The Rosflame Chronicles

Chapter Nine: A Dangerous Task

After inspiring the recruits with his display of skill, Kiona was beginning to feel a sense of belonging at the Bannock. But the work never slowed, and Galfrid soon had another task waiting for him.

"We've run into a bit of trouble," Galfrid said, his expression grim. "A few of my subordinates have been injured, and we're short-handed. I need you to gather chigoe egg sacs from the chigoes near the Bannock."

Kiona furrowed his brow, knowing full well the dangers of dealing with chigoes. The small, aggressive creatures were known carriers of the Creeping Death—a disease that had once been fatal to Hyurans. Though a cure had since been discovered, Gridania still took great care to monitor chigoes for signs of the disease.

"Why are we collecting the egg sacs?" Kiona asked, his curiosity piqued despite the grim nature of the task.

"Researchers need to check them for any signs of the Creeping Death," Galfrid explained. "We can't afford another outbreak, even if the disease is no longer as deadly as it once was."

Kiona nodded, the weight of the responsibility clear. "I'll get it done."

"Once you've collected eight egg sacs, take them to Monranguin at Gilbert's Spire. He'll make sure the researchers get what they need," Galfrid added before sending Kiona on his way.

With his staff in hand, Kiona set out toward the nearby woods where the chigoes were known to nest. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor, and Kiona could feel the tension in the air as he neared the chigoes' territory. The creatures were small but vicious, their egg sacs nestled deep in the undergrowth.

It wasn't long before he encountered the first of the chigoes. The insectoid creature darted from the shadows, its legs moving with unsettling speed. Kiona was ready, summoning his magic with a practiced hand. A burst of wind magic sent the chigoe tumbling back, allowing Kiona to move in and carefully collect the first egg sac.

As he continued, more chigoes emerged from their hiding places, but Kiona dispatched them with calm precision, his movements efficient and focused. Each egg sac he collected was carefully tucked away, his thoughts never straying far from the dangers they represented. The Creeping Death had devastated Gridania in the past, and while the cure was effective, the memory of the disease still lingered in the hearts of the people.

After a tense hour of battling the chigoes, Kiona finally collected the last of the egg sacs. He wiped the sweat from his brow and began the trek to Gilbert's Spire, where Monranguin awaited.

Gilbert's Spire loomed in the distance, its tall structure standing like a sentinel over the forest. When Kiona arrived, Monranguin, a seasoned Wood Wailer, was already waiting for him. His sharp eyes swept over Kiona before landing on the egg sacs in his hand.

"Galfrid sent you, I take it?" Monranguin said, his voice calm but serious. "Let's have a look."

Kiona handed over the egg sacs, and Monranguin inspected them carefully. "These will be sent to the researchers for testing. They'll be looking for any signs of the Creeping Death. It's been years since the last outbreak, but we can't be too careful."

Kiona nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I hope this helps prevent another outbreak."

Monranguin gave him a curt nod. "You've done good work here. Galfrid will be pleased."

With the task complete, Kiona felt a sense of relief, though the danger of the chigoes and the ever-present threat of disease remained in the back of his mind. As he made his way back to the Bannock, he couldn't help but feel a deep respect for the efforts of Gridania's people to protect their home—even against threats too small to see.