Chapter 138: A Complicated Legacy
"A Great Lord," Ritchel said, his shoulders slumping. "Why would a Great Lord involve himself with us? We’re so far away from the Black Wood, why would he even care?"
There hadn’t been any Eldritch Great Lords east of the mountains in hundreds of years, if not longer. The strength required to control such a vast territory was nearly unheard of in the modern era.
In years past, the High Pass stood between the High Lord of the High Fen and the High Lord of the Vale of Mists. It was a safe and protected space between two powerful lords, neither of whom wished to claim the cold and barren lands that the Frost Walkers called home. For centuries, the people of the High Pass had been able to thrive here because of the protection granted by their neighbors.
Now that humans had invaded, the Vale of Mists had fallen and Lady Nyrielle was only an Eldritch Lady though seeing her as she was now, Lord Ritchel had no doubt that she was far stronger than he would ever be, perhaps as powerful as High Lady Erna in the High Fen. But a Great Lord... that represented a level of power that Ritchel struggled to imagine.
"This seems like something that happened long ago," Ashlynn said. "Perhaps he had reasons at the time that no longer apply?" From everyone’s account so far, this had occurred long before humans arrived on the continent. Much had changed in the years since the Kingdom of Gaal was founded and humans began to conquer their way westward.
"My darling is right," Nyrielle said, gently running a hand along the curve of Ashlynn’s back. "Matters of long ago may no longer apply. He... he takes a very long view of things. It could be that one of your ancestors impressed him and he took them as one of his progeny as a reward."
"Lady Nyrielle," Old Svenja said, turning her glassy eyes to the vampire. "You do not need to coddle us. We may be young to you, but we have our pride. Do you truly think it was that way?"
"No," Nyrielle said, shaking her head gently. "It is more likely that he found you to be a useful tool. To create frozen Blood Golems, it must have had a purpose beyond protecting your people. He is not kind enough to expend so much effort to keep your people from perishing. It isn’t his way, or his purpose."
"His purpose?" Ritchel asked. "Can you tell us what he might have had in mind in creating such powerful... Blood Golems?" he asked, unfamiliar with the term.