Realm of Monsters-Chapter 706: The Shield

Chapter 706: The Shield

He gave one last look around the small grove.

My mother isn’t here, but this is her memory. Unless—

His eyes widened as an impossible thought began to take shape in his mind. He slowly looked back at the little Stryg laughing and playing with not a care in the world. “Archive, whose memory is this…?”

The orb of light appeared next to him. “Yours, as requested.”

“How? I don’t recall any of this.”

“Correct. You requested to see the memories you have not seen,” Archive said.

Stryg frowned. “That doesn’t make any sense. How can I have a memory I do not know?”

“Apologies, I do not have the answer to that question. However, this memory belongs to you, not any of my prior owners.”

“How can you be so certain?”

“I am currently connected to your mind and have full access to your memories. During our sessions together, I have charted your entire set of memories and have determined that a significant portion is somehow separate from the rest of your conscious mind. This is the first of those memories.”

“First…? I have more like this one?” Stryg glanced at his younger toddler self playing atop Lunae’s head.

“Yes. Would you like to see another?”

Stryg stared at the toddler, laughing and carefree from all the darkness that had plagued Stryg his entire life. “...Show me. I want to see all of them.”

“Right now?”

“Yes.”

“There are years’ worth of memories. Are you certain you wish to see them all?”

“Time passes differently here, right? Like a dream. I spent weeks in my great-grandmother’s mind, but only a few hours had passed when I woke up.”

“A correct observation. However, I must warn you that witnessing large quantities of memories in a short span of time will put strain on your mind and potentially have other adverse side effects.”

“I am not mortal, I can handle it.”

“This will not be like what you have ‘handled’ before. Even my creator never attempted such a task. I must warn you against this attempt.”

“I do not know what lies hidden in my mind,” Stryg stared at his palm. “But I know that it’s connected to this feeling that’s been bothering me for a long time. Something has felt wrong for as long as I can remember. It’s like I have this hole in my chest and no matter what I do, it won’t disappear.”

Stryg gripped his chest shirt, “I need to know what I cannot remember. So, I’m ordering you, Archive. Show me all of it.”

