Chapter 3: Meeting The Natives

JARVEENA and MOSS

---

As the poison vial shatters, the liquid seems to drive the beatles into a frenzy that quickly spirals out from the point of contact and spreads throughout the tree. The whole Treant turns into a cloud of angry, biting insects that swarm in and out of the various holes in its rotting form.

Khiva looks up at Ygne with a concerned look on her face. She also replies in low Atlantean.

"The end of the world, and worse besides.

At that moment, Rygnar and Elspa return the top of the cliff, and Khiva switches to the language of the Island and quietly says:

"What's going on, Killer of Lizards and Saver of Kings?"

"Hunting! Faw! I don't trust that snake."

The Seventh raises his arm and moves it in a wide circle. The bow-wielding lads and lasses snap to attention and start spreading out, as if part of some choreographed plan.

"This is your only warning, Killer of Shit that Needs Killing: as their leader, I hold you responsible for the conduct of your warriors. Make sure they do not try my patience. You will find it perilously thin, and your title of "Heroes of Panitube" will not protect you if 'rouse my ire."

JARVEENA

---

You hear the cracking of wood as your arrows split into its weakest leg. It topples, crashing into a massive living stump, its rotting head splintering into a thousand pieces. The swarm of insects bursts out of the top and disperses into the forest canopy. The rest of the log splits open on landing on the ground, revealing Moss. He is surrounded in an aura of conflicting colours.

Then you realize you haven't loosed your arrows yet. You fire, and the entire scene unfolds as you just witnessed in your imagination, except this time you see no aura.

MOSS

---

In your mind's eye you see the arrows flying from Jarveena's bow, and brace yourself accordingly. As the monster falls to its death, you brace yourself. As the future synchronizes with the present, the tree splits open and for a moment you see Jarveena enshrouded in an aura of conflicting colours.

ELSPA, FRICK, RYGNAR, and YGNE

---

After hearing Ygne accuse Elspa and Rygnar of treachery, all of the villagers in hearing range react as someone cried fire. With muffled cries of shock, the crew constructing the watchtower immediately drops their tools and hastily make for the village.

The Seventh's eyes bulge in rage. He draws his two-handed sword from his back and puts himself squarely in Elspa's path.

"You are no better than the pirates, and you will share their fate." It is not clear if he is talking to Elspa or to the entire party.

Meanwhile, Khiva looks as if she's been slapped in the face. She doesn't make any attempt to stop The Seventh. Tears roll down her cheeks as she screams at Elspa:

"Is this fucking true, Iron Wolf?" She speaks your title mockingly now.

"You have sold your fucking soul to the God of Cocksuckers, the eternal enemy of my people? You come to us with a smile on your fucking face and a knife behind your back? Is this fucking true, Iron Wolf?"