Realm of Monsters

Chapter 239: Cinder Brood

Chapter 239: Cinder Brood

And that is how the hunters managed to slay the behemoth, Stryg said in a dramatic whisper. Even now, a hundred years later, no other Sylvan tribe wishes to mess with the hunters of the Frost Whisper Tribe.

The orphan children sat on the floor and stared wide-eyed at Stryg in enraptured silence.

Stryg cleared his throat and sat back, The end

WOOAAH! a small child screamed.

They killed the behemoth! Another child yelled.

I wanna kill a behemoth!

Yeah right, you could never kill a behemoth!

A few of the children jumped to their feet and began to punch and kick the air, reenacting the slaying of the beast.

Stryg smiled, content to watch the eager children run around the room.

One of the older children, a girl about 13 years old, tugged Strygs sleeve. Um, how big is a behemoth?

Stryg spread his arms wide, Bigger than this entire temple.

She bit her lip and furrowed her brow, Then how did the hunters win?

Werent you listening to the story? Stryg said, amused. The hunters worked together, some even sacrificed themselves, but they managed to win in the end.

That seems really hard she mumbled.

Well, remember, it was a baby behemoth, Stryg winked. So it was probably only as big as this room. If you ever see an adult behemoth, the best you can do is run. Strygs eyes widened eerily and he grabbed her shoulders, Run for your life and dont look back.

She giggled, But you could kill the behemoth, right?

I think you all seriously overestimate my abilities, he said wryly. A single behemoth has wiped out entire tribes before. They are the apex predators of Vulture Woods. If there ever comes a day where we must fight a behemoth, then we must do it together as Lunisians, only then do we stand a chance.

Mm I still think youd win, she said without a hint of doubt.

...Thanks, Stryg sighed in defeat with a warm smile.

The little girl giggled and ran off to play with her friends.

Karen and Witt appeared at the doorway and gave a thumbs up, the signal.

Looks like were ready, Stryg nodded. Okay, everyone, follow me.

The children all stopped running immediately and lined up behind Stryg. They followed him outside without a single peep of a whisper.

They never listen to me like that, Witt grumbled.

Oh, its okay, Karen patted his arm. They just dont respect you is all.

...Is that supposed to make me feel better? Witt frowned.

Stryg led them to the small garden behind the temple. A pair of large wooden crates sat on the dirt floor.

Um, sir, what are those? the eldest orphan, Mel, asked.

Just a small gift for all of you before I leave, Stryg said. He pried the first crate open and threw off the wooden lid.

The children watched in anticipation as he reached inside.

I began my weapons training when I could barely walk. Its due time you all begin your own, Stryg pulled out a spear from the crate.

The orphans gasped in surprise and ran over, their little hands reaching out to touch the weapon they had heard so much about in his stories.

Calm down, I made sure to buy enough spears for everyone, Stryg chuckled. Along with enough of these, he opened the next crate and pulled out a bow.

The children screamed, their excitement practically oozing off them.

Ive taught Karen the Sylvan basics of wielding the spear and bow, Stryg said. Shell teach you how to train in these weapons while Im gone.

Karen raised her finger, I only accepted this job because I dont want any of you running around with spears behind my back, and yes, that includes you, Witt. If any of you are going to learn how to use these dangerous weapons then you must promise me that you will be responsible with them and you will only use them under the most extreme of circumstances and only for self-defense. Is that understood?

Mel nodded excitedly, Of course. Isnt that right, guys?

The children nodded and voiced their agreements loudly.

Do I have to, though? Witt said reluctantly.

Youre the one Im the most worried about, Karen narrowed her eyes.

Oh, worried, eh? Well, in that case, count me in, Witt grinned.

Whatever, Karen rolled her eyes. Okay, kids, gather around and well start the first lesson; weapon maintenance.

Stryg watched the kids sit around Karen and listened to her speak for a few minutes before he got up and left quietly. Mel noticed his departure and chased after him.

Mister Stryg! he called out.

Stryg paused in his steps, Mel? What is it?

The boy gripped his pants tightly and stared at his feet, Are you really leaving?

Yeah. The Great Cities Tourney is about a week away. Were leaving tomorrow.

Oh I see, he mumbled.

Stryg patted the boys shoulder, Ill be back soon enough, in about a month or so.

Mel straightened his back, I finally came up with a name! Well, we all did, the other kids and I.

Cant Lysaila help? Shes already made it clear that shes not going to let Stryg leave her behind in Hollow Shade.

She can, but Stryg needs the help of a Gale swordmaster too. Plus, you would mostly be working from under the stadium, in Hollow Shades training room; only the students and teachers are allowed in there. You wouldnt have to listen to any annoying aristocrats.

Gale opened her mouth, but hesitated to speak.

Gian grabbed her hand gently, Please, Im asking you this as a personal favor. Accompany Stryg to Undergrowth, keep him safe.

Safe from what? Gale cocked her head to the side.

...Im not sure. Anything that might hurt him. Stryg is important, more than you know. Undergrowth is a very dangerous place for Hollow Shades chosen.

Why is he so important to you? Why are you sending me to act as his bodyguard?

Gian smiled weakly, Im asking you to trust me. Ill explain everything soon, I promise.

Gale sighed and nodded reluctantly, You know I trust you, I always have... Ill keep Stryg safe if thats what you wish.