“...As you wish.” The orb flared brightly.

~~~

“Stryg~ Are you coming?” Tauri called out lazily from the bathtub. She leaned back and stretched, making sure to have her bare legs on display for when her lover walked in.

But as time passed, Stryg did not appear and her legs began to grow cold. She grumbled under her breath and began to wash herself in earnest. With every moment that passed, her irritation grew until finally she stormed out of the bathroom. She made sure to cover herself in a robe, determined to not let Stryg see anything.

“Where are you, you little blue man?” she growled and stomped into their bedroom, only to find him lying in bed. “You fell asleep!? Unbelievable. I waited for you—” she yanked the blanket off him.

The book of memories was in Stryg’s hand. Faint purple tendrils extended from the magestones embedded in the leather spine and wrapped around his wrist.

“This again…” Tauri sighed and sat in bed next to him. She wrapped her head in a towel, then grabbed a brush and began to work through the knots in Stryg’s pale hair.

Gale had requested her help on plenty of occasions in trying to stop Stryg from reading the book. She warned Tauri and Stryg of its dangers. A book of memories was forbidden magic from a time long lost to the mages of the realm. How the Blue Rose managed to create such a powerful artifact was a testament to her magical might.

Nonetheless, Gale told Stryg not to use it, the book was dangerous. And she was right, Tauri had learned. She had seen the way Stryg had slowly fallen into obsession with the artifact. Even when the book had begun to cause him headaches, he didn’t stop.

But every time Tauri wanted to stop him she would catch the look in his gaze. There was pain behind those purple eyes, a desperation that she knew she could not fill. He was looking for something and even he wasn’t sure what it was.

“I hope you find it…” Tauri sighed.

A familiar knock rasped on the door. “My lord? May I come in?”

“He’s asleep, Gale,” Tauri replied.

The doorknob turned and the door swung open. “Then I will take the first watch.” Gale strode into the room, her eyes darting around, assessing any potential threats and openings.

“We’re in Lord Morrigan’s castle with the goddess of war. I don’t think there’s anyone who can hurt us here,” Tauri said.

“That’s what everyone thought about Hollow Shade and its walls.”

“Fair point, even if I disagree with you,” Tauri added the last part in a whisper.

Gale caught sight of the book and frowned. “I thought you said he was sleeping.”

“Eh, it’s close enough.”

“No, it’s not. We sleep to rest our minds. That artifact strains the mind. Have you forgotten the headaches Stryg has been suffering?”

“No… But the headaches started even before he got the book. Back in Evenfall, Stryg woke up from a dream. He was crying, but he couldn’t remember why. He told me his head was throbbing.”

“So, he’s been suffering from a mental injury for several months and instead of searching for a cure to what plagues him, you allow him to access an artifact that only accelerates the damage?”

Tauri crossed her arms. “I do not allow him anything. Stryg does what he wants. He’s always done what he wants. No one—and I do quite literally mean no one—has ever stopped him. Not even Lunae.”

Gale’s shoulders slumped as she stared at the ground. “I know,” she admitted quietly. “It’s just… I’m his Shield. His Shadow. I swore to protect him from all harm. But how am I supposed to protect him from himself? I feel as if I’m failing them.”

“Them?”

Gale leaned against the wall and sank to the floor. “My brother was Stryg’s Shield. Cly saw the greatness in him before anyone else. He saw the future Stryg could create for our Houses and the Realm. And when the time came, Cly protected Stryg. He paid the ultimate price.”

“I…” Gale rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. “All I can do now is try and honor Clypeus’ legacy. But we’re surrounded by gods and monsters. I don’t know how I’m supposed to protect Stryg. I’m out of my depth. I’m failing Cly. Failing Stryg. I’m failing my family.”

“Hey,” Tauri sat down next to Gale and grabbed her hand. “You’re not failing anyone. There is no one more loyal to Stryg than you. And he knows that.”

“Did he ever tell you about Gwyn?”

“No, I can’t say he has. Who is she?”

“Gwyn was a member of my House. She was the sister of Syrak Gale, the Shield of Stryga Veres. Syrak was killed by Death along with the rest of the Blue Rose’s army. It was Gwyn who later traveled with Stryg into Vulture Woods. The gods found them and Gwyn was helpless to protect Stryga. In the end, Gwyn was taken by a goddess. She died without ever being able to avenge her brother or carry his legacy.”

“You’re not her, Gale,” Tauri looked her in the eyes. “And not all strength is physical. Stryg doesn’t need a literal shield, he’s a god. But he’s still a young god, he needs guidance. Plum, you, and I are the only ones who truly keep him grounded. Everyone else lets him do whatever he wants without repercussions. Even Feli doesn’t stop him. And his mother is just as bad as he is. And then there’s Belle. Holy shit, those two godlings just amplify each other.”

“You’ve got that right,” Gale cracked a small smile.

“Without us, I fear Stryg will become a tyrant like the Ebon Lords of old. I mean, for crying out loud, he is a god. He would be like the other ebon gods; callous to the lives of mortals.”

“He sort of already is.”

