《Spell Bound》


 Chapter 1 – The Beginning

    Kaden opened his eyes, ¡°Where am I?¡± He was surrounded by an endless sea of unending white. There was no left or right, no up or down, everywhere he looked there was nothing and no one.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on? What is this place?¡±


    Doing his best not to panic. ¡°Ok... keep it together, think logically, what do you remember last?


    Went to bed, thought about how nice life would be once those stupid bills were paid off¡­ thought about the universe, what makes it tick¡­ I must have fell asleep. A dream, this must be a dream!


    But it feels so real. Maybe this is one of those dreams you can control. Create giant Roman style bed!¡± A massive bed similar to ones found in ancient Rome materialized in front of Kaden.


    After laying down on the bed he summoned a plate of fruit next, ¡°Cool! I like this place. Let¡¯s see, when in Rome I guess I would need a sexy dancing girl!¡±


    A voice came from behind almost as soon as Kaden finished uttering those last words.


    ¡°Greetings¡±


    Kaden sharply turned around, only to find his jaw hitting the floor as he was confronted with the site of the most beautiful women he had ever seen.


    Kaden, lost in the moment, took a second to realize she had started speaking to him, ¡°...this is a minor world you entered, it is contained within a piece of parchment located in the remains of this fort and as for what¡¯s going on, I am answering your questions.¡±


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Huh, sorry what?¡± Kaden was a little confused.


    ¡°You asked three questions earlier, I was answering them.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what? Isn¡¯t this my dream? I am dreaming. I just dreamed up a dancing girl and now you¡¯re here¡±. Kaden looked at her with confusion.


    Glaring at him, ¡°This isn¡¯t a dream, the last memories I have of my surroundings are of a battle taking place in the room outside, with the walls finally being destroyed and a fire destroying the rest of the book this page was part off. Had it not been for the rain none of this place would still be here. Now this tiny parchment trapped under a collapsed desk is all that is left.¡± She responded.


    ¡°What you¡¯re saying makes no sense, if that is true, how did I get here? Can you offer me any proof?¡±


    She continued to glare at him, ¡°You appeared out of nowhere in the room next to the parchment, you were asleep, then you came in. If you want proof, close your eyes and look outside¡±.


    ¡°I look forward to waking up now¡­ ¡±, he grumbled and started to close his eyes.


    With his eyes closed, Kaden started to feel a strange sensation, it was as if he could sense everything in an area around himself. The only difference was where his body should be was a piece of burnt parchment. It was almost like seeing, feeling, tasting, hearing and smelling at the same time.


    Kaden could taste the sharpness of the broken sword on the chair, smell the coldness of the destroyed stone floor, hear the colour of the ash on the window and much more. It was disconcerting and caused his head to spin. He instinctively reached out to steady himself on a fallen chair only to suddenly find himself actually grabbing hold of the solid oak chair leg.


    Kaden opened his eyes and found himself standing in the remains of the room, everything just the way he sensed it a second earlier.


    Confusion and panic paralyzed him. What the hell is going on? He thought.


    It took Kaden the better part of an hour before he managed to get up ¡°I need answers!¡± He walked over the collapsed desk on the floor.


    Moving it aside, he bent over and picked up a torn piece of parchment and begun to examine it. She said I was in here. Kaden knew it was true somehow and began to wonder how he would get back in.


    ¡°Hey, let me in¡±, nothing happened. ¡°Hello? Are you there? I said let me in.¡± Again nothing happened. Hmm¡­ Kaden tried a few more times, alternating between please and a few choice profanities. Finally getting tired, he placed the parchment in the front pocket of his night shirt and sat down.


    Ok, I have to figure out my next steps. Step one, survive, Step two¡­ find someone who has answers.


    ¡°AaAaAaAaAa Awaaa¡±, Kaden thoughts were interrupted by the strangest sounding bird call he had ever heard. Looking up, he finally noticed the window and walked towards it. What greeted Kaden was the site of giant planet almost close enough to touch taking up over half the horizon and framed by a magnificent dark green jungle.


    In that instant he forgot everything and just stood there.

 Chapter 2 – Kadens Plan

    He took a deep breath ashe returned tohis seat. Here is what I know, this place clearly isn¡¯t home, it has too much of a medieval vibe to it even if I forget the large planet outside the window. This fort seems to have been recently ransacked, judging from the state of the things here. Hopefully those who ransacked this place are long gone, I should still be cautious.


    I know what is in this room, because I felt everything in here earlier. There are some larger boots in the closet, the broken sword on the floor and the gold coin under the bed, nothing else of value in here. Kaden starring at himself in what remained of the only mirror in the room, ¡°I am a funny sight, PJs, a broken sword and oversized boots.¡± Time to search the rest of this place, although I have a feeling most everything would have been looted.


    He pushed the large creaking door open, revealing a long stone hallway with several adjoining rooms connected to it. Wandering towards the first room, he noted several nicks and cuts along the wall, chipped and broken pieces of stone from where they had been struck and several stains of dried blood.


    Kaden took a deep breath before looking into the closest room. Thinking to himself, please I hope there are no dead bodies there or around here. The room was empty much to his relief, all that greeted him was two beds, two closets and two chests. Looks like this must be some sort of barracks.


    He stood in an enclosed courtyard, after searching the entire fort. The fort consisting of two floors with ten room¡¯s total, not counting the outhouse. Kaden was able to find a couple of torn tattered books, some scraps of leather from what may be former pants and a jacket, a blanket, metal mug and a pillow case he planned to use as a make shift bag.


    Thinking to himself, this place was obviously a small fort on the road to somewhere, it housed ten men and a commander. Now that I have gathered everything I think that will help or could be useful I guess I should pick a direction. I just hope civilization isn¡¯t too far away as I have no idea what I am going to do for food or water.


    The fort had two open gates leading in opposite directions, Kaden picked one at random and started walking.


    ¡°AaAaAaAaAa Awaaa¡±, so that is what you look like. He spotted the bird he had heard earlier. Its face looked like a mix between a falcon and a wolf. It had black feathers with the exception of the very tips of its long wings which were a mixture of green and red. Its tail was almost twice as long as the creature¡¯s body. He had never seen anything like it. ¡°AaAaAaAaAa Awaaa, AaAaAaAaAa Awaaa¡± it sang, as it dove towards something outside his vision.


    ¡°That a terrifying battle cry there buddy¡±, he mused to himself. ¡°Good luck with your hunt¡±.


    Kaden followed the road for must have felt like hours before finally sitting down to take a rest. I really need to get in shape. Leaning against a tree he pulled out the parchment from earlier, ¡°ok pretty lady, you going to let me in? ¡­No?¡±...sighing, he put it back in to his pocket. He then grabbed the first of the tattered books and opened it.


    Well I don¡¯t understand a word of this language but the illustrations are beautiful. Clearly hand drawn, if it¡¯s similar to medieval earth, books must be worth a fortune. If only I could¡­


    Without warning, Kaden found himself in the endless white space again.


    ¡°Hello, thanks for letting me back in. Are you there?¡± Kaden said aloud.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°I am here¡±, the familiar voice came from behind him again.


    ¡°Hi again, thanks for letting me back in. I have a few more questions I wanted to ask you, well a lot of questions¡±. Looking at her.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t let you back in, you entered by yourself. Also we are not back in the same place as before, this is a different world.¡± She said staring at him.


    ¡°Um... what?¡±


    Still glaring at him, ¡°It seems you have the ability to enter parchment, you entered what remains of this book.¡±


    ¡°WHAT?¡± Kaden said in surprise. ¡°I can enter paper, what else can I do?¡±


    Shrugging her shoulders, ¡°Other than behave like an idiot, I really don¡¯t know¡±.


    ¡°Hey¡­ That is mean. I am allowed to be surprised here; magic isn¡¯t exactly common place outside of fairy tales where I come from. And shouldn¡¯t you know? I mean you knew I was able to enter and leave paper.¡±


    ¡°I only know what I saw and I figured if you could enter you would be able to exit. Also before you ask, I am only here because you brought me in here too. You kept me in your pocket when you entered this book. As far as I can tell you create a space when you touch parchment and are able to freely enter or exit it. Since I am here along with the rest of the junk (indicating the pillow case) you brought along, it seems you can bring things from outside here as well.¡± She responded.


    ¡°Hmm... What about the knowledge contained within this book? Is there another like you in here? Also what do you know of the outside world? Perhaps a way I can get home?¡± Kaden started to bombard her with question after question.


    ¡°From my understanding so far, you can access the knowledge contained within this book. I am only here because you somehow created me when you entered. If you want I am sure you can create any amount of people to pester as long as you are in a space like this. I have no idea of the outside world, I only have memory of what was contained on this page of the book I was part off before it was damaged, as for my other memories you first arrived a month ago and have been asleep in the parchment since then. So my memories begin from there. So no, I don¡¯t know how to get you home.¡± She sat down while answering him.


    Kaden took a moment to digest the information and began to formulate a plan. ¡°What information is contained within the two books I have?¡±


    ¡°As both books are damaged they seem to be missing a lot of information. This first one seems to be a basic to intermediate combat manual for various weapons and magic, and the second seems to be an encyclopedia of herbs, spices, plants and is either basic cooking or medicine from various regions.¡±


    Kaden stared at her wide eyed, ¡°Is there a way I can learn or access this information, also I can¡¯t read the language will that be a problem? Also what type of book were you¡±


    Rolling her eyes, ¡°You won¡¯t have an issue learning the information unless you try to read what is left of the manuals with your current lack of knowledge. You can access the information; or what¡¯s left of it, just reach out with your feelings and let it flow into you. You should also be able to get a basic grasp of the written language as both books contain enough information for you to gain enough of an understanding. As for me I was originally created to be a spell book but for some reason it seems I got repurposed and turned into a work of fiction.¡± She sighed, ¡°What a waste¡±.


    Kaden looked at her curiously, ¡°Why would that be a waste?¡±


    ¡°Because spell books are special and used to store an unlimited amount of spells. If you keep adding spells to a regular book it will eventually fill up, so you will need another and another. Or if you use a binder, it will become too big, heave and impossible to find the spell you want on a moment¡¯s notice. Spell books don¡¯t increase in size beyond a certain point making them easy to carry, we also have an inbuilt indexing feature so all you really need to do is say or think of the spell you want and the book will open to the page you need. That is why it is a waste.¡± She kept looking at him like it was the most obvious thing in the world.


    ¡°So can you combine the knowledge from both of these books and create a quick access encyclopedia.¡± In case I need quick access, to this information this may be useful he thought to himself.


    Sighing again, ¡°Why? What would be the point? You are here so you should be able to remember what you learn without it. But if you want sure, I can copy the information directly and leave the books intact. Or I can cannibalize them and try to restore some of myself while retaining their knowledge.


    Kaden closed his eyes, ok let¡¯s see. Pull the information to myself. Slowly Kaden¡¯s mind begun to expand as knowledge he didn¡¯t know before slowly poured into it. ¡°I understand now.¡±


    Kaden, pulled out the broken sword and assumed a high guard stance. It was a perfect textbook version as was in the manual. ¡°I have never used a sword or any weapon before, I can see some of the gaps in my knowledge... Well a lot of the gaps in my knowledge. I feel what I have managed to learn I know well.¡±


    Concentrating on his stance, he spoke without looking at her, ¡°Go ahead and cannibalize the books, I know what¡¯s in them and have no use for them now. It is a little late for introductions but I am Kaden, Kaden Vos¡±


    The tattered books slowly dissolved into sparkling mist falling downwards and blinking out of existence, as she looked at him and replied, ¡°Sofia Alessandra¡±.

 Chapter 3 – Magic

    ¡°That feels better, this space is now part of mine¡±, almost a hint of a smirk appearing on Sofia¡¯s face. ¡°I am going to use some of that leather and a bit of that sword as well.¡±


    ¡°¡­Sure, for what?¡± The leather and the broken end of the sword started to dissolve much the same way as the books did earlier.


    ¡°Just to help restore some of myself.¡± She smiled as Kaden stared at his now glorified two handed dagger. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I just took the broken bit off the end. I even tapered it for you so it actually looks better.¡±


    ¡°Well I wasn¡¯t going to win any competitions with it anyway. I want to try out some magic, I have bits and pieces of different spells, but only one is complete. I want to test it.¡±


    ¡°You could always create something to practice on, let me show you.¡± With a wave of her hand she created a few target dummies.


    ¡°¡­Why do they have my face drawn on them?¡± Kaden, glaring at her.


    ¡°I felt you need all the help you can get. I know seeing that face on a target would motivate anyone to improve.¡± Sofia said with a hint of amusement. ¡°I am doing this for your benefit, honestly.¡±


    ¡°Very funny! You really do have a point about being motivated.¡± As he waved his hand, the portraits turned from resembling Kaden to Sofia. ¡°That¡¯s better, I feel really motivated now.¡±


    ¡°Hmm¡­ suit yourself¡± she shrugged.


    Kaden walked up to the first dummy and swung the former long sword (now long dagger) at the target. The blade hit the target and slightly glanced off. ¡°I guess there is a difference from knowing something and actually using it in practice.¡± He tried a few more swings making minor corrections as he went. ¡°I am finally getting the hang of aligning the edge of the blade with the target, so this was one of the things missing in the damaged part of the book.¡±


    ¡°All right, magic time.¡±


    ¡°Gi Veme St Ren Gth¡± his voice chanted excitedly as he took another swing at the target. ¡°Nothing? That¡¯s strange, I did everything as it was written.¡± He started to scratch his head. ¡°Gi Veme St Ren Gth¡±, he tried again, only to receive the same result.This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ¡°How do you plan to chant a spell when you don¡¯t even know how the language sounds?¡± Sofia was laughing so hard, a tear almost fell out of the corner of her eye. ¡°You¡¯re making sounds with your mouth to what the words would translate to in your head but, you don¡¯t actually know the language so all you¡¯re doing is spouting gibberish.¡±


    ¡°Great, so not only can I not cast magic until I learn the language. I have to hear you laughing at me¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, you should have seen your face. Here, take this memory, you¡¯re lucky I remember this from just before the fort was attacked.¡±


    Kaden felt a memory slowly push towards him. He saw what appeared to be the fort commander in the room. The commander had the same blade Kaden was using in his hand and at the ready. The commander had pushed his closet in front of the door to try and create a makeshift barricade. Just then a giant axe with a red glow appeared in place of where the lock on the door was supposed to be. ¡°Gi Vem Est Ren Gth¡±, the commander chanted, his voice had a strange unnatural eerie undertone echo to it. ¡°Gi Vem Es Wif Tn Ess¡±, he finished his second chant as the door opened and the giant red axe chopped through the closet in a single swing. A man that would be best described as a mountain wearing some sort of animal skull mask walked in.


    The intruder was a heavily armored barbarian complete with an equally heavy overbearing presence. To the commander¡¯s credit, he didn¡¯t seem intimidated. Instead he resumed his fighting stance and waited.


    The intruder swung his axe down, the commander dodged to the left and made a quick slash to the intruder¡¯s arm. His weapon bit in to the intruder¡¯s flesh leaving a deep and nasty gash. Almost unaffected the axe came towards the commander¡¯s side. The commander leapt back with unnatural speed dodging the axe a second time, he then leapt forward with a quick thrust towards the intruder. The intruder hadn¡¯t yet recovered from the swing and the commander¡¯s sword pierced part of the intruder¡¯s leg.


    The commander attempted to withdraw again, favoring the in and out tactic. The intruder however had other ideas and managed to catch the commander¡¯s sword with one hand, bringing the axe down and through the flat of the blade with the other. Before the commander had any time to act, the intruder used the flat of his axe to knock the commander through his desk and out the window.


    The rest of the memory was uneventful, the intruder¡¯s men walked in and started looting the place. The knocked over candles in the room started to light various flammable objects on fire. The only other thing of note was the memory of a thinner man dressed similar to the intruder walking in with glowing green hands and healing the intruder without chanting. Kaden could sense the thinner man somehow manipulating the surrounding energy with his will.


    Thinking on it further, Kaden realized that the commander was also manipulating the surrounding energy only he used a chant to do so.


    I will have to figure this out later, I want to get a far better understanding of how magic works.


    Kaden had always dreamed of being a mage, unlocking the secrets of the universe. Now he finally had a chance.


    ¡°Thanks, this helps me out a lot¡± he turned and smiled at Sofia.


    ¡°You gave me life, it is the least I can do. Also if you were to die too easily I doubt I would find a replacement capable of entertain me¡±, she smiled.


    ¡°I am here to entertain, if nothing else.¡± Trying to stifle a small laugh. ¡°Now,¡± he turned towards the target dummy. ¡°Gi Vem Est Ren Gth¡±

 Chapter 4 – Trying my hardest not to murder her

    ¡°This spell increases my strength greatly¡±. Kaden was panting rather heavily, the target dummy by his feet lay in splinters.


    ¡°You managed to bludgeon it to death, it¡¯s quite a feat really¡±, Sofia¡¯s clapping sounded almost sarcastic to Kaden. ¡°I am especially impressed since you have a weapon that specializes in slashing and stabbing.¡±


    ¡°I guess I still need to work on edge alignment¡±, Kaden still trying to catch his breath. ¡°That commander was really impressive. I can barely lift my arms after just three swings. He wasn¡¯t even the slightest bit winded after fighting with two spells going simultaneously.¡± Pondering further on it, ¡°that is why he cast the spells at the very last moment. He waited just till he was about to face the enemy.¡±


    After regaining a little bit of energy Kaden decided to try out the second spell the commander had used. ¡°Gi Vem Es Wif Tn Ess¡±, immediately Kaden started to feel his stamina deplete. ¡°What does this one do I wonder? I don¡¯t feel any different¡± He looked towards the next target and took a step. ¡°O. I see.¡±


    Kaden managed to cross the distance of about ten steps in four. He was about to take the next step and swing, only to find himself falling face first towards the base of the target.


    A loud giggle started echoing in his ears, he didn¡¯t bother to even look in her direction. I swear she is a spoilt princess he thought to himself silently.


    Lessons learnt, magic is powerful, magic is costly and if not used in the appropriate way I am just as likely to end up falling on my own face. I should only use it when absolutely necessary until I can learn more.


    Kaden rested for half an hour before deciding to resume his journey. He remembered he was hungry and thirsty before entering this space although oddly enough his cravings disappeared the second he entered.


    ¡°Hey, I am about to head back out. Can I leave stuff in here so I don¡¯t have to carry it?¡± He asked Sofia as he decided that this was her home as well.


    ¡°If it is a spell or knowledge yes, as much as you want. Possibly small objects, not alive and no bigger than you, give or take. I may be able to expand this area if I can absorb the right object¡±. She responded


    ¡°I will leave this stuff here then.¡± Kaden closed his eyes to have a look outside. He had been in the space for at least four hours. Looking outside Kaden noticed several things he missed before with his combined senses and new knowledge. Her recognized several edible herbs and was able to detect the faint taste and sound of running water in the distance.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Exiting the space, Kaden noticed the parchment that was Sofia¡¯s home turned into a soft leather bound book with metal edges. This is what she must have used the leather and end of his sword for. He picked up the book, he now named Sofia¡¯s Grimoire and placed it back in his pocket. He gathered a few of the edible herbs, started chewing and made his way off the trail towards the sound of the running water.


    In only a few moments Kaden managed to find a cool refreshing stream and took several deep mouthfuls of water. ¡°I needed that.¡±


    ¡°What you need is a bath, seriously have any idea how bad you smell¡±, a voice startled Kaden as he fell for a second time, face forward into the stream. Of course his fall was accompanied (like clockwork) by the now all too familiar female laugh.


    ¡°Since when could you talk from in there? Also the jokes on you as now you¡¯re wet as well.¡± Kaden tried to maintain some pretense of dignity.


    ¡°I just figured out how to right now, also magic book, don¡¯t need to worry about wear and tear ..or water damage¡± Sofia voice sounding from this pocket. ¡°Find me some solid wood would you. I want something similar to that chair, you called it Oak.¡±


    ¡°What I am going to find is a nice termite mound and stick you in it. All you do is make fun and laugh at me. You know, you seem to forget you need me more than I need you. So do us both a favor and quit being a royal pain in the ass¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not very good with insults are you?¡± Trying her best to keep from laughing. ¡°Ok, Ok, don¡¯t give me that look, I will try to do better.¡± Kaden could feel the smile on her face as she spoke even though he couldn¡¯t see her.


    ¡°You know I have been recording everything since you first got here. This includes when the commander was reading outside while some of the men were practicing. I have managed to break down their actions and record them, including the final battle the commander and intruder had. This should complete some of the missing information in the manual and a few things that weren¡¯t in there as well. At the very least you should be able to use a little magic during actual combat.¡±


    ¡°All right, let me find a place to dry off first then I will come in.¡± Some of his anger dissipated.


    ¡°No need, just put a drop of blood on the Grimoire. That will bind it to you so no one else may access it, unless they can break the lock of course. It will also make it easier to transfer information back and forth without you needing to enter every time.¡±


    Kaden hesitated for a moment, then did as she asked. A second later all the information she broke down flowed into his mind.


    ¡°If I alter the how the magic flows during the chant slightly I can control the potency of the spell. If I make the spell less potent it will cost less and I can even cast multiple spells. The trick is finding the exact balance I need. The commander also only activated the spells just as he was about to use them after the initial stamina cost allowing him to fight for much longer without getting tired. Unlike me who just kept it going the entire time.¡±


    It was time continue back along the path, Kaden decided to have a final drink from the stream before heading out. He bent over and was about to reached his mug into the water when Sofia yelled, ¡°behind you¡±.


    Kaden felt something leaping towards him from behind and dodged to the left. SPLASH! Whatever it was just barely missed him and crashed into the stream. Kaden immediately drew his weapon from the Grimoire and was at the ready.


    Fear then hit him as he looked towards the stream and froze.


    The creature in front of him was part jungle cat, part scorpion and part something else. It had fur, scales and armor, was soaking wet and looked hungry ¡­.very hungry

 Chapter 5 – What the hell was that?

    Kaden spoke nervously, ¡°let me guess, you¡¯re the result of nature deciding it would be a fun experiment to just go ahead and throw different forms of death into a blender and see what comes out on the other end¡°


    The creature snarled at Kaden as if to size him up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look terrified, don¡¯t look terrified¡­.¡± Kaden kept muttering to himself. ¡°I am just going to back away slowly¡± Kaden desperately hoping the creature would leave him alone.


    Unfortunately for Kaden the creature had other ideas and started to slowly advance towards him. Its tail with the giant scorpion like sting raised up as if ready to strike.


    The creature finally deciding it had enough of Kaden let out another snarl and pounced. He barely had any time to react and just managed to dodge the creature¡¯s fully extend tail coming towards.


    Almost the second the creature¡¯s feet touched the ground it leapt back towards Kaden again, its tail getting ready for a second midair strike. Kaden dodged it yet again by the skin of his teeth. This time however Kaden managed to thrust his weapon towards the creature.


    Clank!


    The edge of the former long sword made contact with the armor on the creature¡¯s side. Kaden managed to knock a few scales lose.


    Splash!


    The creature landed back in the stream, this time however it slipped on a few of the wet rocks. If it wasn¡¯t angry before it would most definitely be pissed off now.


    ¡°AaAaAaAaAa Awaaa, AaAaAaAaAa Awaaa¡± a familiar bird call sounded.


    Seizing the moment Kaden desperately chanted, ¡°Gi Vem Est Ren Gth, Gi Vem Es Wif Tn Ess¡±.


    Just as he finished, the creature leapt at him from the stream but Kaden was ready this time. The creature extended it tail out to strike at him. Kaden dodged the tail ever so slightly, and with all the strength and speed he had to bare. Kaden brought both his hands down with the sword in tow cutting right through the fir, armor and scales on the creatures tail.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    The creature went tumbling forward the second its feet hit the ground. Kaden took the moment to yell at the creature in celebration.


    The creature rose to its feet unsteadily and turned to face Kaden. As if it was going to attack again, it lifted the part of its tail that wasn¡¯t severed and pointed it at Kaden.


    ¡°What are you going to do with that there stumpy¡±, Kaden smiled as he said those words.


