Chapter 216: I Don’t See A Coward

Chapter 216: I Don’t See A Coward

Donnas stomach churned with anxiety. Screams and cries of her comrades echoed through the house. Sounds of shattered glass and splintered wood reverberated from behind the door.

What in Bellums name is happening!? she thought, panic seeping into her face.

Whats happening? Witt asked. He tried looking back at the door, but the ropes stopped him from moving from the chair.

The guards? Mel asked, hope slipping into his voice.

Shut up! Donna whispered angrily.

She pulled Witts blindfold back up to match Mels.

If either one of you says one more word I wont hesitate to stab you both a couple of times, am I clear? Donna snarled.

Mel and Witt clenched their jaws, no words slipped out.

Good, Donna said. Now, Im going to go walk outside of this room, and when I get back if I find any of you had moved a single fucking inch you can say goodbye to your toes.

The sounds from outside suddenly died out with a single and final gurgling scream.

The wood planks in the hall outside creaked as a single pair of footsteps walked towards them. Donna cursed under her breath and pulled out two daggers. She brought their sharp edges to Mel and Witts necks.

Get the fuck back! she yelled. I have hostages! If you take another step Ill slit their throats!

The footsteps stopped, the house fell silent save for Donnas own ragged breath and the pitter-patter of the rain. Her heartbeat thrummed loudly in her ears as if her heart was about to explode. She swallowed hard and stared at the door.

You have one chance! she yelled. If you leave now Ill let one of the hostages go!

Dark shadows crept from underneath the door, from its sides, and above, like ink spreading on a white canvas. The shadows quickly encroached over the walls and threatened to overtake the room.

W-what is this!? Donna screamed hysterically.

She backed away from the shadows and dragged Mel and Witt towards the window. Black tendrils emerged from the darkness and edged towards her.

GET BACK! Ill fucking kill them! Donna raised her dagger and aimed at Mels heart.

She gasped a hollow sound as a longsword slipped into her stomach and lifted her up in the air. She choked on dark red blood and wheezed for a single breath. Her daggers clattered to the ground and she tried to grasp the longswords edge with trembling fingers.

A pair of lilac eyes looked up at her from within the darkness, its slit pupils as thin as blades.

An orc, I should have guessed, a cold voice growled.

The longsword moved in the dark and dragged Donna through the air. The sword pierced the wall, leaving her body hanging like a skewered pig on a spit.

She tried mumblin, ...P-pleas-

A hand shot out and gripped her jaw closed, clawed fingers tearing into her skin. The hand jerked her head to the side and exposed her neck. Donna winced in pain, small teeth sank into her throat. Her amber eyes widened, she could feel an unsettling warmth taking over her body. Her mind went numb and she lost consciousness.

~~~

Stryg felt his throat grow tight. I told you, dont apologize.

He stared back at his stained pants, I tried to be like the heroes of Lunis you told us about. I tried, but I couldnt Im not a Lunisian hero... Im just a coward.

Stryg said nothing, he simply placed his outstretched hand over Mels chest. A soft white glow emanated from his palm and filtered into the boys body.

Mel gasped sharply, It! It doesnt hurt as much?

...Do you know how I found you? Stryg asked. It was one of your friends, a brave young girl a little younger than you. She risked her life and followed the gang to their hideout. She did it for you.

Shes just kind, Mel mumbled.

No, its more than that. Shes loyal. Every single one of those orphan children is loyal to you because they know youd do anything to keep them safe. That kind of bravery inspires loyalty.

Bravery? Mel asked softly, hesitance dripping from his voice.

Stryg nodded, When the Snakes ambushed you all, you didnt run, you didnt abandon your tribemates and leave them for dead No, you charged in first. When I look at you, I dont see a coward. I see a chief willing to do whatever it takes to protect his tribe. And that, Mel, is heroic.

Mel rubbed his eyes, he couldnt help but cry. A small smile crept over his lips.

Stryg released the healing spell and offered Mel his hand, Can you stand, chieftain?

~~~

Hurry up! Rorik Polamtal shouted at his men.

The captain of the guard and his men ran down the dark streets of Hollow Shade.

Sir, why are we running? Didnt the goblin child say Mister Stryg needed us for clean-up? his lieutenant asked.

You dont understand. Whenever Stryg is involved, things are bound to get out of control, Rorik shook his head.

Captain, theres smoke coming from over there! one of the guards pointed to the distance.

Were too late, we need to hurry! Rorik yelled.

They crossed several more streets, the local sentinels shambling out of their way at the sight of the guard uniform.

Rorik and his men stumbled to a halt in front of a burning house. The guards stared at the scene with utter confusion. A dozen small goblin children were crying and huddling around a teenage goblin boy who was crying yet smiling. The temple acolyte, Karen, was tending to the wounds of a human wearing a stupid grin. Stryg stood away from the crowd, unharmed as usual Rorik suspected.

What the fuck happened? the lieutenant frowned.

~~~

Stryg watched the orphans hugging and crying with a bittersweet smile. He closed his eyes and let himself simply feel the wind brush over his skin. He found himself sorely missing the ashen trees of Vulture Woods.

For the first time in a very long time, he wished to see the Blood Fang tribe. He knew they must think him dead like the others he had abandoned in the lamia cave. If they only knew he was alive, what would they think? He was a mage now, but he was also an exile. Would they hate him? Shun him? Or perhaps, just maybe, they might finally accept him.

As if, he sighed bitterly.