Cursed Odyssey

Later that morning, Holy House of Luud:

"Now that we have concluded our opening invocation, we shall move on to more pressing matters!" The old masked priest's voice cut through the Holy House, his silver scepter catching murky light as intricate patterns gleamed along its length.

He surveyed the assembled villagers—heads bowed in somber respect—before turning to the two elders behind him, seeking permission to proceed.

Zott leader Yrrell gave a curt nod, his face grim. Human leader Adrian held a distant gaze, responding a beat later with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"The Lord Ancestor—may his name be sung with infinite praise—has bestowed a holy artifact upon the leaders!" The priest's voice rang through the silent hall.

Two men carried a table to the raised platform. Upon it sat a box, and within the box rested the holy sphere—an artifact glowing with magical luster. Every eye fixed upon it. Even the most agitated fell into reverent silence.

"Praise the Lord Ancestors! Show us your righteous light!" The priest began his rhythmic chant.

They all believed in the sphere's power, had long witnessed its truth. A volunteer stepped forward for demonstration. With each lie, the sphere glowed red. Truth made it glow green. Flawless. No room for error.

"Today, we will find the truth about our dear farmer Uros—left dead and desecrated! We will question every single one of you! If you are guilty, come forward now and we will lessen your punishment! After this, we discuss the main topic—THE FATE OF THE OUTSIDER!"

The people's cheers rang hollow for that announcement. Most looked down, their eyes reflecting the divide that split their community.

Lord Adrian sat in his high-backed chair, looking ahead but not listening. His attention focused elsewhere. He activated his spirit vision and breathed a long sigh of relief.

Six orbs of arcane light—corresponding to the two guards, three boys, and the outsider—had left the forest and were returning to the village.

Still, unnerving anxiety lingered like an unseen hand playing with his heart. The prison people will come soon. The outsiders remained none the wiser; they'd be captured easily. But what about him? He prayed they were smart enough to approach him privately, kidnap the outsiders in secret. He could tell the people they'd been locked away somewhere distant. Yes, that would be ideal.

He grinned at the thought, nerves calming slightly. It would all be fine. All for his village's sake.

---

Baro's hut:

Baro

My eyes fluttered open, mind still drifting in sleep's remnants. The world swam into focus—shadows and soft light. Wooden walls seemed to bend and sway, ceiling scratches shifting like clouds on a windy day.

A strange scent tickled my nose. Rich. Delicious. Meat. I recognized it immediately, though I'd never tasted it—too poor for such luxuries.

Memories surfaced of circling markets just for a whiff. Only this time, that smell filled my own home. My mouth watered as I pushed myself up, pulling blankets tighter around my shoulders.

Joseph stood by the hearth, his figure calm and serene as he turned pieces of unknown meat over the fire. A soft, genuine smile crept onto my face as I lost myself in his angelic presence.

His ashen hair caught the orange light, deep-set crimson eyes seeming to see past the flames—so wise.

I could stare at him for hours.

As the aroma intensified and wall distortions ceased their dance, my senses returned. Light seeping through wooden cracks told me it was well past dawn.

My eyes darted to Joseph. The meat! The deer! He's already back!

"D-did you go without me?" I blurted, voice barely a whisper, betraying panic and hurt. "Did I oversleep?"

"Good morning, Baro!" He chuckled, grinning as he turned the searing, spiced meat. "You might have overslept just a little."

"Why didn't you wake me up? I really wanted to go!" I pouted.

I'd been looking forward to it—me and Joseph on our own adventure! Maybe he'd help me befriend Lee and his friends. I'd had wonderful dreams imagining it all.

"Who on sanctum could bear waking such a peaceful figure?" His response was simple. I wanted to argue, but looking at his smile, any thoughts of back-talking vanished.

"Well... did it at least go well?"

"Very well, if you couldn't already tell!" He flipped the meat one last time before setting it on a plate.

Five whole slabs of mouth-watering meat sat side by side. I stared unconsciously.

"They're all yours!" He motioned, wiping sweat from his face and taking a seat across the table. "I heard Zotts have quite the appetite, so I brought extra! Don't worry about me—I already ate."

I nodded, forcing my stiff body from bed. Sitting at the dinner table, eager to devour my first taste of meat ever, I could barely contain my excitement. I almost cried.

Sharing this moment with a friend who cooked this meal just for me... for me of all people.

I took a deep breath. No, Baro! Now's not the time for tears—it's time for joy!

I moved to take a bite before a thought struck me.

"Are all of these for me? What about you? What about Mr. Guard?"