    The creature seemingly able to understand the meaning of those words appeared to get a cold glint in its eyes. It snarled while staring him down and at the end of its tail stump a new one started to form.


    Kadens face froze, ¡°O ..m..oth.. u..k.. Your kidding me, U..K ..ou. How is that even fair.. u.k.. evolution.. ..ck.. nature¡±.


    The creature leapt towards Kaden again. This time however, something else intersected the creature mid leap.


    Kaden just barely noticed a body half his size with black, greenish-red feathers swoop from out of the sky at a blinding speed clutching another much bigger lifeless body in its powerful talons flying back up towards the sky.


    Kaden was stunned, at this moment he absolutely no idea how to react.


    He then collapsed as the fatigue resulting from his earlier encounter finally set in.


    After an hour, Sofia finally broke the silence. ¡°That was close, don¡¯t go dying on me yet.¡±


    ¡°No promises, thanks for the warning by the way¡±, he was laying on his back looking up at the sky. ¡°Ready to finally get going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting on you the whole time, get moving lazy¡­. By the way nice moves but, be careful next time. You used two spells at the same time, if you hadn¡¯t gotten extremely lucky you would have collapsed after the very next step. ¡± her tone indicating a little bit of concern.


    ¡°I had no choice, it was do or die and frankly I preferred to avoid the latter. I got the idea from watching the fight between those two, hit, run and strike when the opportunity presents itself. Different methods but it worked out ok.


    What the hell was that thing anyway? It regrew its tail but died as soon as that bird attacked it.¡±


    Sofia took a moment to ponder what he said and then sent him her memory of his fight. ¡°Take a look, the bird, I believe it is called a Blood Green tipped Wolf Falcon at least according to the information in the cook book. It flew just close enough to the creature¡¯s tail to avoid the sting, using both its speed and strength it severed the creature¡¯s spine and I am sure caused additional damage all over. It was quick, efficient and instant.¡±


    ¡°Not to mention, it had the element of surprise¡±, Kaden added while went over and picked up several of the creature¡¯s fallen scales.


    ¡°I want its tail, but be careful not to touch the sting as I have a feeling it may be poisonous¡± She was staring at it wide eyed not that Kaden could tell.


    ¡°Sure.. You have some strange tastes your highness. What do you want with it anyway?¡± as he sent it to her.


    Using the same method as before she absorbed the tail, ¡°You¡¯ll see¡±.


    The Gilmore started to harden, it¡¯s soft leather bound cover turned into something more solid. ¡°You used the tail to make a cover, I that why you wanted the oak earlier?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes, although this is better and I like the reflective green scales, they are so shiny.¡± She smiled almost like as if she was admiring her new home.


    ¡°Wait, that tail was much bigger than the entire cover of this book. What did you do with the rest?¡±


    ¡°Hm.. I used it all¡±, still admiring her own handiwork. ¡°I combined it all making them stronger and much harder to break. Although I put the sting aside, I may find a use for it later. Do you want me to store those few other scales you picked up?¡±


    ¡°Sure..¡±


    Kaden got a last drink of water, gathered a few various herbs he was able to recognize and headed back along the road.

 Chapter 6 – Building Relationships

    Six days had passed since Kaden and Sofia had been traveling the road. Kaden would usually spend the day walking, gathering different herbs and practicing a little magic when able. The forest provided all the sustenance he needed and at nights he would enter the Grimoire to sleep. Between the two of them with the help of Sofia¡¯s memories they were even able to crudely piece a little of the spoken language.


    Most of the journey so far had been uneventful with the exception of the 5<sup>th</sup> day. They ran into another one of those creatures that Kaden had named Scorpion Cat of Death. This time however Kaden managed to hide safely inside the Grimoire and the creature had gone away after a few minutes of searching. He had been particularly glad when he had thought of this idea and it had worked well.


    ¡°Finally, civilization.. sort off. I know we spoke about this earlier just a reminder that..¡±


    ¡°I already know, no talking in front of others. I like how you restate my idea and then try and pass it off as your own. Also stop trying to tell me what to do.¡± She said it in an angry tone interrupting him.


    Kaden and Sofia¡¯s relationship had improved over the few days of travel. He knew she wasn¡¯t really angry and she knew he said it to intentionally annoy her. In a strange way they were quickly becoming good friends.


    The village was situated next a tiny river that was fed by a very shallow waterfall. There were a few densely packed buildings and some small areas designated for local crops. Next to the village situated on the water were a couple of small docks with tiny one and two man fishing boats tied to them.


    For Kaden It was breathtaking, a true jungle paradise.


    Three of the villagers came out to meet Kaden as he approached the village while Sofia was safely tucked away in his pocket. They greeted one another and the villagers quickly figured out Kaden only able to speak a few words of their language, Calang.


    They gestured for him to follow them into the village. Kaden felt a little odd while following the three as he noticed the rest of the villagers would stop what they were doing to look at him as he passed. He had to remind himself that this was a small isolated place and his arrival was out of the ordinary.


    They approached an open building in the center of the village. There was a man dressed in a long sleeveless coat sitting on a stool next to a table. A child was sitting on another stool close to him. On the table was an open bag with several tools, vials of different liquids, a few herbs that Kaden recognized and a few other he didn¡¯t. There was also a several bottle of insects.. live insects. But the most curious thing was at the man¡¯s feet was a bucket of water with two fish swimming in it.


    The boy looked slightly injured and the man seemed to be examine him. Kaden guessed the man was the village doctor ..Or cook on account of the fish.


    As Kaden got closer he noticed the boy had a broken arm, a severe gash on his leg, several bruises and scratches. The man took a bottle from his case poured a few drops into a glass of water then spoke to the boy. Kaden thought he made out some of the conversation, he was able to recognize the words, this and strong. The man then lifted the glass and drank the liquid himself. This dudes getting drunk, Kaden thought to himself judging from the man¡¯s reaction to the drink. The man then shook his head and reached one hand into the barrel to grab a fish. With the fish wriggling in one hand, he reached for the boy with the other. His hands began to glow green while the boy started to heal and the fish would later become that night¡¯s dinner.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The boy ran away completely fine with a smile on his face. The man handed the limp fish to another villager and approached the four of them. One of the three explained the situation to him and Kaden was gestured to sit. After another failed attempt at communication Kaden had a thought. He bent down and wrote in the nearby dirt. ¡°I can understand written text but I can¡¯t speak the language¡±.


    The man smiled and wrote back, ¡°I am Healer Padvor, welcome to our village. I am sure we have a lot of questions for each other but allow me to first ask, who are you? And where are you from?¡±


    Kaden smiled. ¡°Greetings Healer Padvor, my name is Kaden Vos and I am from very far away. Would it be too much trouble for you to point to and say each word as you write? I would like to learn to speak in your tongue¡± It had just occurred to Kaden that if Sofia records each word being said and sends him the memory later, the both of them would be able to speak the language very quickly.


    Padvor and Kaden started to communicate about various topics. Kaden specifically being vague on any concerning his origins. The written conversation continued over a couple of hours, but Sofia managed to figure out Kaden¡¯s train of thought and secretly transferred the memories.


    Padvor was astounded at just how quickly Kaden was picking up the language. ¡°That is a very impressive memory you have young Kaden, I feel you will be able to accomplish much. Now tell me, how it is you have a Benita Military Issue sword, or what is left of it¡±


    Kaden explained to Pavor that he was passing through the fort, how it looked like it had been through a battle and how he stumbled across the sword in the fort since he lost his weapon to a creature with teeth and a huge stinger.


    ¡°You fought the Phinsis without preparations and lived?¡± Pavor said those words with a hint of doubt in them.


    Kaden seemingly pulled out a scale from his pocket as proof, then mentioned he was saved by a giant bird. Kaden didn¡¯t feel bad about changing events around, it was mostly true anyway.


    Pavor listened intently as did a few of the other villagers that happened to be lingering around. ¡°Very impressive Kaden, at first I didn¡¯t believe you but Phinsis don¡¯t part with their scales very easily.¡±


    Pavor took a moment to consider something before he spoke again. ¡°The news about the fort is worrying, it means the barbarian tribes have crossed the border into this land. We shall have to be extra careful when hunting or fishing. The village is on the edge of this kingdom and too remote for any help from the legion to arrive. We wouldn¡¯t make it through the jungle without military escort even if we abandoned everything. If the jungle doesn¡¯t get us, the tribes would surely cut us down.


    There is little value for them attacking the village though, we don¡¯t have anything of value for them and as long as we don¡¯t run they shouldn¡¯t see us as prey to hunt. Still, Kaden I would ask if you would be willing to stay and help with the village, at least until a replacement for the fort garrison arrives.¡±


    Kaden unable to see any other options available accepted Pavor¡¯s offer


    ¡°Gion is responsible for training and leading the village guard, she was a former Estarte in the Legion and is out fishing or hunting right now. I will ask her to show you what needs to be done when she returns, until then Saba will show you to a place you can stay¡±


    Saba was one of the three villagers that had first greeted Kaden. She was a tall girl with long dark hair and seemed curious about the outside world. She had tried to question Kaden more about where he came from but only received several vague answers.


    Saba reluctantly took her leave of Kaden after they finally reached the home designated for him. It seemed the previous owner had been taken by the jungle several months ago and the place was now empty.


    It wasn¡¯t very fancy, just a simple dwelling with wood floors, walls and a roof. It had three small rooms, including a kitchen, a bedroom and bathroom with rudimentary indoor plumbing.


    ¡°I guess this is going to be our new home for the next while¡± Sofia voice finally came bursting from his pocket.


    Kaden lay on the cot in the room, ¡°I have a strange gut feeling that we shouldn¡¯t get too comfortable¡±


    ¡°Agreed¡±

 Chapter 7 – Gion

    ¡°Is he a threat?


    You sure? The Tribes moving in worry me.


    All right I will head back right after¡±


    Gion ended the conversation with Padvor by touching the runic tattoo on her arm. Its dull glow slowly fading. She smiled, even after 173 years he still made her heart flutter.


    Gion was promoted from a regular front-line infantry soldier to an Estarte in only 4 years, she had made her mark on the battlefield with her trusty partner a War-sword she named Lust. She was assigned to protect a field medical unit as part of her first sub-command. That was when she first met Padvor another Estarte at the time. He quickly became most stubborn, obstinate man that she had the displeasure of working with, surely a trait from the tribal side of his family. Yet she eventually fell for him, succumbing to his stupid grin. They had eventually retired from the Legion together and decided they wanted a simpler life away from the jungle cities of Rakan. That however was likely to change if the tribes were moving in.


    The New Kingdom or Rakan, now that was a joke. It hadn¡¯t been new for at least 4000 years. Connections and Family were everything in Rakan, there was almost nothing anyone could do to get ahead except for joining the military. Even then, becoming an Estarte was as high up as most common born folk could hope for.


    Still the modest pension of 10 gold each a year was more than enough for them to live a comfortable retirement and was the reason most enlisted. The two of them had theirs safely tucked away accumulating in Rakan bank. There should be around 140 gold in there now, more than enough to buy a nice home, perhaps even a place on the ocean in Leece. She remembered it from her honeymoon, clear Blue Ocean, white beach on one side and jungle on the other, there was a city.


    She sighed¡­ Turning her attention back to the water and waited. The water was clear and Gion could see right to the bottom. All she need to do was spear a few more fish, and she could go home. Then she noticed something odd, where did all the fish run off to? She was puzzled for a moment, they were just¡­ Gion dropped her fishing spear and drew Lust from its sheath.


    A slight chill sent shivers of anticipation up her spine, her senses sharp as ever.


    Four transparent spear like objects rose from the water darting right at her. She leapt back on the boat to avoid them, another one came straight at her from behind. The previous four were only meant as a distraction. She narrowly dogged it as three more shot out from the water heading towards her. She was trapped and had nowhere left to run. The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    The Cooah was a deadly aquatic creature that looked like a cross between a crocodile, shark and octopus. It primarily hunted prey in the water but it was not unusual for to hunt on land. A Cooah preferred silently stocking and studying a potential meal, before attacking from either above or below. A Cooah could swim without disturbing the water, move through the jungle without leaving a trace, it could even climb while blending into the tree.


    The Cooah was now dead, a sharp cold object being removed from its head by a smiling woman. It was unexpectedly attacked from above without knowing what had killed it. Gion had used the creature¡¯s attacks to lure it directly under the boat. It was then a simple matter to figure out its exact location and stab Lust down through the bottom of the boat and into the creature.


    ¡°How do you like the place, it¡¯s small but comfortable?¡± Padvor had come by to check on Kaden.


    ¡°It is not bad, I have been on the road so long I haven¡¯t slept in a real bed for a while¡± Kaden scratching his head. ¡°Is there any place to get some more appropriate clothes around here? Possibly some well-fitting boots?¡±


    ¡°We usually just make everything as we need. When Gion gets back she can show you how to hunt for leather around here. Are you any good with Tannin?¡±


    ¡°To be honest I usually just buy clothes in the city, I am not use to life out here.¡± Kaden admitted


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that, Gion, has a way of teaching things. You will pick things up really quick around her.


    She may only look 40 but don¡¯t let that fool you. Gion was a veteran of well over a thousand battle fields, between training and experience she knows much.¡± Laughing Padvor continued, ¡°We use to tease her a lot, the commander especially. She would leave in the morning pristine, not an ounce of dirt on her. When she would return after a mission or battle, she would be lucky if anything she wore maintained any semblance of its original colour.


    The commander once said to her, you know Gion there are two constants with you, first that stupid smile you always have after a battle and second your face to your toes are dyed in blood.


    Of course that stuck with her, I think the entire platoon nicked name her Gion Blood after that. Which is a euphemism for¡­¡± Padvor had to stop himself mid-sentence, ¡°well you may be a little young for me to tell you what that means¡±


    Kaden swallowed, ¡°Sounds like she gets into her work.¡±


    Padvor couldn¡¯t stop laughing, ¡°She definitely takes pride in it. By the way she will want to take stock of your skills. So be ready for a workout when she gets back.¡±


    Kaden smiled. ¡°I was wondering, do you have anything to read around here. I want to practice my Calang¡±


    ¡°I have a copy of Korins Jungle Survival Guide I keep around for reference, it is informative but dry. I think there are a few more books floating around. I will ask and see if anyone is willing to let you borrow some¡± Padvor smiled and said goodbye as he walked away.


    ¡°She sounds like fun, I look forward to her ¡°taking stock¡± of your skills, and I have a feeling you will be spending a lot of time getting to know the forest floor¡± Sofia chimed in when the coast was clear.


    Kaden did not seem amused at the remark.

 Chapter 8 – Breakfast and Bruises

    Both the day and night were much longer on this world and Kaden came to the realization that this world was actually a moon orbiting a giant planet.


    ¡°What¡¯s a planet?¡± Sofia¡¯s voice sparkled with curiosity


    Kaden was sure he didn¡¯t say that out aloud.


    ¡°No, you didn¡¯t say that out aloud. I told you before you could say or think of a spell to access a regular Grimoires indexing ability. Since I am alive and you thought out aloud I could hear you.¡± Sofia¡¯s voice continued as several questions sprang up in Kaden¡¯s mind.


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t hear you before because this is the first time you have thought out aloud.


    Yes, it is a surprise to me. I didn¡¯t know you could think, I figured it was mostly empty up there.


    How should I know? You just direct your thoughts to me and I can hear them, if you don¡¯t I can¡¯t.


    Tell me! What is a planet? And what is a moon?¡± Sofia very eager to learn about and record this new knowledge.


    Kaden sighed, feeling slightly violated. ¡°Planets are¡­¡± every time Kaden answered, Sofia would ask him a dozen more questions. Sofia was hooked on learning as much as she could, especially about this Science subject.


    Hours felt like minutes as time passed and Kaden felt mentally exhausted with the constant explanations. Sofia however to his dismay, didn¡¯t seem like she would let up anytime soon. The conversation finally came to a halt with Saba knocking on Kaden¡¯s door. She had brought Padvor¡¯s copy of Korin¡¯s Jungle Survival Guide.


    Kaden made sure to have Sofia copy the information and not absorb the book.


    ¡°This is¡­¡± the book turned out to be a copy of one of the two books Kaden and Sofia had first absorbed. Kaden finally went to bed as Sofia quieted down, both of them happy to have the remainder of the missing information.


    Korin¡¯s Jungle Survival Guide: This Guide is the completed works of the legendary explorer Korin. It is an essential requirement for any traveler looking to survive from the cities of Rakan to the ruins of the old kingdom. The knowledge outlined in these pages range from how to make simple lifesaving salves and potions, to plants to animals you should watch out for. It is everything you need to know. ¨C Rakan Publishing¡¯s


    Padvor came to see Kaden early the next morning handing him clothes, boots and a tiny satchel with thigh and belt straps. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to presume but since you asked about clothes last time I spoke with some of the village. Some of these are old but they are still in good order and would be better suited to the jungle. You will find them a bit more durable then what you have.¡±


    Kaden happily accepted Padvor¡¯s gifts and thanked him profusely. He had been worried about wearing the same things for several days now and they weren¡¯t holding up in the jungle heat. Kaden wore the first set of clothing and stored the second safely away.


    ¡°They fit you well and should last at least until you learn to make your own. Come I want to introduce you to my wife over breakfast.¡± Padvor leading Kaden to the place they had first met.


    It was customary for everyone in the village to eat together and if Kaden was going to join he had to learn its customs and fit in. Gion had not arrived yet so Padvor took the time to introduce Kaden to the rest of the village.


    ¡°Forgive my wife, she has grown accustomed to sleeping in now that we are retired. It really becomes the little things we tend appreciate the most. O¡­ There she is now¡± Padvor said with the biggest grin plastered his face.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Gion walked in half asleep, her hair disheveled and looked as if she walked through a tree immediately after getting out of bed.


    ¡°Try not to stare too hard, she is taken¡±, Padvar joked teasingly. ¡°I did well for myself no?¡±


    Kaden had to admit, Padvar did well for himself. Sofia was of course more his type¡­ O I hope I didn¡¯t think that aloud Kaden worried.


    Gion was definitely beautiful even if the aura around her screamed bother me and you die. She walked over to them not noticing Kaden and sat down besides Padvar putting her head on his shoulder. He laughed as he picked a leafy twig out of her hair, ¡°Did you walk through the Coli tree again?¡±


    She groaned in response.


    ¡°Let me introduce you, this is Kaden. He is the one I told you about.¡± Padvor chuckled


    Gion sleepily looked at Kaden and groaned again.


    Kaden, not sure how to answer scratched the back of his head. ¡°Hello¡±


    At this point Padvor burst out laughing, ¡°She isn¡¯t the best morning person¡±. This comment was instantly followed by an elbow from Gion to Padvor¡¯s ribs. Padvor wincing in pain, ¡°She says to say hello¡±.


    Kaden as well as some of the other villagers couldn¡¯t help but laugh at this point.


    The rest of breakfast was accompanied with fun chatter, lots of laughs, finally ending with everyone slowly filtering out to begin the day.


    After breakfast Gion, Padvor and Kaden went over to a small clearing that was used as the village¡¯s training yard. Gion went to a nearby shack and pulled out two training swords as Padvor sat relaxed on a nearby bench. Curiously a bucket of water with several fish had been there waiting for him.


    ¡°Show me what you got boy¡±, Gion throwing the sword to Kaden.


    Kaden felt a kick to his rear as he bent over to pick up the weapon he previously failed to catch.


    Before he could look up, he heard Gion¡¯s voice, ¡°Always, be aware of your surroundings.¡±


    Kaden had to roll out of Gion¡¯s way as her boot hit the ground leaving a deep imprint. She isn¡¯t going to even let me get up, he thought.


    ¡°You just going to play in the dirt all day or are you going to get up?¡± She said as a third attack nearly connected with Kaden¡¯s face. Kaden finally managed to get up but had to leap out of the way of her next attack. ¡°I haven¡¯t even used my sword yet¡± she teased, launching a kick towards Kaden¡¯s stomach. This time Kaden avoid it by stepping to the side and swung his sword down to try and hit her leg.


    ¡°Good¡± she said as Kaden felt something hard hit his head. To his surprise, Gion had somehow managed to withdraw her extended leg, plant it flat on the ground, pivot on it and kick the back of his head. And all of this was done in a split-second before he completed swinging his sword.


    I nearly blacked out after that round house kick he thought to himself as he rose unsteadily. Gion had decided to let him stand up this time.


    ¡°Kaden are you ok?¡± Padvor¡¯s voice interrupting his thoughts.


    ¡°I am fine, just a little dizzy is all. No big deal¡± He responded.


    ¡°Hm¡­ I guess I will have to work a little harder¡± Gion broke in.


    ¡°No No, don¡¯t worry about. You¡¯re working plenty hard enough. In fact I think you should work less hard¡­ definitely less hard.¡± Kaden¡¯s response to Gion¡¯s comment was almost instantaneous.


    Gion looking amused, ¡°well boy, at least you still have your sense of humor. Come let¡¯s continue¡±


    This time Kaden went on the attack, Gion gently pushed his sword out of the way with a not so gentle kick to his groin. Kaden barely heard Gion speak as he crumpled to the floor like a house of cards, ¡°Don¡¯t leave so many vital spots unguarded. It leaves them open to attack.¡±


    Kaden could only let out a high pitched response, ¡°got it.¡±


    Padvor quickly came over and handed Kaden a water skin, ¡°Here drink this, it will dull the pain a lot and heal any internal injuries¡±


    A few minutes the throbbing pain died down to a very dull ach. Kaden heart was full of dread, what was Gion going to do next.


    Gion¡¯s started this round with simple sword strike from above. This time Kaden surprised both Gion and Padvor by perfectly blocking her sword and counterattacking. It would have been enough to cut Gion in half, if he was using a real sword but her body automatically respond to counter him. Kaden was hurtling backwards before he even knew what was going on. Gion had gotten below him in a split second and kicked him so hard that his feet were no longer touching the ground.


    Padvor took out something from his coat and put a few drops into his water skin. Taking a drink he reached into the bucket and caught a fish; his hands radiating a green glow. ¡°As I thought, you broke his ribs with that last one, you almost punctured his lung¡±, Padvor draining the life energy from the fish to heal Kaden¡¯s wounds.


    Gion frowned, years of training and real combat experience had taken over her reflexes. Only at the last moment was she able to control her strength just enough to ensure it wouldn¡¯t have been a fatal injury.


    They trained the rest of the day, Gion had Kaden switch between multiple weapons finally having him settle on a spear.


    After dinner, Kaden decided he need to go for a warm bath and excused himself as Padvor and Gion went home.


    ¡°What did you think, how is the boy?¡± Padvor asked Gion


    ¡°I wonder who taught that boy. He knows incomplete bits and pieces of everything and tries to piece them together. The few things he can do, he does well¡­ too well. He has some combat sense but he hasn¡¯t learnt how to improvise.¡± Gion responded thinking deeply.


    ¡°Too well¡­ I agree. The few things he demonstrated were so perfect that they could have come directly from a manual¡± Padvor agreed


    Kaden washed the dirt out of his clothes, he was surprised how well they held up. After hanging them up to dry and taking a bath he finally decided to relax and let sleep take him.


    ¡°So¡­ what do you mean by, ¡°I am more your type?¡±¡± Sofia asked curiously.

 Chapter 9 – Me, Myself and I

    Kaden awoke early the next morning; He wasn¡¯t able get much sleep last night, especially after experiencing a sudden case of foot in mouth syndrome. Sofia¡¯s question had caught him severely off guard and he had managed to distract her by changing the subject. Fortunately Sofia¡¯s biggest weakness was a thirst for knowledge, especially science.


    Closing his eyes; Kaden pounded his fist down on the bed. He always hated this part about himself. Recalling his past, ¡°every time, every time¡±, he muttered under his breath. When he would finally work up the nerve to ask someone out, a paralyzing anxiety would come over him and he would lose his nerve. This had happened so often that Kaden had become extremely adept at controlling a conversation.


    Sighing¡­ ¡°I guess I should be more worried about this morning¡¯s torture secession. Seriously I think Gion has more fun beating the training into me then¡­¡± a moment of clarity suddenly hit Kaden. Laughing to himself, practice today is going to be fun.


