Realm of Monsters - Chapter 698: Corvus Morrigan

Chapter 698: Corvus Morrigan

  “Hey, guys, mind if we join you?” Tauri walked over to the table, her brother standing beside her.

  “Please,” Gale gave her a silent plea for help.

  “I’ve been talking with my older brother,” Tauri wrapped her arm around Lucas, “And we’ve decided it would be best to leave at first light.”

  “After a good night’s rest,” Lucas added, before joining in on the feast. He picked up a chalice of wine and sipped at it, nodding in approval. “Stryg and Belle suffered grave injuries, you two need to rest. Honestly, I’m surprised either of you is sitting up right now. Are you sure you don’t wish to head to the infirmary already? I know you’re hungry, but you could be bleeding internally for all we know.”

  “I think they’re okay,” Gale said with a knowing, dry look.

  “If you’re worried about the quality of service, please, rest assured, House Morrigan has some of the greatest white mage healers on hand,” Lucas said.

  Belle and Stryg glanced at each other in silent communication, and shrugged in unison.

  “Nah, we’re fine,” Belle said. 

  “We’ll be good as new in a few hours,” Stryg said. “My sisters tell me it’s best to let my body heal on its own. It helps train my regeneration.”

  “My mom says the same thing,” Belle nodded.

  “Surely a couple of hours can’t be enough to— Wait, you have sisters?” Lucas asked. “There are other Veres?”

  “No. Half-sisters. From my father’s side,” Stryg explained.

  “Ah, the drow, yes, of course. I’d love to meet him someday. Perhaps at the wedding?” he asked.

  “Lucas,” Tauri frowned.

  “Sorry. What I meant to say is, we’re practically family, Stryg. There is no need for posturing. You suffered some serious injuries earlier. I understand Belle is the daughter of our goddess, but there’s no need for you to try and keep up with her. Even an Ebon Aspirant with powerful mutations needs time to rest. No one would think of you as lesser for it.”

  Belle cocked an eyebrow. “Wait, does he not know?”

  Tauri gave a subtle shake of her head.

  “Know what?” Lucas furrowed his brow.

  Belle wrapped her arm around Stryg’s shoulders. “Stryg is the son of the Traveler himself.”

  Lucas coughed and spat out his drink, narrowly missing Gale. “W-What? I’m sorry, I’m quite certain I misheard you, Lady Belle. Could you please repeat that?” 

  Gale dragged her seat a few paces away.

  Stryg glanced at his cousin, “Belle, you don’t have to—”

  But she smiled wide, “Gladly. Stryg is the son of the Traveler of the Ebon Realm, also known as the Blood Sovereign of the Scarlet Realm, the Navigator of the Azure Realm, the Pale Owl of the Aurus Realm, and the Eldest Calamity, Death. Or Stjerne, if that’s easier for you.”

  Lucas’s face twisted in a look of disbelief and mirthfulness. “Ah. I can tell you’re joking, but I’m not quite sure what the punch line is.”

  “I’m not joking,” Belle crossed her arms.

  “Yes, titans are terrible at making jokes. Or lying, for that matter, at least two are,” Gale added as an afterthought.

  “I keep hearing that word, titan. What does it mean exactly?” Lucas asked.

  “Simply put, titans, at least the ones still living, are beings of terrible might, the kind of power that makes us mortals seem insignificant. The Ebon Pantheon, for example, consists solely of titans,” Gale explained.

  “Yeah, that pretty much sums it up,” Belle said.

  “Tauri, surely you’re not in on this too…” Lucas’ voice died out as he looked his sister in the eye.

  “They’re not lying, brother,” Tauri put her hand on his shoulder.

  “So, you—” Lucas glanced at Stryg, who was once more busy feasting. “Are a god…?

  “Godling,” Stryg said between mouthfuls.

  “And my cousin once removed,” Belle grinned.

  “Haah… I see…” Lucas muttered.

