Chapter 93: Day of the departure

Three months ago, the expedition team was set to depart for the old ruins of the Typhon Tribe Village.

They all gathered at the council building for a last-minute debriefing on what their task would be.

Inside, Chief Solan, Elder Hal, Lars, Trena, Nala, Telah, and Shaman Kanan were all seated around the table, talking about the next steps to take to further improve the village.

It was then that the expedition team walked in after knocking, and Chief Solan welcomed them inside.

"Ah, you’re all here. Good. Let us begin." Solan pulled out some chairs for the team to sit down on as the meeting began.

"First, I wish to say that I want to thank the six of you for going on such a mission. I know that it can and most likely will be dangerous, so I not only hope for your success, but also for your safe return." Though his feelings toward the Typhon Tribe had not changed, Solan still understood the gravity of the situation and wouldn’t take lives for granted.

"It is an honor, Chief Solan. For the safety of our people, there is nothing I wouldn’t do." Jol was part of this mission. After suffering a devastating defeat against Tagah, he felt as if he didn’t amount to anything.

He was one of the best warriors in the Nemean Tribe, so not only was his ego shattered, but he also felt as if he didn’t have what it took to protect the next generation.

This feeling was only bolstered after he was verbally reprimanded by Kanan for his pushback on the idea of taking in the Typhon Tribe.

Along with him was Helgan. This mission was not only personal to him, but to everyone in the Typhon Tribe. So when Telah informed their people of this mission, he was the first one to join the team.

A smile crept onto Solan’s face after hearing Jol’s words. He was happy that there was people who still had a fiery spirit inside them in these times. "Your dedication to our tribe will not go unrewarded. Thank you, Jol. Now, for the briefing. Kanan, please speak."

"Yes, Chief. So, as you all know, there is a plague going around, one that is called the Verminus Plant Plague. It’s a parasitic plant that absorbs the nutrients and life force of a living being."

Everyone shifted in their seats, the thought of this plague becoming widespread making them uncomfortable.

In their minds, the elders who disagreed with Kanan learning more about the plant regretted it. He saw a future they couldn’t, so they wouldn’t hold him back anymore, even though Kanan did have permission at the end of the day.

"According to Lord Nemean, the way we learn how to deal with this threat is by investigating the old Typhon Tribe’s Village. So, you six will go there and gather information."

Once Kanan said his part, Elder Lars spoke up. "Tools have been made for you just in case any of you get infected." He waved his hand over the table, and a few items appeared out of nowhere.

"What are these?" Helgan wondered.

"This is a syringe." Kanan took the floor once again. "Using knowledge Lord Nemean bestowed upon me, I was able to have our blacksmith, Igor, create these. They will help with injecting the poison into your bodies if you get infected."

He further explained how to use them, the components, and told them to be careful with the needle since it was fragile.

"The next items are vials. They are already filled with the specific dosage of the Angler Poison. Just insert the needle into the vial, then into whoever is infected. No need to measure on your own."

"And lastly, these are restraining straps. In case you need to bind one of you, these will make it easier. I wish I could have prepared items to help with your travels instead of focusing on the chances of one of you six getting infected."

"No, you’ve done what you can, and I thank you for that." Jol bowed. He was just grateful that Kanan was still looking out for them.

Smiling, Kanan continued. "Helgan is in charge. Not only is he an expierenced warrior, but he knows the terrain best. Don’t fight. The fates of both our peoples are on the line here."

"Understood."

"Then you may depart."

---

Alongside Helgan and Jol were four others. Itha, an herbalist who could also manipulate plants, Zuna, the healer of the group, Mika, a warrior from the Typhon Tribe, and Wen, another warrior from the Typhon Tribe.

All of their essentials were packed in bags each of them carried, and their weapons, if they used any, were gripped tightly in their hands.

"Listen up, if we head down this path, following the river, we’ll reach the halfway point to the old village in about two days. After that, we’ll have to pass over some hills and make our way around a decently large pond. Once we’re there, it’s a straight shot to the village."

"Tell me, Helgan, is there anything we should be on the lookout for? Beast habitats? Or maybe an ambush waiting for us at the end of the river?"

Helgan paused, turning his attention to Jol. "Do you have a problem with me leading this expedition?"

"What do you think?" Jol snarled

"I think that your shaman trusted me with this mission and made me the leader because he’s smart. How old is he? Only 18 summers old, max? And how old are you? At least 25, right? How can a boy who is barely a man be more mature and level-headed than you?"

"Take that back, you fucker. Kanan hasn’t seen battle as I have. He hasn’t seen your people kill innocents for the heck of it! And I’m glad he hasn’t, because this means he sees things in a better light than I can. So sorry if I can’t seem to trust you...refugees."

"Hahahaha! Shaman Kanan told me about his family, about what WE, our tribe, the Typhon Tribe, have done to them. He’s the last living member of his family on both sides, but that’s not all. He’s the last living relative of your god. And guess what, he still welcomed us, treats us with respect, and is giving us chances to prove ourselves. I do not care if you trust me, but your lack of trust toward your own Shaman is very...suspect."

"How dare you question my loyalty!"

"Then shut the fuck up and follow my command! After all, this judgment was made by your Shaman and Elders. If you have a problem, talk it up with them."