    ¡°Hey Sofia, you awake?¡±


    Kaden was in an exceptionally good mood during of breakfast. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re feeling alright? Yesterday¡¯s training was harsh, perhaps we should cancel todays just to make sure everything is ok.¡± No one ever looked forward to training with Gion before and Kaden¡¯s enthusiasm caused Padvor to wonder if Kaden had any undiagnosed head injuries.


    Kaden still smiling as Gion handed him a training spear, ¡°Good attitude boy, perhaps you are not completely hopeless. Don¡¯t worry, I had Padvor ready more fish for today¡±


    The training thus far was similar to the previous secession with Kaden on the ground for most of it. Padvor finally intervened to heal Kaden before the next round while Gion pointed out several mistakes he was making.


    Kaden rose to his feet and smiled; Sofia now. Kaden launched his spear thrusting it Gion. She stepped into it and pushed it aside with her own spear. Kaden closed the distance between them swinging the butt of his spear at her temple. ¡°Nice try boy¡±, she taunted launching a knee towards him. Kaden smiled expecting her response and was already pivoting on his leg closest to her.


    Thud! Gion fell forward as she felt something hit the back of her head. Kaden had replicated her round house kick from yesterday catching her by surprise. She just barley recovered into a forward roll and as a spear came thrusting from behind almost catching her in the back. She spun around to see a kick coming at her from above; leaving her no choice but to defend using a kick of her own. Her instincts kicked in as their feet connected and Kaden was launched back. A spear came hurtling at her and she forced to dodge out of its way. She was on the defensive and he was already charging at her the instant he touched the ground. Gion thrust the end of her spear into the dirt. At that moment she felt, confusion, frustration, anger, mainly anger. She flicked her spear up launching dirt at his eyes forcing him close them for half a second. That half a second was all it took. A spear caught Kaden directly in the chest launching him back; his feet once again off the ground.


    She walked up staring at the unconscious boy. In less than a day he had managed to copy part of a fighting style she had taken years to develop.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Earlier that day: It occurred to Kaden when Sofia transfers a memory of something they witnessed, he was able to absorb it fully. That is why he was able to use the intruder and the commander¡¯s moves flawlessly.


    Padvor and told her about the boy¡¯s gifted memory but what he demonstrated was impossible. Gion decided she would test this further and step things up a notch. Even if the boy could replicate her technique he still lacked the necessary strength and stamina.


    Gion was eager to begin the next round as Kaden finally sat up after recovering from a collapsed lung thanks to Padvor. This time however they were interrupted by a frantic Saba, ¡°Padvor, Gion come quick. We found Jily hurt¡±


    The four of them rushed over to find an unconscious boy laying on a bed. He had been badly mauled, had several broken bones and was missing several chunks of flesh. The look on Padvor¡¯s face told Kaden that things didn¡¯t look good. ¡°Saba, have someone bring my equipment then take Gion and Kaden to where you found him.¡± There was no hesitation in Padvor¡¯s voice and the three of them followed his instructions.


    Kaden and Gion were examining the spot where they found Jily; Gion had made sure to arm Kaden with a real spear before they left. ¡°Notice anything boy?¡± she asked him as if she were a teacher.


    Kaden thought over all the information they had, ¡°He fell from there, after running from something.¡±


    ¡°Yes but what was chasing him?¡± further questioning him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, it looked like it had claws and teeth and had to have been smaller than him or he wouldn¡¯t have made it this far.¡± Kaden responded.


    Gion approvingly nodded, ¡°It was a Spine-back Raptor, judging from the size of the claw marks and wounds on the boy. I¡¯d say no more than a month or two. Notice the¡­¡± She continued to educate on methods of identifying different creatures from the tiniest clues.


    When she felt satisfied that Kaden had learnt enough she touched the tattoo on her arm. ¡°How¡¯s Jily?¡± She spoke the words into the air, confusing Kaden. It took a moment before he noticed the dull glow emanating her arm. ¡°It was a Spine-back.¡± She paused for a moment, ¡°I will take the boy, see if I can find the nest¡±


    Excerpt Korin¡¯s Jungle Survival Guide: A Spine-back Raptor is most easily recognized by the defensive protruding spines on its back. The Spine-back is perhaps one of the most intelligent predators to stalk the Jungles around Rakan. Herd, Distract, Strike; this perfectly coordinated pack hunting strategy has taken down prey many times its size. Even well-armed and coordinated groups of adventurers have fallen victim to the pack. Spine-backs are fiercely territorial and will only leave their territory if the pack is threatened, shortage of food or to hunt any predator that made the foolish mistake of gone after their young.


    ¡°We are what now???¡± Kaden reaction almost caused Sofia to burst out loud in laughter.


    ¡°Time to learn how to hunt¡± Gion smiled. ¡°We need to know if this was just an accident or if a pack has chosen this area as their new hunting ground¡±


    ¡°And if they have chosen this as their new hunting ground?¡± Kaden asked


    ¡°We leave¡±, Gion tone was flat.


    Gion taught Kaden as they tracked the pack to a cave deeper in the Jungle. ¡°Not good, they look like they are settling in. The village will become part of their hunting ground.¡± Gion touching the tattoo on her arm to let Padvor know as Kaden slowly looked at the pack.


    ¡°They are close enough together, can¡¯t you just blast them with a fire ball or something?¡± Kaden whispered.


    Gion looking at Kaden like he just said the most absurd thing she had ever heard. ¡°Boy, do I look like a high-born to you?¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you high up in the Legion, I would think they would have taught you magic.¡± Kaden spoke almost shocked at her response.


    ¡°The only thing the Legion teaches us common-born is how to fight. Only Commanders or above in the Legion can use magic; it keeps the rest of us in line. We are retreating¡± She ordered slowly backing away from the pack.


    ¡°What about your tattoo isn¡¯t it magic? And I know Padvor can do that heal spell¡± Kaden still not willing to drop the subject.


    ¡°Boy, this is not the time or place to talk.¡± She said a firmly and continued backing away quietly.


    Looking at Kaden¡¯s disappointed face she finally sighed, ¡°Fine, I will tell you more when we are back at the village¡±


    Kaden¡¯s face lit up with a smile as he firmly stepped down on a large twig snapping it in two, producing a very audible sound.

 Chapter 10 – Tar and Feathered

    Gion glared at Kaden with her I am going to kill you if we get out of this alive look.


    ¡°RUN¡± she yelled sprinting away from the Spine-backs; Kaden hot on her heels. Touching the tattoo on her arm as it begun to glow. ¡°Padvor I am bringing home company¡±. A bead of sweat rolled down her forehead as she glanced over her shoulder, ¡°a lot of company.¡±


    The pack was right behind them and closing fast. ¡°ARrrr Rrrr, ARrrr Rrrr¡±, a noise almost sounding like a command came from the Spine-back closest to them, ¡°Arrooor¡±. Three groups broke off from the central pack; two of them speeding up to flank Kaden and Gion from each side. The third group seemed to break off pursuit and disappeared into the jungle.


    This time Kaden glanced over his shoulder, ¡°They are gaining on us¡±. The two flanking groups were almost directly on either side of them. ¡°I know¡±, Gion yelled leaping over a fallen tree. ¡°Well, any ideas?¡± Kaden leaping over the same tree.


    ¡°Run faster.¡± One of the flanking Spine-backs got close enough and leapt at her. Gion narrowly avoided it by diving under the Spine-back into a forward roll springing back onto her feet in a continuous motion. ¡°They are going to herd us into that third group that broke off. That group will be waiting up ahead getting ready to cut off our escape.¡±


    Great, Kaden thought to himself in frustration. Just then Sofia whispered to him, ¡°There are tar pits nearby, you may be able to make it.¡±


    ¡°Boy, Grab some of those red berries¡± Gion yelled grabbing what she was able to when she ran by. ¡°And swallow¡±.


    Kaden did as he was told; his fatigue disappeared and his stamina almost fully returned. Recoberry he thought; recognizing them from the illustrations in Korin¡¯s Jungle Survival Guide. ¡°I smell tar, must be a tar pit nearby. Can we use it to slow them down?¡± A Spine-back leapt at Gion again forcing her to quickly change course.


    ¡°Good thinking, what direction?¡± She glancing back at Kaden who pointed in the direction. ¡°That isn¡¯t where they are herding us, we will have to get creative¡±. Another Spine-back from the flanking group tried to force Gion to change her direction by getting just close enough to snap her heel. Gion seeing the split second opening leapt forward and spun mid leap. In a single stroke Lust was unsheathed and slashing at the creatures head. ¡°Now¡±, she yelled; the two of them sprinting towards the direction of the tar pits.


    ¡°Arroorr¡±, a quick yell came from behind them as the pack changed directions.


    The smell of natural gas and heat from the tar pits grew more intense with each second, Kaden and Gion were nearly there. ¡°ARRrrror¡±, a Spine-back from the main pack had just caught up with Kaden leaping at him from behind. It had barely managed to graze the back of his leg.


    ¡°Jump boy¡±, Kaden reacted as soon as he heard those words. Gion had just made it to the other end of a tiny tar pit and he followed. The first few Spine-backs from the main pack screamed when they fell in to the bubbling sticky black substance; the fate sealed for eternity. ¡°ARrrr Rrrr¡±, called a Spine-back and the entire pack halted staring at both Gion and Kaden.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    ¡°ARrrr Rrrr¡±, it called again and the pack split up carefully trying to surround the two of them while avoiding the pit.


    ¡°We have bought some time, we can¡¯t let them flank us again.¡± Kaden remarked.


    ¡°This way hurry up boy¡± Gion not stopping to look back.


    There were a few different paths between the tar pits. The two of them moved, being careful not to lose their footing, falling in would be bad. One of the flanking Spine-backs found a path and charged towards Kaden. Seeing it coming, Kaden thrust at it with his spear successfully stabbing it through its Jaw. Kaden turned and continued to follow Gion; his hand reaching for another Recoberry. ¡°We should be there soon¡± she leapt on top of an oncoming Spine-back kicking it into a tar pit while stabbing another. The both of them jumping over a final bubbling tar pit continuing through the jungle.


    It took less than a few minutes for the pack to catch up to them, the previous three groups had joined back in. Kaden and Gion kept moving through the jungle using every trick they could to slow the pack down or create even a little bit of distance. ¡°It looks like they have changed strategy and slowly trying to tire us out.¡± Kaden swallowed yet another berry, it effects seemed to be diminishing slightly.


    ¡°It won¡¯t do them any good this time, look ahead¡± She smiled.


    Looking ahead Kaden noticed several of the villagers armed with spears and bows. They were all waiting behind large outward facing spikes with only a narrow person sized gap in-between.


    Padvor and some of the villagers pushed a tiny barricade in place once Kaden and Gion crossed into the safety of the barrier.


    THUD


    CRASH


    Several of the Spine-backs crashed against the barricade while others impaled themselves on the large spikes. Padvor yelled several commands as he grabbed his Axe and Shield, his rather large round shield Kaden noted.


    ¡°Arrrrrroorrr¡± a Spine-back called and the pack pulled back observing the barricade and spikes. ¡°Arroror¡±, calls from individual Spine-backs came from different places around the enclosed area.


    Gion whispered to Kaden, ¡°They are scouting for weak spots in the fence, if they find one they will exploit it.¡±


    Another call came as several Spine-backs started charging the barricade, a few of them trying to ram it out of the way. Padvor gave an order and the villagers started shooting arrow after arrow. A Spine-back died for almost every two arrows the villagers fired.


    ¡°They are breaking through¡±, yelled one of the villagers at the barricade fell. Padvor quickly moved in to plug the way. Every time a Spine-back tried to push through, it would met with the power behind Padvor¡¯s axe. ¡°They are breaking through on the right¡±, another villager yelled as Gion and Kaden went quickly with a few other villagers to hold off the Spine-backs entering from the new breach in the fence.


    ¡°AaAaAaAaAa Awaaa¡±


    The Villagers fought hard, Kaden had managed to kill four Spine-backs to Gion¡¯s six and more were coming. For every Spine-back he killed another would take its place. The pack was large with the advantage of numbers on their side. The number of villagers on his were dwindling and quickly.


    ¡°Aaaaaaaaaaa¡±, a villager yelled having lost his arm, blood pouring out and he was screaming in pain. Several Spine-backs quickly descended on him tearing the man apart.


    Kaden had just managed to make another kill as exhaustion was setting in. This wasn¡¯t good as there was still an endless supply of enemies and he was out of Recoberries. A Spine-back leapt from behind, it was almost on him. But, as if by coincidence or luck something blurry traveling at a speed almost too fast to see swooped out of the sky. It was clutching a now dead Spine-back in its talons and was heading back up into the horizon. Kaden muttered a silent word of thanks to his feathered friend and any feathered deity listening before getting back on his feet again.


    Three more Spine-backs came charging at him as he readied his spear for what he was sure would be the last time. He thrust forward expecting to kill at least one before¡­ All three Spine-backs hit the ground. Saba came running past him and retrieved her throwing axes from their heads, ¡°Here drink¡± Handing him a water skin with Recoberry juice. Feeling renewed he thanked her and readied his spear again.


    I guess I can¡¯t afford to hide it, ¡°Gi Vem Es Wif Tn Ess¡± a soft unnatural ethereal echo trailing gently behind his voice.

 Chapter 11 – Problem and Solution

    For the briefest of seconds Kaden felt almost as if he could sense everything. The feel of a gentle breeze on his face, the lingering scent of nearby Heliconia flower, the feel of grass and dirt beneath his feet. For that brief moment he felt every Spine-back, every villager, every breath, every movement no matter how subtle. It was as if he was back with Sofia looking outward that very first time.


    Taking a step forward he almost disappeared from where he was standing and stabbed the nearest creature. He was onto the next Spine-back before the previous one fell to the ground. Kaden could feel his fatigue building every time he made the slightest move. The toll and stress on his body increasing. He broke his spear while stabbing another of the reptiles, seeming not to notice Kaden forced the remainder of the weapon down the throat of the next closest creature.


    Exhausted, almost at his limit Kaden retrieved a hatchet and a hide bottle with some Recoberry juice off a dead body. The bitter-sweet thirst quenching liquid felt wonderful as he took a deep long drink. His fatigue disappearing quickly.


    Kaden killed another ten Spine-backs before he heard the familiar sound of a particular Spine-back issuing orders from outside the barricade.


    ¡°ARRRRRRORRR¡±


    The remaining Spine-backs started to retreat back into the jungle.


    Kaden fell to his knees sitting amongst the dead, dying, and injured. He desperately wanted to let sleep take him right there and then. ¡°It¡¯s over¡±, an indescribable sense of relief washing over him.


    ¡°ARRRRRRORRR¡±


    He looked up and stared at the creature in command of the pack and oddly enough it was staring back at him. No, he said to himself. ¡°You don¡¯t just get to walk away.¡±


    Kaden abandoned his bloodied hatchet picking up a nearby spear. Using the last of his strength he leapt up into the air and in a swift motion threw the spear as hard and fast as he could. A loud whistling sound was heard as the spear disappeared from his hand to reappear in-between the Spine-back¡¯s head as it passed through and exited the other side.


    Kaden finally collapsed unable to move, his eyes heavy as sleep took him.


    ¡°Rakhail old friend, I know I am asking for a lot after all this. But, could you take care of it?¡± Padvor handing a tired dark haired man some Recoberry juice.


    ¡°I will do this, until our next meeting my friend¡±, the dark haired man wiping the last of the Spine-back blood from his sword turned away from Padvor and disappeared into the Jungle.


    ¡°Walk silently my friend and may your steps always be light¡± Padvor whispering under his breath. He begin to heal those still alive as Gion issued commands to those still standing.


    Kaden awoke in his bed a day later, his stomach growled with hunger.


    ¡°Your finally awake¡±, Sofia¡¯s voice called from the bedside table.


    ¡°AAhhh¡­ my whole body feels sore and I feel like I could eat an entire goat by myself.¡± Kaden sat up slowly getting out of bed. ¡°Where are my clothes?¡±


    ¡°Padvor undressed you. I guess he figured torn blood stained clothes weren¡¯t the most comfortable way to sleep.¡± She answered slightly amused.


    ¡°Sleep? I don¡¯t feel like I slept at all. Why do I feel so tired?¡±


    ¡°I think you slept just fine. What were you dreaming about? I kept hearing you call my name and you had a grin on your face the entire time.¡±


    ¡°errr¡­ I um, don¡¯t remember. I hope I didn¡¯t dream loudly?¡± he spoke sounding embarrassed his face a bright shade of red.


    ¡°You had a few thoughts out loud although they were vague but I think I pieced everything together.¡±


    His eyes widened as she uttered those words. In that moment Kaden desperately wished the Spine-backs had done a better job. At least then he wouldn¡¯t have to die of embarrassment.


    ¡°You were dreaming of us being chased by Spine-backs; I kept hearing my voice telling you to go faster. As if I would actually do that. You know I would probably be too busy laughing at you while cheering for the Spine-backs¡± A huge wave of relief washing over Kaden ignoring her teasing remarks.


    ¡°As for why you are tired. You pushed your body too hard with that spell. It was like running a distance that would normally take an hour in less than a minute. Now your muscles have a lot of micro tears in them at least that was what Padovr said to Gion while he was examining you. You also broke your arm, leg and jaw although you didn¡¯t seem to notice at the time because of the adrenalin running through your body. Padvor healed most of everything although he was running out of whatever those drops he puts in the water were so you¡¯re still going to require a little time to recover.¡±


    After cleaning himself and changing into his spare set of clothes Kaden set out to see what was going on around the village.


    He noticed that the villagers had hauled most of the Spine-back to a central area and were busy skinning, cleaning, smoking and tanning the creatures.


    ¡°Your finally awake boy¡±, Gion familiar voice called. ¡°I thought you¡¯d sleep forever, we¡¯ve got a lot to talk about. Particularly your ability to use magic. I¡¯d like to know how a non-highborn has come to know legion spells.¡± It sounded more like an order than a question.


    Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Scratching the back of his head, ¡°about that¡­ I¡±


    ¡°Yes, about that. How about we move over to somewhere more comfortable. I am also sure you¡¯re hungry after that display.¡± Padvor walking over to them.


    Kaden wolfed down a portion of Grilled Spine-back meat, it was truly delicious. He had decided to be selectively honest about himself. ¡°I am actually from very far away. I don¡¯t remember much of how I got here, the last thing I remember was going to sleep in my bed before¡­¡± Kaden stalled, taking another bite of meat. ¡°I woke up somewhere in the Jungle. The reason I can use magic is because I saw the commander fight a member of the Tribe and figured the rest out¡±. He selectively narrated the rest the story of his journey there and outright lied about how the written languages of their people were so similar to his own so he was able to figure things out quickly.


    ¡°That is a very good story boy, but do you think I¡¯d believe it so easily.¡± Gion challenged the truth of his words. ¡°Gi Vem Es Wif Tn Ess. Do you know how many times I have heard those words? Those words and others like them. I know them so well that I could recite them all in my sleep and don¡¯t think I haven¡¯t tried. If magic were so easy the high-born and legion would not hold all of the power in Rakan. So I ask again boy, how do you know magic?¡±


    Kaden took another bite not sure how to answer. ¡°It¡¯s true, I just saw him and figured it out.¡±


    ¡°If that is true, how did you escape the tribe scouts? You¡¯re not exactly quiet moving through the jungle.¡± She glared at him with an intensity that made him feel uncomfortable.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I just hid and I guess they didn¡¯t see me. If it is such a big deal I can teach everyone. Can¡¯t Padvor already use magic, I have seen him cast that healing spells all the time.¡±


    ¡°Boy¡­¡± she was interrupted when Padvor placed his hand on her shoulder.


    ¡°Gion my love, it is true he isn¡¯t telling us everything but I am willing to offer him my trust.¡± Gion took a deep breath, the tension built up in the room had noticeably relaxed.


    ¡°All right, I am sorry boy. I didn¡¯t mean to be so aggressive. Magic is a sore subject with us low-born as it is the reason we are where we are in Rakan. The only way to have any kind of decent life for us is to join the Legion as a soldier. The very few of us that manage to live long enough and have some skill can get promoted to Estarte but that is as high as us low-born can go.¡±


    Padvor continuing where Gion left off, ¡°What you see me do when I heal someone isn¡¯t so much magic in the same sense. All units in the legion have at least a single battle-healer, this is done for various reasons but overall it more than doubles the survivability of the entire unit. For this reason we are taught a version of a spell called Transfer life, the drawback is that this spell requires Life-drops in order to be used. Life-drops are tightly controlled by the Legion, it is an extract made from various plants and the formula is as you can imagine kept secret. After a lot of testing I managed to figure out some of the formula and maintain a small secret supply for the village. If Rakan were to ever find out¡­ well you can guess what would happen to me.¡±


    ¡°They only teach you the bare minimum so you can accomplish whatever they require. They offer you only just enough to feel as if you have some hope for a better life so at least you won¡¯t complain too hard. Many will fight for these little scraps and do anything to ensure they keep them.¡± Gion shifted in her seat reaching over taking a drink.


    ¡°What about your glow in the dark tattoos? And I get the feeling your weapons are a little more than meets the eye?¡± Kaden asked.


    Gion finishing the remaining liquid in her glass, ¡°our weapons are the highest honor we can receive when we are promoted. Estarte weapons are based on Old Kingdom weapons, they are stronger and tougher on average but that is it. Even Commanders don¡¯t receive much better. Forgotten Old Kingdom knowledge is why Rakan is interested in Tribal lands and is also the reason the Legion can¡¯t advance any further.


    Our tattoos are similar to the Life-drops, the Legion makes the ink and marks Estarte and Commanders so they can give or receive orders. Since we are the only two remaining with ink from that batch there was no reason for them to remove it when we retired.¡±


    Excerpt lost Grimoire: Runic Tattoos are created from the same batch of ink (6 people per batch) and magic allowing for instant communication between branded individuals even over great distances. ¨CAlchemist Sadou


    ¡°That would explain why the barbarian I saw had a glowing weapon.¡± Kaden selectively described the fight he witnessed between the Legion Commander and the Tribal Intruder. ¡°If these weapons are so strong how come the Legion hasn¡¯t put more into acquiring these weapons?¡±


    ¡°It is not like they don¡¯t want to but Rakan is set up so that the High-born rule and the Legion enforce. If Low-born were to learn magic it would threaten those in charge.


    If the Legion were to try and take even a single of the Old Kingdom runes in tribal lands they would be annihilated. The tribes are not united and fight amongst themselves, survival of the strongest. If they were to ever unite, Rakan would not last a year.


    What you described is a hunting party, the lead warrior was strong enough to be granted an Old Kingdom weapon and he has the help of a Shandra. They come into Rakan terriroty to hunt every now and again. Both the tribe and pack choosing this as their hunting grounds has created a big problem for us¡± Gion paused for a moment as Padvor refilled their glasses.


    ¡°The tribal hunting party would normally have left the village alone as it is no challenge for them. They would only have had a few scouts watching the village just in case something were to change. It is most unfortunate that things did change when the Spine-backs followed us. We have no choice but to leave or become the prey and all the tribe has to do now is wait for their hunt to begin.¡±


    Padvor continued when she stopped, ¡°We will not be able to cross this section of jungle and get to safety without the help of the Legion. We also cannot stay here and fend off the pack because of how fast Spine-backs breed. The pack will be back up to full strength in four months, even if we managed to hold them off in the village they would eventually hunt as we went into the jungle in search of food and supplies. This is where we need your help Kaden. I thought of this ever since we found out about you being able to use magic.¡±


    Kaden hesitantly smiled


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry boy, we are not asking you to face down the pack or tribe by yourself. All we are asking is that you teach us magic so we can increase our chances of survival. Our only choice is to run and it still may fail unless we were able to even the odds. We need to reach the safety of Quarter Point Fort. Once there the Legion¡¯s garrison would protect us and deal with the tribal hunting party. From there we would all need to split off and disappear in the various cities of Rakan.¡± Rakhail walked towards them as Gion finished speaking; Padvor waving him over.


    ¡°Thank you again my old friend, did your hunt go well?¡± Rakhail pouring himself something to drink as Padvor turned towards him.