  “Is he going to be okay?” Belle asked.

  “Probably not. It took me a while to digest it all,” Gale said.

  “Same,” Tauri agreed with a mild grimace.

  “This is why I don’t tell people,” Stryg shook his head.

  “So, we leave at first light?” Belle asked.

  “Yeah, that sounds great,” Gale sat up. “The quicker we leave this city, the better.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Stryg nodded.

  “Great, then it’s settled. I’ll inform the others.” Gale glanced at Tauri, “Can I trust you to keep these two out of trouble?” She pointed her finger at the two gluttons devouring what was left of the feast on the table.

  “Of course,” Tauri smiled sympathetically.

  “Very well. My lord, though I know it pains you so very much, please stay out of trouble while I’m gone,” Gale gave him a look that could freeze water.

  It sailed past Stryg as only an oblivious mind could. “I promise.”

  “Don’t make promises you can’t keep.” Gale sighed and walked off. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Don’t bite anyone.”

  “It’s not like I just randomly bite people,” Stryg huffed.

  “I know, right. What if their blood tastes bad? Ugh,” Belle made a face of disgust.

  “Vampires,” Tauri shook her head.

  “So are they gods, titans, or vampires?” Lucas asked.

  “Yes,” Tauri replied.

  “I’m a goblin,” Stryg said.

  Tauri reached over the table and grabbed his hand, “You are so much more.”

  Stryg turned her hand over and nicked her palm with his foreclaw.

  “Ow! What the fuck?!” Tauri yanked her hand back.

  He snatched her hand and healed it with a quick white spell, before tasting the blood on his finger. “Yeah, the bloodwine here really isn’t as sweet as her blood,” Stryg noted.

  “We all prefer different kinds of blood, but fresh is always best. My favorite is vampire blood,” Belle said.

  “Dammit, Stryg. Warn me before you do that,” Tauri glared at him.

  “Sorry,” he said. “I promised Gale I wouldn’t bite anyone while she was gone. This seemed the easiest alternative.”

  “Yeah, yeah,” Tauri rolled her eyes.

  “You seem oddly okay with this?” Lucas noted.

  “You get used to it,” Tauri shrugged.

  “Getting cut?” Lucas asked.

  “Father put us through more painful training during our teen years. Not much different, if you ask me. Except a lot more biting,” Tauri said.

  “Biting?” Lucas blinked.

  “Yeah, especially on my—”

  “Wait, nope, nope. Forget I asked. I regret it already.” Lucas closed his eyes shut.

  Tauri smirked teasingly.

  “Lucas, there you are!” Gilgard called out from the kitchen doorway. He almost stumbled when he saw the rest of the group at the table. “And you have guests, I see.”

  Veronica popped her head in from behind him. “I knew I saw Stryg!”

  “Hello,” Stryg waved casually. 

  Veronica skipped over to his table and smiled, “I can’t believe it’s only been a few months. You look so different. Did you get taller?”

  Stryg slowly looked her up and down. “Do I know you?”

  Her smile fell. “I’m Veronica. Of House Sientia. We were both in the Mage Tourney at Undergrowth?”

  Stryg blinked. “Um.”

  “You knocked me unconscious.”

  “I’ve knocked plenty of people unconscious.”

  “Yeah, that really doesn’t narrow it down,” Tauri said dryly.

  “I’m friends with Plum!” Veronica pouted. 

  “Oh, you’re that drow girl Plum talks about sometimes,” Stryg said.

  “Yeah, I guess,” Veronica mumbled.

  “My, you’ve been busy,” Gilgard glanced at the pile of dirty plates on the table. “It’s good to see you all.”

  “It’s been a while, dear cousin,” Tauri smiled and gave him a hug. “Have you been well?”

  “As well as I can. Veronica’s visit has most definitely brightened my days,” Gilgard wrapped his hand around her hips.

  Veronica leaned into his embrace.

