Chapter 343: Let Me Do This For You

The sun was high in the sky, its golden rays shining down on Undergrowth on the warm summer afternoon. The people went about their daily lives, celebrating, feasting, and enjoying the final day of the Great Cities Tourney. Unbeknownst to them, thousands of soldiers were mustering under the banner of House Thorn, preparing for war.

A small entourage of about a hundred individuals, composed mostly of soldiers and a few mages, traveled down one of the less populated western roads of Undergrowth.

Most of the soldiers were well-armored orcs, wearing the black and amber colors of House Katag. The rest were an assortment of drows, vampires, and a few humans, each wearing varying degrees of armor, though most simply had a leather cuirass.

The soldiers walked in a loose circle, guarding the ones in the center; a small group of mages and aristocrats that rode on centaur-back.

The few common folks walking around spotted the soldiers and quickly moved out of their way, keen on not causing any trouble.

A few Undergrowth guards standing on watch noticed the heavily armed entourage. The guards frowned in suspicion, a few went to inspect the entourage, while others ran off to alert their superiors. Yet none got past a few steps before a sword was driven into their back.

Gale and Lysaila moved through the shadows of the buildings, keeping an eye out for any guard or suspicious commoner. Whenever either spotted one, they’d quickly move to silence the threat with their swords.

“Damn, those two are efficient,” Krall Katag whistled in admiration.

“Indeed,” his wife Evelyn said. “I never thought I would have the renowned Gale family protecting us. Nor a deadly lamia. The Ebon Aspirant has more sway than I originally thought.”

“We may actually succeed in escaping the city unnoticed,” Krall said.

“I admire your optimism, Lord Katag,” Ismene said.

“It’s not optimism, it's probability,” Krall said. He glanced around at the fairly empty street, “We’ve gone off the main road, where most of Thorn’s armies will be congregating. Unlike Hollow Shade, Undergrowth has no walls to stop us from leaving. Once we’re past the city limits it’ll be easy to lose our enemies in the forest.”

“You forget Glimmer Grove is their home territory. They’ll be able to outmaneuver us if we’re not careful,” Ismene warned.

“Lady Mora has several scouts in her employ who are natives to this land,” Krall said. “They’ll be able to guide us through the forest just as fast as the enemy. Plus, we have the advantage of smaller numbers. And since I ordered the men to abandon our carriages, we should be able to move through the forest far more quickly than Thorn’s armies.”

“You thought this through,” Ismene’s lips formed a small smile.

“I wouldn’t be much of a warlord if I hadn’t,” Krall said. “So long as we can make it out of the city, we’ve won.”

“So long as our daughter and future son-in-law also make it out of the city, we’ve won,” Evelyn corrected.

Ismene’s smile turned into a snarl, “That stupid boy. I can’t believe Stryg really ran off on his own now of all bloody times.”

“I admit, I was… caught off guard,” Evelyn said dryly.

“At least Tauri is with him, she’ll keep him in check and bring him back soon enough,” Krall said.

“Will she?” Evelyn sighed.

“She will,” Krall nodded. “And once we’ve all reached Hollow Shade I will rally our armies for war. This treachery of the Thorns will not go unpunished.”

“House Veres, House Goldelm, and House Glaz’s armies are still out waging war in the valley are they not?” Ismene asked worriedly.

“Unfortunately. It’ll be difficult to convince them to return to Hollow Shade,” Krall said lamentingly. “Those savage tribes are a threat to all of Dusk Valley, but the 7 Ruling Families must stand together if we are to protect Hollow Shade from Undergrowth’s larger forces.”

A sudden horn blew in the distance. The entourage stiffened to a halt.

“Dammit,” Krall cursed under his breath, “They’re onto us! Defensive formations!”

The armored soldiers drew their weapons and huddled in closer, forming a tight-knit protective circle around the mages. Gale and Lysaila rushed back to the group, swords at the ready.

