The Search for the Eoz Potion

30. Father and Son

"This is Josef's father, Clio Montrose," Tellis explained as she introduced him to the rest of the SG. He wore the same HRA prison uniform as Tellis, Aileen, and all the others who had been freed - solid black pants and shirt made out of light, loose fabric - only he had cut the long sleeves off of his. He was not as tired looking as Tellis, he had apparently been treated better in prison. But he also wasn't as old. His hair was long and dirty, sprinkled with gray. His beard was short. He looked strong and healthy.

The rest of the SG welcomed Clio with hugs and warm handshakes. He was quickly swallowed up by the group as they all talked and got to know each other. Some of the other former prisoners recognized him from prison, and the other members of the SG asked him silly questions about Josef's childhood. While all of that was taking place, Tellis took the opportunity to walk over and check on Josef who was standing off to the side, leaning on his crutches and his friends or support.

"Poison rain?" Tellis asked calmly, yet with a heavy voice.

Josef said nothing and Tellis softly pointed over toward the bed of leaves that had been made for him. Aileen and Zack led him over to it while Claire and Hailey followed. After they laid him down in the bed, Clio made his way over to them while the rest of the SG returned to their party. He walked up beside Josef and sat down next to his bed. They shared an awkward silence as Clio tried to find the words he wanted to say. He knew from looking at his son, knew from the first time he saw him, that he was dying. The emotions of the reunion, however, briefly pushed aside any worries he had. But now they were back, and he struggled with how to address them.

"It's okay," Josef finally said.

"You survived for so long on your own, from such a young age. And you built all of this," Clio said, tears of joy forming in his eyes.

He went on to explain to Josef how all the prisoners had heard about the creation of the SG. When Tellis turned, rumors slowly spread through the Capital City prison. As new people would come into the jail, they would share stories about the new SG and all that they were doing to help others find the Eoz Potion.

"All of us knew about what you were doing," Clio said, looking at Josef and then over to Tellis. "You know we all forgave you, I've already told you this. We knew you were working with the Queen now, and all we wanted was to be on her side, and yours. And now you've brought me back to my son."

Clio's voice trailed off as he fought back tears.

"I don't know that people get credit for fixing problems they created," Tellis said, her voice soft.

"They absolutely do," Josef's dad replied.

Clio then turned back to Josef, thinking about all that his son had accomplished.

"You're the strongest person I've ever met and I feel like I barely know you. I've been apart from you now longer than we were together. But I can see now how strong it made you. But now, this," Clio looked at his son's condition and shook his head in despair, "this is not you. This is the poison rain, this is the Prince. This is the Evil Spirit."

"He got us across the river," Claire interrupted to tell Clio and the others who had not been there. "He steered the two of us on the back of a river dragon," she continued, pointing at Zack.

"He got us to safety," Zack picked up. "But he didn't make it in time."

Clio reached out and rested his hand on his son's arm.

"I'm so proud of you Josef," his father said. "The love and kindness you've shown to so many people, your sacrifice, it is the true spirit of Yllop. Your mother would be proud."