Born Anew

Born Anew XI

The village was a beautiful place full of creatures we never saw before, as well as beings we all became familiar with even before entering the Spirit Realm. Our constantly growing team was near the end of the quest and finding Ro'jhané was crucial to reach it.

"Excuse me, do you know a woman named Ro'jhané?" Shana asked. She was eager to see the end of our quest and return to her village.

"You mean the village chief? Of course we know her." Responded a small winged being. "But why would you want to speak to her?"

"They say she knows how to help this human return to his world."

"I do." A red wolf walked to us, transforming into a beautiful woman wearing wolf skins. "I know many gods who live in this realm and protect our village."

"We could use your help then." Kraid replied, reluctantly seeking the end of our journey.

"You must be the one I was told about by Alloces."

"Why would he know me?"

"Son of Relka, I will help you. But you need to follow my instructions."

"I see. Another trial. I will take it on."

"Bring me a sample of sol hemlock. It is found near the village."

Kraid produced herbs from his purse. Part of the bundle given by Stolas. "Sol hemlock. One of the most lethal plants ever known to man. There is no known antidote."

"Indeed. Now, make an infusion and drink it." The woman responded with a smirk.

We saw Kraid following her instructions. He would not allow us to stop him, and he just acted as if it was normal. We never planned to see our friends die, but that grew a lot more common as we went on.

"Well... Bottoms up!" He drank the toxic infusion. There was some time before it killed him, but not even Ro'jhané expected him to do so.

"What have you done? You were supposed to turn back! Or at least find a way to trick me!" She was scared. "Alloces will not be pleased. I killed Relka's child! I... What have I done? I never imagined you would be willing to die for a friend!"

Kraid began to laugh uncontrollably. It was disturbing to see what seemed to be his last moments on earth turning into a grotesque maddened tragedy. But then he produced yet another object. A ball of what looked like mud and plants. He swallowed it right before the toxin took over his entire body. "I outsmarted you the moment I took that thing out of my purse."

"But there's no antidote!"

"It was Stolas' bundle, right?" Marinette asked.

"Exactly! The moment she named a plant in that bundle I assumed her plan. Of course I carried an antidote."

"Stolas shared the antidote with a mortal?"

"With the child of Relka!" Replied a man with leonine features wearing an Azoth Trading Company uniform. "I am pleased to see your success. I asked Ro'jhané to test you, since I knew you were coming."

"Stop doing that! Horsie shouldn't be fooling around with us that much!" Marinette spoke in frustration.

"Well. It is all as planned, Master Alloces. But why are you so interested in me?" Kraid spoke. His life was safe, but the paralyzing effects of the herb continued. He just sat there, barely moving.

"All that matters is that you succeeded so far. Your ancestors will be proud!"

"Fine. I guess I will get those answers someday."