“Cornelius!” Ismene yelled.

“Right!” The dwarf ran past the soldiers to the back of the entourage. Green mana rushed into his arms and he slammed his hands into the cobblestone. A wall of stone erupted from the ground 10 meters high and stretched across the road, blocking off any who might try to follow them.

Freya’s jaw slackened in awe, “And here I thought Professor Rotrusk was all talk…”

“Um, Freya, we have a problem,” Callum pointed with a shaky finger.

Hundreds of drow soldiers poured into the street a few dozen meters ahead of them.

Freya paled, “Oh shit…”

Rhian gripped her spear tightly and glanced behind at the two riders on her saddle, Feli and Maeve.

Feli’s face had gone pale and she held the saddle’s horn with a white-knuckle grip.

Maeve trembled as she stared at the enemy rushing towards them. Memories of her family’s castle under attack flooded her mind.

Fear crept over Rhian but she kept her face still and placed a reassuring hand over Maeve’s small wrist. “We are Ebon Hollow,” Rhian whispered. “We are strong.”

“But there are so many of them…” Maeve mumbled.

“A lone goblin may be picked off by the wolf packs…” Rhian recited.

“—But a group of goblins can slay a dire bear,” Feli finished the Sylvan words.

“And we are not alone,” Rhian said.

Maeve’s eyes widened, a glimmer of hope in her crimson eyes.

“That all being said, stay behind me girls,” Ismene raised her hands towards the sky, electricity crackling over her fingers. A bolt of lightning streaked out from her hands in a wide arch and exploded in a shower of deadly sparks over their enemy. Dozens of soldiers’ cries of pain were abruptly cut short as their flesh was incinerated.

