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.
"Zomos," Kilne said, starting to stand to approach her.
"No," Amitkoa hissed, throwing her arm out to hold her friend back. "Something is not right here." Her other hand fell to her hip where her sword rested in its scabbard. She grabbed hold of the handle, pulling it out slightly.
Zomos shifted, looking up at them. They both flinched when they saw her face. The expression she wore was one of utter stupidity while her eyes looked as if all the intelligence behind them was gone. The Collissi opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. Instead, she simply began to moan stupidly. "Duuuuuuuuh," she said, drool starting to run out one side of her large mouth.
"Zomos, what is wrong with you?" Kilne demanded, pulling free of Amitkoa's arm as she jumped to her feet in alarm.
As she approached Zomos the Collossi looked at her, furrowing her brow as if she was struggling to understand what she saw. "P-r-e-t-t-y c-o-w," she said slowly, sounding like a child who had only recently learned to speak. "Big cow tits," she added, pointing to Kilne's breasts. Then she smiled and started laughing, sounding like a woman born an idiot.
Kilne looked back at Amitkoa, concern on her face. "What has happened to her?"
"Zomos get dumb," the Collissi boomed. Then she slowly rose to her feet. "Get dumb cause of curse. Get dumb and pussy get hot. Needy pussy now." She grabbed her pants and pulled them down, stepping out of them as they fell to her ankles.