    ¡°They sleep in the Jungle Mother¡¯s eternal embrace. Her roots offer them new life.¡± Rakhail took a moment to pause. ¡°Two of them stayed to watch and would have seen young Kaden, the rest were far away, eyes blind to the battle. I tracked them back to camp. What you are thinking will be possible, Jungle Mother willing¡±


    Padvor offered Rakhail a plate with Spine-back meat. ¡°I offer thanks¡±, Rakhail said as he accepted the food.


    Kaden had briefly met Rakhail when he first arrived but hadn¡¯t spoken to the older man outside of a brief greeting and nod. Padvor decided to offer Kaden a better introduction. ¡°Rakhail was a former soldier in the legion and is very good at what he does. He WOULD, have made it to Estarte if he didn¡¯t annoy a certain someone.¡±


    ¡°A certain several someone¡¯s¡±, Gion added.


    ¡°A certain several dead someone¡¯s¡±, Rakhail corrected. ¡°They are with the Jungle Mother now and I am no longer part of the Legion¡±


    ¡°Rakhail was a scout in the Legion, he also handled special assignments.¡± Gion continued.


    Padvor cutting back in. ¡°Back to the topic on hand for everyone else other than Rakhail.¡± Rakhail always able to piece together what Padvor was thinking from the tiniest of details. ¡°We have a timeline of four months. Four months to prepare for our escape and learn as much magic as Kaden can teach us. When the time approaches we will need to eliminate the tribe¡¯s scouts and make a hasty exit into the Jungle. It will buy us a few hours head start. I also propose¡­¡± Kaden went back to his bed after Padvor finished the rest of the plan. He wanted to get some rest before the Village mourned the dead that evening.


    Kaden sighed, the next four months are going to be busy he thought to himself.


    ¡°Hey, so¡­ I was thinking. Can you get me a Spine-back? A whole one, there should be enough so no one will notice¡± Kaden¡¯s moment of quiet contemplation vanished interrupted by that o so familiar voice.


    ¡°Anything else princess?¡±

 Chapter 12 – A Tale Of Two Mothers

    The ceremony of the Jungle Mother began later that evening and was a time honored tradition to celebrate those that had passed on.


    Drums rhythmically played an infectious beat as a dancer leapt over his partner spitting a long string of fire from his mouth. He landed in a crouch as his partner pushed herself off the ground rising over him. Flames came off her feet kicking up tiny sparks and creating a perfect ark of fire; Sofia was mesmerized by the display. ¡°This dance is about the Jungle Mother¡¯s final gift to the departed. She uses everything they have left behind to create and sustain all things.¡± Saba whispered to Kaden while they watched the pair of dancers.


    The ceremony was spectacular. It consisted of several different dances, followed by a feast, ending with Rakhail reciting a blessing from the Jungle Mother and the cremation of those that had recently departed. The atmosphere was bitter-sweet, they were sad to see their loved ones go, but were happy that they rejoined the Jungle Mother.


    ¡°They will now help protect the Jungle and guide us for all of time¡±, Saba finally breaking down; she did her best to smile as water streamed down her face. ¡°I know they are happy with Mother now, but it is still hard.¡±


    It was past midnight when the ceremony ended. Kaden went to the store house where the Spine-back bodies were being kept for the next few days. Some of them had already been skinned, their meat smoked, salted and dried. Kaden looked around for one that was mostly intact, ¡°here we go, found one¡±. Examining it closely he couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. He had stumbled on the Spine-back responsible for commanding the pack. It was in perfect condition with the exception of the hole through its head. ¡°The irony of all things¡­ You wanted to eat me and now I get to eat you instead.¡± Sofia slightly amused at Kaden¡¯s words absorbed the Spine-back. The grimoire changed again as it was now bound in a thicker, tougher leather, interlaced with shiny reflective green scales and metallic corners to protect the edges and spine.


    ¡°You used the entire Spine-back for a leather cover¡±, Kaden grimaced at the waste of an entire resource. ¡°Waste!? Feel the leather, it is so soft yet extremely tough and look at the colour.¡± Sofia responded sounding shocked. ¡°With the embedded Phinsis scales a normal weapon can¡¯t break through the cover and I can now also defend myself.¡± Kaden dropped the grimoire as something sharp sprang up from its cover. Bending down to pick the book back up, he noticed a row of the Spine-back¡¯s teeth protruding out. ¡°Ouch, you could have just told me you know¡±, his voice almost scolding Sofia.


    ¡°But then you wouldn¡¯t get the point; get it?¡± She spoke with an amused tone.


    Kaden groaned, ¡°So you can bite someone a little, it isn¡¯t much of a defense. I think you¡¯re better off using those jokes. That way everyone will cover their ears while they run from you screaming in terror.¡±


    ¡°HAHAH very funny, see I¡¯m laughing. No really¡± responding sarcastically she retracted the teeth back into the book¡¯s cover; not a trace of them could be found. ¡°I also added the Phinsis sting into the teeth. If I want to I can release the toxin that it uses to weakens and kills its prey very quickly¡±, she added.


    Kaden less amused this time examining his fingers, ¡°I uh¡­ will have to be careful¡±. He was debating if he really wanted to pick the book back up.


    Reading his mind, ¡°We are bound, I cannot hurt you even if I wanted to, believe me sometimes I really do. And what would be the point? I am sure if you die I will no longer have a consciousness. As I said we are partners.¡± She added.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, those bad jokes of yours already hurt my brain.¡± Kaden relieved and placed the book back in his pocket. ¡°Let¡¯s go get some rest.¡±


    ¡°Kaden¡± She paused as he responded.If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I had a lot of fun today despite the circumstances. I wanted to say. Thanks. Thanks for everything.¡± If Kaden could see her, he would have noticed her cheeks had a red tint to them.


    A slight smile curving upwards on his face, ¡°Sofia, I¡¯m happy. It¡¯s been a long time since I have felt this way. Thank you.¡±


    The next week flew by quickly. With Sofia¡¯s help he learnt a variety of useful skills at an alarming rate. He had skinned Spine-backs, salted meat and smoked for preservation. Kaden even learnt how to sew, work leather and successfully made several arrow heads on the forge. Kaden had also started to teach the entire Village how to use magic, or at least the only two spells he knew.


    Kaden felt energetic as he left his home the next day. It would still be a day or two more before he fully recovered but he felt good. Padvor greeted him this morning. He was going to teach Kaden about being a healer after breakfast. ¡°Good morning Padvor. What time did you finally go to bed?¡± Padvor and Gion were up late the previous night practicing the magic Kaden taught them.


    ¡°Not very late although my wife will only arrive halfway through breakfast as usual.¡± Padvor smiled thinking of Gion. ¡°I was giving further thought to the amount of stamina it takes to keep magic active as well as the stress it places on the body. Recoberrys are a good instant burst of energy but are no longer effective after five berries or so until your body finished digesting them.


    Recoberry Juice is not as concentrated and returns less energy but has the same problem even if we can consume more of it. Carrying and drinking a lot of it during battle isn¡¯t practical beyond a single water skin.¡±


    ¡°How do High-born deal with this problem?¡± Interrupted Kaden.


    ¡°High-born are taught magic from a young age so their bodies develop differently as they grow and don¡¯t have to worry about the stress that spells place on them. Because of their training, their energy consumption I suspect is much less than ours. In essence when we use magic it will be more stressful on our bodies and cost us more stamina.¡±


    ¡°So compared to a High-born we can use fewer spells simultaneously, the duration will be shorter because of the stamina cost and stress on our bodies.¡± Kaden clarified as Padvor nodded. ¡°What about the tribes?¡±


    ¡°The tribes follow a different path young Kaden. They are barbarians and use barbaric methods¡±, Rakhail waving them over to sit with him for the morning meal. ¡°You have my thanks for teaching me the magic of the Jungle. The High-born aren¡¯t the only ones the Mother favors, all should be free to learn her gifts¡±


    Gion strolled in taking the seat next to Padvor. She was half asleep as usual and didn¡¯t acknowledge anyone, at least not until she was a little more awake. The four of them got their morning meal as Rakhail continued, ¡°I am convinced that only a person of selectively inbreeding could conceive the method they have all adopted. The tribes use Saint-mothers venom.¡±


    Excerpt Korin¡¯s Jungle Survival Guide: The Saint-mothers Spider is perhaps one of the most unique predators in the Jungle. These two-foot terrors will not attack unless defending their cave nests. Those tiny bodies conceal a monstrous amount of strength and their venom will leave prey paralyzed slowly shutting down their internal organs. Saint-mothers typically set up several webs near their cave homes in-order to trap and catch any prey that accidently stumbles into them. They then inject venom directly into their prey eventually bringing them back to their next for consumption.


    Saint-mothers also have the ability to change colour. This ability is triggered by the Saint-mothers breeding cycle. Saint-mothers store some of the nutrients they consume for their young. When a Saint-mother has turned a bright shade of red from its typical black and grey, it is ready to lay eggs. Saint-mothers during this stage will not eat prey brought back to its nest but instead inject prey with nutrient rich substance along with a weaker version of its venom. The Saint-mother will keep injecting nutrients into the prey until the venom finally shuts down their internal organs. This is done to ensure the next hatched batch of its hungry young are as healthy as possible. The Saint-mother then lays its eggs on the remains of the prey waiting for them to hatch and devour their prepared meal.


    ¡°They will feed a Saint-mother until she is good and fat. Then the fools let themselves get caught by the red bitch. She will bring them into her nest and inject them with her venom. Her venom is different when she is in heat, it is much weaker and makes those bitten stronger although they are still paralyzed and dying. The fool from the tribe usually has an antidote hidden in his mouth and has to escape the nest after her first bite. Since she bites her prey every fifteen minutes that is how long they have to escape. Two out of every five of them die but those who do survive are much stronger.¡± Rakhail finished taking a bite out of his meal.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we just catch one of these spiders, feed her and drain her venom¡±, Kaden asked.


    Rakhail poured himself some water. ¡°The Legion tried but the Saint-mothers are not easy to catch and even then they do not lay eggs when threatened. What the tribes do is the best method, if you can call it that. Even if we were stupid enough to do it we do not know how to make the antidote.¡±


    ¡°Are there any nearby?¡± Kaden asked


    ¡°There is one to the north, what are you planning boy?¡± Gion finally chimed in.


    ¡°Nothing yet, but I may have an Idea.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°Leave it boy, what you have taught us is more than enough. Do not take un-necessary risks. We will make do.¡± A stern tone in her voice.


    Kaden smiled thinking out loud, hey Sofia I have an idea.

 Chapter 13 – Change of Plans

    ¡°This is absolutely the worst idea you have ever come up with¡± Sofia¡¯s tone was less than happy.


    ¡°What are you complaining about? I am the one who is actually going to get bitten. No risks no reward right? Also think about it. Even with Recoberry juice I can at best keep spells going for ten minutes. If I just limit it to a single spell I can go for maybe fifteen and then I am out of juice; pardon the pun. Besides don¡¯t you always tease me about getting my ass handed to me by some monster or another? So win win for you.¡± Kaden¡¯s smug reply did nothing but anger her further.


    Her response came quick, ¡°that¡¯s not funny and not fair.¡± Hesitating for a second, ¡°I ca¡­¡± She cut her words off.


    Kaden did his best to try and ease her worry, ¡°Look, there really is very little danger. You said you should be able to drain the venom once it was injected, right? Think about it, we can get as much of it as that spider can put into my system. It will also be using the weaker version so the negative effects can¡¯t be too strong. If we can get some, Padvor can hopefully learn enough from it and dilute the effects giving everyone the same edge the tribes have. If not we could just repeat the process again and hopefully get more to give to everyone in the village while Padvor heals the damage¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t be too strong!¡± Repeating his words; anger returning to her voice. ¡°The people from the tribes can only handle one bite and have to escape. THAT, is from the weaker version of the venom. They have fifteen minutes before it bites them again and you know what happens if they get bitten that second time; THEY DIE. You want to get bitten multiple times in the hope that I can absorb the venom from your body and negate its effect of shutting down your organs. I¡¯ve got news for you, even if I manage to successfully remove the venom, your organs will still be damaged from it entering your system.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know that. Removing the venom that quick may make it so it doesn¡¯t have any effect at all on my system. At the very least it should keep the damage to a minimal; long enough for me to return to the village and get help.¡± Kaden responded with a more serious tone, ¡°Look a lot of people were injured from the Spine-back attack. I am responsible. It was my fault those things knew we were there and followed us back. A lot of people died during that and a lot more are injured. Badly.¡± A pang of guilt reflected in his voice. Ever since the attack he had been doing his best to avoid thinking about it.


    ¡°In order for us to survive we need to go on a very long and dangerous journey that in normal circumstances would take an escort of well-trained soldiers. We do not have that escort for protection and we do not have any beasts of burden to carry supplies. We will be forced to hunt and gather slowing us down leaving an easy trail for tribal hunters to follow. Sofia we really don¡¯t have a choice, we need to somehow even the odds. So if you can think of anything. Anything at all, I will seriously consider it.¡±


    Sofia sat down hugging her knees with her chin resting on them. Anger and a heavy sadness causing her to fall silent for a bit. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to do this.¡± Her voice almost a whisper.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    The both of them fell silent as Kaden moved closer to his destination.


    Kaden found several of the Saint-mother¡¯s webs close to her cave nest. Gently brushing a branch out of his way he removed the remains of several Spine-backs; the village had no use for these particular parts and were thus discarded.


    Kaden then hid out of sight, just far enough away to observe the Saint-mother inspecting her web. She was much bigger than he had imagined, this particular one was three additional feet larger and had a menacing aura to it. The creature crawled up onto the largest of remains revealing a massive set of fangs and bit down. Kaden managed to relax a little after the creature hauled off the remains into the cave.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    ¡°So like I was saying. Bad idea.¡± Kaden smiled nervously having realized the folly of his plan. This wasn¡¯t a creature he could go mess with. A new realization dawned on him, this world wasn¡¯t something he could just go play around in as if it were some game. The dangers here were very real and he should seriously listen to the advice of those warning him.


    A huge wave of relief passed through Sofia and she really just wanted to strangle him for putting her through it all. ¡°Let¡¯s go home¡±, she was glad he finally decided against the plan, seeing that creature would change anyone¡¯s mind.


    On their way back, Kaden found an opening in the jungle canopy and decided to take a short break. It was a beautiful grassy spot where he could sit surrounded by several patches of dandelions. He needed to work out a solution to the magic problem and getting bitten by an eight legged monstrosity clearly wasn¡¯t going to be it.


    ¡°AAAAAAAAA¡±, he yelled after a few moments. ¡°I can¡¯t figure this out¡±


    An hour later he finally decided to resume his trip back to the village. This choice however became surprisingly more complicated when he tried to stand up. ¡°Um¡­ Sofia, I can¡¯t seem to get up.¡± The realization that he couldn¡¯t move any of his limbs dawning on him.


    ¡°What do you mean you can¡¯t stand up? Just stand up like you always do.¡± She responded slightly confused.


    ¡°I mean I can¡¯t move my hands or feet.¡± A little irritation showing on his face.


    Looking around to see if she could figure out the cause of the problem, ¡°These aren¡¯t dandelions; they are Para flowers.¡± She had been so preoccupied with her thoughts that she didn¡¯t realize where he sat down and wasn¡¯t able to warn him.


    Excerpt Korin¡¯s Jungle Survival Guide: Para flowers look remarkably similar to dandelions but be warned. Unlike their tenacious cousin these deadly flora requires a different type of fertilizer; rotting meat. Unsuspecting fauna that wander into a patch of Para flowers are met with a potent paralysis inducing scent that is constantly being emit from these jungle beauties. Adventurers, no matter how beautiful they look, you don¡¯t want to stop and smell these roses.


    ¡°Sofia can you remove it from my system?¡±


    ¡°I can try but it is a constant gas so no matter how much I remove more will be entering just as fast.¡± She responded as he felt a sharp prick from the Grimoire piercing his skin. Similar to the plan with the Saint-mother, Sofia was going to try and absorb the foreign agent in his body by using the modified Spine-back tooth that was embedded with the Phinsis sting as a syringe. ¡°It¡¯s slow but working. It will take a few hours to remove enough out for you to be able to crawl.¡±


    A few hours later Kaden slowly started to crawl towards the edge of the patch. If he could just get far enough away, Sofia would be able to remove it from his system. Kaden had made it a tenth of the way towards the edge of the patch before he needed a rest. It had taken most of his strength to get there. This is going to take forever he thought and continued on.


    ¡°These aren¡¯t the types of flowers one should be playing with¡±, Kaden heard a familiar voice as a lasso was thrown around him.


    After being pulled free of the field, ¡°Rest my friend, it should take a few hours for the effects of the flower to wear off.¡± Rakhail¡¯s voice was reassuring. ¡°I had guessed you would change your mind after seeing the Saint-mother in person.¡± Noticing Kaden¡¯s confused expression, Rakhail decided to explain further. ¡°I was part of the Legion¡¯s ghost core, figuring out what you had in mind was a simple task. I must admit I was worried when you did not return so I followed your trail and found you here.¡±


    Kaden spoke with a little disappointment in his voice, ¡°I have a long way to go I guess. Not recognizing how dangerous my plan was and walking into this stupid pit of flowers. It seems I am not very good at sneaking out or hiding my own trail yet.¡±


    Rakhail laughed, ¡°You did well, do not be disappointed. Few things like a Phinsis or Wolf Falcon can safely go after a Saint-mother. You were able to admit you made a mistake and changed your plan. Not many can do that. As for these flowers, they are not easy to spot even if you know what they look like. In fact that is why we used them a lot in the core, it is a great way to trap or slow down the enemy. Do not worry about your ability to remain hidden, a normal soldier wouldn¡¯t be able to track you. You did well for most non-core scouts.¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡± Kaden¡¯s voice still a little disappointed.


    ¡°How about I show you how to properly hide your presence or track a hidden foe on our way back to the village?¡± Rakhail doing his best to try and cheer Kaden up.


    The trip back to the village was less eventful from that point. Kaden learnt a lot from Rakhail, he was confident that even Gion wouldn¡¯t be able to find him should he wish to disappear.


    ¡°Rakhail, it must have been hard for the legion to let you retire¡±


    ¡°Hahaha¡­ Once joined, one will always be a member of the Ghost core, from the moment they enter till the moment they die. I am in for life.¡± Rakhail smiled as he placed a hand on Kaden¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Thank you for everything¡±, Kaden waved at Rakhail as the two separated.


    Sofia spoke up after they finally made it home and Kaden collapsed on his bed. ¡°What you said earlier is still true. I have an idea but I need that spider to make it work.¡±

 Chapter 14 – Mothers-bane

    Within the hour Kaden filled the space in the Grimoire with more of the discarded Spine-backs parts. This sure beats haling all of this around, if only I was able to carry more; our journey would certainly be much easier. I just hope this plan of hers works, I hate to admit it is better than mine.


    ¡°It will work and almost any plan that doesn¡¯t involve you getting bitten multiple times by a deadly spider is better. Like night and day better. Seriously, what were you thinking? I would honestly like to know about the thought process that goes on in that brain of yours; if you even can call it that.¡± Sofia was still more than a little mad about his earlier idea.


    God dam it, I was thinking out loud again¡­ Kaden sighed. He need to actively force himself to keep his thoughts quiet and it was considerably mentally draining on him. Sighing again, ¡°Yeah your right¡±.


    It took him a few hours to get back to the Saint-mother¡¯s cave. Slowly looking around to see if the arachnid wasn¡¯t anywhere nearby he approached one of the webs ready to enact Sofia¡¯s plan. Sofia¡¯s plan was to use the remainder of the Phinsis toxin they had from its sting and poison the Saint-mother. Then all Kaden had to do was walk in and let Sofia absorb the spider. If all went well she could then separate the nutrient substance safely and they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about the venom. It was simple, efficient and was relatively safe.


    Kaden finished poisoning the meat with the toxin, placed it on the web and moved as quickly as he could back into his nearby hiding spot. The large spider from earlier came out almost moments later and leapt on the poisoned remains from above burying a set of sharp fangs into it. Kaden and Sofia waited almost an hour after the creature had hauled off the meal. ¡°You think it worked?¡± he questioned. The both of them weren¡¯t too sure how much time the toxin would require.


    ¡°I am not sure, do you think we should wait a little longer?¡± She responded


    ¡°I am sure it will be fine but another thirty minutes couldn¡¯t hurt. If it¡¯s dead it isn¡¯t likely going anywhere¡± He tried to make his words sound playful to hide his nervousness.


    Thirty minutes later he felt his heart pounding as he slowly crept towards the cave entrance. I guess it¡¯s now or never, he thought to himself working up the nerve to take a step in. ¡°Gi Veme St Ren Gth. Gi Vem Es Wif Tn Ess.¡± He chanted then flung a lit torch into the cave that he had prepared earlier.


    Kaden carefully took a step in with his spear at the ready; his eyes searching for even the slightest sign of movement.


    The cave was dark except for the light being reflected off the walls from the torch now laying in the center. Sofia anything, he thought out loud.


    ¡°Nothing yet¡±, she whispered.


    There was an intense smell of rotting flesh coming from deeper within; no doubt it was the remains of whatever the Saint-mothers¡¯ previous meals were. Kaden took carefully measured steps towards the dancing flames coming off the lit torch. He could feel all the tiny hair on his body stand up at full alert as he approached the center of the cave. ¡°To your right¡±, Sofia¡¯s voice almost startling him.


    Out of the corner of his eye Kaden saw a flash of movement and quickly turned to face it; Spear at the ready. Out of the shadows a giant eight legged arachnid came towards him. He was about to strike with all his might but then stopped. The creature was stumbling left and right almost as if it was a drunk walking out of a bar after last call before finally falling down unconscious. Kaden let out a large sigh of relief, he was still alert but had noticeably relaxed.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Cautiously walking over to it with his spear still placed in the most direct path between them just as a precaution. ¡°You think it¡¯s dead?¡± He asked Sofia and prodded it with the tip of his spear.


    ¡°I am not sur¡­ Above you¡± She yelled.


    Kaden didn¡¯t think as he dove to his right into a roll. He trusted his partner¡¯s warning without question and It was a good thing he did otherwise he would have been dead; he realized while stumbling to his feet. Standing in front of Kaden was another bigger, meaner looking arachnid.


    The creature propelled itself towards Kaden using all eight of its very powerful legs. Kaden barely managed to get out of its way. Kaden leapt towards the corpse of the other arachnid. ¡°Sofia can you absorb it quickly? I don¡¯t think I can handle this thing for very long¡± he called to her touching the corpse turning his head to track the other creature.


    Sofia hauled the corpse into the Grimoire, ¡°Got it, go!¡±


    Kaden sprinted towards the entrance of the cave both spells working together enhancing his movements. ¡°Behind you¡±, Sofia yelled as Kaden dove out of the way again. The spider had crossed a greater distance then he was able to in half the time. It had also managed to place itself between him and the entrance. It bore its twin fangs at him hissing.


    ¡°We will see about that buddy¡±, Kaden pretending he could understand the creature. ¡°I guess we got to do this.¡±


    The Spider launched its self at him again as Kaden responded with a quick side step. Using all of his might he stabbed the creature with the tip of his spear. The weapon connected and the creature¡¯s mid-air direction changed only ever so slightly sending it off course. Kaden once again dashed towards the cave entrance only to be forced once again to step out of the creature¡¯s way; it was yet again between him and freedom.


    ¡°Back to square one huh¡­¡± He raised the tip of his spear preparing for the next assault. Kaden knew he had to come up with a plan and quick; the drain from the spells on his stamina was starting to affect him.


    The creature yet again pushed itself off the floor heading straight for him; dodging again he started for the entrance. As if repeating the same steps in a choreographed dance the creature was almost upon him with another leap from behind. The gap between them shrinking ever so quickly when Kaden stopped mid dash, turning around placing the end of his spear into the ground supporting it with his foot while the tip was pointing straight at the oncoming spider.


