Chapter 101: The Blue Meadow (Patreon)

“What do you mean best hunter? Is the best hunter of the land already there? Are they being challenged? When will the challenge be? What are the rules?” Stryg asked quickly.

“Sorry, I don’t know the answer to any of those questions and I have to get ready. But, before I do, may I have the pleasure of knowing your name?” Captain asked.

“I am Stryg of the Ebon Hollow tribe,” he placed his hand over his heart.

The captain bowed, “It was wonderful meeting you. If you go through the door on your right and down the hall, you’ll end up outside at the back of the amphitheater.”

“Thanks,” Stryg headed for the door.

“Oh, by the way,” she called out. “If you wish to know more about the Seregulus Hunt just head on over there. They are supposed to be gathering tomorrow at sunrise past the southern hills.”

“Thanks again,” Stryg nodded.

“I hope we meet again, son of Ebon Hollow.”

Stryg paused for a moment. “As do I,” he muttered.

He left through the back door and went down the hall. After a few moments he found himself outside at the back of the amphitheater. It was dark outside, but unlike Hollow Shade, people were strolling in the streets in large crowds. Red lanterns decorated the sides of each building, illuminating the streets with a soft cherry light.

Stryg closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He caught Rhian’s scent within a moment. He shuffled between the crowds and made his way to the centaur. She was standing at the front of the entrance of the amphitheater. She had a worried face as she glanced about.

“Rhian,” Stryg called out from below.

She glanced down with surprise. “Master! There you are. I was getting worried,” she sighed in relief.

“I’m fine, Rhian. I doubt any of these merchants could harm me anyway.” He hopped up into her saddle.

“So, what did you do backstage anyway?”

“I had an enlightening conversation with the narrator of the play.”

“Wait, you actually talked to one of the actors!? What was she like? Tell me everything,” Rhian whipped her head back.

“Sure, but, first, let’s head back to the tavern.”

