Chapter 192: Living Nightmare

Chapter 192: Living Nightmare

Loh sat next to Strygs bed as the blue goblin slept. He had been injured horribly, even Elzri was amazed he had survived. Despite all the healing spells Elzri had casted over him, Strygs body was still recovering.

Sweat dripped off his body and soaked into the blankets. Loh had already changed the wet towel on his forehead several times, but his fever did not seem to be receding. She was grimly reminded of when Stryg had fallen last year during his Duels Class final exam.

Loh glanced at the half dozen bottles and vials on the nightstand. The towns resident red mage had come in earlier and brought several magical tonics for when Stryg awakened. Loh wondered if she should give him one now.

She glanced out the window, the suns light was already fading on the horizon. The moon flew high in the night sky, gone was last nights blood-red face, the moon's bright silver sheen had returned.

This years Festival of the Gods was over, not that Loh had even bothered walking through the river town during the festivities. Loh had been preoccupied. She looked away from the window and back at Stryg.

Why had the frost wolves kept Stryg safe? If it hadnt been for them he would have drowned in the Dire River. Those wolves werent supposed to be friendly, the bestiaries classified them as very dangerous. And since when could they talk? Loh had never read any text mentioning that particular ability.

In either case, it still didnt make any sense why they spared Strygs life or hers. More importantly, how did the alpha frost wolf know about Stryg? Her apprentice had never mentioned meeting any frost wolves while growing up, in fact, if he was to be believed, last summer was the first time Stryg had seen a frost wolf.

So why did the frost wolves care so much for Stryg?

Loh clenched her fists and bit her bottom lip.

Could it actually have to do with Lunae? After all, Stryg said the frost wolves were the moon goddess harbingers. But if the ebon gods were real, then wasnt Stryg supposed to be some kind of bad omen? Why would Lunae send her frost wolves to save him?

Loh shook her head.

No, what was she even thinking? The ebon gods werent real, they couldnt be. She refused to believe that everyones lives were dictated by some four invisible beings floating in the sky. There had to be some logical explanation for all of this. She just had to figure out what it was.

Loh stared at Strygs sleeping face with curiosity.

...Who are you, Stryg? she whispered.

Please, dont a soft mumble escaped Strygs lips.

Her eyes widened, Stryg?

She reached out and gently placed her hand on his shoulder.

Please, dont

Loh furrowed her brow, the words were the same. He had mumbled the same exact words when he had been unconscious after his fall last year.

Stryg grimaced, his body tensed with discomfort.

Please, dont leave me

Stryg, can you hear me? Its okay, Im here, Loh whispered soothingly.

His eyelids shot open, his wide pupils constricted into thin slits. Loh jumped back in surprise.

A puzzled look crossed his face, ...Master?

She sighed, her tense muscles relaxed with relief.

Youre awake, she smiled.

Stryg looked around the small room, his eyes darting everywhere.

W-where am I? he asked weakly.

Youre in a room we commandeered at a tavern, second floor. Were in one of the river towns near Widows Crag.

Stryg sat up and grimaced with pain. He staggered and fell back.

Careful, your body is still healing. You shouldnt move around a lot, you need to rest, she said sympathetically.

He groaned, Ugh, what happened? Why are we here?

She swallowed the lump in her throat, Um Your classmates and you were escorting a few human families across Dusk Valley. But when you reached Widows Crag you were ambushed by the Cairn Valley Tribe. My own squad suffered heavy casualties as well. In the end, we were able to save a few of the students, including you, but the families you were escorting all died.

Died?

Strygs eyes widened, memories of last night flooded back to him.

He sat up in a flash of shock, Clypeus! Clypeus

Stryg slowly turned to Loh, tears forming at the corner of his bloodshot eyes. D-did he?

He let the question fall into silence, unable to finish his words of fear.

Nora fell to her knees and cried, Why did he have to die?

Stryg trembled, a large lump in his throat, ...I

He turned and ran. His legs spasmed with pain, but he didnt care. He pushed open the taverns front doors and fled from the tavern. His bare feet slammed into the dirt street with painful steps as he ran. The cool night air blew away his burning tears.

His leg suddenly cramped. His ankle twisted, and he tripped, and fell face-first into the dirt. His jaw slammed into the ground, one of the sharp canine teeth sliced into his inner cheek.

Stryg rolled over and spat out a glob of blood and saliva. Pain wracked his body, he could hardly breathe.

He didnt bother trying to get up. He simply lay on the dirt.

Where would he go? Where could he hide that would shelter him from the pain in his chest?

He stared up at the silver moon hanging in the night sky.

Blood Fangs Mothers were right about him. He really was a bad omen.

Lohs face came into view and blocked his sight of the moon.

There you are, it took me a while to find you, she grinned half-heartedly.

Stryg frowned, she was resting on a crutch. He looked down and finally noticed her leg, it was bandaged and in a splint.

What happened to your leg? he asked.

Itll heal. More importantly, you shouldnt run off like that, people around here arent the nicest to strangers, especially to hybrids and goblins. You being both definitely doesnt help.

Time to get up. She threw him a handkerchief, Use that to clean your face.

Stryg blinked, he hadn't even noticed. He pushed himself to his feet and wiped the snot, blood, and tears from his face.

Goblins arent supposed to cry, it's a sign of weakness, he mumbled.

It seemed fitting, he supposed. He couldnt save anyone.

Loh shook her head, Youre wrong, crying is a sign that you care. You cared greatly for Clypeus, there is no shame in that.

Stryg stayed quiet and clenched the handkerchief tight.

Loh wrapped her free arm around his shoulder, I know it hurts... But you arent alone in this. Im here with you and I promise, Im not going anywhere.

Mm, Stryg mumbled glumly.

Lohs face trembled, her eyes watered, and her expression seemed as if it was about to break. She took a deep breath and forced a strained smile, ...Now come on, I dont know about you, but Im starving. Help your weak, old master back to the tavern.

Stryg reluctantly nodded, ...Master?

What is it?

You may be old, but you're not weak.

I was joking, she chuckled bitterly.

Oh That makes sense, you know youre strong.

She wrinkled her nose, What exactly do you consider old?

Anyone past 30. Most goblins in Blood Fang never made it that far.

Well, for your information the rest of the Realm considers drow my age to be very young, practically teenagers. Do you see any wrinkles on this gorgeous face, huh? I think not.

...How do I face Nora? How do I face any of them? he mumbled quietly.

Loh sighed, You dont have to, not right now. Everyones emotions are running high. Its best if we stay away from Nora and the others for a while. Ill have our food brought to our rooms. Once youve had some time to rest, there are some things we should talk about.

As they walked back to the tavern Stryg caught several familiar scents wafting from a nearby building.

What is that place? he pointed.

Lohs face turned grim, The towns garrison. Why?

I smell someone who shouldnt be in that place, he walked off.

Stryg, wait, where are you going?!

I have to know, he muttered. Why is that lamia here?