    ¡°Spider Kabab!¡± he yelled as the spear skewered the now struggling creature. It was still alive but clearly wasn¡¯t going anywhere. ¡°Sorry fella, I¡¯d end your misery but you kind of stuck to my only weapon.¡± Examining the struggling creature from as close as he would let himself safely get. Kaden mouth went wide ¡°I don¡¯t think these are Saint-mothers.¡±


    ¡°What, how can they not be? They fit most of the same¡­¡± Sofia felt a slight chill as she realized just how wrong the plan went. ¡°Mothers-bane¡±


    Excerpt Korin¡¯s Jungle Survival Guide: Mothers-bane are similar in visual appearance to their smaller and less powerful Saint-mother cousins; this however is where their similarity ends. The Mothers-bane spider is often described as the most brutal murder in the jungle. This well-earned reputation stems from the technique they prefer to use while devouring prey. Mothers-bane prefer to eat prey while it is still alive and does so by ripping and swallowing bite size chunks of its preys flesh.


    This arachnid hunts similarly to most apex predators in the jungle. This is most likely due to its inability to produce any form of webbing. In particular they prefer leaping onto unsuspecting prey from above and piercing them with a set of venomous fangs. The venom it injected renders prey completely paralyzed and slowly kills over a matter of hours should prey manage to escape.


    Mothers-bane will eat most anything but have a preference to feed on their Saint-mother cousins. This is especially true if a Saint-mother is ready to lay eggs. A Mothers-bane spider that has consumed a Saint-mother is ready to mate. The nutrients substance secreted by a Saint-mother for her young is instead consumed by the Mothers-bane and enhanced to ensure her own eggs are healthier. The Mothers-bane will also typically take over the deceased Saint-mothers home as a temporary dwelling to attract a mate and hide its eggs.


    They didn¡¯t have to wait long before the creature finally stopped struggling and died from the blood loss. Sofia absorbed both of the arachnids. ¡°It¡¯s done. I can extract nutrients they consumed when they ate the Saint-mother. The good news is because there are two of them we have a lot. There should be more than enough for the entire village.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s hope Padvor can make use of this so this we didn¡¯t just risk our lives for nothing.¡± Kaden was exhausted and looked forward to the comfortable bed awaiting him back at the village.

 Chapter 15 – Those Legs

    Kaden sat and relaxed listening to the music of the jungle being accented by the sound of gently running water. He had decided to take this tiny detour on his way back to the village to refill his water skin. There were many sparkling blue pools like this one hidden throughout the jungle and Kaden had learnt how to find them. It was one of the necessary skills everyone needed to know if they were to survive out here.


    Sitting on the bank at the edge of the pool; his thoughts wandering. Kaden remembered one of Gion¡¯s lessons, ¡°The untamed jungle was a breathtakingly beautiful place, it could punish you cruelly for the slightest mistake or you could get lucky.¡± How true that statement was, how lucky he and Sofia had been with the Mothers-bane. Taking a deep gentle breath, Kaden pulled out the Grimoire from his pocket. It had a darker tint to it now that Sofia had absorbed the arachnids. ¡°Wanna see?¡± Sofia asked.


    ¡°Huh?¡± he didn¡¯t quite understand her question.


    ¡°You want to see, I made a few changes. It will be fun, promise¡± her voice sounding more cheerful.


    ¡°Ua sure?¡± at least she isn¡¯t mad at me anymore he thought.


    Kaden suddenly dropped the Grimoire and jumped back. ¡°Thant¡¯s not very nice,¡± Sofia teased. She had opened the cover and reviled a set of Spine-back teeth framed by a pairs of extremely sharp and menacing fangs on either side. The open Grimoire resembled a mouth of something that would only be seen in the worst of nightmares. ¡°O come on and give me a kiss¡±, teasing him further.


    ¡°I am not coming anywhere near that thing¡±, a shiver ran down his spine.


    Sofia further teasing him with a playful tone. ¡°No! I am hurt. How about I come over to you then?¡± Eight spider legs encased in dark green scales bound by hide sprang out from each side of the Grimoire¡¯s cover and started to run towards Kaden; fast.


    ¡°Keep away from me that is seriously creepy¡±, Kaden doing his best to maintain the distance between them. ¡°Seriously, Sofia stop.¡±


    ¡°That is so hurtful Kaden, how could you. I thought we were partners?¡± Sofia teasingly replied pretended to be hurt.


    Kaden now on a rock by the edge of the pool after Sofia had managed to corner him. ¡°Don¡¯t Sofia¡± his voice a little more serious.


    ¡°Don¡¯t what?¡± She leapt towards him, mouth wide, fangs at the ready. Kaden was prepared to react at a moment¡¯s notice but was caught off guard. She was even faster than the arachnid that originally owned all eight of those legs.


    Sofia cut her jump short, stopping on the spot where Kaden was or would have been; if he hadn¡¯t fallen backwards into the pool first. Kaden heard Sofia laughing as he lay in the refreshing cool blue pool of water; he was looking up at the sky through the jungle canopy.


    ¡°That is what you get for your stupid idea earlier¡± her voice had a certain smug but playful tone to it.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Kaden glanced at her as his mouth began to form a slight smile. Sofia took a step back, ¡°O no, I know what you¡¯re thinking.¡± Kaden had purposely thought out loud this time. Sofia started to move away from him but it was already too late. Kaden still soaking wet had entered the Grimoire and this time it was Sofia¡¯s turn to scream, ¡°No, keep away!¡±


    Kaden laughed as he chased her around the target dummy, ¡°It¡¯s only water!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like being wet¡±, tipped over one of the target dummies towards him hoping to buy her some distance. Kaden easily avoided it and managed to tackle her to the ground making sure she was as wet as he was. ¡°Noooooooo¡± she cried out struggling as he laughed; arms and feet around her.


    A few moments later both of them lay on their backs laughing uncontrollably.


    ¡°I guess we should go dry up¡± Kaden thinking about starting a small camp fire.


    ¡°Speak for yourself¡± she snapped her fingers as the thin wet fabric clinging ever so tightly to her instantly dried up. ¡°Being a magical Grimoire has some advantages¡± she winked.


    ¡°So does being the guy that created this place¡±, Kaden turned and snapped his fingers drying his clothes; he had gotten the idea after watching her.


    The both of them had laughed some more before Kaden left the space and made his way back to the village.


    Kaden found Padvor, Gion and Rakhail sitting together finishing their evening meal.


    ¡°Kaden, Where were you? Saba went looking for you when you didn¡¯t come earlier.¡± Padvor questioned him.


    ¡°Going out to that den by yourself was very dangerous boy. What did you think would happen? At least you had the good sense to turn around¡± Gion¡¯s voice interrupted as Rakhail smiled lifting his glass.


    Kaden smiling handed Padvor several filled water skins and spoke with a casual almost nonchalant tone. ¡°They are filled with a Saint-mother¡¯s nutrient substance after being ingested by a couple of hungry Mothers-bane.¡±


    A sudden silence filled the air as Rakhail dropped his glass and the three of them looked at him. Even Gion had a blank expression.


    It took almost a full minute for them to recover before Rakhail finally spoke, ¡°explain?¡±


    Kaden took a moment to explain his encounter varying the details ever so slightly.


    ¡°Boy, let me understand this. You went out and hunted a Phinsis, used it to poison some of the discarded Spine-back remains and fed it to both of the Mothers-bane. You then drained both of them filling several water skins.¡± Gion spoke with a serious and disbelieving tone.


    Rakhail broke in to the conversation, ¡°When lying it is best to make it a little more believable. You want us to believe you killed a Phinsis. While you carried all these water skins and remains through a predator filled jungle without being attacked. To a cave of a Saint-mother but found two of something even more dangerous. You killed both creatures, removed this precious fluid and made it back here all in time for the evening meal. If I were you I would have changed the part about using the Spine-back remains to using something that was already caught it the web. It is far easier to believe and I would have returned to the village a day later.¡±


    ¡°¡­I will keep that in mind next time¡±, Kaden scratching his head reaching for a glass of water.


    ¡°Next time!¡± Gion¡¯s voice furious, ¡°Tell us what really happened before I beat it out of you and I want the full story.¡±


    Padvor placed his hand up between them, ¡°whatever he did, he did it for the village. The truth is that we now have a very good chance of getting away from the tribes¡¯ hunters. This will help us reach safety of Quarter Point Fort and its garrison. Kaden has given us this precious gift and if he does not want to say any more then he does not have to.¡± Padvor ended the conversation.


    The three of them thanked Kaden for his efforts. Before they parted, Gion reminded Kaden that the village was a family that supported each other; one that he was now part off. She didn¡¯t want him acting alone anymore.


    ¡°Thank you for accepting me¡± he said to her before wandering back home. Kaden loved it here in this strange new world but for some reason was still having trouble accepting the community around him.


    ¡°She means it you know¡±, Sofia broke the silence when they were home.


    ¡°I know, it will just take time I guess.¡± He smiled slightly as while getting ready for bed. The fatigue from the day had suddenly crept up on him and he was looking forward to finally getting some rest.

 Chapter 16 – Do clothes really make the man?

    ¡°Morning¡± Kaden stretched not quite ready to get out of bed. ¡°How are you doing this morning Spider Princess?¡± Opening his eyes only to suddenly see something falling on top of him.


    ¡°That is a terrible name¡±, dropping down from the celling landing on top of him. ¡°I prefer something more ferocious, perhaps The Grimoire of Death or The Black Book. Now those names will strike fear in the hearts of my enemies!¡± Sofia pinned him down using two of the eight legs opening and closing Grimoire as if it were a mouth.


    Kaden was uncharacteristically calm while several extremely sharp fangs where snapping menacingly inches away from his face. ¡°You don¡¯t have any enemies.¡± He reminded her.


    She lifted one of the legs used to pin him down and poked him in the chest with it three times while saying. ¡°Not yet, but¡±. Sofia standing on four of her hind legs while raising the other four up into the air. ¡°All shall one day come to know and fear The Black Grimoire of Death.¡± Her voice sounding almost exaggerated.


    ¡°Why? Is it because you¡¯re going to pin them to their bed first thing in the morning, force them to listen to terrible puns, bad jokes and the worst titles a villain could ever come up with.¡± Kaden teased her; his face and tone maintaining a fa?ade of genuine curiosity.


    Squinting at him from inside the Grimoire, letting only a second pass. ¡°I CRUSH YOU!¡± She yelled as all eight of her legs clamped around a now suffocating Kaden.


    ¡°Hurts¡­ Can¡¯t breathe¡± he managed to get out.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a baby, I am not even using a quarter of my strength¡±, she eased off a little finally letting him go. ¡°That¡¯s what you get for challenging The Mighty Black Death!¡± Her spider legs doing a little victory dance.


    ¡°Ok O-mighty-one, since you can now climb ceilings with your amazing spider powers. I was thinking we go and absorb more things and acquire more of an edge.¡± It had only just occurred to Kaden he need to gain more of an understanding of his unique ability.


    ¡°Tried it, didn¡¯t work¡± Her voice cut in.


    ¡°Tried what?¡± A less than happy feeling surfacing in him.


    ¡°I got bored while you slept so I went for a walk; and before you say anything don¡¯t worry, I made sure no one saw me.¡± Her voice made it sound as if a book connected to eight spider legs complete with a sharp set of fangs, going for a stroll in the middle of a jungle village at night was just the most normal thing in the world. She must have heard his thoughts because before he could say anything, ¡°don¡¯t interrupt, I tried to absorb some more Spine-back remains, a chair and a few other things laying around and nothing happened. Well absorbing the chair helped me reinforce my cover a little. You can feel how solid it is. Actually I was waiting for you to notice and say something but you never did.¡± Her voice sounded a little disappointed at that last statement but she continued. ¡°I think it only works when I get a feeling about something I should absorb. I think absorbing random things doesn¡¯t always work or at least give me nothing beneficial.¡±


    ¡°You did what last night!¡± Kaden¡¯s tone was a mixture of surprise and outrage.


    ¡°I went for a walk; weren¡¯t you listening. Anyway I tried absorbing a shirt someone just left hanging on some rope and nothing happened. So I went to the place where everyone eats, thinking I would just look around. Then I saw the chair and if you remember I wanted that oak chair back at the fort so I decided to absorb it and now I have this lovely reinforced cover.¡± Kaden struggled to think of how to respond to what she just told him.


    Sighing¡­ ¡°Sofia, you can¡¯t just go around absorbing stuff that belongs to different people. Or at least different friendly people. When they find their things have suddenly gone missing they will grow suspicious. Think about what would happen if you got caught or hurt.¡± His voice almost sounding like a parent.


    ¡°Fine¡±, she conceded in a not so happy voice.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    ¡°All right¡±, Kaden decided to change the subject. ¡°So far we know that I can enter and exit books and paper. We know I can store a few things in the Grimoire as long as what is stored isn¡¯t alive. We know that I can learn and replicate anything you see perfectly. Finally we can absorb things and possibly incorporate them into the Grimoire. Am I missing anything?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t keep your thoughts to yourself, you forgot that.¡± She added.


    ¡°Right, I can send my thoughts to you and you can hear them.¡± Ignoring her playful remark. ¡°Let me ask, what about the Phinsis toxin and the Mothers-bane venom? Are you able to make more?¡±


    ¡°Since we didn¡¯t absorb the entire Phinsis I can¡¯t create more. What we used earlier was all that I had. I can create more Mothers-bane venom and I did when I absorbed some of the Spine-back remains but not with the chair or shirt.¡±


    ¡°What happened when you absorbed the shirt?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Nothing, it just disappeared. I think something did happen but I am not sure what¡± she responded.


    Thinking for a moment, ¡°I think our best course of action is still to acquire as much knowledge as possible. I will see if I can get Padvor to teach us more about healing, perhaps I can get him to show me how he makes those life-drops. I also want to hunt and let you absorb more creatures but I think we will need to put that off for now as it is a bit too risky.¡±


    The legs and fangs extruding out from the Grimoire disappeared back into nothingness. If anyone were to spot it now they would just see an ordinary pocket sized journal. Kaden safely tucking Sofia away in his front side pocket and went over to join the rest for breakfast.


    Breakfast with the entire village was lively as always. Padvor sitting on a stool this morning was chatting away happily about testing the substance Kaden had brought back. He had only used a single drop on a colony of ants and had seen some amazing results.


    ¡°Those ants can normally carry five thousand times their own body weight. A single drop introduced into the colony¡¯s water supply¡­ well it would be better to just show you the results.¡± After breakfast the two of them went over to see the result of Padvor¡¯s experiment. ¡°They look the same as before but looks can be deceiving.¡± He picked up nearby metal pot and placed in on top of an ant before letting it go. Remarkably an ant that should have been crushed simply moved the pot aside before going about its own business. ¡°I have no idea just how much they have been enhanced. I don¡¯t believe we will experience the same dramatic results as these ants since we are a different species.¡± Padvor continued after taking a short pause to let all of the information sink into his young companion. ¡°I don¡¯t think it is a good idea for anyone to directly take the substance. It is after all a much stronger version then even the Saint-mothers produce. There is no telling what would happen if a human were to take even the tiniest drop. I still want to run a few more experiments on different species but I think it would be best if we use a diluted version of substance mixed in with a few various other ingredients. I dare hope this may even make us as strong as some of the elites champions from the tribes. We still wouldn¡¯t be a match in open combat but if it¡¯s just running away; why anything is possible.¡±


    Kaden understanding his meaning, ¡°are old kingdom weapons that strong?¡±


    ¡°They are indeed. It is the single biggest reason why the Legion is losing; that and if the tribes unite, Rakan would be significantly outnumbered.¡± They finished their conversation when Padvor agreed to teach Kaden how to create the life-drops and other methods used to heal when he had the time.


    The only good thing resulting from the Spine-back attack was the abundance of resources. The thick leathery hide used to make armor and clothing, the sharp spines on their backs were used for arrow heads and spear points, and finally their meat was extremely nutritious.


    In the following weeks Kaden had wandered around the village helping out where he could. Due to this and thanks to Sofia¡¯s help, he had managed to pick up and become proficient with a wide variety of skills. Using what he had learnt and the little knowledge of clothing he possessed from his old world, Kaden went to work creating several sets of comfortable and combat ready clothing.


    It took him a few days but he had created several well-fitting pants, a long sleeveless coat with a hood, a couple of short coats, shirts and shoes.


    The shoes were particularly unique as Kaden had molded them individually around each of his toes adding metal and tiny claws to the front half of his feet. These modifications afforded him more protection, provided additional grip and would help to confuse any pursuers searching for human tracks.


    All of his clothing had two particular traits in common. First most everything had hidden pockets attached everywhere, including a reinforced one over his heart for Sofia. Second he ensured everything was dyed in various patterns of green and brown to help camouflage himself in the Jungle.


    The next morning Kaden put on a set of his new clothes smiling to himself feeling like he could take on the world. ¡°I look good!¡± he muttered to himself.


    ¡°You look ridiculous¡±, Sofia¡¯s familiar voice spoke at the same time.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you don¡¯t know what style is¡±, he responded.


    ¡°Judging from what you¡¯re wearing, neither do you.¡± She teased.


    Kaden couldn¡¯t think of a retort so he simply sighed. ¡°Padvor said he wanted to test his new strengthening serum today. Let¡¯s go see if he is ready.¡± He finished speaking; closing the door behind him.

 Chapter 17 – Questions Answered

    Rakhail arrived at Padvor¡¯s with Alia strapped to his back.


    ¡°Do not do this Alia, I promised your husband I would take care of you and I will.¡± Rakhail was desperate to try and convince her otherwise.


    ¡°Rakhail, you always treated the both of us like family. I never knew my real father but¡­ Thank you.¡± She paused a moment to hold Rakhail. He was almost in tears but somehow she knew he would never cry, at least not in front of anyone. ¡°I have made my decision. Padvor needed a volunteer and I refuse to be a burden. I would only slow down the village¡¯s escape.¡±


    ¡°It will not, I made this to carry you and I will. Alia, do not be fooled these old bones were forged in the Ghost core and I will challenge anyone to keep up with me, even carrying you. Bringing you will not slow us down.¡±


    Alia and her husband had deeply cared about the village. She had lost her both of her legs while desperately trying to save her husband during the attack. The Spine-backs had taken it all away from her and she¡¯d be dammed if she let them have more. ¡°Those of us that are unable to keep up have decided to stay behind. Even if there isn¡¯t a chance for any of us to last the next attack, this is our home and we will defend it; Jungle Mother take us. We should at least be able to slow the pack down long enough so you and the rest can get enough of a start.¡±


    ¡°None of you are staying behind! I do not care if I have to tie all of you together and drag you to Quarter Point kicking and screaming by myself. I said none of you are staying behind.¡± Rakhail¡¯s voice sounded furious.


    Looking at him, delicate gentleness was reflected in her eyes. ¡°That would be a site to see¡±, she chuckled. ¡°I know you would do it to.¡± Her voice now taking on a firm yet soft tone, ¡°We love the village and have made our choice, all of us. I am the first volunteer and should things fail, another one of us will be the next. This is our home and you are all family. We will do what has to be done to make sure that our family survives.¡±


    For a long moment Rakhail just held her hand tenderly as any real loving father would. Finally he stood up and moved beside Kaden as Padvor went over to the seat she was placed on and kneeled.


    ¡°You can still change your mind. You don¡¯t have to do this.¡± Padvor asking her one final time.


    ¡°You¡¯re almost as bad as he is.¡± She laughed pointing to Rakhail. ¡°Shall we begin?¡±


    Padvor nodded, ¡°If it goes according to plan you won¡¯t feel a thing. As long as you don¡¯t count being sore and tired as your body re-forges its own structure. I used a diluted version of the nutrient substance Kaden brought me to create a strengthening serum.¡± He hesitated a moment, ¡°If it doesn¡¯t go according to plan¡­ I¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s ok Padvor, I know and understand. I need to do this.¡± She interrupted him.


    Padvor handed her a small vial with a clear liquid and asked her to drink. ¡°I¡¯m still alive, that is a good start. I don¡¯t feel any different¡±, Alia had to stifle a yawn.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t, that was a sedative after all.¡± Padvor smiled as he took the vial from Alia hand. She was out cold in a matter of seconds.


    ¡°I have never seen a sedative work that fast.¡± Kaden had to ask while Rakhail bent over and gave Alia a kiss on the forehead.


    ¡°Concentrated Coil tree vodka, from the smell of it. I have not had any of it since the first night we joined the Legion.¡± Rakhail answered as Padvor smiled. ¡°Ah¡­ all you milk drinkers. Coil tree vodka is how the Jungle Mother separates the true warriors from the weak. She is going to be out for the rest of the day which is well and good. When she wakes it will feel like a smith has been using her head for an anvil.


    Once he was sure she was asleep. Padvor poured a vial with a clear green liquid into Alia¡¯s mouth as he explained the formula to Rakhail and Kaden. ¡°We should know by tomorrow, I will keep watch over her tonight.¡±


    Rakhail pulling out a deck of cards from his coat pocket, ¡°Have any more vodka?¡±


    ¡°We just had breakfast, isn¡¯t it a little early to be drinking?¡± Kaden knew that was the wrong question to ask as the both of them just turned to look at him. ¡°¡­ I mean deal me in.¡±


    They taught Kaden the basics as they played and Padvor would go check up on Alia every so often.


    ¡°So tell me about these Old Kingdom Weapons, exactly why are they so strong?¡± Kaden leaned over to pick up another card.


    Padvor responded after throwing away two cards. ¡°Imagine having the command of a spell without having to pay the cost or chanting for that matter. The smiths of old were somehow able to embed one or multiple spells into their creations and negate a lot of the basic rules of magic. Or perhaps our understanding of it is just very limited.¡±


    Rakhail placed a card on the table while picking up another that Padvor had thrown down. ¡°Imagine a kingdom with so much magic that even the most common of soldiers had enchanted weapons.


    Piecing together little bits of history, battles against the tribes and solid information gathering by us in the Ghost Core here is what we know.


    There were at least three classes of weapons. All of them are also made so they do not break or we have never recorded one ever breaking.


    The first most common class of weapon was issued to their infantry and is what the majority of the tribes use. As far as we can tell they usually have a single enchanted spell on them. These can vary from simple Strength and Speed to Fire and other elements. The deadliest of these usually are the ones with Transfer Health on them as a single cut is all it takes. ¡±


    Kaden took another card from the deck as Rakhail continued, ¡°The Legion has only ever managed to find two of these common class of weapon against the thousands that the Tribes possess. The best weapons in Rakan are all based off them. The most we can make after years of study is a slightly stronger and more durable weapon, we still do not know how to forge ones with spell enchants.


    And Padvor my friend, everything has a cost. We simply do not know what price needs to be paid for such power.¡±


    Padvor stroked his chin, ¡°Wise words my friend. It is true we simply do not know enough about the Old Kingdom. If only we knew the reason for a Kingdom that powerful to be taken by the Jungle Mother.¡± Padvor picking up card while discarding another.


    ¡°What about the other two classes of weapons?¡± Kaden asked.


    ¡°We do not know. I have never seen any and we only have the report of a battle from over three thousand years ago. A survivor from Rakan¡¯s attempt to conquer a portion of Tribal lands witnessed the loss of over fifteen hundred Legionaries to a single Tribal hunter. Her report was focused on a bow that engulfed an area in flames.¡± Rakhail placed all his cards on the table, ¡°I win this round.¡±


    Padvor dealt the next round, ¡°They were all incinerated.¡± Rakhail continued while closely examining his cards.


    ¡°If they are so strong why don¡¯t they just invade or destroy Rakan?¡± Kaden discarded three cards.


    ¡°They have no reason to. The tribes usually fight amongst themselves over Old Kingdom ruins and forgotten treasures in their own lands. Rakan has a few ruins around but none of them have anything of value. They like to keep us around for the occasional hunt to train their young.¡± Padvor maintained a neutral expression during his response.


    ¡°You going to play or just keep staring at those cards?¡± Rakhail interrupted. Padvor smiled placing down his entire hand on the table. ¡°The Jungle Mother favored you this round.¡±


    Kaden looked at Alia, ¡°is there nothing we can do for her?¡±


    ¡°Only a High-born with knowledge of more powerful spells can heal her. It is beyond my abilities.¡± Padvor responded.