Mr. Guard? My mind froze.

I looked around—left, right, up, down. A weird feeling played with my heart. He was nowhere to be found. In all my days trailing Joseph, that guard never left his side. He was like Joseph's personal shadow.

My face grew complex. "Where is Mr. Guard?"

"We ran into wolves while hunting, and he was slightly injured. He went to the village healer Alma to recover. He said we should go to the holy house for another guard to replace him as soon as possible."

"Ah, I see..." I nodded. That made sense. "I hope Mr. Guard will be okay."

"Don't worry about him! He's fine, and much stronger than you think!"

"What about you... are you injured?" I looked closely at his body, then saw it.

He lifted his right arm, showing me a minor wound. "Just a scratch, don't worry!"

It really was just a scratch, yet I still worried. Before I could respond, he spoke first.

"The food is getting cold! Eat! Don't tell me I went through all that trouble just for you to eat cold meat!"

"B-but... shouldn't we head to the holy house first? The guard said as soon as possible... I don't want to be the reason you're punished."

"My soul will be punished much more if you don't try my cooking. Plus it'll get cold! Eat while it's hot! We'll go as soon as you're done... I promise."

I couldn't reject his offer.

I gave him a nod and picked up the meat with both hands.

It was warm to the touch, comforting heat melting into my skin. I took a bite and my eyes widened.

So good!

The meat was unlike anything I'd ever tasted—so soft it barely needed chewing! Spices tingled on my tongue, exploding with rich, savory flavor that was somehow also delicate. I could distinguish every different taste. It was as though I'd discovered an entirely new sense.

Market smells hadn't done it justice. Joseph was such a good cook! My eyes widened further as I tore into it—so irresistible. I didn't register what was happening; my body worked without thought, gobbling down every bit. Before I knew it, all five slabs had vanished from the plate.

A weird feeling settled in my heart that I couldn't quite place.

"So! How was the food?" His voice snapped me out of my trance.

"It was amazing!" I licked remaining juices from my mouth.

I burped, covering his mouth a little embarrassed.

From his pocket, he pulled out a cloth and handed it to me. I realized how filthy I must have looked. Now more embarrassed, I took the cloth and wiped my face and hands clean before setting it on the table.

"I'm so glad you loved it!" He stood with a clink of his chains. "But now I should head to the holy house to meet the replacement guard. I'll talk to you later, okay?"

He opened the door, light sneaking onto my face.

He's leaving?

I'll be alone again.

I don't want to...

My heart screamed, hand instinctively pushing forward. It was hard, but eventually my voice escaped:

"Can... can I come with you?"

He turned around with a smile brighter than morning light.

"Of course, I'd be happy!" His words made all anxiety fade away.

Together, under the still-rising sun, we walked through the desolate village.

During quiet moments, he'd start random conversations. I know I'm not the best talker—my mind freezes at the worst times—but I tried my best and we both had fun.

We walked so close.

His chains clinked with every footstep. My eyes instinctively looked down at them, noticing the severed links tied together with string like a makeshift solution.

I didn't need to ask why—too shy, maybe—but I knew it was likely from the wolf fight. I didn't pry or worry.

I was too happy to worry!

As we neared the holy house, the priest's old, boisterous voice rang in my ears along with people's cheers inside.

I'd been so lost in thought to notice that since the village was empty, morning congregation was still ongoing. I looked around—no guard waited for us.

That odd feeling crept into my heart as I watched Joseph keep moving forward.

"J-Joseph... where are you going? Children aren't allowed in the Holy House, nor girls like me... and especially not outsiders. I think we should wait out here."

Abruptly, he grabbed my hand and pulled me close, whispering two words in my ear:

"Trust me."

Yes.

I did trust him.

That anxiety melted away, but my heart began thumping louder.

Then, out of nowhere, he let go of my hand.

He ran, thrusting the Holy House door open.

I panicked and ran right after him!

I didn't want to be left alone!

The slamming doors caused everyone inside to fall silent.

It took their brains a moment to fathom what had happened—

The outsider stood right there. Trespassed on their hallowed grounds.

Before their minds could catch up, this outsider—my dear Joseph—shouted:

"HELP!" He panted. "THAT DAMNED ZOTT KILLED US ALL! I WATCHED AS HE KILLED AND ATE EVERYONE! LEE, KALO, PORO! THE GUARDS! LORD ADRIAN! HE'S RIGHT BEHIND ME! USE YOUR DIVINE SPIRIT VISION! YOU'LL SEE IT!"