Creature Hunters

Chapter 2: Druid

Recco Bridge was known for it held a few rumors about it. One rumor suggested that a troll lived underneath, but considering that there was hardly any room under the bridge, that rumor seemed unlikely. The second rumor suggested that a witch had cursed it, so travelers could get poisoned, then be brought back to her lair. The third rumor, however, was that there was a deadly plant growth nearby, and adventurers who dare should beware.

John and Lexaria were exhausted from their travel, and with only a minimal amount of supplies until they reached their destination. It was nearly nightfall when they finally neared the bridge.

"I'm so tired, and hungry" John breathed out. "And tired."

Lexaria shook her head: "Stop your whining, kid. We're almost at the bridge. We can rest there."

"Kid?" John raised an eyebrow as he looked over at her. "You're only about, four years older than me!"

"I'm a Memphy Warrior, not a Mathematician. Oh! The bridge!"

John was relieved to find he would be resting soon. All this traveling hadn't been explained well in all the books he had read.

"So I made some power food for our trip." Lexaria smiled as she reached into a small bag she was carrying. "It should all last one more day. We're half a day away from our destination. Sound good?"

John had already scarfed down his meal before she even had the chance to take a single bite. He leaned over the side of the bridge in exhaustion.

"I swear, you should learn to savor your meals!" Lexaria looked almost amused.

"I did taste it, it was pretty tasty." He shrugged. "I think."

"I swear, you're just-" She was startled by a noise from the brush of the forest surrounding the area. It sounded as if a struggle was commencing. "I think we should investigate. Let's go, John."

Lexaria turned to John, but he had already disappeared. She turned back to the forest, and just noticed him run into the growth, vanishing from sight. She started to shout: "Your understanding of roles and how we organize a formation is-"

Lexaria realized she was shouting at nothing and hurried into the forest to join her companion.

This part of the forest was thick. The trees were snug next to each other, and the vines entangled with most of the trunks. Lush grass as far as could be seen as the light became dimmer. Lexaria ventured further in to find John; more footsteps could be heard only a minute distance away.

"John! I found you. Good."

John stood in front of some large plant, with a serious look on his face.

"Stand back, it's a Phantis Plant!" A voice whispered.

They both looked around for the voice, feeling uneasy in the cramped forest.

"Where are you?" John spoke aloud.

"I'm above you." The voice responded.

They both look up and noticed a woman in leaf-lined leather armor and a staff. She was nearly glowing from the small light that made it through the thick leaves above.

"A Druid. I finally meet face to face with one. It's a pleasure." Lexaria said almost cheerfully

"I read about your people." John gushed with enthusiasm. "The only spellcasters that can not only command the supportive powers of nature but also become nature."

"Correct, young scholar. My name is Lilith. Lilith Drude. I am trying to rid the forest of this corruption, but it fights back ruthlessly. Will you help me?