Chapter 418: In Hindsight
Tauri sat with her knees up at the edge of the campfire and listened to Plum’s words in silence. As Plum’s story went on Tauri’s face grew more sullen and her amber eyes troubled.
“...And that’s when First Mother led us here and left to ‘deal with the rest’ or so she said,” Plum finished. She scratched her cheek nervously and turned to her old teacher. “It all sounds crazy, I know.”
“...Not really. Surprising for sure, but not crazy.” Tauri chuckled weakly, “It makes sense I suppose. Our Ebon Aspirant is the son of an Ebon Lady.”
Plum nodded. “It’s somewhat rare but there are records in the library about children who fully inherited the magical talents of their Ebon Lord parents. The part I’m struggling to believe is how Stryg might actually be related to House Veres.”
“There isn’t anything to struggle with. That is without doubt Krikolm,” Tauri pointed to the crimson sword lying next to Stryg. “When I heard Stryg mention the blade drinking blood the thought crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it since the sword wasn’t the right color. But now, well, I have seen paintings of that sword hanging in art galleries since I was a child. That blade is bonded to House Veres’ bloodline and its bloodline alone. The fact alone that Stryg can wield Krikolm means he is a Veres.”
“Stryg Veres, huh… Has a ring to it I guess,” Plum smiled wryly.
“Ring…” Tauri abruptly cursed to herself, “Dammit, I knew that ring looked familiar!”
“What are you talking about?”
“The ring! The one First Mother gave Stryg before we left the Blood Fang village. It’s made of orichalcum and has a ruby with a crest etched on it. I knew it looked familiar! It’s the signet ring of House Veres’s family leader. It’s depicted in every painting of the old Lords and Ladies of House Veres.”