Krall hefted his two-handed warhammer and jumped off his centaur. Brown mana flowed through his veins, strengthening his muscles in a swirl of power. He raised his hammer and bellowed a guttural warcry, “To battle!”

~~~

Stryg, Tauri, and Plum wandered through one of the outer districts of Undergrowth. Gone were the cobblestone roads and freshly painted stalls and cozy forest homes. Hovels lined the dirt streets of the poor neighborhood. Eyes of hungry children stared at them from the corner of the ramshackle homes. A few drows hid in the alleyways, staring at the strangers greedily.

Stryg kept his hand on Nameless’ hilt, waiting at the ready, “This place isn’t safe…”

Tauri glanced around the street and alleys, a look of revulsion in her amber eyes, “I don’t like this place either. I’ve never been to this part of the city. I didn’t even know this place existed…”

“How could you?” Plum asked with disdain. “You’re the daughter of one of the most powerful Great Houses in the realm. This is where Undergrowth throws away their forgotten and unwanted. Someone like you would never step foot in a place like this.”

“And you would?” Tauri raised her eyebrow. “Last I checked, you’re the right hand of a lord of a Great House. I don’t really see you prancing about here either. Do you even know where we’re going?”

“I wasn’t always a mage. I didn’t always live in Hollow Shade… I grew up in this place, I know where I’m going,” Plum said quietly.

Tauri blushed with a grimace. “Oh… I see,” she said abashedly. “I’m sorry, that was rude of me…”

“It’s fine. I’m not ashamed of where I am from,” Plum said. “…Despite what you both may think, House Thorn’s soldiers would never think to search the poorest districts for Stryg.”

“Agreed,” Tauri nodded.

Stryg wasn’t certain why that was the case, but he thought it best not to voice his thoughts on the matter.

“Still, it’s better if we keep our hoods up and our heads down,” Plum said.

“…Thank you, for helping us,” Tauri whispered.

“Don’t worry about it, teach,” Plum shrugged.

Stryg suddenly stopped in his tracks.

Tauri looked back, “Stryg…?”

“Stryg, we need to go,” Plum said impatiently.

The blue goblin cocked his head to the side. His pointed somewhat-floppy ears twitched. “People are coming, I can hear their armor,” he said.

“How many?” Tauri said pensively.

Stryg closed his eyes and furrowed his brow, “...I’m not sure. There are too many sounds.”

“A scouting regiment, maybe? It can’t be more than ten soldiers,” Plum surmised.

“I need a better look,” Stryg said. He channeled green mana into his feet and poured it into the dirt underneath him. A 3-meter stone spike erupted from the ground and pointed straight into the sky. Stryg dug his claws into the spike and clambered to its top.

“What do you see?” Plum asked.

Stryg stayed quiet and slowly glanced about the neighborhood.

“How many are there?” Tauri asked.

“…Hundreds… maybe even a thousand,” Stryg mumbled anxiously.

“T-that… That doesn’t make sense!” Plum said in alarm. “No House would have been able to muster that many soldiers in so little time! It’d have to be several Houses combined. And why would they come here of all places!”

Tauri gripped her flail tightly, “How far?”

Stryg swallowed, “Some are closer than others. They’re surrounding us… we can’t escape.”

“I don’t understand, why… how!?” Plum yelled. She stumbled back a step and gasped for breath.

“Shit, she’s having a panic attack,” Tauri cursed. She grabbed Plum by the arm and helped her into an alleyway.

Stryg released the green spell and jumped down as the narrow pillar crumbled apart. He ran to the alley’s opening and stood guard, his back to his friends.

“Plum, can you hear me?” Tauri whispered in a soothing voice.

Plum slid to the alley floor and nodded shakily while taking deep breaths, “I’m… I’m okay… I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?” Tauri asked worriedly.

“…I can fight,” Plum said and though her voice was weak, there was no doubting the glint of resolve behind her glasses.

“No offense, Plum, but you were never a great fighter,” Stryg said without looking back at them.

“What? I can fight!” Plum frowned.

“You did fail your sparring class,” Tauri said sympathetically.

“Try to figure out a different route out of this place, Tauri and I will hold them off until then,” Stryg said.

Plum raised her eyebrows, “Other routes? What other routes!?”

“Figure something out, please,” Tauri said. She stood up, flail in hand, and joined Stryg at the opening of the alleyway.

“They’re coming,” he muttered.

A squadron of ten heavily armed soldiers rushed into the street. They immediately spotted the two mages standing in front of the alley and shouted with triumphant glee.

The commoners scattered away at the sight of the soldiers, leaving only Stryg and his friends on the empty street.

The captain of the soldiers stepped forward and drew his sword, “In the name of House Thorn I urge you to surrender peacefully, Stryg of Ebon Hollow.”

“I’d much rather rip your eyes out,” Stryg hissed.

The captain did not miss a beat, “I am well aware of your magical prowess. You may be able to kill my men and me, but we are merely a glimpse of what is coming. Soon, countless mages and soldiers will fill this street to the brim. There will be no escape… If you resist, I cannot guarantee the safety of your companions.”