    Lost in thought for a moment, ¡°How does one track a Phinsis?¡±

 Chapter 18 – Digging a hole

    Kaden slid the Rakanian-machete into its sheath and fastened it across his back. Spear in hand, an hour or so later he was ready to head out. He made his way to the place that Rakhail had reluctantly told him about.


    ¡°This is a good spot, Rakhail said it should be close enough.¡± He pulled out a borrowed shovel from the grimoire and started digging.


    Sofia climbed a tree after deciding to wander around a little; her spider limbs made it a simple task. ¡°Can you cut down some thin branches and leaves while you¡¯re up there?¡± His voice rang loud from the ground.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like this plan of your¡±, she called back. Nevertheless she started working on his request.


    It took a few hours but Kaden finally finished after tying a very taut vine to a nearby tree. ¡°That should hold¡±, admiring his handiwork.


    ¡°It better, your life is depending on it.¡± Her tone had a hint of concern. ¡°I don¡¯t know why you always risk your life so easily.¡±


    ¡°This place is dangerous, but sometimes it is better to take a calculated risk now so you can avoid something worse later. If this works we can bring everyone with us.¡± He countered, ¡°All right. Let¡¯s go find a Phinsis.¡±


    It didn¡¯t take them long thanks to Sofia¡¯s enhanced senses and the knowledge Padvor and Rakhail provided them. It was easy enough to spot the telltale signs of a nearby Phinsis.


    ¡°There it is¡±, she whispered from his pocket.


    ¡°Gi Vem Es Wif Tn Ess¡±, he said in a low voice and shoved a Recoberry into his mouth. Taking a deep breath, ¡°Time to poke the bear.¡± He felt twinge of nervousness starting to grow in the pit of his stomach.


    ¡°Just make sure you don¡¯t complain while you¡¯re getting mauled¡±, her teasing words made him smile. Sometimes she knew just exactly the right thing to say.


    ¡°Will do¡±, he responded more confident.


    Kaden picked up a nearby rock and hurled it with all his might. THUD, it struck a now not so happy Phinsis square in the head.


    Kaden turned and bolted away with all the magically enhanced speed he was able to muster.


    Snarling, it turned just quick enough to see the motion of a few leaves where Kaden had been. After letting out another snarl it took off after him.


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Kaden knew the creature was fast and gaining on him. Even with his magically enhanced speed he wouldn¡¯t be able to outrun it.


    ¡°Now!¡± Sofia called just as Kaden leapt over a fallen tree. With a swift motion he pulled the machete from its sheath slicing a nearby vine as they continued forward. A wooden frame with several small spikes shot out from behind a tree just-in-time to catch the Phinsis head on, injuring the creature and slowing its pursuit.


    The Phinsis fueled by rage continued forward refusing to give up. ¡°It¡¯s almost on us again, just another few steps¡±, Sofia called as Kaden leapt over another fallen tree.


    It was just a little bit sluggish as it leapt over the same fallen tree; its wounds were no doubt the cause. The creature confident in its landing had one of its paws pulled out from under it forcing it to fall forward into a few well-placed sharp wooden spikes.


    It got up snarling; breaking the odd vine responsible for tripping it. The creature was feeling a little dizzy even though had only been slightly injured. Sniffing the air, it managed to locate Kaden¡¯s trail and continued its pursuit. After passing a final tree it came to an abrupt halt. There in front of it was the culprit responsible for everything. It snarled angrily.


    Kaden stood there looking relaxed with a big smile on his face. ¡°I don¡¯t think it liked our presents very much Sofia.¡±


    ¡°No? What an ungrateful guest. We even spent so much time preparing a bed and everything.¡± Her voice sounding almost hurt.


    The creature took a step closer to them and paused. It placed its paw down in front of it and pushed gently. The ground collapsed reveling a deep pit. The creature snarled at Kaden as his expression changed slightly.


    It propelled itself forward using powerful muscles to cross over the pit. It would only require a single leap for such a short distance. The Phinsis sailing through the air towards Kaden thrust its tail forward for the strike.


    THUD


    Something heavy struck the creature from above just as it was half way to the other side. The sudden blow sent it crashing straight down into the awaiting arms of several very long, very sharp spikes at the bottom of the pit.


    Kaden slid the machete back into its sheath after cleanly cutting a very taut vine. Walking over to the edge of the pit and looked in at the pinned creature.


    ¡°Looks like someone is caught between a rock and a hard place¡±, Sofia¡¯s failed attempt at humor made Kaden groan.


    ¡°Sofia if you please¡±, not wanting to prolong the struggling creatures agony any longer.


    Kaden¡¯s plan had involved suspending several very heavy boulders above the pit with more than just a few jungle vines. He was initially going to release them once the Phinsis had already fallen into the pit to try and crush it however things didn¡¯t go exactly according to plan.


    ¡°Putting Mothers-bane venom on all the spikes along the way and down there was a good idea. It slowed it down just enough for you to run away screaming.¡± Kaden wasn¡¯t sure if her teasing remark was a compliment or an insult.


    ¡°It¡¯s a strategic retreat!¡± he responded. ¡°Why fight fair, when you can just run away and lead it into an ambush. To echo the words a very famous Admiral, ¡°It¡¯s a trap¡±.¡±


    Sofia walked down the edge of the pit and approached the trapped Phinsis carefully. She found a spot where she was sure it wouldn¡¯t be able to strike her with its tail and sunk all her teeth deep into the creature. After they were sure it was completely paralyzed Kaden made his way down and killed it with a very accurate stab from his spear.


    ¡°All your, beautiful¡±, he voice wavered slightly at his attempt to ¡­flirt. Sofia must not have noticed he thought as she didn¡¯t say a word while absorbing the Phinsis.


    Earlier that day an intense discussion about how Phinsis are able to instantly regenerate their limbs had taken place between them. Sofia had also pointed out to him that all spiders had the same ability although it took them several days. Kaden felt he could perhaps somehow combine these creatures¡¯ abilities to help fix Alia¡¯s legs. He theorized this from the knowledge of healing he gained from Padvor and the information from Korin¡¯s Jungle Survival Guide. If they used Sofia¡¯s unique talents, he may be able to give a human the same ability. All he needed now was a Titan beetle, a white Chaga mushroom and someone willing to test out the formula.

 Chapter 19 – The Results of Drinking

    They were about to head back to the village when a thought occurred to Kaden. ¡°Hey Sofia¡­ Do I even want to know what you can do now?¡±


    The grimoire turned towards Kaden with an almost demonic smile. Its reflective green scales had visually increased in number and now had a dim green glow to them. Without warning a ninth appendage suddenly struck out towards Kaden stopping just inches from his face as he fell backwards.


    ¡°The hell did you do that for?¡± Anger in his voice. ¡°That is really not funny and fairly dangerous¡±


    A thin version of the tail belonging to a Phinsis had sprouted out from the spine of the grimoire. Its eight spider legs were now accompanied by a very powerful scorpion like tail. ¡°You said something similar last time, anyway don¡¯t you like it? It should be a lot stronger than a regular tail as I combined both of Mothers-bane and Phinsis to create it.¡±


    Sofia decided to show off a little by using the new tail to stab through a nearby tree. This demonstration of power was enough to shake Kaden through to the bone.


    ¡°I also combined the Mothers-bane venom and the Phinsis toxin to create something a little more deadly. Anything I bite or sting will be instantly paralyzed and dead in a matter of minutes.¡± She continued with an excitedly upbeat tone. ¡°Those who go against me will truly have something to fear!¡± She added an exaggerated maniacal laugh to the end of that last statement.


    Perhaps I should go easier on letting her absorb too many creatures; he quietly thought to himself. Kaden wasn¡¯t so much worried that she would hurt him but rather her growing arch villain like tendencies.


    They had found some White Chaga mushrooms and Titan Beatles on their way back to the village. Sofia had absorbed them both but wasn¡¯t able to tell if anything had changed. She did mention to Kaden that something must have happened as she felt similar to when she absorbed the shirt back at the village.


    ¡°Were you able to synthesize the solution?¡±


    ¡°I was. That information about combining and creating new Genes using DNA you gave me helped a lot. I combined everything successfully and I am sure they will be able to regrow missing limbs.¡± Her voice sounded like she was trying to convince herself.


    Kaden went over to see Padvor and Alia the next day. Padvor had skipped breakfast that morning to monitor Alia¡¯s progress. ¡°That is very impressive¡±, he said examining her.


    They had been doing several tests that morning. ¡°As far as I can tell your muscles are more tightly bound increasing your natural strength. You seems to have gained a significant boost to your stamina. I am especially impressed at how fast it recovers. You¡¯re also healing a lot faster and your immune system is far stronger.¡± Holding up one of her blood samples, ¡°I am not sure but I think your natural aging has slowed if you¡¯re still aging at all. I can¡¯t tell.


    This formula will change life for all of Rakan.¡± Padvor stayed silent for a moment to ponder the implications of this. He was wondering if they should really hand over this miracle formula or not. Some of the high-born were rumored to be ageless with secret family spells. This certainly had to be true for those that had been alive since the founding of the new kingdom. If this formula got out then the low-born would be able to even that playing field, perhaps they could see real changes in Rakan.


    Padvor took a deep breath. No; he thought, this would only lead to civil war. He also wasn¡¯t sure how Kaden had gotten the initial solution in the first place. That mysterious boy was constantly surprising him.


    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Padvor jumped when he suddenly heard Kaden¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I feel stronger then I have ever been. If I only had this back before¡­ Things would have been different.¡± Alia responded.


    ¡°About that, I think I may have a solution¡±, a slight smile on Kaden¡¯s face.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Alia threw him a questioning look


    ¡°I may have figured a way for you to regrow your legs¡±, Kaden smiled at her then turned to look at Padvor just as he fell off his chair.


    Kaden explained a not so accurate and altered version of a story. He had gotten better at altering just the correct amount of facts thanks to Rakhail¡¯s tips. He wasn¡¯t sure how he would be able to explain the basics of altering DNA or Genes to them so he simply left it out.


    Kaden is going to be the death of me, I¡¯m sure of it. Here I am wondering the implications of a miracle solution without equal since probably the old kingdom and now less than a day later he brings me another one. He is lying about the method he used to create it but that is understandable. Perhaps he is also worried about the implications and doesn¡¯t want it to get out. Only the high-born have this kind of power and don¡¯t often share it. Padvor got up and straightened himself, ¡°How did you come up with this idea? And is it safe? Everything requires a tradeoff so what is the cost of this one?¡±


    ¡°My people don¡¯t have magic, instead we study something called science. While I can¡¯t explain it all to you I will tell you this. Every advance we have made is based this method¡­¡± Kaden drew out a diagram for the scientific method.


    Padvor examined the diagram and found it elegant, this process was so simple and yet so precise.


    ¡°Using what you taught me and everything else I know I was able to create this¡±, Kaden handed Padvor a water skin. ¡°I don¡¯t know if it will work and it would be a lie if I said there wasn¡¯t any danger but I want to give everyone a chance.¡±


    Taking a moment, ¡°As for the cost¡­ I don¡¯t know. I need someone to test it on¡±


    ¡°I volunteer¡±, Alia¡¯s voice chimed in. ¡°Do I drink the whole thing or just take a sip?¡±


    ¡°Hold on second Alia, we don¡¯t know¡±


    Alia immediately interrupted him, ¡°Padvor, I have made my choice. If this works it will help all of us¡±


    Taking a deep breath, ¡°I suppose I will not be able to talk you into even slowing down. I want to test them on other non-human creatures first.¡±


    ¡°Padvor we don¡¯t have time, just how long do you think is left till the next Spine-back attack.¡± She countered.


    ¡°Do what you will¡±, he knew there was no point arguing and they would have to test it on someone eventually.


    Kaden took a tiny vial from Padvor and poured a little of the serum in. ¡°I think your legs will regrow back but I do not know what the long term effects of this will be. I don¡¯t know if it will only work on part of you or all of you. Only time will tell.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, I appreciate all you have done and will do for the village. I don¡¯t want to be a burden to anyone and if this even has the slightest chance to change that, I will take it.¡± She took the vial from Kaden and swallowed.


    ¡°That is the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted.¡± Closing her eyes trying to keep the vial substance down.


    ¡°Anything different so far?¡± Kaden asked.


    ¡°I am starting to feel a little warm¡±, the warm sensation she was experiencing started to intensify. A few seconds later she felt as if a fire was coursing through her entire body. It was especially concentrated towards the stumps of where her legs use to be.


    ¡°They are growing¡±, Padvor¡¯s voice sounded astonished.


    The skin at the end of her legs started to grow longer, her muscles and bones started to extend. The entire process took only a few minutes.


    ¡°This is amazing¡±, those words couldn¡¯t really describe the joy in her voice or begin to express the emotions she was feeling. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say, thank you, thank you for everything Kaden. You have given me back so much¡­¡± Her words trailed off when she noticed Padvor and Kaden staring at her legs. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± a slight panic just hit her as she more closely examined her legs.


    ¡°No, nothing is wrong. I may¡­ Um¡± Kaden pointed towards a spot on her legs. Her legs were a lot lighter than the rest of her skin. It was a very pale misty white compared to her own tanned skin tone.


    A look of relief came to her face, ¡°O that, don¡¯t worry. I have legs again, who cares if the colours are mismatched¡±


    Kaden bent down and pointed to a more specific spot. Then she saw it. On a much closer inspection she noticed several very tiny reflective scales. They were all white in colour with some having ranges from light blue to light purple around their edges. A few even had some greens mixed in. They seem to be randomly placed in tiny sporadic clusters over her newly formed legs.


    Padvor bent over to examine them. ¡°They seem to be very tough, almost like armor. Do you feel it when I touch them?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can feel it.¡± She responded.


    ¡°How about if I push down on them? Stop me if it starts to hurt¡± Padvor started tapping the scales with a tiny hammer like tool. Lightly at first then slowly increased the pressure.


    ¡°I can still feel it, I don¡¯t feel any pain¡±


    ¡°They seem to be distributing the force somehow.¡± It must be similar to how Phinsis scales work.


    ¡°Can you try walking?¡±


    Alia managed to stand up with a little difficulty. Taking a step was another matter entirely. It took her a little bit before she finally managed to gain control of her new muscles and she was able to move unaided.


    The celebration the village held that night was beyond anything Kaden had ever experienced. There was music, dancing, a huge bone-fire, alcohol and food; lots of alcohol and food. Kaden being hailed as the village hero was the center of attention.


    ¡°We should wait a few more days to see how Alia is doing before giving out your miracle heal to those who need it. But, I think we can start giving everyone the strengthening serum starting tomorrow. You have given me a lot of work to do over the next few days¡±, Padvor¡¯s had to raise his voice over the music.


    ¡°Haha, you know me. Got to keep you on your toes¡±, Kaden responded finally getting the chance to sit down after dancing nonstop.


    ¡°That you do¡±, Padvor laughed.


    Kaden managed to excuse himself from the party deciding to head to bed finally. On his way back he noticed Alia standing at the edge of the village staring into the dark of the jungle.


    ¡°I can see it¡±, she said noticing him even without glancing in his direction.


    ¡°See what?¡± he was slightly confused.


    Pausing a moment before she finally responded, ¡°everything.¡±

 Chapter 20 – Preparation and Planning

    ¡°Everything?¡± Kaden¡¯s curiosity visible on his face


    Alia turned back towards the jungle bathed in the darkness of night. Closing her eyes and taking a deep slow breath in before letting go. ¡°You know I am nearsighted or, at-least I was. I can see the jungle as clear as day and I don¡¯t mean things are just clear. I can see further and into the darkness as if it were lessened somehow. Although even if it was still completely dark it wouldn¡¯t matter. I can sense things.


    When you walked by, I could hear the sound of your feet, hear the rhythm of your breathing, even from here I can smell the Coil tree vodka Rakhail secretly poured into his drink, I can feel¡­¡±


    ¡°I can smell the Coil tree vodka Rakhail poured into his drink¡±, Kaden interrupted breaking the tension in her voice. The quip causing her to laugh furiously; lightening the mood.


    Walking up, he put his arm around her back in a friendly gesture and motioned her to sit on a nearby log. ¡°Look, I made that serum by mixing various different plant and animals in a special way. It needed to change certain things in you at very core to allow you to regrow your missing limbs. I am not sure what those changes were or will be as time goes on. Or when they will settle down. I just wanted to give you a chance, give you all a chance. I couldn¡¯t just watch you all sacrifice your lives just so our escape wouldn¡¯t be slowed down.¡±


    Alia slowly leaned in towards him and gave him a soft kiss on his cheek, ¡°thanks¡± as she smiled.


    Kaden¡¯s face flushed and Alia let out another laugh the second she noticed. ¡°You know all the girls back in Rakan will fall for that charm of yours.¡± She teased, ¡°If I hadn¡¯t married¡­¡± winking at him playfully.


    ¡°Um¡­ a¡­¡± Kaden¡¯s shaky voice revealing a little more then he would have wanted it to. ¡°So¡­ you may start to see a few different animal or plant traits show up.¡±


    Kaden stumbled in closing the door behind him. His face was still beet red after that conversation with Alia.


    ¡°You should stay away from her!¡± Sofia¡¯s voice was calm but Kaden thought he detected a tiny hint of anger hidden within her tone. ¡°With her added senses she may suspect us and we can¡¯t have her find out anything.¡± Her voice slightly rushed this time.


    ¡°Suspect us of what?¡± his tone of confusion was evident. ¡°She won¡¯t find out about you. You worry too much¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s you now? Anyway stay away from her. It is safer for US that way¡±, anger evident in her voice and Kaden especially noticed the emphasis on the word us.


    Wondering what was wrong. She isn¡¯t jealous, is she? Kaden thought. No who am I kidding here, stop fantasying about things Kaden.


    Sighing, ¡°It would look odd if I suddenly avoided her or anyone else in the village. Also I don¡¯t think we really have to worry if they found out about you. Everyone here seems trust worthy.¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Sofia didn¡¯t say anything further and Kaden got ready for bed. ¡°Don¡¯t be worried, I won¡¯t say anything.


    Let¡¯s get some rest¡±, doing his best to reassure her. ¡°Good night¡± he tried to be as cheerful as possible.


    ¡°Good night¡±, she whispered almost under her breath.


    She didn¡¯t like that woman. Alia would surely get Kaden into trouble.


    ¡°Jealous¡±, Sofia spat the word out and sat down with a huff. Her face slightly red with a twinge of anger as she hugged her knees closer; every tiny detail about that horrible moment playing through her mind.


    Kaden had woken up a little late the next morning and went straight to see Padvor. He was going to help administer the strengthening serum to everyone in the village and they needed time to prepare. There was a line already out the door much to his surprise by the time he made it there.


    ¡°Morning, sorry I am late.¡± He called to Padvor who was currently setting aside and organizing several different vials.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right, there has been a slight change of plans anyway. We will focus on helping those who were crippled during the attack with both serums first, then we focus on giving the rest in the village the strengthening serum. And good morning Kaden, it will be a busy day and I trust you slept well.¡±


    ¡°I did, over slept in fact. I thought you wanted to wait and see what happens to Alia first, what changed your mind?¡±


    Padvor looked at him, ¡°we may have to move our timetable up. Gion and Rakhail have already started on preparations. Once we finish here we will go over the plan with everyone.¡±


    He nodded to Padvor in recognition, ¡°Why the change, did something happen?¡±


    A slight frown appeared on Padvor¡¯s face, ¡°I will tell you later. We should focus on what we need to do today.¡±


    They spent the next two days administering Padvor¡¯s strengthening serum to everyone and Kaden¡¯s serum to those who needed it.


    ¡°I guess it¡¯s our turn. Bottoms up!¡± Padvor, Gion, Rakhail and Kaden clicked their vials together and downed their portion of the strengthening serum mixed with concentrated Coil tree vodka. Kaden consciousness started to slip as he felt the liquid slowly start to change his entire body.


    ¡°You are finally awake¡±, Rakhail¡¯s voice started to cut through the haze. ¡°That vodka is very strong, take your time.¡±


    ¡°I feel like a heard of elephants just trampled my head¡­ repeatedly.¡± Kaden grabbed his head with both of his hands.


    ¡°Drink boy¡±, Gion handed him a ceramic cup.


    ¡°Thanks, what is it?¡± he took the cup and greedily drank the warm yellow liquid.


    ¡°Turmeric root tea with cinnamon and cardamom¡±, she answered drinking from her own cup. ¡°I feel the difference already¡±, she continued. ¡°We will have to spar a little so we get use to the limits of this new found strength¡±


    Kaden nodded in acknowledgement as they all took rest of the day off.


    The next morning everyone in the village gathered in one of the larger enclosed buildings. Gion and Rakhail went over the basics of the route they were going to take to escape the Spine-backs and Tribe.


    ¡°Rakhail¡¯s and the other scouts will leave several false trails along the river both up and down stream over the next few days. Making sure whoever follows them will be met with several surprises along the way. We don¡¯t expect it will do much other than slow the tribe¡¯s scouts down but every little delay will mean more time for us to get just a little bit further.¡±


    Rakhail continued from where Gion left off, ¡°Their scouts that are watching the village will change every six hours and it takes them around two to travel between here and their camp. We will wait till just after they change those scouts and eliminate the new ones quietly. This should give us an eight hour head start.¡± He took a moment and paused. ¡°We will be heading into the Mist to lose them¡±. Several smaller conversations broke out the second he mentioned those words. ¡°I know, but we have little choice.¡± The voices quieted down a little.


    ¡°We have begun to prepare a path through it all ready. It is in the opposite direction but we can still lose any pursuit in there. We will then cut south through the mist, it should take them a least a month before they can find where we decide to exit¡±


    Kaden raised his hand, ¡°I also have an Idea.¡±

 Chapter 21 – Kaden and Rakhail

    Kaden¡¯s idea that day had sparked a lot of interest from the village; especially Rakhail.


    ¡°I could recommend you to the Legion¡¯s tactical division when we are back in Rakan. I know a few people and you would do well.¡± Rakhail lifted another sword from the rack, felt its weight and balance before putting it back and selecting another to repeat the process with.


    Kaden pondered the idea, he hadn¡¯t really thought about what he was going to do when they reached Rakan. ¡°I am not sure, I think I prefer life more like this. I like the freedom. Is there any way for me to learn more magic when we are back in Rakan? I would love to do something related perhaps.¡± He had always wanted to be a wizard casting spells and the like.


    Nodding his head in mild disappointment, ¡°You will have to forget about magic when we get back. If they catch you casting a spell¡­ we would never hear from you again. Remember only the high-born can use magic and they do not teach anyone else.¡±


    Rakhail continued to further stress his point, ¡°There is one instance of low-born learning magic, eight years ago a legion squad that was sent to an ancient ruin. Their Commander had died to a Spine-crawler raid shortly after they got there. Surrounded and outnumbered, the Estarte in command had ordered the unit to fortify themselves till help arrived. I am not sure of all the details but they found an old kingdom spell and were able to turn the battle shortly after.¡± Rakhail took a slight pause and debated if he really wanted to finish the story. ¡°After they made it back to Rakan and reported in¡±, his voice was a little hesitant, ¡°The Ghost Core was ordered to ensure they did not make it back.¡±


    ¡°You said they reported in¡­ O¡±, the meaning behind Rakhail¡¯s words dawned on Kaden. ¡°I understand. I am sorry.¡± Rakhail handed a practice sword to Kaden having chosen his own already.


    ¡°Is that why you and the others left Rakan?¡±


    ¡°Padvor and the others were tired of it and decided to create this little village. It is still within Rakan¡¯s rule and afforded the protection of the Legion but far enough away that no one really cares or checks on it. As you said, there is some freedom here. Once we get back, everyone will scatter to various cities and try to scrape out a life. Some will try to settle in small villages throughout the jungle as well. I know Gion and Padvor will buy a little place in Leece. Gion always favored its white beaches you know. It took three months for me to save enough, but I helped pay for their honeymoon trip there as a wedding gift.¡± A smile came to Rakhail¡¯s face as he remembered handing them all that coin. He had to practically force the two of them to take it. ¡°For me, this little break is over. Perhaps they will let me be an instructor when I return.¡±The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to rejoin the Legion?¡±


    ¡°Did I not tell you, being a member of the Ghost Core is for life¡± A slight prideful expression was evident on Rakhail¡¯s face. ¡°It is our turn, my style is much different from Gion¡¯s¡±, he smiled.


