Chapter 33: Such is The Nature of Gods
Opal perched on my shoulder, prompting a surprised expression from the leader. "I'm Viktor Dravos," I introduced myself.
"I am Drevolan," added my companion.
"I'm known as Haze," she responded.
A red-eyed Tigryn interjected, "That's because when she throws her spear"
"Enough, Alder." Some laughter ensued, including from Opal, a fact only I knew.
Haze questioned, "The Vorgan on your shoulder - he's a friend?"
"Yeah," I replied.
"Vorgan feed on dead Tigryns."
"They also feed on dead men," I retorted, seemingly assuaging her concerns.
"What brings you to the Eternity Planes?" she asked.
"We're journeying to NecroGate Falls," Drevolan announced, causing the Tigryns to collectively step back. In response, I nonchalantly picked and ate a strawberry, waiting for her reply.
After a pause, Haze said, "I assume you have a good reason."
As Drevolan prepared to answer, another Tigryn sarcastically added, "No, they're just on a casual outing."
"Quiet, Alder," Haze snapped.
"Are those actual spears?" I blurted out.
"Viktor, be quiet," Drevolan scolded.
Opal seemed to be on the verge of a laughing fit. Some of the Tigryns shared his amusement, as did I. Drevolan and Haze exchanged exasperated looks.
Haze suggested, "If you wait here, we're pursuing a large wild galethna. We'll share our kill with you."
"We'll start a fire," Drevolan proposed, then hesitantly added, "Um, you do cook your meat, don't you?"
Alder quipped, "No, we prefer the raw, fresh blood of our kill to drip down our"
"Hush, Alder," Haze cut him off. "Yes, a fire would be appreciated."
"See you soon," Drevolan bid them.
"Indeed, quite soon," Haze responded, and they whirled around, sprinting back the way they'd come.
* * * *
A skilled tailor had his shop close to where I resided. One late afternoon, I paid him a visit and commissioned a full-length, grey cloak. Additionally, I also ordered a new vest, the design featuring ribbing that ran parallel to my collarbones. A hat with a grand plume caught my eye, but I decided against purchasing it.
The tailor queried, "Received a windfall recently, have you?"
Caught off guard, I merely responded with a tight nod. I couldn't decipher his reaction to that, but his eyes slightly widened, hinting at a tinge of apprehension. A wave of satisfaction rushed over me as I turned to leave, remarking, "I'll be back for them in a week."
He managed a slightly breathy, "Yes, they'll be ready."
Further down the road, I acquired a pair of throwing knives, intending to start training with them soon.
Next, I checked in with Voltaire. He acknowledged me with a nod and directed me to the room with the Torben game. Just two days ago, I had been a player in that room, and after a scuffle with another patron, a hefty Vorgan had evicted me. Now, I was in the Vorgan's former seat. I endeavored to appear as calm and nonchalant as he had. I suppose I somewhat succeeded. Regardless, I found the experience enjoyable.
* * * *
The day was mostly spent in the company of the Tigryns, sharing food and conversation, a detour that did not bring us any closer to our destination. As someone who typically steers clear of betting games, I found it necessary to teach these unsophisticated beings how to play Pya stones. We found an interesting medium for placing bets the prized cuts of galethna meat. The Tigryns were surprisingly quick learners, which made me halt the games once they started showing promise.
"I suspect we might not thank you for teaching us this game in the coming weeks," Haze remarked.
"Pure, harmless entertainment," I responded, savoring my winnings of roasted meat. As the saying goes, gambling isn't fun, winning is.
Exchanging friendly jibes with them was entertaining, and I learned to gauge when I was nearing a Tigryn's limit by observing their tails, a fact that would've been bizarre if I had given it some thought. Drevolan performed healing spells on three Tigryns with injured left legs.
Haze thanked him, adding, "We've been having a string of such incidents lately."
"A curse?" Drevolan asked.
"I believe it's just unfortunate luck."
"Seems to be an abundance of that going around," Drevolan added.
"Especially in your destination."
Drevolan shrugged, "I assume you don't know much more about it than we do."
"I try to steer clear of it."
"We would do the same, if we had a choice," Drevolan responded.
Haze gazed at the ground, her tail flicking restlessly, "What draws you there?"
Drevolan responded, "It's a lengthy tale."
"We have the patience for long stories. Hush, Alder," Haze said.
Drevolan seemed reluctant to share more, so an uncomfortable silence ensued. Then an unfamiliar male Tigryn approached Haze and handed her something. She inspected what appeared to be a bone fragment. Her long, elegant hands and sharp nails reminded me of a girl I once knew. After studying it, she remarked, "Yes. This will serve." She then passed it to Drevolan.
He accepted it, perplexed, as I moved behind him and peered over his shoulder. The item appeared to be a piece of bone, likely from the galethna's skull. Roughly square-shaped and about two inches in size, I noticed faint etchings on it but couldn't decipher their meaning.
"Thank you. What..." Drevolan began to ask.
"Should you encounter Thoralon in the Paths of the Dead, presenting her with this symbol might persuade her to protect you." She hesitated before adding, "Or, it might not."
"Such is the nature of gods," Drevolan commented.
"Indeed, it is," Haze agreed.
I couldn't help but question whether either of them had any real knowledge on the subject.
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