Stryg stiffened.

Tauri noticed the falter in his breathing and stepped in front of him, “I need no one's protection, especially from the likes of an enemy.”

The captain sighed, “I admire your bravery, but courage will not save you today. Do not be foolish, if not for yourself than for your friends. I will not make this same offer again— Aaaggghhh!?”

An orange flame burst from the end of the street and engulfed the drow soldiers in searing heat. Their screams of agony quickly melted away with their flesh and their charred corpses collapsed onto the ground in a smoldering pile.

Tauri stared in confusion, “What the…?”

“What happened!?” Plum asked in a shrill voice.

“Both of you get behind me,” Stryg drew the broken Nameless and began to write red ward sigils with his other hand as he searched the street for the magical threat.

The shadows on a corner house melted away and a tall, lithe drow strode out. The woman’s face was hidden underneath a mottled grey cloak, but Stryg and Tauri recognized her in an instant.

“Loh…?” Stryg mumbled in shock.

“What are you…?” Tauri balled her fists, “What are you doing here!?”

Loh walked towards them without hesitation, “I’ve been keeping an eye on Stryg ever since the award ceremony. I thought Ophelia Thorn might try to pull something, but I never thought she was this insane.”

“Why did you come…?” Tauri’s voice shook, whether from anger or something else she wasn’t certain.

Loh’s voice grew tight, “I know you can never forgive me, but please know that I am sorry, Tauri, Stryg… for the lies, for the betrayal of trust you both placed in me, for Aizel and Clypeus… I’m sorry for everything… I really am…”

A burning pain stretched across Stryg’s chest. He swallowed hard, “Loh—”

“I wish I could say more but we don’t have time,” Loh said. “Stryg, do you have Blossom on you?”

“What?” he frowned.

“Do you have Blossom in your possession, yes or no?” Loh asked sternly.

“Uh, y-yeah, it’s in my backpack.”

“Show me, now,” Loh said.

Stryg wasn’t certain why she wanted it, but the look in her pale blue eyes left with him no hesitation. He opened his backpack and pulled out the white cloak. Loh snatched it from his hands and began combing through the cloak’s petals.

“What are you doing?” Stryg asked.

“I thought it strange that Ophelia would just abandon one of her prized heirlooms to an outsider… Ahah, there it is,” Loh said and pulled out a small magestone bead from underneath one of the petals. A small metal sigil was etched onto the grey magestone.

“What is that?” Plum asked quietly.

“Is that a tracking charm!?” Tauri exclaimed.

“I didn’t notice…” Stryg said remorsefully.

“I’ve never seen one so small,” Loh said in a thoughtful voice. “Only an arch-mage enchanter well versed in grey’s curse spell-form could have made something like this.”

Tauri’s expression turned grim, “There’s only one in Undergrowth I can think of… Lord Loch, the commanding general of Undergrowth’s armies.”

“Loch’s been using this to track you down,” Loh guessed.

“That’s why all those soldiers are here!” Plum said.

Loh nodded, “Loch intends to capture his prey no matter what.”

“We need to destroy the charm,” Stryg said without hesitation.

“No,” Loh shook her head. “It’s too late for that. Loch’s armies are already here. If you destroy the charm, they’ll just make a perimeter around the neighborhood and scour each house and street until they find you.”

“Then… what do we do?” Plum asked.

“Simple.” Loh stashed the charm into her pocket.

“No…” Plum’s face paled in realization.

“I’ll use the charm to lead the armies away from here,” Loh said. “Once they're far away enough, the three of you should be able to slip past them and escape the city.”

“But you can’t fight them all!” Stryg shouted.

Loh smirked half-heartedly and handed Blossom back to him, “I don’t need to fight them all, I just need to buy you enough time.”

“But… you’ll die,” Stryg’s voice broke.

“She knows…” Tauri mumbled.

Loh smiled bitterly, “Stryg, I wasn’t there when you needed me on Widow’s Crag… I won’t make that same mistake again.” She grabbed his wrist and placed a bracelet in the palm of his hand.

Stryg’s eyes widened, “This is…!”

The bracelet was made of silver intertwining links and a clasp with a pale purple stone. It was the drow symbol for the bond between apprentice and master. He had thrown the bracelet away right in front of her when they had last spoken…

“I will distract the enemy and you will escape,” Loh gently closed his fingers over the bracelet and smiled weakly, “Let me do this for you. Let me be your master, one last time.”

Tears rolled down his face. Stryg’s lips trembled and his throat felt tight. “I don’t… I don’t want to lose you…”

Loh grabbed his shoulders and kissed him softly on his forehead, “You never did.” She turned around and ran off without looking back.

Stryg fell to his knees and gripped the bracelet tightly. His shoulders shook as he heaved and cried in quiet despair.

Tauri watched in a bewildered daze as Loh’s silhouette disappeared in the distance.

“…We need to go,” Plum whispered regretfully.