to even find out if they are mageborn, Stryg said slowly in understanding.

Gladys pointed at the old dusty shelf, Youll find the histories of the people of Lunis here. It isnt a happy read, mind you, but I think its one you deserve to know.

Stryg stared at the old shelf with mixed emotions, his mind still processing what he had learned.

Gladys pushed herself to her feet, I best get back, youre not the only student in need of my help.

Wait, Stryg blocked her path. Thank you, he bowed.

Her old eyes gleamed, Goblins have forgotten who they are. The least I can do is share my knowledge with one." Gladys lifted his chin, "Just remember, Stryg, this city is a cruel and dangerous place, be careful.