Time to Load

When the Druid and I walked through the hundreds of columns and statues, the sun was already high in the sky. From our position, the rest of Matilda, with its destroyed palisades and small buildings, was visible. It felt more like a town than a proper city.

“Here we are. These are the city’s altars. As you can see, the Red Army tried to destroy them, but a complete obligation would only upset the people. So far on the border, you can’t risk a rebellion.”

Healytroll led me to this island in the Amayaracu River, which divided Matilda in two. The river itself was big enough compared to the city, and according to my guide, it was bigger the more you went into the jungle. We only needed an old boat to reach our destination.

“You should search for a Priest specialized in Messengers,” he continued, “since that’s what a White Rabbit is: a Messenger from the Gods. You may find them painted in some of these altars, or even in noble families’ coats of arms.”

And he was right: at the foot of some altars were depicted tiny rabbits running around. I tried to search for any clues on my own, but I couldn’t delay my new goals anymore. This man will have to help me, one way or the other:

“Where do I find one of those? I need the real deal.”

“Find? They are the ones who find you. No Priest could reach them, but…well, there may be a way, though you may not like it.”

With my gaze, I told him everything I had to say.

He sighed.

“You need to find an Altar to Nersuno, God of the Beasts. Theologically speaking, he’s the best contact to any of the beast-like Messengers. Yet, at your level in the jungle, you have no real chance.”

Now he was the one looking at me directly, closing the distance.

“Your best chance to survive is to cross the border and get back to Emberwoods, or the Land of the Doves, or whatever country. Any place will be safer than here. Take your friend and just live a long life before it's too late.”

“That won’t do. Not for me.”

I will not retract myself.

“Druid, I appreciate your concern. But I’ll find those white rats one way or the other.”

The Solid representative tried to hide, but I noticed a subtle smile.

“Then, I think we can reach some sort of agreement.” He turned his back to watch the Altars. “My master appointed me as your supporter and benefactor, yet… Master Dreadoxprime is being deceived, I’m sure of it. But we in the Guild have obligations. On the other hand, you…”

For a moment, only the squawking of birds flying over the river could be heard. We both knew what was happening here, in the middle of the ruined statues.

“I’ll be clear. You will take Kalandra and the other women to safety. And I’ll find a Messenger. Say your price.”

Now his smile was fully visible.

“Don’t get confused, girl. We really are concerned about you. But my companions are going to their deaths while I’m staying here. I don’t need your power, but your eyes.”

He took a small bag out of his leather suit. I considered many possibilities, except the thing in front of me.

A flower.

A tiny, purple flower planted in some black soil.

“Before the Reconquest, I was a gardener. Master Dreadoxprime recruited me years ago, so I only take care of plants occasionally. Before leaving my previous ‘workplace’, I stole this. A Chry. What is for, do you ask? It’s simple: every full moon, you will be able to talk with me…in your dreams.”

Something must have been written on my face, because Healytroll blushed a little.

“It’s true, dammit! Just plant it next to your head every full moon and keep me informed of your travels.”

“So spy, huh? You need me to infiltrate the Red Army?”

“Red Army? Sooner or later, we’ll beat those guys. No, I don’t need you to ‘spy’ them. I only need to take a look at other Heroes. Other Guilds. And don’t worry, if you plan to go to the jungle, I have the perfect place to start.”

He smiled again, yet I perceived a little bit of sadness in it. Just like Madego smiled at me sometimes.

They worry about me.

* * *

“No! No! No! I won’t go! You can’t leave me! Please, I know I can be a help! Please!”

The screams could be heard in the entire medical building, but not even that woke up the eight comatose women. I definitely underestimate Kalandra, but I would never leave without saying anything to her. After all, she also knew my secret and remained loyal to me.

Even when, from her perspective, I’m an invader too.

Healytroll and three Solid members stood guard outside. The reduced medical staff were focused on their problems—there was no shortage of injured people after the riot. However, the Druid was getting impatient, and his gaze told me all I needed to know.

“Kalandra, I need to do this. But someone needs to tend to these women. Only you can do this now. Only in you can I trust for this.”

“Alicia, you don’t have any idea what the people here are like. Not only in Matilda, but also in the jungle. In this country. All of Four Corners is full of deceivers. Please. Take me with you. I can guide you.”

Yes, I considered the idea. I would love to have someone like her by my side. However, every time I pictured us on a nice trip along the river, watching the fauna and flora, I remembered Madego.

No.

She must live.

I can’t have someone else dying on me.

She left me with no other choice. I hugged her with all my strength, and my friend blushed at the sudden affection.

“Kalandra, please.”

I couldn't hide the melancholy in my whisper.

Ultimately, she understood, and no more screams interrupted the peace. But for the rest of the day, and the next, Kalandra would shed silent tears.

The next task on our list was to reach my transportation. Kalandra and the Solid squad accompanied me and helped me carry my ‘inventory’, which was a light bag in the first place. Healytroll already made arrangements to leave me some food and health potions (useful for regeneration) and to sell the loot I won’t need. Evidently, I kept Dreadoxprime’s dagger and Madego’s uniform.

The river port was close to Fisantemo’s Market. As far as I understood from people’s conversations, Fisantemo was the God of Commerce and human relations in general. I wasn’t really interested in the nuances at the time, because of the strong fish smell that filled the air.

We crossed the Market, which was empty at this hour, or maybe at all hours considering Maltida’s circumstances. The fishermen were focused on properly cutting the few Paisantuna—a 3-meter-long fish native to the Amayaracu River. According to Healytroll, they were on the brink of extinction.

“And so you will be, if you don’t take care,” he said to me when he took me to a corner. “You must find a proper Asura trainer as soon as you can. A Blood Boon can be a curse if you don’t tame it. While you are with the Fifth crew, use that uniform to your advantage. They made you tolerate your obvious questions if they think you are a Heirs noob.”

Not nice when you are far from your boss, eh?

“Do your part, and I’ll do mine.”

My supporter seemed satisfied.

“Your friend is right. No one can be trusted here. Native or descendant, we are all cursed. Not even I can be trusted.”

“Don’t worry, I don’t trust you. And I don’t trust you, nor your Guild. Just sent Kalandra and the women back to safety, and I’ll play my part.”

Independent of the circumstances, we respected each other.

And in those terms, we were interrupted by a tall, black-bearded man. He touched Healytroll's shoulder while looking at me in absolute fixation. The Druid doubted at first, unsure of how to deal with this situation.

“Alicia, this is…”

“Oh my! You are Alicia! Jelly here didn’t tell me you were this cute, with such black, silky hair. Almost like mine, ha ha ha! Slender, strong gaze, smooth skin, yes, yes. You definitely haven’t been in the sun that much.”

“...this is the Guild Master of the Fifth Crusade, Ledybuddy, graced by…”

“My friend Jelly, no need for formalities! Every Hero in my baby is already family for me, and you don’t need to be so stiff with family, don’t you think it too, Alisha?”

“Eh, yes?”

The bearded man was ecstatic. Healytroll looked at me with dismay.

“You get it, Alisha! Then you’ll lend us a hand, heh?”

Two shirtless men dragged one of the stinking fish from the nearby river.

“Time to load the cargo on the Avecita!”