Chapter 143: The Owl

Chapter 143: The Owl

Stryg rolled over onto his stomach and pushed himself up to his knees. He took in short labored breaths and tried to keep his balance. He had pushed himself too hard with the advanced agility spell. Worse, he had cast it over his entire body. He never understood why people said he weighed a lot, until now. His body felt heavier than stone and it was taking much of his energy to not tip over.

The fire from the hall was beginning to spread throughout the room. The paint on the walls was beginning to melt and the tapestries were burning up in flames. Black smoke filled the air with soot and ash.

A weak cough caught Strygs attention. He glanced to his left, Clypeus groaned. Stryg gritted his teeth and forced his legs to stand. He limped over to the vampire lying on the ground.

Cly, are you alright? Stryg wiped the sweat from his brow.

Ugh, what happened, Clypeus grimaced. His eyes shot open and he gripped Strygs hand, Wheres the lamia!?

Gone, he pointed to the window.

...Huh well, damn, Clypeus closed his eyes and laid his head back down.

We cant rest here, the castles on fire. Can you move?

I think? The lamia broke my yellow durability spell, but I managed to save my ribs from breaking, Clypeus sat up. He winced, Damn, she hit hard, Im gonna have bruises all over.

Who cares, youre alive, Stryg shook his head.

Thanks to you, he smiled weakly. Wheres Callum!?

They both hobbled their way over to the unconscious vampire.

Clypeus checked Callums pulse and sighed with relief, Hes alive.

But, hes not waking up, Stryg frowned.

His ribs look broken, well need to take him to a doctor.

And where are we supposed to find one?

Normally, there would be several in the castle. But, with everything thats going on, our best bet is to head back to the Dread Shadow. The ship will have several medics on board.

Stryg nodded, I sent the centaurs at the stables into the forest to the East. If you head over now, you might still catch them. Im sure one of the centaurs will take you both to the Veres ship.

What about you? This place isnt safe anymore and Lord Mora has clearly abandoned any idea of helping us.

Thats why I need to find Maeve, shes still in danger, Stryg wiped his brow.

You really need to tell me what happened between you two, Clypeus hefted Callum onto his back.

Not much. Shes just not the person I thought she was, Stryg swallowed. His throat was parched.

Yeah, that sounds like bullshit.

Heh, Stryg smiled half-heartedly.

He covered his face with his arms and prepared to walk out.

Stryg! Well talk more about all of this later. So, please, stay alive, Clypeus stared at him, worry clear in his eyes.

Stryg blinked, Right

~~~

Maeve stumbled through the burning corridor. Callums bright spell had left her partially blinded. Her vision was slowly returning, but everything still seemed a blur. Her skin burned and stung. She wasnt sure if it was from the fires roiling around her or the aftereffects of the bright spells potent light.

The air was dry and her throat was parched. The air felt thin and it was difficult to breathe. She tried inhaling deeply and only managed to have a coughing fit. All she tasted was ash and smoke.

She sent a quick mental prayer to her goddess, Bellum. Maeve dragged her feet through the smoking halls, merely holding on to her consciousness. She was barely managing to avoid the flames licking the walls, let alone trying to navigate through the castle. She had run out of her fathers study in a hurry. The lamia was going to kill them all. Stryg had bought her time to escape. Stryg had sacrificed himself for her

How useless could she be? Sure, she wasnt a warrior nor a mage, but she had an advantage no one else had. She had seen this already within her dreams, she knew the possibility of her home being attacked. And yet, she was unable to prevent any of it. She was still just that same little helpless girl.

Maeve shook her head, Not anymore.

She wouldnt leave Stryg to his fate. She would find help and come back for him. Lord Mora employed hundreds of guards and dozens of magi. There had to be some still nearby.

Maeve turned around, but her feet stopped. Smoke and flames shrouded the corridor behind her. There was no way to go back the way she came. Maeve glanced around, she wasnt even sure where she was. The fire had burned away the walls, every hallway was an inferno of cinder and ash.

You're the owl?! She yelled in recognition.

Uh, what now?

Stryyyyg! Stryg, where are you!? A voice shouted in the distance.

He narrowed his eyes, Master?

Maeve caught on quickly. She cupped her hands together and yelled from the top of her lungs, Over here! Stryg and I are over here!

The floor began to rattle. Maximus ran into the hall, flames tearing around him, Loh riding on his back. Rhian charged in after them, spear in hand, her eyes darting about. Loh raised her hands, the fires around the ballroom shook and were blasted away, leaving only soft embers burning on the walls.

Master! Rhian spotted Stryg.

Rhian ran over to them and kicked the chandelier off him.

Ah, hey! Maeve yelled as Rhian pushed her away.

Rhian scooped Stryg up and cradled her in his arms, ignoring his heavy weight, Talk to me, Master. Say anything. One word is enough. Just let me know youre okay.

Ugh, why did you two come back? Stryg tried squirming out of her embrace.

We saw Clypeus Gale and Callum Veres. Clypeus told us that you were weakened and in danger. I needed to find my mistress anyway and Rhian insisted we come to get you, Maximus said.

I couldnt just let you burn up in this stale castle, Rhian smiled down at Stryg.

The centaurs black hair fell all over him, tickling his face.

This is not the pose a proud warrior is supposed to make, Stryg thought glumly.

Loh hopped off Maximuss back and walked over to her apprentice, Its been a hectic morning for all of us. I woke up to the screaming of the guests staying in the next room over. After killing a few raiders I met up with Maximus and Rhian. It took me some time getting to you, but Im glad youre alright.

Whats happening out there? Whats going on? Maeve asked.

Im not sure. It seems one of the valley tribes has gone crazy. Theyve traveled all the way up North, just to attack Mora Castle? Something doesnt add up. Unless The docks. Theyre trying to cripple the river trade routes, Loh clenched her fists.

But, thats basically declaring war on Hollow Shade. A single tribe versus a Great City? What tribe is crazy enough to try and do that? Maeves eyes widened.

Im not sure which valley tribe, but there are hundreds of warriors outside. We need to get out of here fast, Loh said.

I thought I heard voices from over here, someone laughed from the doorway.

Loh spun around, Youre an elf?

And youre quite the beauty, lucky me, the elf winked.

Kyriil, focus. Were here for a purpose, Grim walked in behind him. He had to duck under the doorway to avoid hitting his head.

Yeah, yeah. Kill and capture. But, damn Ive never seen such nice tatas on a centaur before. They are huuuuge! Kyriil opened his arms wide to illustrate.

Rhian cocked her head in confusion, unsure if she should be proud or creeped out by the strangers comment. Stryg growled at the intruders. Maeve bit her lip, unsure of what to make of the situation.

Lets just get this over with. I hate all this fire, it dries up my skin, Grim grumbled.

Lohs jaw went slack at the sight of the grey looming figure, What are you?

What, never seen an axlean before, Kyriil patted Grims arm before.

Understandably so, Grim said.

Mistress, shall I dispose of them? Maximus hefted his battle ax.

Oh, it seems theres been a misunderstanding, big guy, Kyriil waggled his finger. We arent some chaff to be thrown out. We are magi and these are our warriors.

Kyriil snapped his fingers. Two dozen men and women clad in armor and weapons, rushed in behind them, and blocked off the doorway.

So, unless you wish to face the might of two high-master magi and our cold-hearted warriors, I suggest you all come with us, quietly, Kyriil said.

Is that right? I do love a challenge, Loh raised her hands and shifted her feet into a battle stance.

I was hoping youd resist, Kyriil smiled wide.