    Kaden and Rakhail faced each other in the center of the training area. They saluted each other with their swords and readied for the signal to begin. ¡°Etab some music if you would¡±, Rakhail¡¯s voice sounded playful as ever.


    Bah Dah Da, Bah Dah Da, Bah Dah Da


    The rhythmic beat from Etab¡¯s war drums thundered.


    Kaden could feel his heart starting to beat louder and faster in anticipation; the feeling of adrenalin coursing through him was almost addictive. The signal came and he was off.


    Kaden leapt forward, his sword arm pulled back and above his head. He swung the weapon down towards his opponent with all his might.


    Rakhail stepped to the side, his own blade raised and angled away from him ready for the oncoming strike.


    Ding, the sound of metal on metal punctuated the music from the drums.


    Rakhail let Kaden¡¯s blow harmlessly slide down the length of his blade with a parry. Kaden off balance was almost caught by Rakhail¡¯s counter swing towards his head.


    With no time to think Kaden rolled under Rakhail¡¯s blade. Using the slight distance now between them, Kaden pushed off the ground towards Rakhail using his free hand and feet.


    Countering with a jump of his own and demonstrating a grace that could only be expected from a highly experienced dancer. Rakhail spun in midair using his momentum and rotation to make what would be a normally fatal cut.


    To any onlooker watching it would have appeared almost as if time was purposely slowed to allow them to remember every little beautifully perfect detail of that moment.


    Kaden felt the edge of a dull blade strike his back as he passed under a spinning Rakhail. Before he even knew what was happening, Kaden was already using his face halt his own forward momentum.


    ¡°I believe this round is mine.¡± Rakhail smiled as Kaden got to his feet. ¡°Do you know what you did wrong?¡±


    Dusting himself off he responded, ¡°I was too aggressive, I should have taken a more measured approach.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but why were you aggressive?¡±


    Kaden pondered this question for a moment, ¡°I don¡¯t know, I guess I was just excited by the music.¡±


    ¡°Good, remember I told you I fought differently. I had Etab play his drums because I had a feeling they would have such an effect. Some of us are not as good as others so we must do everything to turn things in our own favor. Sometimes the setup is more important than the actual fight.


    You must always remember, strength is never a substitute for strategy.


    If you are prepared and they are not. You will win a hundred out of a hundred times even against an overwhelmingly strong opponent.


    War or even a fight is about preparation first and execution second.¡±


    Kaden pondered Rakhail¡¯s words. ¡°Then why is Rakan losing to the tribes? Doesn¡¯t the Legion prepare long before they fight?¡±


    Rakhail smiled, ¡°That is because the tribes prepare as well. Do not actually think of them as primitive brainless fools with powerful weapons. Tribal leaders are just as sharp as the best Commanders. They do not survive where they are and as long as they have with muscle alone. Do not underestimate them.¡±


    ¡°Shall we continue?¡± Kaden was now calm, the music wasn¡¯t going to dictate his rhythm during the next fight.


    ¡°Yes, time to test our new limits. Gi Vem Es Wif Tn Ess¡± Rakhail chanted.

 Chapter 22 – New Ideas

    Rakhail reached his hand down and pulled Kaden to his feet. ¡°Do not feel bad, Padvor and Gion both have trouble even when fighting against me together.¡±


    Kaden had just lost all seven rounds against Rakhail¡¯s superior tactics. Rakhail was somehow always able to bait Kaden into making a mistake or trap and then counterattacking. Magic didn¡¯t make any difference, Rakhail seemed to use both spells far more efficiently.


    ¡°What you said about using magic at only the moment it was needed is a good way to preserve ones stamina and prolong spell life. It is still somewhat difficult, I should ask Saba to show me how she does it.¡±


    ¡°Somewhat difficult?¡± Kaden repeated Rakhail¡¯s words and laughed. Saba was the only one in the village that had figured out how to completely stop and restart a spell¡¯s affects without ending the spell entirely. Kaden was able to manage it to a very slight degree but was never able to fully master the skill; not that he saw any point to it now with his newly enhanced body. ¡°Is that really necessary now? With the strengthening serum most are able to manage to keep both spells fully active for between two and two and a half hours. Also since we all recover fully within an hour after that give or take. It feels like it really isn¡¯t worth the time to learn. I just can¡¯t see fights lasting that long but if we need to we can also supplement this with Recoberry juice.¡±


    ¡°It would be best to have a tool and not need rather than need the tool and not have it. The more options we have the stronger we will be.¡± Rakhail slowly guided Kaden towards a nearby bench. ¡°Speaking of options, you said you knew bits and pieces of other spells but they were not complete?¡±


    Kaden nodded answering Rakhail. ¡°Then would you be able to write down all you know? Sometimes it takes an entire village working together to solve a mystery.¡±


    Kaden agreed to Rakhail¡¯s request. He also didn¡¯t forget to make a mental note to remember and ask Saba to demonstrate how she was able to use spells so efficiently. The two of them sat back to rest and enjoy a few of the other bouts.


    ¡°You know you¡¯ve been staring at him all morning¡±, Gion¡¯s voice called to Alia.


    She quickly turned her gaze away from Kaden. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me? My husband just died not more than two months ago and I don¡¯t know why I am having these thoughts.¡± The myriad of emotions Alia was experiencing were very clearly tearing away at her. ¡°I feel like I¡¯m betraying my husband by having these feelings and yet I have no control over them. I keep telling myself it¡¯s because he gave me hope and they aren¡¯t real. I hope they aren¡¯t real¡±


    Gion placed a hand on her shoulder, ¡°I can¡¯t tell you if what you¡¯re feeling is right or wrong. The effects of grief are different for everyone. I can tell you that Alcor loved you very much and would want you to be happy. I do not believe he would feel betrayed.¡± Gion embraced Alia, ¡°The pain from loss will always be with you, it never truly goes away when it is someone you deeply care about. It will however lessen over time and you will think about it less. This I know well.¡±


    Gion took a moment before finally letting her go, ¡°Come, let¡¯s try and take your mind off it.¡±


    The two of the walked up and took their places in the center of the practice arena. ¡°We¡¯ll start slow for now and see how you feel. Girl, do not push yourself, you have only just recovered.¡±Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    Alia nodded, ¡°ready.¡±


    The signal to start had barely been given leaving Gion almost no time to react. Alia had thrown her sword towards Gion forcing her to swat the improvised projectile out of the way. The split second Gion¡¯s eyes were forced off her opponent were all Alia needed for a real attack. Alia closed the distance between them just slightly ahead of her sword. She dropped herself low to the ground ensuring she was still out of Gion¡¯s vision while sweeping her leg.


    The next thing Gion realized she was laying on her back staring up at the blue sky with Alia¡¯s sword pointed towards her.


    ¡°I may have just recovered but you didn¡¯t have to take it that easy one me¡±, Alia lowered her sword offering Gion a helping hand up.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t take it easy on you, I barley had the chance to even move. I don¡¯t remember saying anything about using magic or going all out from the beginning.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t use magic, and I wasn¡¯t going all out.¡± Alia¡¯s reply causing Gion to pause questioningly for a moment. ¡°No, I really wasn¡¯t using magic.¡±


    ¡°Again¡± Gion barked determined to heal her bruised pride.


    The next few rounds yielded different degrees of a similar result. Gion was forced to give up the idea of an even fight and finally won using magic while Alia had opted not to. The both of them had finally been stopped by Kaden and Rakhail just as things were starting to spiral out of control.


    ¡°Your hands¡±, Kaden holding his own out to Alia causing her heart to slightly quicken. ¡°I don¡¯t think you should fight if you have the choice¡±, he said after carefully examining her.


    Kaden had noticed several scales forming all over Alia during her mock battle. ¡°I think the sudden increase in adrenalin is causing a physiological change. As the fight progressed, especially during that last bout more of these scales started to form. You were also far more¡­ aggressive.¡± Alia was shocked at his analysis at the situation. It was true, she had inexplicably felt a rage towards her opponent especially when she was put on the defensive during that last match. ¡°I think that anyone who required my serum should also follow that advice. It would be best to avoid giving anyone new a dose if there is another option.¡±


    ¡°I refuse to just follow along helplessly¡±, Alia voice flared slightly.


    ¡°Calm down girl, you won¡¯t be helpless following anyone around.¡± Gion authoritative tone halting her protest.


    ¡°How about using a bow from the back? You will be directly out of the fight but still able to help while remaining calm and help direct the battle.¡± Rakhail chimed in.


    Alia pondered this for a moment, ¡°I guess that would work.¡±


    ¡°Good, I have been thinking about a different way to fight since all of this had started. With everyone¡¯s new found strength and magic we should be able to pull heavier bows with ease. Alia and anyone who used Kaden¡¯s serum should be able to use even heavier bows then the rest of us. There are many things out there that are still faster than us, but maintaining distance with our enhanced speed and while using bows to attack or defend would give us better results.¡± Rakhail words sparking a plethora of new ideas for the group.


    ¡°If that is the case I have something that may help. My people have something called a Compound Bow, it would take more time to make than a regular bow but would be perfect for our needs.¡± Kaden briefly explained the gist of how the weapon worked as everyone listened intently.


    ¡°It¡¯s settled then¡±, Gion bring them all back to the moment. ¡°It looks like we won¡¯t be able to move up our timetable after all. We will need to gather all the materials to make these Compound bows as well as train everyone in the village to fight with this new hit and run method.¡±


    Before weeks end the village had created enough of Kaden¡¯s Compound Bows for everyone and the preparations for leaving were almost complete.


    ¡°Are you sure the tribe hasn¡¯t found the place where we grew those Para flowers?¡± Saba pestered Rakhail once again.


    ¡°No they have not¡±, his smile trying to relieve some of her anxiety.


    ¡°What about the stockpile we hid? Hopefully their scouts still haven¡¯t noticed. What about the Spine-backs? The pack is almost four times the size and will attack us soon.¡±


    ¡°Calm down little one. Kaden¡¯s plan regarding those two are very clever and I doubt the tribe will notice anything till it is too late.¡± Still smiling at her, ¡°That and our own preparations and traps are already in place so there is little risk with adding his in with them.¡±


    ¡°Remind me to kill that boy for thinking of this. I hope Lara is in place¡±, Shole¡¯s grizzled voice breaking the silence as his partner pointed to the signal they were waiting for. ¡°Time to stir up the hornets next, you ready?¡±

 Chapter 23 – So It Begins

    Thud!


    Rakhail silently crept to the now slumped over scout and removed a long slender metallic needle from the back of the sleeping man¡¯s neck. Go proudly into the Jungle mother¡¯s embrace he thought all the while reaching for his Rakanian kukri. The beautiful but aged Rakanian bone and steel knife had served him faithfully over the years and was always strapped to his back or just within arm¡¯s reach¡­ At least it was supposed to be.


    Abruptly, a firm hand was clasped over Rakhail¡¯s mouth and another pressed something sharp against his own throat. Killed by my own blade, the Jungle mother sure has a strange sense of humor. He tried not to laugh at his own thought.


    ¡°Be careful old man, your starting to leave your belongings all over the Jungle. One could simply take such a pretty thing and you would never know it.¡± The silent whisper sent a shiver down his spine.


    ¡°Alia?¡± he mumbled in a low and muffled voice.


    Alia couldn¡¯t help but silently laugh removing her hands and returning his knife to him. ¡°Why are you here Alia? This is not the time to play.¡± It took all he had to keep his voice low as he spat out those angry words.


    Alia casually placed a single hand around the fallen scout¡¯s neck and squeezed ever so slightly almost as if she didn¡¯t hear him. The audible sound of snapping bones was followed by a crunch. Rakhail¡¯s anger had quickly dissipated now that her palm print was embedded very clearly into the formerly sleeping man¡¯s neck.


    ¡°There all dead, let¡¯s go¡±, her cold yet affectionate voice called to him. Rakhail didn¡¯t get the chance to question her before she continued, ¡°Don¡¯t be mad, I was just having a little fun.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean they are all, dead? I¡­¡±, before he could finish his question she continued. ¡°We can feel each other you know. Not like you or the tribal scouts, finding prey is different.¡± She could sense his heart beat a little faster. She wasn¡¯t going to harm him but it felt inexplicably good knowing she could if she wanted to.


    No, he would never truly be able to escape if I really wanted to hunt him down, it may even be fun; a smile escaped her lips. She dismissed the thought and took a deep breath, ¡°just so you know, I tracked you through your scent on the wind and could feel you move as I got closer.¡±


    She got up and turned back towards the village, ¡°We have five hours left before Shole and the others begin Kaden¡¯s part of this plan. Let¡¯s go, the first boats should be ready to leave in within the hour.¡± There was a sort of unquestioning finality to her words.


    Rakhail followed her back to the village with a new reality dawning on him. He was a good, in fact one of the best the Legion had to offer. The only one who was his equal was Kaden a strange boy from Jungle mother knows where. And now Alia, a girl he had known most of her life had suddenly managed to sneak up and disarm him without him even noticing. No, this was different. Kaden¡¯s and his skills were still that of a human, Alia¡¯s was something else entirely. The way she stalked him was definitely something very different. It was more like animal than human.


    ¡°I am getting to old for this¡±, he sighed. ¡°Perhaps it is finally time to get a boat in Leece and go catch fish for a living.¡±


    He quickly caught up to her placed his hand on her shoulder as she smiled back at him. ¡°You know, I was only joking about that old man comment.¡±


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    All the boats with the villagers and supplies set sail downstream except for one that was left behind for Shole and the other to follow.


    5 hours later


    ¡°ARrrr Rrrr, ARrrr Rrrr¡±, the pack leader called behind them


    ¡°Why Shole why?¡± Sana¡¯s voice called back to him as she vaulted over a low hanging branch.


    ¡°Why what?¡±


    ¡°Why am I here? You are more than perfectly capable to piss off a pack of Spine-backs by yourself without needing my help. So Shole answer the question, why am I here?¡±


    ¡°If I remember correctly, it was you who said, and I quote, ¡°Shole, why don¡¯t we do more fun things together, just the two of us like we use to? I miss that.¡± So sweetheart being the good listener that I am and wanting to make you happy I thought it would be a good opportunity to do just that.¡± His imitation of her voice clearly not going over well.


    She brushed past another tree before she responded. ¡°Dear husband, when I expressed my desire to spend more time together, I didn¡¯t mean volunteer us for a dangerous mission that could get one or both of us killed. I was thinking more along the lines of something romantic, you know, some dinner by candle light, perhaps you could recite a poem for me, all the stuff you use to do. Now, I am thinking it would simply be and more fun if I just stabbed you repeatedly, over and over, in a certain specific place until it made more sense to change your name from Shole to Shala.¡± Her loving tone had notably caused Shole more than a little discomfort.


    The two of them were more than halfway to their destination when Shole decided it would be in his best interest to set things right, ¡°Now sweetheart, I love you. I may have made a mistake on this one, possibly not thinking everything through thoroughly enough. But abusing your poor husband to any point injury isn¡¯t something to joke about¡±, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. ¡°Also, you can¡¯t say that your bored any more, I mean this is kind of fun in its own way. Look, the pack isn¡¯t even close to catching us all thanks to Padvor¡¯s serum. We even have to slow down a little so they don¡¯t give up completely.¡±


    ¡°Dear husband it isn¡¯t what¡¯s chasing behind us that I am worried about,¡± she called back to him. ¡°Anyway we are almost there, we should lose the pack soon and hopefully they will pick up the other trail.¡±


    ¡°Arrooor¡±, the pack leader had picked up a new scent and commanded the pack to follow.


    The two of them had successfully managed to evade the new larger Spine-back pack. ¡°Are we going to stay and watch the fun a little or should we get going?¡± Shole¡¯s voice was all but a whisper.


    ¡°You always want to take me to the most interesting places¡­¡±, she gave him a sarcastic glance. ¡°Come on you big oaf, let¡¯s get a quick look. Their scouts should have been forced back to help defend the camp with the rest of the tribe. The more information we can get the better our chances.¡±


    The two of them crept as close as they dared not wanting to get caught up in-between. The Spine-backs had already begun their full assault as the tribes hunters had started to rally. ¡°This can¡¯t be a hunting party, it¡¯s too large.¡± Sana held traces of shock and surprise.


    ¡°It¡¯s not.¡± Shole had quickly grasped the situation, ¡°It¡¯s a bloody invasion.¡±


    His words hit Sana like competing Arbors charging at each other during rutting season. It was rare but every three or four hundred years the tribes would raid the cities of Rakan as a show of strength. Each city that was raided would surely be reduced down to less than a third of their population with little to no remaining food or shelter.


    ¡°There are legionaries down there, look.¡± She followed his outstretched finger to see three legion soldiers locked in a cage. ¡°We have to save them¡±, his voice serious.


    ¡°No Shole, we don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Sana we can¡¯t leave them, and this is a perfect opportunity. There is no one guarding them.¡±


    ¡°You think, sneaking into a camp that is currently under siege is a perfect opportunity to save a few soldiers? Think Shole, we would have to fight our way in, free them, fight our way back out, then manage to make it back to the village. O and don¡¯t forget the boat that is waiting for us carries only three people. So no Shole we are not going to save them.¡± She loved her husband but sometimes his heart was bigger than his head.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°But nothing¡±, her voice was as stern as it was commanding.


    ¡°Fine¡±, she relented looking at his pleading gaze. ¡°This is the most I am willing to do, it¡¯s up to them from here on out.¡± She reached for her bow, ¡°Gi Veme St Ren Gth¡± and let lose a furious arrow that struck the now formerly locked cage. ¡°Let¡¯s go, we need to finish this and let Padvor know about the invasion.¡±

 Chapter 24 – Where Did They Go?

    Clink


    The metal lock fell to the floor no longer able to seal the cage shut.


    ¡°What in Jungle mother¡¯s name? Have you ever seen an arrow with that much power? It completely severed that lock in half¡±, his astonished voice mirrored the feelings of those around.


    ¡°Who the hell cares we¡¯re free aren¡¯t we, let¡¯s use this chance to get out here.¡± The youngest of three captives spoke simultaneously pushing the cage door open.


    The three proceeded out of the cell grabbing anything useful laying about the sieged encampment. ¡°There are at least five different tribes here, find some clothing during this chaos and try blend in or we¡¯ll never make it out on our own. If the jungle doesn¡¯t get us, their hunting party will and I for one am not going to let them capture me again.¡± The third and oldest amongst them cautiously entered an empty tent.


    The barbarian tribes slaughtered the Spine-backs mercilessly. Barely twenty minutes had passed and over half the pack had been cut down. ¡°Aroo Aroo¡±, the pack leader called as several smaller groups of Spine-backs charged two tribal barbarians responsible for a large number of their dead.


    ¡°Ara¡­¡±, its next command was cut short as sharp steel was pushed through the base of the creatures¡¯ skull. Failing to notice the unusual shadows creeping towards them had cost the pack leader and its protectors dearly. The pack now leaderless, quickly crumbled under the might of the various different tribes.


    ¡°Icto ryv¡±, a tall thinner barbarian raised his blue glowing spear adorned with two Wolf Falcon feathers yelled.


    ¡°Icto ryv¡±, the tribes followed. The man thrust his spear forward towards the direction of the village, ¡°Urnb Hemt Lla¡±


    With a deafening roar several of the tribes broke into smaller groups and started to make their way towards the village. ¡°Eh Nder esti mate su Hemt Nda All sc Oot Oons Orf Na Ttac ka. Heyt Rovo kep Su Orf A Easo nr.¡± Whaor spoke of caution to the fellow members of his tribe. He was thin tall thin man wearing a skull mask with the traditional markings of tribe Blood-Grass. Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    ¡°Ew Aveh Onw Het Ight r Fo Het Eadd Hist At tleb¡±, another of tribe Blood-Grass spoke as he approached the group. Whaor acknowledged the big warrior with glowing red axe while removing a small tightly bound bottle from his belt.


    Whaor slowly started making his way around the camp towards any of the dead or dying Spine-backs. As he approached the fallen would glow green and their bodies slowly turned into a misty powder flowing into the opened bottle.


    Several of the younger warriors barley over the age of fifteen were caught up in the excitement of the hunt rushed towards the village. To their dismay, they quickly found themselves in need of rescue as they slowly collapsed to the ground after charging head first into an odd smoke that appeared between the camp and the village. A few of the more experienced warriors stopped to rescue the headstrong youths after splitting off from the group circumventing the smoke. The forced detour had cost the tribe an additional four hours before they finally arrived at the abandoned village.


    ¡°Rack t Hemt¡±, the man with the blue glowing spear from earlier commanded Whaor. The Witch-doctor from tribe Blood-Grass simply nodded at the hunt leader from tribe Blue-Sand and once again removed the tightly bound bottle from his belt. He opened the bottle pouring some of the contents out. A glowing green liquid flowed from its opening forming into six knee high creatures. ¡°Eeks¡±, Whaor commanded as the six of the wolf like creatures split up into two groups and ran in opposite directions up and down the river.


    ¡°How did it go?¡± Padvor¡¯s voice called to Shole and his group. They had almost gotten lost trying to catch up to the rest of the village. ¡°It should have bought us more time, Kaden¡¯s idea about the Spine-backs and using the Para flower smoke was cleaver.¡± Shole took a second before he broke the news, ¡°Padvor they aren¡¯t here to hunt, it¡¯s a bloody raid group.¡± The news came as more than just a shock to Padvor. His now worried look was extremely visible, ¡°Did you get away clean?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we lit the boats on fire and sent them down stream with the rest of the ones you sent earlier. Hopefully that and the false trails Rakhail and the rest made should hopefully keep them busy for a while.¡± Sana¡¯s voice broke in.


    ¡°Good work, let¡¯s join the rest and move on quickly¡±, Padvor ending their conversation as he went over to inform the rest of the new development.


    ¡°Igh te Eadd Rack erst Nda Own Nlyo Od Ew Ustj Indf Heir t Ealr Rail t. Heyt Rea Leav erc Reyp¡±


    It had taken the tribes a month and more than a few dead trackers before they were finally able to locate the villagers trail. Rakhail and the others had a done a thorough job with hiding their tracks while falsifying others. The tricks and traps he left behind for any would be tracker had cost the tribe in time and lives.


    ¡°Heyt Rea Rav eb, Heyt Eadh Owar dst Het Istm.¡± Whaor scratched his chin while addressing the rest of his tribe. ¡°Heyt Rea Espe rat ed¡±, another member of the group challenged his opinion.


    ¡°Ew Halls Ees¡±

 Chapter 25 – Thoughts and Whispers

    Submit, it won¡¯t be so bad.


    Quiet.


    Break his bones, rip his throat out.


    Quiet!


    If he wins you won¡¯t have to fight any more, it won¡¯t be so bad.


    That¡¯s true, he may even let you be his mate.


    ¡°I said be QUIET¡±


    She¡¯s mad, she¡¯s mad, she¡¯s mad at us.


    Shhhhssss don¡¯t make her angry.


    Alia raised her voice after finally losing her patients. The whispers started over the last two weeks and were growing ever more frequent.


    Etab¡¯s heavy war maul struck the ground leaving a rounded square impression on the jungle floor. If Alia had hesitated for a second longer she would have had to regrow another leg. Seeing the split second opening Alia charged forward placing her left foot on the back of the elongated hammer and drove her right knee forward into Etab¡¯s chin breaking his noise and jaw.


    Etab stumbled back forced to let go of the heavy weapon, a burning fury raged through his eyes. The villages¡¯ only drummer spat out a mix of his own blood and saliva while reaching behind for his Rakanian-machete. ¡°The whispers won¡¯t let me sleep¡±


    Regaining his balance, he launched at her with all his considerable might. An extended arm thrust the machete forward.


    A spray of blood exploded outward; the sharp blade biting into her. Alia sprung onto him from behind as he brushed past her. Ignoring the pain she forced both blades down. Two sharp partially serrated pieces of steal tore through his shoulder muscles finally only stopping when they exited out his chest. Etab¡¯s consciousness faded before Alia¡¯s blades forced him to the ground.


