Chapter 33: Such is The Nature of Gods

Chapter 33: Such is The Nature of Gods

Opal perched on my shoulder, prompting a surprised expression from the leader. "I'm Viktor Dravos," I introduced myself.

"I am Drevolan," added my companion.

"I'm known as Haze," she responded.

A red-eyed Tigryn interjected, "That's because when she throws her spear"

"Enough, Alder." Some laughter ensued, including from Opal, a fact only I knew.

Haze questioned, "The Vorgan on your shoulder - he's a friend?"

"Yeah," I replied.

"Vorgan feed on dead Tigryns."

"They also feed on dead men," I retorted, seemingly assuaging her concerns.

"What brings you to the Eternity Planes?" she asked.

"We're journeying to NecroGate Falls," Drevolan announced, causing the Tigryns to collectively step back. In response, I nonchalantly picked and ate a strawberry, waiting for her reply.

After a pause, Haze said, "I assume you have a good reason."

As Drevolan prepared to answer, another Tigryn sarcastically added, "No, they're just on a casual outing."

"Quiet, Alder," Haze snapped.

"Are those actual spears?" I blurted out.

"Viktor, be quiet," Drevolan scolded.

Opal seemed to be on the verge of a laughing fit. Some of the Tigryns shared his amusement, as did I. Drevolan and Haze exchanged exasperated looks.

Haze thanked him, adding, "We've been having a string of such incidents lately."

"A curse?" Drevolan asked.

"I believe it's just unfortunate luck."

"Seems to be an abundance of that going around," Drevolan added.

"Especially in your destination."

Drevolan shrugged, "I assume you don't know much more about it than we do."

"I try to steer clear of it."

"We would do the same, if we had a choice," Drevolan responded.

Haze gazed at the ground, her tail flicking restlessly, "What draws you there?"

Drevolan responded, "It's a lengthy tale."

"We have the patience for long stories. Hush, Alder," Haze said.

Drevolan seemed reluctant to share more, so an uncomfortable silence ensued. Then an unfamiliar male Tigryn approached Haze and handed her something. She inspected what appeared to be a bone fragment. Her long, elegant hands and sharp nails reminded me of a girl I once knew. After studying it, she remarked, "Yes. This will serve." She then passed it to Drevolan.

He accepted it, perplexed, as I moved behind him and peered over his shoulder. The item appeared to be a piece of bone, likely from the galethna's skull. Roughly square-shaped and about two inches in size, I noticed faint etchings on it but couldn't decipher their meaning.

"Thank you. What..." Drevolan began to ask.

"Should you encounter Thoralon in the Paths of the Dead, presenting her with this symbol might persuade her to protect you." She hesitated before adding, "Or, it might not."

"Such is the nature of gods," Drevolan commented.

"Indeed, it is," Haze agreed.

I couldn't help but question whether either of them had any real knowledge on the subject.