The Soul of Aoora [EDITING]

The totem

-And you aren't, right? Saka asked him.
The boy nodded.
-Good. Cause we're ready to help you, Saka said putting his hand on Aiden's shoulder.
-How are you gonna fight a spirit?
The prince looked back at his team, then back at Aiden and smiled.
-We're pretty experienced.

***

The whole night had passed without any sign of Saka's curse. But it wasn't a rush anymore since they had already been given a new mission to solve: finding out why the evil spirit was haunting the camps every night.
Tharia decided to take a day off, staying in her tent to sleep or at least get some alone time. The boys gathered to the meeting point with the tribe leader.
-So, spirit fighters, how do you plan on helping us? Aiden asked them.
-Well, we haven't encountered a life-taking spirit before so it might be kind of tricky, Saka remarked, putting his hand on his chin. How about you tell us more about it?
It had been a while since Aiden had an older figure to talk to like that. He had been a leader since he was very young and had to get mature quickly. He wasn't used to have somebody to vent to or ask for advice. It seemed weird. But nonetheless, it was nice.
Though he still felt like they were hiding something.

-Well, there's not much to say, he signed. He comes at night, roams around the camps and steals every soul he sees. They say that the spirit is a curse.
Saka blinked at the word "curse".
-Well, if there's a curse involved, someone or something might have triggered him, right? Alwenn digged deeper.
-That's possible.
Then the silence fell over them.
-See? Aiden signed in frustration. It's impossible!
-Woah woah woah! Don't get discouraged so easily! We've just started! Saka encouraged him.
The boy had a helpless expression on his face. They understood that they were strangers and they were maybe stepping in a territory that was his to protect.
-Look. I know you're scared. Maybe terriffied. I am too sometimes. And that's alright. We're only here to help you.
-I'm not scared, Aiden signed annoyed. Well, maybe. A little. But that's not important. What's most important is the safety of my people.
Saka was amazed by the young archer's dedication.
-Since when have you lead the tribe?
-Since I was twelve.
-How old are you now?
-Fifteen. I've lead ever since my parents were...they- they were murdered.
The team's appreciacion for this boy was beyond words.
Alwenn clenched his fists.
-It must have been really hard for you, Saka told him.
-Yeah, whatever. I've gotten over it pretty quickly. The spirit was still alive. And the tribe needed a leader. So there was no room for tears, he signed with a rigid face.
Alwenn had a moment of weakness, unintentionally comparing Aiden's reaction when his parents were killed to his. He remembered anger and devastation, the pain of the loss being deeper than the wounds left on him by the assassin's blade. He clearly isn't over it and is currently on a mission to get them back. On the other hand, Aiden had to man up quickly, barely even having time for grief, having a whole tribe to lead and protect.
The fact that Alwenn had a chance to get his parents back but Aiden would probably never see his again seemed unfair to him.
-As a future leader, I have a lot to learn from you, Saka said sincerely. We'll try to help in any way we can.

All three of them started searching for clues that would help them get to the core of the situation. Saka thought that a tour of the camp would be the best idea. A simple one but yet efficient- they would eventually find something that seems off, something easier to see from a newcomer's perspective.

-Firstly, we have our protective totem.
Aiden showed them a wooden totem with an elven face on it. It was the totem they had seen when they first entered the camp. It was placed on a high pedestal, so that you could see it right when you enter it. Its surroundings were decorated with flowers, paint and jewelry.
-Our ancestors found it. It is said that it has always played an important role in protecting our tribe. And it has really helped us. Every time we pray to it, the spirit's thirst for souls decreases, he explained.
-Huh. A protective totem, Saka said. Mind if I-
-Don't touch it! Aiden quickly signed, stopping him. It can't be touched, scratched or hit. If so, the spirit will get angry and we'll be in great danger.