    She took a deep breath just sitting there for a moment. It was over, she had done it. She had brutally beaten Etab just like she did with the others. She stood up, a sense of relief washing over her. Alia placed her foot on Etab¡¯s back forcing his body to remain still as she pulled both blades free.


    It¡¯s over.


    We won.


    Relief Relief Relief. They will listen to us now.


    They are yours, all yours. You¡¯re the Alpha.


    SILECNE! She screamed in her head.


    Alia wiped off all traces of blood from her blades placing them on the crisscrossed sheath attached to her lower back through her belt loop. ¡°I guess I should get cleaned up and wash this blood off before anyone notices I am gone.¡± The blood pouring out of her wound from Etab¡¯s blade finally stopped. In its place was a new set of tiny reflective white scales with different tints of green blue or purple. Got to love fast healing she thought while picking up her bow and making her way over to Etab lay.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    ¡°Wake up or are you going to sleep all night¡±, she kicked Etab¡¯s body.


    ¡°Ow, I¡¯m up.¡± She noted there was no more hostility in his voice. Ever since the whispers started all of them were strangely more aggressive towards each other. It was subtle at first but it quickly started getting out of hand, thank goodness no one else other than them noticed. It was only after they fought each other with one of them being beaten would the aggressiveness subside. The one that lost the fight would then show a permanent subtle sort of subservience towards the winner. It was strange and felt almost like they were a pack of wolves.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go get cleaned up, your wounds have finished healing.¡± Alia took a moment to feel if the others were still in place. Even from this distance they all knew exactly where each of them was and could feel if anything was amiss.


    Etab sat up, the wounds on his body were replaced with newly formed scales. ¡°I still can¡¯t get use it. Didn¡¯t you say we also wouldn¡¯t age? I feel like this is such an unfair advantage against any opponent. I cut off Lara¡¯s finger during our fight and she grew it right back even before the fight ended. Could the ancient myths of immortals be real?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know but it seems that way. Padvor said we either don¡¯t age or age very slowly and only time will tell. As for dying, Kaden believes that if we lose enough blood before healing or lose something big like our head we would die. Come, lets head to the river¡± Alia voice holding a commanding sway over him.


    Kaden was sitting by himself at a small fire when they finally snuck back into camp.


    Alia smiled to herself, he¡¯s sitting alone under the stars. Perhaps it would be the perfect time for me to chat with him. I wasn¡¯t feeling all that sleepy anyway.


    It was his job to keep watch that night. The village didn¡¯t require much sleep anymore once everyone consumed Padvor¡¯s strengthening serum but they had still come to the consensus that it would be best if they got all the rest they could.


    Kaden sighed, he knew Alia had been sneaking out of the village the last few nights thanks to Sofia¡¯s ability to detect them. Sofia had let him know earlier, just like she informed him now of Alia¡¯s approach. Sofia didn¡¯t really like Alia and especially complained whenever Alia spoke with him.


    Sighing again, Kaden was still debating if he wanted to take some of his own serum. There new abilities coupled with Padvor¡¯s strengthening serum had created something virtually unstoppable. Their talent that allowed them to blend into jungle and move as if they were actually part of it made him especially envious.


    ¡°Can¡¯t sleep?¡± Alia spoke approaching him from behind.


    ¡°No, my turn to keep watch¡±


    ¡°¡­Of course, I forgot¡± her voice wavered a little. OF course it was his turn to keep watch, how stupid do I sound. She wanted to bury her head into the mud, somewhere where no one would ever find her. A grown women acting like a teenage girl.


    ¡°Mi..nd if I joi..n you??¡±, she asked shyly. Where the hell is my confident self?


    Things had gotten worse around him as time went on.


    ¡°Of course, I would love some company. Would you like some tea?¡±


    ¡°Sure¡±, she smiled. Thank the Jungle Mother I didn¡¯t screw that up at least.


    Alia slowly became more comfortable over the course of their conversation and her beating heart started to finally calm down. It had been the second time they had been alone together and he had been on his mind a lot over the last month.


    He doesn¡¯t like you like that. Why these silly games?


    Take him, take him, take him. Your stronger, he can¡¯t stop you.


    That¡¯s right, he can¡¯t. Force him. It is your right, you¡¯re the Alpha.


    Alcor, what would Alcor think. His wife interested in someone else barely five months after his death.


    Betrayer.


    Betrayer.


    Betrayer.


    No, she thought.


    Betrayer.


    Please no. I love Alcor, I don¡¯t know why I feel like this. Please no more. She desperately tried to silence the whispers in her head.


    ¡°If your heightened senses would help us navigate the fog at Mist¡¯s Reach. I have never seen the place and wonder how dense it really is. Gion and I were speaking earlier, if all of you can sense each other it may be best to have you surround the rest of us that can¡¯t and help make sure no one gets lost or strays from the group.¡±


    ¡°¡­ermm yeah, sorry I guess I am a little tired after all. I must have dosed off for a second.¡± Alia desperately holding back tears as she tried to silence the whispers in her head. ¡°I am going to get some sleep. Good night¡±


    ¡°Night¡±, he smiled back at her as she turned towards her tent. ¡°I am always here to talk if you want to¡±, he noticed the change in atmosphere.


    Turning back to him with a slight smile, ¡°Tha..nk you¡±. I stuttered again, just great, another thing to cry about, she thought as she sped off to her tent.


    Sniff Sniff


    Something delicious is coming close to play. Should I tell mama? No I should keep it a surprise and show her when she comes back.

 Chapter 26 – Mist’s Reach

    ¡°The scent of blood still lingers on her despite trying to wash it all off.¡±


    ¡°I noticed¡±, he responded.


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t like how close she has been trying to get to you. And something has been off about her especially over the last two weeks.


    She keeps whispering to herself.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Sofia¡¯s revelation caught his interest.


    ¡°She has started to talk to herself, a lot. No, talking isn¡¯t right. It¡¯s more like she is fighting with someone who isn¡¯t there. The others too, everyone who took your serum are showing the same behavior.¡±


    Kaden held a sour expression on his face the rest of the evening till he was finally relieved.


    Mist¡¯s Reach is section of jungle with colossal trees deeply rooted into its uneven terrain and hidden by a heavy dense fog. Many explorers are tempted by the undisturbed ruins and abandoned tree cities rumored to be within. If you plan on venturing into the Reach, you had best be well prepared.


    - Excerpt Korin¡¯s Jungle Survival Guide


    It¡¯s strangely beautiful, Kaden thought out aloud; a feeling of tranquility washed over him. He took a moment to just watch the rolling mist at the edge of the border. This new section of Jungle felt as if it was the next chapter in his story and Kaden felt a renewed sense of adventure filling his heart.


    A smile welled up on his face as he walked over to Gion, Padvor and the rest.


    ¡°You look happy boy¡±, Gion commented. ¡°This section of the Jungle is very dangerous you know. Usually only high-born led expeditions travel into the Reach. Their magic lets them see through the fog and they help guide the rest. Even then most usually get lost never to be heard from again.¡± He had gotten use to her lectures by now and almost enjoyed them.


    ¡°Yes mom¡±, he chuckled being careful enough to whisper those words under his breath. ¡°I know we plan to put Alia¡¯s group on the outside to keep us herded together but I also have this¡±. Kaden reached into his bag and pulled a small locket sized pendant.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    ¡°I am not into the jewelry boy but thank you. I shall treasure it.¡± He noticed her words didn¡¯t seem to match her actions as she immediately reached for it.


    Still smiling, ¡°It¡¯s called a compass, my people use it to navigate both land and sea. It will always point in the same direction.¡± He explained the use of the device to all of them bring out several more he had made before they left the village. The others listened intently as a sense of relief washed over them. The truth was that they weren¡¯t sure how they were going to navigate this leg of the journey and would have avoided it if they could. The few preparations they made beforehand had left a lot of things up to chance and luck but they had no choice. They were truly desperate.


    ¡°So this is why you were beating those iron needles with the hammer¡±, Rakhail staring at his new compass. ¡°I cannot tell you how many times a device such as this one would have helped me. Your people are great inventors.¡±


    Once the supplies, tools including the new compasses were handed out to the rest, they were finally ready to venture forth into the fog filled Jungle. ¡°Remember to walk soft and make sure you always keep burning powder close at hand. Use it sparingly and only when absolutely needed.¡± Rakhail made sure he emphasized the word, ¡°only¡±. The powder was all they had to defend themselves against certain types of insects that inhabited the area. ¡°Let us pray to the Jungle Mother that we do not have to face any Spine-Crawlers or Devourers.¡±


    ¡°Alia get your group in position, everyone else to the center. Stick close, report everything.¡± Gion¡¯s spoke with the commanding authority of a veteran Estarte. ¡°Remember your training and we¡¯ll get through this.¡± The villagers quickly organized themselves, Alia¡¯s group spread out surrounding the rest of them as they slowly ventured forth into the fog.


    A well-hidden dark pair of blue green eyes secretly peaked at them as they disappeared into the Jungle.


    -Sometime later-


    ¡°Her ew Rea Heyt?¡± Bas taped on his blue glowing spear furiously while demanding an answer from Whacor. The witch-doctor from tribe Blood-grass raised his hand as a tiny scaled creature barely the size of a human palm landed on it. Clasping it tightly ¡°Pea ks¡±, he commanded. The creature started at Whacor with its dark blue green eyes as it slowly disintegrated into a glowing green mist.


    ¡°What are they saying?¡± Julius the youngest of the three former captives now hidden amongst the tribe spoke in a hushed voice.


    ¡°Quiet¡±, Faustinus spoke looking around making sure no one overheard them.


    ¡°I just want to know what they are saying, is it about the ones we are chasing¡±, Julius¡¯s obstinacy was definitely going to get them into trouble.


    ¡°Consequences be dammed Julius, Jungle Mother bearing witness, I swear, I will strangle you. Right here, right now.¡±


    ¡°Shut it, the both of you¡±, Gaius the oldest of the three finally cut in. ¡°What I can make out, he¡¯s telling them that they entered Mist¡¯s reach. That or something about bedding his mother. I can¡¯t really tell.¡±


    Julius¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Mist¡¯s Reach! Do they have a High-born with them? They must have or else how are they going to¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know about any High-born but I doubt it.¡± Gaius broke in interrupting Faustinus a second time, ¡°Don¡¯t be so green, why would a High-born live in a little village like that. More likely it is something that fella from the Ghost Core thought up.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t really know if they have someone from the Ghost Core, it¡¯s all a guess¡±, Faustinus protested as Julius nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be daft, those false trails with death traps built in are typical Ghost Core tactics. What do they say, preparation is half the battle or something like that. He¡¯s a smart fella too, that Spine-back attack to slow down the tribe and don¡¯t forget that Para flower trap. That was just brilliant, he must have been a commander.¡± The three fell silent for a while. Even Faustinus had to agree using the initial Para Flower smoke to force the tribe to make a detour just to lead them into the real trap was brilliant.


    ¡°So how are we going to escape?¡±


    ¡°I can barely see anything¡±, Saba wined. ¡°This was fun at first but I keep falling over every rock and shrub in this place.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not so bad, think of it like a game of hide and seek¡±, Alia smiled.


    ¡°An unfair game of hide and seek, you can still see.¡± She stuck out her tongue towards where she heard Alia¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I can only see a little further than you can, I can feel my way around though. And I¡¯m more to your left.¡± Alia continued to tease Saba.


    ¡°Quiet¡±, Gion commanded. ¡°This isn¡¯t a pleasure hike.¡±


    ¡°Three Devourers, still far but I don¡¯t think they felt us¡±, Lara¡¯s call halted everyone in their tracks. The entire group had to remain frozen in place as to avoid causing any vibrations that may draw in the subterranean predators.

 Chapter 27 – Invisible Enemy

    Why do the stupid delicious small things get to go play in the floating water anyway? It¡¯s not fair, I want to play too.


    ¡°Damnable fog¡±, Gion swore as she drew Lust from its sheath. ¡°Alia, take your group lead them away. Leave Eros here so you can find your way back.¡±


    ¡°A defensive battle fought in unfavorable terrain against an invisible enemy that holds no such disadvantage, would be akin to a suicide mission even for a veteran commander. She has no choice but to send someone as a sacrifice to slow the enemy long enough for us to find any kind of shelter.


    Alia¡¯s group may be the only ones able to negate these disadvantage with their enhanced abilities and possibly have any chance of winning.¡± Padvor¡¯s words broke down Gion¡¯s thought process to Kaden.


    Alia issued commands to the rest of her group as they moved away from the villagers. ¡°This should be far enough, any further and we won¡¯t be able to feel Eros¡¯s location.¡± Their group made sure to step down as heavily as they could in order to lure the subterranean creatures towards them.


    ¡°They are heading straight for us, any ideas?¡± Lara questioned the group.


    ¡°Do what we were supposed to do, act like bait of course¡±, those words were spoken by Braviel another member of the group who had received Kaden¡¯s serum.


    ¡°And just what is bait supposed to act like?¡± She questioned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t know, as I recall this is your area of expertise.¡± Lara scowled at Braviel, not that he could see it.


    ¡°That was Shole and Sana, not me.¡± She corrected him.


    ¡°Enough you to, get ready¡±, Alia commanded.


    Three Devourers burst from the ground beneath their feet scattering bits of dirt and rock everywhere. The creatures were as wide as a human was tall with several sets of rotating teeth fading into the infinite blackness of their wormlike bodies.


    The group scattered in the nick-of-time avoiding the razor sharp lips emerging from beneath them. The creatures dove back under protecting themselves having failed their initial strike. They had evolved over countless millennia and were able to move through earth as fish would through open water.


    ¡°Braviel to your left¡±, Lara called as a Devourer emerged from the hard soil beneath him.


    ¡°AAaaaaaaaah¡± A painful scream emanating from his mouth. The creature had sliced through the end of his leg before submerging itself back under ground.


    Braviel no longer able to balance fell forward or at least would have if not for a powerful kick from Lara that sent him flying in the opposite direction. Two porous Spine-back bone arrows screamed past her head piercing Braviel just under his shoulders, pinning him high off the ground the second he was slammed into one of the colossal sized trees.


    ¡°Laraaaaa nooooooo¡±, Braviel regained his composure just in time to see the ground beneath her erupt as a powerful set of jaws encased the condemned woman. The creature submerged itself back beneath the hard soil before any of them had a chance to strike back.


    Time felt as if it were coming to a slow halt as a silent rage started boiling within him. He watched in stillness, a worn red ribbon vanishing into a pure white fog as all that remained of her life forever faded.


    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    Eros fell to his knees almost silently sobbing.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong boy? What happened?¡± Gion stopped and turned to face the young man.


    ¡°I can¡¯t feel Lara. I¡­ I don¡¯t think¡­¡± he responded wiping away the tears streaming down his cheeks.


    Rakhail knelt beside him patting the young man on his back, ¡°I am sorry Eros it is never easy to lose family. This is something I know very well. This is also why I am going to say something that may seem heartless right now. We need to keep moving forward or no one will make it out of here alive, now is not the time for grief. Knowing this will not help but try and take comfort in the fact that she is in the Jungle Mother¡¯s embrace.¡±


    The young man nodded as he slowly stood back up as the group continued to move forward.


    Eight arrows screamed as they emerged from the fog just missing the elusive creatures bursting in and out of the ground, ¡°They¡¯re too fast!¡±


    Alia dove away narrowly avoiding a fatal attack as the creature responsible disappeared back under.


    ¡°They are circling us like sharks¡±, a voice from one of the group called. ¡°I can¡¯t individually distinguish any of them.¡±


    ¡°None of us can; dammed fog isn¡¯t helping either¡±, responded another.


    The group moved with the coordination of a pack of wolves, seeming able to figure out what each was thinking and yet they had still lost three more.


    ¡°Etab¡±, Alia called. ¡°Think you can play that drum of yours while on the move?¡±


    ¡°Easily¡±, he yelled as if there really should have been any doubt.


    ¡°Good, hopefully it should make you their biggest target.¡± She glanced around looking for any sign of the next attack, the fog started thinning out ever so slightly thanks to the midday sun. ¡°That should be enough to confuse their senses while masking the rest of us. Shoot the second they come out, don¡¯t be afraid to hit Etab if you have to but try not to hinder his mobility¡±


    Etab pulled on the tiny twin drums strapped to his back. There were one of the few things he cared about most in the world and would die before being parted from them.


    DUM DUM DUM, the low rhythm sounds started clearly piercing the fog.


    The creatures dove deeper into the earth before starting to head back to the surface again.


    Bang, the drum sounded as the first of the three burst forward. Etab barley dogged as several arrows screamed past him into and out of the first creature. Purple blood sprayed everywhere as two more lunged forth trying to cut off his retreat.


    Etab rolled out of the way after a short leap still keeping the beat going


    BANG, DUM DI DI DUM


    The creatures charged back towards him as more arrows screamed hitting them just as they dove back under.


    Cold sweat poured down Etab¡¯s back, DUM DUM DUM. Both playing and evading simultaneously required every ounce of focus he could muster.


    ¡°Gi Veme St Ren Gth, Gi Vem Es Wif Tn Ess¡±, the words that had been forbidden to them were finally whispered.


    Boom, the earth shattered as more arrows screamed out of the dense fog adding additional wounds to the subterranean creature.


    Bang! A new sound was heard followed by a Thud.


    The fog now forcefully dissipated reviled the bloody remains of a broken creature pressed against the bark of a colossal tree.


    Braviel turned around on his newly regrown foot releasing his grip on the corpse as tiny scales rapidly sprouted all over his body.


    Bang!


    Braviel moved forward at a speed that forced him to shattering a wall of made of air that dared to block his path.


    Thud!


    He stood frozen as his blade now pinned a second dead creature to another tree. The scales sprouting from his body now completely encasing him.


    ¡°Braviel¡± Alia called his name as another went closer to check on him.


    Placing his hand on Braviel¡¯s shoulder as he tried to get his still companions attention before turning back to the group. ¡°It¡¯s like he¡¯s made of stone, I don¡¯t know if he is alive.¡±


    ¡°Waite¡±, someone else called. ¡°Where is the last one?¡±


    Stupid worm, small things are mine!


    A set of talons pushed their way deep into the ground with relative ease grasping the retreating Devourer.


    An unusual silence filled the air as the dissipated fog started to slowly take form once again.


    Eros¡¯s instincts called to him, something isn¡¯t right. Why was he afraid? Why was everyone panicking? ¡°No¡±, he yelled, no longer was he just going to stay with these people and do nothing, The pack was in trouble, his pack. ¡°Gi Veme St Ren Gth, Gi Vem Es Wif Tn Ess¡± He chanted dashing towards them with everything he could muster.


    Bang! A loud noise was heard as part of the fog near them dissipated when Eros departed.


    Eros, ¡°No¡± Gion yelled but it was too late. They had agreed that none of Alia¡¯s group would use magic unless absolutely necessary, the resulting consequences were unpredictable and possibly very dangerous.


    Several of the villagers had been knocked away by the sheer force of the wind that resulted from the young man¡¯s departure.


    ¡°It must be bad.¡± Rakhail spoke while helping some of the fallen villagers up. ¡°Eros has made a choice and everyone will have to live with the result. Regardless we cannot stay here, and they will not be able to find their way back to us now.¡±


    ¡°Kaden¡±, Sofia whispered. ¡°I sense a strange pressure, I think it¡¯s magic. It is coming from up ahead.¡±


    You sure? Responding to her with his thoughts.


    ¡°Definitely, I am also feel like something is telling me to run as fast and as far as I can from here. Whatever Alia¡¯s group ran into is not something we want to meet.¡±


    Let me see what I can do, he replied as he moved towards Gion. Now he just had to convince the woman in charge to follow his lead.

 Chapter 28 – Echoes of a long forgotten past - (Part 1)

    ¡°No sign of anything following us¡±, Sofia keeping her voice at a whisper.


    Whatever found Alia¡¯s group couldn¡¯t possible track us through this fog, I think we are going to be fine on that front. Still, we shouldn¡¯t be overconfident in case it has a similar ability to the Devourers.


    How do you know there was another creature, you never told me? Kaden questioning thoughts shaping directly in her mind.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, I normally can¡¯t sense anything even close to that far away. Whatever that creature was I couldn¡¯t sense it, then suddenly I knew exactly where it was.¡±


    Kaden pondered on her words. Should I let the others know that it was something other than the Devourers? If I do, then I would have to introduce them to Sofia.


    ¡°ABSOLUTELY NOT!¡± her voice was almost loud enough for everyone else to hear. She quickly placed her hands over her mouth having momentarily forgotten to keep her own voice in check. ¡°I don¡¯t want anyone else knowing about me, I don¡¯t like people. I barely like you as it is.¡±


    You like me, he questioned her as a slight smile replacing his previous frown.


    She turned a complete shade of red darker before she managed to blurt out, ¡°I said no such thing, and you miss understood. If anything you¡¯re more like a pet I have to feed from time to time. Really Kaden, how could misunderstand something so simple.¡±


    I am happy to know our relationship is improving¡­ and that you like me. His teasing thoughts annoying her to no end.


    ¡°You, I already told you that you¡¯re taking my words out of context.¡± She whispered with a huff.


    He took a deep breath after chuckling to himself. Thanks for cheering me up, I never had many friends so losing the ones I finally have is a little tough. You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    A silence passed between them before Kaden finally broke in. Are we almost there? The fog here seems to be a little denser.


    Kaden¡¯s next step forward proved to be unexpectedly more difficult. It was as if a gentle force was pushing against him ever so slightly.


    ¡°What is this?¡± The voice came from another member of his group. ¡°It feels like I¡¯m stepping into a wall made of water.¡±


    ¡°Keep it down, stay in formation¡±, Gion¡¯s voice commanded with her usual air of authority.


    Bloody low-born scum, just be done with it all ready, the thought ringing through his mind.


    The group moved forward wading through the dense fog and strange force constantly pushing against them causing many to worry about what lay just ahead...


    ¡°Ouch!¡± Saba caught herself with hands splayed forward. She had suddenly fallen the instant the pressure disappeared.


    Shole whistled in amazement. He was the second person of their group that stepped into the area absent of all fog.


    ¡°What is that?¡± Sana putting words to what all of them were thinking as Saba finally looked up.


    It stood at the forefront atop a rounded pedestal in a crystal clear pool of water. Greeting them a shrouded weathered stone figure scarred with moss lined cracks that told tales of his many battles with time. His lonely vigil still unbroken since the day he first took watch.


    It was an exquisitely carved piece of art, every tiny little detail carefully thought-out and painstakingly engraved. Most wouldn¡¯t notice this, in-fact most really wouldn¡¯t notice much of the statue at all. It almost too easy to overlook the embroidered trim on his hooded robe, or the many months of work it must have taken to produce it. Most would even fail to notice the old stone city that stood tall right behind it. The only two things most would notice however were the long glowing stone sword held ready in one hand and a bright glowing staff raised above his head in the other.


    Kaden approached the statue only stopping at the edge of the pool. ¡°The water, is it infused with magic?¡±


    ¡°It is called a mana pool¡±, Rakhail answered. ¡°There are a few places like this throughout the Jungle although I have never seen one personally. Legend has it that the mother cries tears of joy when father finally comes to visit her.¡±


    ¡°It looks like the statue is drawing its magic from the pool, it must be how the fog is being kept at bay. It must be similar to how the old kingdom weapons work.¡± Kaden observed the statue carefully.


    ¡°I am not so sure¡±, Padvor interrupted. ¡°This place is completely different from the old kingdom ruins. I think it may actually be far older.¡±


    ¡°Gion wants us to have a closer look at those buildings, perhaps we may not even have to travel as far as Rakan if we can seek shelter here. A city as big as that one surely must have a way to sustain its inhabitants.¡±


    ¡°Gion is thinking of waiting out the Barbarian raid on the cities?¡± Rakhail questioned.


    ¡°It may be our best chance to survive. Even with all we have done it is unlikely we would be able to keep ahead of them for long, especially with a group our size.¡± Padvor finally starting to relax slightly.


    A gentle rain began to fall as the three of them joined with Shole and Sana to explore the old city.


    Kill them all, the thought taking shape in her mind.