Gian poured her another cup of tea, Thank you, it means a lot.

~~~

Elzri tapped his desk with the tips of his fingers. He stared at the five teachers and three students who had been called into his office.

Vayu Glaz kept a polite posture and bowed to Elzri; House Glazs manners were as scrupulous as usual. Tauri Katag stood at attention, arms at her side, her eyes looking straight ahead. The dwarf, Cornelius Rotrusk stood a few paces away, stealing the occasional glance at Tauri.

Loh, well, Loh was her usual self, lounging in a chair in the corner. Ismene stood next to the window and rested her weight on her steel-tipped cane.

Sylvie and Callum Veres stood in the other corner, talking to each other in small whispers as they passed the time. Freya Goldelm fiddled with one of her bracelets, a sapphire-studded golden band.

The door swung open and Stryg burst into the office, out of breath. He quickly took in the room, spotting each individual. His lilac eyes settled on Elzri and his dour expression.

Youre late, Elzri said curtly.

I was at a temple in the Commoner District and Sorry, I lost track of time, Stryg bowed his head.

...Its fine. Elzri reached into one of the desks drawers and pulled out a map, Now that were all here, we can begin to discuss the plans for your journey to Undergrowth.

The rumors youve no doubt heard are true, the valley tribes have become much more aggressive these last few months. However, your parents, Elzri stared pointedly at Freya, Callum, and Vayu, are leading their armies in Dusk Valley as we speak. The roads are fairly safe thanks to their efforts. And to ensure that there will be no repeat of last years unfortunate events, I have asked Professor Ismene to join you on this journey. She will lead your party as you travel to Undergrowth and you will all listen to her instruction, is that clear?

Yes, Lord Noir, the students and teachers said in unison, all except for one.

Elzri looked at the anxious Loh expectantly, Is that clear?

Huh? Oh, um, yes, of course. Loh cleared her throat, Yes, grandfather. There will be no repeat of last years events. Ill make sure of it, no matter the cost.

Lighten up, Elohnoir, well be fine, Ismene winked.

Loh frowned, but said nothing.

Professor Ismene is right, Elzri said. I expect you will all be fine traveling the roads of Dusk Valley, but your journey will not end there. The Great City of Undergrowth is situated deep in Glimmer Grove forest. Glimmer Grove may not be nearly as dangerous as Vulture Woods, but it is still dangerous. The paths are winding and beasts are lurking in the trees. Many foreign travelers lose their way each year.

Elzri raised his index finger, Which is why I have hired the Hunters Guild. Some of their hunters will be waiting for you a few leagues outside the forest. They will act as your guides in Glimmer Grove and lead you to Undergrowth safely.

Now, on to my next point. Elzri pointed at the four chosen students, As you all are aware, the tourney will be starting a few weeks late this year, due to the snow in Frost Rims mountain path thawing late. Because of this delay, the academic year has ended before the tourney has begun. Technically speaking, you should have graduated with the rest of your class last week and been granted the rank of adept. However, since the tourney is for 3rd-year students, your graduation ceremony will be postponed until the end of the tourney and will be held in Undergrowth with the other cities chosen.

Elzri pointed at the orichalcum amulet around his neck, You will also be given a silver mage amulet adorned with a gem for each of your chromatic colors. The amulet represents your status as a mage, the culmination of your coming of age ceremony so to speak. You may not have your amulet just yet, but make no mistake, the four of you are mages now in full. You are no longer novices, whether in experience or skill. You are adepts in all but name, remember that when you represent this academy and this city in Undergrowths stadium.

Stryg, Freya, Callum, and Sylvie nodded solemnly.

Which leads us to our last order of business, Elzri said. The choosing of a team captain.

Captain? Stryg asked.

Yes, Elzri nodded. Every team at the tourney will have one. The captain will be in charge of receiving orders from the judges and relaying them to their team, keeping the team organized and morale high. The captains are also in charge of giving their teams opening speech.

Elzri reached into his white robes and pulled out a golden ring with the insignia of Hollow Shade, a black sun with a skull at its center. Based on everything Ive just said, Stryg and Sylvie are clearly ruled out.

What? Why? Stryg glared.

What he said, Sylvie frowned.

Elzri stared at them indifferently, Stryg, youre too aggressive. Even when you are calm, it doesnt take much to set you off. Sylvie, from what your teachers have told me, you often do not take matters seriously. You are also unable to connect with Stryg, a team captain must be able to communicate clearly with each of their teammates. Not to mention neither of you is good at dealing with high-stakes political situations. Shall I continue?

No thanks, Sylvie smiled with a wince.

Stryg sighed and bowed his head, Understood, Lord Noir.

Elzri looked at Callum, You have the most experience in the political spectrum of aristocratic society. You would be the best candidate to represent Hollow Shade at the tourney.

Callum smiled and bowed deeply, Thank you, Lord Noir. I am honore-

However, Elzri spoke over him. The nature of your acceptance into this team is questionable. Had it not been for Nora Azols sudden resignation in your final match, you would not have been one of our four chosen. Therefore, I will not award you the title of captain over your teammates.

Callum swallowed hard, ...I understand.

Sylvie looked at Callum with sympathy.

Freya, step forward, Elzri said.

Yes, my lord, she said respectfully.

Hold out your hand, Elzri said.

Freya raised her hand and tried hard not to smile in excitement.

You have been trained in the art of politics since little and you have excelled in your mage classes since your first year at the academy. It is clear to me that you, Freya of the Great House of Goldelm, are worthy of the title of captain. Elzri slipped the golden ring over her middle finger. Carry our citys name with honor and hold your team together when the enemy threatens to tear them apart. Make Hollow Shade proud, captain.

Yes, my lord, Freya smiled wide.

Very good. Elzri sat back in his chair and glanced at everyone in the room, Any questions?