“Aye, aye,” Rhian smiled.

~~~

“This must be it,” Stryg guessed.

Rhian and him stood in front of a blue tavern. The tavern was at least thrice as large than any of the buildings nearby, as was the amount of sound coming from its double doors. A silver sign hung from above the doors with the words, Blue Meadow.

“You wanna get a drink?” Stryg asked.

“I think I’ll pass. I don’t think I could stomach anything else tonight,” she grimaced.

“Suit yourself,” he jumped off.

“I’m going to head to the stables and call it a night. Enjoy your evening, Master,” she bowed.

“Get some rest, we have an early morning ahead of us,” Stryg waved.

He raised the hood of his cloak and pushed the towering doors open. Dozens upon dozens of elegant tables were sprawled about the place. Each table was filled with fancily dressed drunken men and women eating or playing one game or another. There was even a balcony serving as a second floor with more booze and food.

Stryg noticed that there were also plenty of women and men scantily clad who laughed and smirked as drunk customers fondled their bodies. He assumed they were the so-called high-end prostitutes, or “flowers” as Loh told him they were often called.

“Excuse me, sir, may I help you find a table this fine evening?” A barmaid walked up to him with a smile on her face.

For a brief moment Stryg was reminded of Feli. “...No, I’m looking for someone,” Stryg shook his head.

“Very well. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to let us know,” she bowed her head and walked away.

It was not difficult to locate Loh. Stryg could hear her laughter from the balcony. He shifted between the crowded staircase and quietly walked his way to Loh. He found her in a private room in the corner of the balcony.

Loh sat on a red sofa around a long table. A dozen plates of food were lined up on her table. Three different bottles of alcohol were placed near a couple of pristine silver goblets. Two pretty orc women with their tops off rested by Loh’s side, one on each arm. The women softly giggled into Loh’s ears as they curled their fingers around her body.

“Hello, master,” Stryg bowed his head.

“Ah, you’ve finally come. I was beginning to wonder if you got yourself into a fight,” Loh smiled.

“Not at all,” he pulled up a chair.

“Well, as you can see I have already ordered enough food for both of us, unlike an ungrateful apprentice I know.”

“I noticed,” Stryg took a slice of bread and ham from the table. “By the way, I thought only poor and small taverns doubled as a brothel.”

“High-end taverns do the same, because they can. This tavern is my favorite because they have a nice selection of flowers. I just finished with another a few minutes ago and the tavern master brought me these two fresh ones,” she kissed one of the orcs.

The orc women giggled. They gently grabbed Loh’s hands and rubbed them all over their breasts. Loh caught Stryg staring as he sipped a goblet of wine.

“Jealous,” Loh smirked.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find this interesting, but I’m not into orcs,” Stryg said.

The left flower glared at him. “Do you have a problem with my kind, dwarf?”

Stryg removed his hood to reveal ash grey hair, soft blue skin, and pointy ears. His lilac eyes stared coldly at the orc. “I’m not a dwarf and yes, I do have a problem.”

The flower on the right giggled, “Be careful, my friend is a bit naughty. She bites when she gets upset.”

The left left licked her lips, “So, what was that again? You’ve got a problem with orcs? Are you going to do something about it? I’m right here if you’d like to share your thoughts, just come a little closer.”

Stryg leaned forward. “My current thoughts are quite simple. You work as a so-called flower. Which means you do not have enough power to have your own flowers. In other words, you do not have the martial nor magical prowess, nor the wealth to challenge me.”

“What? What are you talking about? You don’t know me.” She frowned.

“I know enough,” Stryg looked her over.

The orc felt a shiver run down her spine as his alien eyes inspected her like a predator would his prey. She glanced at Loh for help. The drow was busy fondling the other flower.

She laughed shakily. “I’m not sure what you’re getting at, but I’ll play along. I may not be rich, but I’m still an orc. What can a little guy like you do to me?”

“Well,” Stryg flicked out a clawed finger. “My plan is quite simple. I was just thinking I’d punch you in the throat, crushing your windpipe. While you’re gasping for breath I would grab you by the sides of your head and squeeze really hard, you know, until your skull cracked. Would you like to hear more of my thoughts?”

The orc swallowed, “Y-you’re lying. You wouldn’t kill me. N-not to mention, people can’t skull cracks with their hands.”

Loh turned to her, “Oh, my sweet, sweet flower. My apprentice has no problem killing you, so I suggest you play nice.”

Stryg squeezed the goblet in his hand and crushed it. The orc’s face paled in fear.

“And Stryg, what did I say about fighting while we’re here. This isn’t Hollow Shade where you can just kill commoners without a second thought,” Loh warned.

“I wasn’t going to do anything,” Stryg grabbed another cup.

Loh stared at him.

“...Yet,” Stryg mumbled.

Loh stood up, “Look, I think you’re just stressed from all the training these past two months. I get it, we all can get a bit pent up, and sometimes go a little crazy. In your case, it’s a bit of a murder-craze, but that’s okay. You just need to relax and take it easy for a night.”

“What do you mean by ‘take it easy?’” Stryg tilted his head.

Loh walked to the room’s entrance. “It means you need to get laid. I haven’t done anything with these flowers except a little kissing. How about you have them for the night.”

“What? But, I don’t like orcs,” Stryg shot to his feet.

“Says the man whose eyes have been staring at an orc’s tits for the past few minutes,” Loh opened the door. “Just relax,” she closed the door behind her.

“Did she actually just leave me here?” Stryg stood still.

“Don’t worry, we’ll make it worthwhile. Please, forgive my friend for her sharp attitude. I promise we both can be very fun,” the right flower smiled and kneeled in front of Stryg.

“What are you doing?” Stryg grabbed her head and pointed her face up to him.

“Helping you relax?” She eyed him curiously.

“Is this your first time?” The left flower found her voice once more.

“What? No,” Stryg frowned.

“Prefect,” the kneeling flower unbuttoned his pants with only her teeth. Her eyes widened.

The left flower drew closer, “Wow, I didn’t expect someone of his height to be so…”

Stryg took a step back. He knew he looked different overall, but he still felt uncomfortable having both women staring at his dick.

“Impressive,” the kneeling woman finished.

“Eh?” Stryg furrowed his brow.

His eyes widened as she began licking his member with fervor.

The left flower walked behind him and took off his cloak, “I’m sorry for earlier. I assure you I won’t bite, at least not tonight.”

“I assure you that if you two continue I will bite you both, a lot. And I bite much harder,” Stryg warned.

She shivered as she stared at his small sharp fangs. “That’s so hot. I want you to bite me so hard.”

“Huh?” Stryg blinked.

The kneeling woman lifted her head up, “Don’t forget me, too. I want you to bite my ass so hard that I won’t be able to stand for a week.”

He glanced between both women’s expressions. “You’re both serious, aren’t you?”

“Duh,” she went back to licking.

“So... I can bite you as much as I want?” He asked slowly.

“I’d like that very much,” the left flower whispered into his ear.

“What are you thinking, Stryg? Their orcs, your people’s ancient enemy,” he muttered to himself. “But, they're so soft… No, get a grip, Stryg,” he shook his head.

The kneeling orc buried her face in his crotch. The left flower placed his hand on her breasts.

Stryg reached for a bottle of wine on the table and drank it all down in one go. “Fuck it,” he threw the bottle at the wall, it shattered on impact.

Stryg pushed both women off.

“Hey, what gives?!” One of them pouted.

He grabbed them both by their legs and lifted them up, sitting them on one of his shoulders each. The women screamed in delight.

“Where’s the nearest bed?” Stryg kicked the door open.

The women giggled.