Chapter 13: An Oaf
Q'Wasim listened as G'Ruvu explained that Chinmay, Nayan, and even Saahas had all died. Saahas had succumbed to his injuries whereas Chinmay and Nayan were deemed unworthy, meaning they had eaten the sacred lotus root and had not survived.
Q'Wasim either because of his size or perhaps Nayan's mercy had been able to receive medical aid fast enough to be kept alive. And thus, he was the last champion available to finish the quest.
"It must be tonight," the elder concluded. "These things should not be delayed."
"But the poison…" Priyansi began.
"He has a choice," Kaxa argued.
The elder shook his head. "Poison or no poison, he made his choice when he entered the tournament."
Kaxa opened her mouth to protest, but Q'Wasim spoke first, "The elder is right."
Three sets of eyes focused on him.
"I made my choice and anyway, I am a big guy. The poison should wear off soon enough." He was already feeling a bit better. Q'Wasim tried to sit up. It felt like he was being stung by an entire nest of giant hornets, but he managed the movement with only a few winces and a single exclamation.
Kaxa's expression was dark. Priyansi looked worried, but the elder nodded in approval.
"I will return at sunset," he said, "Fast healing, Q'Wasim."
Q'Wasim nodded and the elder left. With him gone, nothing could mask Kaxa's and Priyansi's silent displeasure. It loomed as large and as dark as a mountain's shadow.
"I'm not dead yet," he reminded them.
Kaxa stuck out her chin, unimpressed by this miracle. "That stupid flower might just be toxic you know. There may be nothing holy about it," she declared.
The High Priestess did not argue.
Bolstered by Priyansi's silence, Kaxa continued, "This is ridiculous, Q'Wasim. You lost the tournament. You shouldn't—"
"Enough!" Q'Wasim said sharply.
Kaxa glared at him but said nothing more.
"Priyansi." He reached out a hand to her.
The High Priestess hesitated, glancing at Kaxa. Kaxa just rolled her eyes, so Priyansi took his hand.
"Kaxa." He reached out his other hand to his sister.
Kaxa huffed and grasped it.
He looked at both of them, meeting each pair of eyes in turns, knowing he had to make his words count. "I am sorry."
"I am sorry I lost," he said to Priyansi.
Then he turned to his sister. "I am sorry for making you worry."
"Q'Wasim…"
"Wasi…"
"I am sorry you two don't believe in me. I know I am clumsy and a bit of an oaf."
Kaxa snorted.
"Alright. Maybe I'm a huge oaf," he amended.
"Humongous," Kaxa confirmed.
Priyansi did not say anything, but she did smile.
"But I mean well, don't I? I try my best. I survived the tournament," he said the last sentence to Kaxa.
Then he gazed into Priyansi's eyes and added, "I have a chance at being the next Crimson Tiger."
Priyansi squeezed his hand.
Finally, he said to both of them, "So please, no more tears, alright?"
Kaxa glared at him again. "I'll cry if I want to."
That made them all laugh.
The rest of the day, Q'Wasim stayed in bed and spent time with the two of them. He asked them about their work and for new gossip he did not care about. Soon they were repeating old stories they all knew about their triumphs, mishaps, the other champions, and Priyansi's lost brother. The sun crossed the sky. The shadows shrank and stretched. Gaven's spirit watched over them. All the while, Q'Wasim recovered his strength and tried to mentally prepare himself to complete the lotus quest and replace his departed friend.
