Chapter Six: The Collossi's Curse
"Are we getting close?" Kilne asked as she moved a large log closer to the campfire and sat on it to warm herself.
Night had fallen and with it came not just darkness but cold as well. The two Nemorvians had regained their clothing and weapons but the rest of their gear had been on their horses. Thankfully, the Collissi wore a pack on her back with more gear than a pack mule would have been able to carry so the three women had warm, soft bedding to spare.
"No," Zomos replied, squatting down by the fire. "We've at least one more night ahead of us. But we are making good time."
Amitkoa poked at the fire with a stick, frowning. "Doesn't feel like," she grumbled. "Feels almost like we've been frequently doubling back and going in circles, like you don't want us to know where we are going."
Zomos blushed and looked embarrassed. "Well... you might be onto something. I trust you two, but we can't be too careful. If you turn out to be infiltrators planted by the Queen's enemies we wouldn't want you escaping and leading enemies to the camp. There is also the chance we might be being followed. Traveling in this manner will make that harder."
"Perhaps your mighty Queen is just paranoid," Amitkoa said sulkily.
"No," Zomos replied firmly. "She is not. I've served her for many years now. She fights against men, and some women, possessed by a strange force that only in this age has begun to corrupt Alaria. In fact that is what she calls it. 'The Corruption', as if it is something that has a will of its own. She says even the gods are not to be trusted as many have fallen under this perverse power's influence."
Kilne looked up at her with wide eyes. "You know this to be true?"
"Yes," Zomos said, averting her eyes.
"How do you know this thing," Amitkoa demanded.
Zomos stared at the ground. "I do not like to talk about it. Speaking of the thing brings it to the surface. If I let it enter my... my..." her voice trailed off, her expression falling and going blank. For an awkwardly long time she sat, staring at the ground. Then, slowly, her large eyes wandered up and she started to stare into the fire.
Both of the Nemorvians shifted uncomfortably. The powerful giantess looked as if she'd suddenly been entranced. The way she stared at the fire reminded them too much of the way they had stared at the lion's head in the bathhouse. With this on their minds they both nervously averted their eyes from the flickering flames.