Chapter 531: Unsteady Beginnings
The gilded black carriage of House Veres rode down the pristine cobblestone streets of the Central District. It was pulled by a pair of centaurs who deftly moved around the cracks and craters that had been made during the battle two nights ago. Even now, as Stryg stared outside the window he could see the scars left behind by the siege. This was the heart of the city and yet the enemy had managed to breach it. The greatest symbol of the Hollow Shade, the Ebon Tower still stood, but its foundation had been destroyed. Large cracks ran through the black stone, as if something had ripped through the insides and broken free like a beast from an egg.
A shift in the carriage’s direction pulled the window’s perspective away from the tower and to a large scar running across the district’s central plaza. A battle had happened here, a terrible battle wrought by monsters and powerful magic by the looks of it. The carriage rode right past the scar, careful to not get too close while still keeping its momentum, thanks to the deftness of the centaurs. Stryg made a mental note to have the Gales and Veres free any beastkin they had under their control. If the centaurs wanted to stay in their service they would be paid well, otherwise they would be given a pouch of coins before leaving to whatever lands they desired.
It was a paltry gesture for what had been done to all the beastkin in the realm but it was the first step. He had made a promise to Lysaila to help the beastkin and he intended to keep it.
“That went well. Sorta.”
Stryg tore his gaze from the window and glanced at Gale. He could practically see the frustration oozing out from her scarlet eyes.
“All things considered, I think Stryg handled himself adequately,” replied Gian.
“Adequate isn’t good enough, Uncle. House Veres isn’t what it was since Lord Eldrin’s death. Every House has been damaged from this war, the Ruling Families are searching for weaknesses within one another. The same goes for all the minor Houses and other Great Houses who’ve sworn fealty to House Veres. They ask themselves are the Veres weak? Are they exposed? Is this my moment to strike them down and rise above?”
“It’s as you said, Gale. Every House has been marred by this war. Their focus isn’t on the Veres but on trying to keep their own Houses intact.”
“You underestimate the greed and stupidity of others, Uncle. We’ve lost the entire Veres family, save Elise.”