"Blind gods," Nevia cursed softly.
The others only shuddered in mute agreement.
"So as I said: it's a choice," Felix said. He looked them all in the eye and tried to convey a calm he didn't feel. Zara was right. He couldn't coddle people, his team least of all. "The river is down below, less than a few miles away, and we only need to follow that to its source to find the Temple. You have until nightfall to choose. After that, and it won't matter."
The walk down the mountain was quiet after that.
An hour and a half later found them off the mountain and well into the thickening forest. He passed out the Kelaar fruit he'd picked before and pointed out the trees to his team, in case they wanted more. They had to eat on the move, but it had been a while since they'd even done that. Days, Felix realized with dulled surprise. He made sure everyone had some food and water as they hiked downward, crossing the distance to the river far faster than he had expected.
Now that they were out of the mountains, even the slight, vestigial bits of pressure had faded and a spring had returned to everyone's step. Bright, almost neon eels swarmed into the sky as the light faded, like living ribbons of light. All around them creatures like Mana Voles, buzzing insects the size of crows, and even a pair of sharp-hued Razorwing Skinks sped by them. The creatures hadn't been corrupted by the Archon, but neither had they even attempted to challenge Felix's team.
That's a nice change. Felix couldn't help the wry smile that twisted his lips.
There was wonder and beauty in the Foglands, and all of it had been hidden by illusion. All to keep a Primordial locked away, and a Lost people secrets hidden. Regis and Holt had said the Nym horded monsters, and he guessed that was at least partly true. Karys himself admitted they'd locked up plenty of threats in the past.
As the Haarguard wrestled with their decision, Felix found his thoughts drifted back to Vvim's Memory. The Geist had been right: there was a lot he had missed. Even reviewing it with his Keen Mind picked up strange details he hadn't noticed at first. The constructs had torn through the people in the audience, killing dozens if not more, and the whole time the ArchonMerodachhad simply laughed. Laughed and laughed while he a bloody, cylindrical blade in his coat, hidden from the court.
Felix shook his head at the thought of it. The Archon was vile even before it was trapped for thousands of years under a mountain. He shuddered at the thought of such an imprisonment. He might be a violent, probably-insane enemy, but Felix couldn't help but pity the Archon. A little.
Soon after, they came upon the river itself. It was wide, easily a half mile, and the shallows were dotted with immense green and white flowers. River Lilies, according to his Eye, useful for eating as well as in tinctures to improve circulation and remove impurities in one's channels. Felix made a mental note of them. They would be useful to clear a portion of the build-up caused by the absorption of monster cores.
Voracious Eye is level 62!
Aria of the Green Wilds is level 57!
Ironically, for all that he recognized the area and wilderness around him, Felix didn't know the name of the river. Or if it even had one. The last people to live here died thousands of years prior.
The River Eile it is called, Karys said. The flow of it has changed much, but those enormous river lilies are impossible to mistake. They would only grow on the River Eile, back when I lived in the Western Reaches.
"Really? Why?" Felix asked.
Simple, really. It was because the...the soil? No. No, it was the leaves of...
Felix exchanged a look with Pit, and concern flashed between their bond. "Don't worry about it, Karys."
O-of course, the sword replied. Felix couldn't help but imagine the stooped old man staring absently at his own hands, and a strong thread of confused melancholy drifted from the blade. Unsure what to do, Felix pretended he hadn't noticed. That'd only make him feel worse, right?
"Felix! Look!"
Vess was pointing across the river, where a herd of beasts had congregated in the water. They looked like stags, almost exactly save for their moss-covered backs and crystalline antlers. And the fact that they were twice the size of elephants. A buck stood watching, snorting air through his nostrils at them from a mile away while does behind him drank sedately. There was no question that the creature had seen them, and Felix was thankful it wasn't more aggressive. It seemed like it could have crossed the river in minutes.
"Beautiful, aren't they? I have never seen Moss-Back Stag before, let alone one so big," Vess murmured.
"They are huge," he marveled. "How?"
"Magic, I suppose," Vess said. She made a face. "That answer does leave something to be desired, though, does it not? I imagine there is a better one out there."
Above them, a bird cried out as it dove for prey, and the water rippled with schools of fish nipping at insects. Night was coming on fast, and already the Twins had risen above the horizon. Felix turned and took in his team as they refilled their flasks. Yet before he could say anything, Vyne and Kylar stepped forward as if they had practiced it. Vyne spoke up first.
"Sir, we've decided that we will stay behind and guard your retreat, as Harn has suggested," the shield warrior said. The others were a bit behind and nodded along with him. Vyne seemed frustrated, but his Spirit was directed the emotion at himself more than anything. "I only wish we could be more help. Stronger."
Felix clasped the man on the shoulder and grinned. "Give it time. I'm told living is the best way to do that."
"Aye, sir."
Kylar shifted as if he were about to speak, but hesitated. Felix narrowed his eyes, only slightly. "What is it?"
"They will stay behind, but I choose to go with you," the swordsman said. Only the barest hints of nervousness and fear tinged his Spirit, and Felix wasn't sure if he should be impressed or annoyed. "My sword is your sword, sir."
Felix clenched his jaw, but nodded. "As you wish, Kylar." Felix caught Harn nodding at him while Vess looked on with a faint smile. He cleared his throat. "Alright. Apprentice Tiers, Harn will let you know what you need to do, while I speak with the others."
Felix hid behind a grin.
"We've an attack to plan."