“That’s my point exactly. Without the three of us, Stryg will just become a god of death, and nothing more.” Tauri removed the towel from her head and ran her hand through her hair. “The problem is, titans age slowly and we’re mortal. I’m only an orc, I won’t live to see a hundred. Plum at best will see about a hundred and fifty. But you, you’ll see centuries. You’re the only one who can stand by his side and help him grow to be the god this realm needs.

“Stryg needs you, Gale. I know the bond between Shadow and Ward is sacred, especially between the Shield and Sword of Veres. Stryg knows that, too. He is just an idiot who doesn’t know how to appreciate the ones who care about him. But trust me, he does care. You’re his family.”

“Thanks, Tauri,” she smiled. “You must think me stupid.”

“Mm, annoying— sometimes. Stupid? Never,” she winked.

“Heh. For a Katag, you’re not so bad yourself.” Gale shifted her position, crossed her legs, and prepared to mediate.

Tauri took a shaky breath, “...I know I’ve said it before, but I really am sorry. For what happened to Clypeus. Not a day goes by that I don’t wish things were different.”

“...I know. I do not blame you for what happened, not anymore.”

“That means more than you can imagine,” Tauri smiled bittersweetly.

“This doesn’t mean I have forgiven Loh, even if you and Stryg have.” Gale closed her eyes and began to meditate.

Tauri watched her meditate for a while before finally speaking up. “How do you do it?”

“Meditate?”

“Yes. I know we are all taught how to in the academy, but the way you do it, it’s as if you're in an entirely different world.”

“It took some time to master the technique, but as a Blue I had to take more classes with Professor Ismene than most. And the Tempest Archmage does not suffer half-attempts. If we could not properly focus and meditate even while being doused with cold water, then she would fail us.”

“That seems harsh.”

“Professor Ismene did it for our own good. Torrent magic can be difficult to control, but Storm magic is almost impossible, even for most Blues. One lapse in emotional control can cause you to miscast and electrocute yourself. Few people are lucky enough to survive such an incident. Trust me.”

“Damn. I’ve heard stories, but I never saw…”

“There were several failed students in my classes. Storm magic is the most destructive of the chromatic spell forms. It is a temptation few young Blue mages can resist.”

Tauri shook her head. “I don’t know how you all manage to do it. How can you manage to cast a single storm spell in the midst of battle?”

“You need an anchor. A center within yourself. Even when all your emotions are in turmoil, that center allows you to keep a steady mind and spellcast. My anchor is my brother.” Gale smiled softly, “Even now, he gives me strength when I have none.”

“You’re lucky. I don’t think I could ever have any of my brothers be my anchor.”

Gale chuckled, “Maybe not.”

Tauri glanced over at Stryg, still lying in bed. “Hey, what’s Stryg’s anchor?”

Gale’s expression grew troubled. “He doesn’t have one. Try as he might, Stryg’s mind is unbalanced. It is why he fails at casting any real storm magic. Fortunately for him, he’s tough enough to survive being electrocuted when he makes a mistake. But he’s stubborn and doesn’t give up, I’ll give him that.”

“Well, I suppose he’s managed without storm spells so far.”

“Indeed, he has.”

A sudden knock banged on the door and did not stop, it only grew louder. “Tauri! Stryg! Are you in there!?”

Tauri and Gale glanced at each other, concern in both their gazes. “Stay here,” the latter said and went for the door, hand on the hilt of her sword. “Lord Gilgard, what are you doing here?” Gale leaned her head out into the hall. An injured Beatrix was leaning on Veronica for assistance.

“Beatrix, what happened to you?” Gale frowned.

“There’s no time. My father, he’s coming for Stryg and all your friends,” Beatrix said between ragged breaths. “We need to get you out of here.”

“Understood.” Gale looked back at Tauri, “Get Stryg up.”

“I’m trying, he isn’t waking up!” Tauri said anxiously. She tried to grab the book from his grip, but he refused to budge.

“Don’t try to take the book from him while he’s still connected! You could harm his mind if you do,” Gale warned. “I’ll carry him. You go warn the others.”

“Okay,” Tauri nodded. “He’s heavy.”

“Luckily, I am a grand swordmaster and a Brown,” Gale said.

The thundering storm of boots rang down the hall.

“Shit, we’re too late,” Gilgard cursed.

A small army of soldiers flooded into the end of the hall. They were led by an orc carrying a greatsword made of bone.

“Father,” Beatrix went pale.

Lord Morrigan cocked an eyebrow at his children. “Gilgard, to have sided with your bastard sister. I’m disappointed in you.”

Gilgard glanced at his sister. She was too wounded to fight. Beatrix could hardly run without the assistance of him and Veronica.

Beatrix swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded to her brother. “Leave me.”

“I can’t…” Gilgard whispered.

Gale looked at Stryg’s sleeping face, burning the image into her mind’s eye. He seemed so peaceful. “Tauri,” Gale turned and stepped in front of Gilgard and Beatrix. “Change of plans. Grab Stryg and get the others out of here.”

“Wait, what are you doing?” Tauri asked in rising panic.

“Keeping my oaths.” Gale walked down the hall towards her enemies.

“Gale!” Tauri called out, but Gale did not look back.

Lord Morrigan narrowed his eyes. “You are a brave one.”

She drew her sword and stared him down. “I am the Shield of Veres. Be it Monster or Man, here I stand, and I shall not falter.”