  Belle snapped her fingers. “Oh, I remember now! You’re the orc that beat the shit out of Veronica during your match.”

  “Oh, the one where she got blasted with a lightning bolt point-blank?” Stryg asked.

  “…Y-Yeah, that was me,” Gilgard winced.

  “Don’t worry, I got him back later in other ways,” Veronica smirked.

  “Ahem, so, what brings you all to my humble abode?” Gilgard asked.

  “This place is anything but humble,” Tauri chuckled. “But we’re here for my brother. With the war going on, we thought it best to leave Murkton while we still can. I think you should do the same, Gil.”

  “Oh. I see. How long have you all been here?” Gilgard asked, his demeanor suddenly much more somber.

  “We just got here this morning,” Tauri said.

  Gilgard suddenly bowed to Stryg, “Apologies for the festivals out in the city. Their heinous displays. I’ve never approved of the ritual sacrifices, but my father commands the priests and temples. I have no say in the matter.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Stryg said.

  “Oh, phew. Well, I’m glad you didn’t see them. Neither of us could stop them if we wanted. My father’s word is law around here,” Gilgard said.

  “Your father is Lord Corvus?” Stryg guessed.

  “Unfortunately so, yes,” Gilgard said.

  “Gilgard here is quite different from his siblings. He is actually fun to be around,” Lucas laughed.

  “He is the only one who vocally disagrees with the old ways of the orcs,” Tauri corrected. 

  “But Gilgard is incredibly talented and skilled, so his father tolerates him anyway,” Veronica said.

  “Something like that,” Gilgard smiled weakly. 

  “Huh.” Belle leaned forward and stared at him. “You look like him. Except a little skinnier.”

  “Wait, you met my father?” Gilgard frowned.

  “Yeah, earlier today,” Belle nodded.

  “He usually doesn’t meet with guests,” Gilgard muttered.

  “Yeah, well, I don’t think he had much of a choice,” Belle said.

  “Wait, did something happen? What did my father do?” Gilgard asked, his voice rising in panic.

  “Nothing, really. He just stayed quiet and observed mostly,” Tauri recalled.

  “Why the question?” Stryg asked.

  “My father is a very dangerous individual,” Gilgard whispered. “He treats people either as pawns he can use or obstacles in his way. And you, Stryg, the last Ebon Apsirant in the Realm, are certainly an obstacle.”

  “See, I told you Corvus was an asshole,” Belle said.

  Gilgard paled at her words. “Please, tell me you didn’t call him that to his face.”

  Belle cocked her head to the side, “Why wouldn’t I?”

  Gilgard looked around as if expecting an assassin to jump out of the shadows. “My father holds grudges and he does not forget. He is dangerous.”

  “He wouldn’t dare touch me,” Belle scoffed.

  “Corvus didn’t seem particularly dangerous. Rather tame, really,” Stryg said.

  “You don’t understand,” Gilgard shook his head. “My father is ruthless, but he is also intelligent. There is a reason he became the leader of House Morrigan.

  “When my grandmother still ruled, my father was the quietest and most unassuming of his siblings. Grandmother was content to let her children squabble amongst each other for the position of heir. They would duel each other in the sand pits in front of the city’s people—until one yielded—all for the sake of glory and honor. The more victories, the greater their chance at being chosen as heir. They all fought, except for Corvus, who claimed he didn’t care for the Morrigan throne. He’d rather spend his time holed up in his study, reading books.”

  Gilgard’s voice turned quiet, “Yet, secretly, my father studied every single one of his siblings, learning their strengths and weaknesses. One night, he had every one of his siblings and their staunch supporters killed in a single fell swoop. He slew his mother with his own hands. By morning, Corvus Morrigan was the new warlord of Murkton.”

  “He is dishonorable,” Belle growled.

  “He is someone you should never trifle with, no matter how strong and untouchable you believe yourself to be,” Giglard warned.