Chapter 281: The Ebon Lords’ Dream

Chapter 281: The Ebon Lords’ Dream

A few days ago The 2nd Challenge

Plum watched in horror as a myriad of spells fell over Team Hollow Shades pillar. Sylvies fractured stone wall shattered apart as the spells exploded in a cacophony of magic. A stunned quiet fell over the coliseums crowds at the sight of the broken pillar.

Mark Stemme cleared his throat and softly spoke into the Heralds Towers enchanted trumpet, HOLLOW SHADES ENTIRE TEAM SEEMS TO HAVE FALLEN A MOMENT OF SILENCE IF YOU WILL

No, it cant be, it cant be, it cant be

Plum sat still, her muscles rigid, her skin cold, her heart clenched tight.

They couldnt be goneThis chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

It happened so fast. Stryg and the others were just there and now they were

WAIT, ARE YOU SEEING THAT!? Jane Stemme yelled.

A faint red sheen glowed amidst the smoke. A large red dome of light stood where the stone wall had once been. Dozens of intricate red ward sigils flared across the dome and at its center stood Hollow Shades mages, unharmed.

Plum stood to her feet, surprise and confusion etched across her face.

Were they alive!?

Had Callum saved them?

The red dome was too far for Plum to see any of the specific sigils, but to have blocked an entire arsenal of spells at once must have required enormous skill. If anyone could have done it would have been a talented Veres. But what if the ward dome had only blocked a few of the spells? Gods, she hoped the wards had held. But such a complex ward shield would have been impossible for an adept

Plum swallowed hard, Please, gods, please let them be okay.

As the smoke cleared, the red dome faded away.

Plum gasped with relief at the sight of Stryg and the others.

They were okay, they wer-

Stryg flew straight into the sky like an arrow blazing through the battlefield. Shadow tendrils flew out of his silhouette and caught Heather Navis floating about the arena. Heather didnt even have a moment to react before Stryg had struck her down straight into the water.

The crowds screamed in surprise and joy.

Plum simply stared, flabbergasted.

Was that yellow magic? Had he just used yellow magic? If it was, then that meant Stryg wasnt a tri-manifold. He was a-

~~~

-A prime mage, can you believe it!? Veronica yelled.

...Y-yeah, who would have thought, Plum smiled weakly.

The pair of friends strolled down one of the bustling market streets searching for their choice of dinner.

And hes already a master mage like Calex! Hes a bonafide Ebon Aspirant! Veronica squealed. I knew from the moment I saw him that he was special, I just knew it!

Yeah, an Ebon Aspirant thats what everyone keeps saying, Plum mumbled.

You dont seem that excited Veronicas eyes widened, No way, you already knew, didnt you!?

What? No, of course not, she shook her head.

Oh, come on. You guys were best friends, are you really telling me he never told you about his chromatic range?

Yeah, I am

But we cant even see his face.

Look at his hands, theyre blue, not grey, not red, blue.

Could just be another northern drow.

Stryg raised his head and glanced over at the crowd of servants whispering amongst one another at the other side of the tavern.

Shit, hes looking at us! a servant said in a panicked voice. She awkwardly turned around and pretended to clean one of the bar tables.

The other servants followed suit and quickly dispersed.

Stryg cocked his head to the side, mildly curious. After a brief moment, one of the women glanced at him, and their eyes met briefly. She stiffened and quickly looked away.

He just looked at me! she whispered excitedly.

No, he didnt, another servant scoffed.

Stryg couldnt help but smile whimsically. He was used to others whispering about him, the students back at the academy did it all the time, but it was always about how strange he was, how different he was from everyone else. But for the first time, it seemed being different wasnt a bad thing.

Excuse me, greatest centaur youll ever see coming through! a familiar voice shouted from outside.

Strygs pointy ears perked up at the sound. He jumped off the barrel and ran outside without hesitation.

Rhian stood in front of the tavern, a dozen servants milling around her, carrying things into the wagons. Rhian seemed the same, her usual confident smile plastered over her pale almost pink face. Her raven black had grown longer, its tips reaching down past her waist.

What are all these people even doing here? Rhian frowned.

Id like to ask you the same, an orc guard walked over to her. This is private property.

Private? This is a tavern, it doesnt get more public than that, Rhian crossed her arms.

Tell that to them, the guard pointed at the throng of people waiting outside the taverns fence.

Yeah, I was wondering about that. Why are they over there anyway? If they want a drink they can just come inside, no?

No, they cant, and neither can you. And I reckon none of you are here for a drink, the guard narrowed his eyes.

I mean I could use a drink, but youre right, Im here to meet a friend of mine, Rhian said.

Sure, you are. Ive already heard that excuse four times today from the crowds. Now why dont you go back there and join them, or else, the guard placed his hand over the hilt of his sword.

Or else what? Rhian asked, genuinely curious.

Bright purple hair fell over from behind the centaur as Feli leaned over the saddle, We really do know the people inside that tavern. We were just here this morning.

Sure you were and Im best friends with Lady Thorn herself, now get moving before I make you, the guard warned.

Feli furrowed her brow, I think youre mistaken-

Stryg dashed past the servants and vaulted into the air at Rhian. Before Feli could turn around, Stryg had caught her in his arms and carried her off the saddle. He landed with a soft step, though his hood had slipped off. The servants, the guards, and the crowd of onlookers gasped at the sight of the Ebon Aspirant.

Feli yelped in surprise from being dragged off the saddle, but as her eyes settled over her husbands face she glared at him. Stryg, what are you doing? Put me down, youre causing a scene, she glanced around anxiously.

I dont care, Stryg closed his eyes tight and nuzzled his face into her cheeks.

Felis eyes softened as she felt his arms tremble and his breaths turn shaky. She smiled and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, I missed you too.

And what about me, huh? What am I, the butler? Rhian pouted.

Stryg couldnt help but laugh, tears forming in the corner of his eyes. He leaned on Rhians side and breathed in her familiar scent. I missed both of you, more than youll ever know, he whispered.