Southern-Realm Saga - Origins of the Prodigy

Chapter 4 - The Magical Herb

 Once the storm had passed, I gutted the bear and cooked its meat over a fire while crafting a crude pet from its fur. Finishing the pelt, I proceeded onward to where I had left my compatriots a couple nights before when I had gone off the narrow path. In the campsite, I found a pile of ash where they had built a fire, as well as some of my things. Though, I was unable to find either of my friends' belongings. However, on the ground I noticed an arrow, made of rocks lying adjacent each other, which pointed in the direction of the narrow path. Surmising the wizard had made the arrow, I continued to travel in that general direction, occasionally seeing other arrows to direct me along the right path.

Regretting the previous decision I made to visit the inn, I tried my hardest to stay along the narrow path – even when it seemed hard. There were times I was tempted to travel away from it, but the newfound fear I had of the mountain bandits caused me to stick to the trail. Half expecting the wizard to be waiting up for me, I continually kept my eye out, but he was nowhere to be found. I no longer even saw the arrows he had been creating. Curious, I wondered what had happened to him and Tatiana. Worried, I realized in my heart that the only thing I could do was continue along the trail in hopes of finding them further along. Eventually I saw smoke rising in the distance, which appeared to be coming from off the trail. Curious, I dared move closer in spite that it could be mountain bandits once again. Nearing the smoke, I noticed that it was neither coming from the narrow or any other path. It was coming from where the narrow path dropped off into a deep rocky ravine between the mountains. Nearing the ledge of the path, I looked down to find Tatiana and Asadagi – who appeared to be wallowing in pain.

Trying to get their attention, I shouted, "Tatiana, what is wrong with Asadagi?" Spotting me, Tatiana replied in relief, "Isaac, I'm surprised you came back; we thought you had abandoned us. During the snow storm a couple nights ago, we were looking for shelter but were unable to find any. Eventually I spotted a little cave at the side of this cliff where we could spend the night. It would be a dangerous descent, but I knew it was our only option. We climbed down the side of the cliff with our makeshift mountain climbing gear, but unfortunately your wizard friend broke his leg on the way down. For the past day I've been nursing him back to health, but I'm worried our food supplies will run too low if we wait until he is back to full health."

Angry at the wizard for simply moving on and not waiting for me, I was tempted to tell Tatiana we should ditch him, but I realized I needed him. I would not be able to reach the secret location of the Phi Council and receive proper training to become the great warrior I was destined to be if I did not help my wizard friend. Sighing reluctantly, I replied to Tatiana, "There must be something we can do."

"There is a village several miles from here along the narrow path," Tatiana responded, "Based on the wizard's condition, I'd say you have two days to travel there and come back before your wizard friend passes out from the cold. You must gather sufficient supplies and someone who can help us heal your friend." Agreeing, I began travelling in the direction of the village. Reaching the village 10 hours later, I scurried throughout the streets looking for someone with medical experience.

I had little luck until I ran into an old man who asked, "Have you ever heard of a mystic named Horus?"

"No?" I replied inquisitively, "Who is this Horus?"

"Horus is one of the coon people who lives in a cave overlooking this town," he responded.

"Coons? What are they?" I enquired.

"Coons are an intelligent, blue-colored race of creature who typically walk like monkeys on all fours. They are known for having a wide variety of medical knowledge." Intrigued, I travelled to the cave overlooking the village to see if Horus was home. Walking inside, I called out to Horus, but I received no response.