A Descendant of Water

Chapter 20 - Master

Seth found the others waiting for him at the bottom of the stone path. Lin smiled at the sight of him. His face covered in dust and dirt and his hair was a mess altogether. but he didn't even show the slightest tiredness in his eyes and his spirits were high as always.

" Everybody ok?" everyone nodded in agreement.

"Good, lets move" Seth took back Alex and guided him along with him. The two girls followed them behind. They stopped at the cave to get Seth's hidden weapons and continued their way.

Seth called out every now and then to check whether Lin is ok.

Alma was admiring the island in the moonlight and she was busy talking about how her childhood was. The only one interested in listening to her was Alex. Lin used her injured foot too much it has already started to ache much worse. Her speed slowed but she kept quite as she didn't want them to stop the journey because of her ankle. She winced with each step and tried her best to give weight to the other foot. Their path was clear except for few rocks and over grown tree roots on the ground. The path had fallen in between the trees of the forest and in a matter of time they were walking on to a higher ground. The path slowly began to incline vertically. The trees around became smaller in size and the path seem to get more clear. They were making their way for another cave that is there on the part which is not used by the villagers. Seth knew no one would easily follow them here. They could feel the wind is getting stronger and they could hear the sounds of the sea waves more strongly. The caves were situated somewhere close to the sea.

" we are close" Seth called out.

"Good , I am tired already." Alma responded. Others felt the same as well.

Seth felt something cool against his lower torso and he felt it was trickling down. He moved his hand from Alex and he pressed his hand to the side of his abdomen. A searing pain hit him hard almost causing him to bend down. He didn't want to cause a scene so he tried to not to show anyone his confusion. He felt the wetness through the fabric of his shirt. He slowly looked at his hand.

It was blood. Seth's breath hitched. "How is this possible? He was alright after the battle but suddenly an injury? " he was confused. He felt his pace slowing down, stings of pain hit him from the wound and the pain started to increase. They were almost there. His body was failing , the energy is draining fast , his breaths turning heavy.
"Are you ok Seth? Alex questioned as he sensed he was drifting in pace.

"I'm alright just tired " Seth lied.with each step the pain increased and he could feel more blood is pouring out. He is getting weaker by the minute, his knees started to buckle and his strength is in no position to hold Alex's weight.

"Lin and Alma I need you to take Alex and go, caves are alot closer now. You will find an old man there, give him my name and he will take you. I will join you soon. I have to go back"

His voice was trembling.
Lin and Alma came forward.

"Why?where are you going?" Questioned Alma.
Lin was looking at him with a frown. But she and Alma followed his orders and he released Alex from his shoulders, Seth winced in pain trying to content the rising pain by the second. The girls supported Alex from either side.

"I forgot something I had to do ,so I'll join you soon. Now hurry!" Seth responded but this time his voice cracked when another pain hit him traveling through his spine. He was loosing alot of blood but no one saw it properly in the dim light.

"Seth are you telling the truth? You seem sick "

"I'm ok Alex. You need to get to a shelter ,we don't have much time.. you have to ....... "