The Vidells spent most of the day travelling from Rata Sum on foot, heading for Divinity's Reach. The portal gate network had been compromised and non-functional, thanks to Azeena. They went through Metrica Province, Brisban Wildlands and Kessex Hills with only minor incidents with hostile wildlife and other monsters.
Entering Queensdale and the Godslost Swamp, it was discovered that the Shadow Behemoth was already present in the center of the swamp. The group readied their weapons, despite their very small numbers. But to their surprise, it was not hostile to them. Moments after sensing this, Violet signaled everyone to put their gear away. In fact, SB appeared to look worried about something.
"Now this is something you don't see every day," Violet noted.
"What could possibly make it act like this?", Kira wondered.
"There's one way to find out.", Charsi added, walking up closer. SB saw Charsi approaching and lowered its massive head, almost to ground level. She got within arm's reach and placed her hand on the side of its jaw. Charsi couldn't reach the cheek area. They both briefly closed their eyes as a mental link was established. This is a hidden necromancer power not normally discussed or shared with others. About a minute or so later, Charsi removed her hand and turned to face the others. SB raised its head back up.
"The behemoth is suffering because of the global corruption. I don't quite understand why or how but that corruption is literally causing it pain."
That was simply incredible to take in. "Is there anything we can do to relieve this 'pain'?" Engie said.
"Only by ending the corruption itself, but we don't even know what the cause is in the first place. According to the creature, it has been in the world for at least a century."
"Fascinating," said Lynni.
"Will the behemoth understand what I am saying?" Violet asked.
"The mental link subconsciously taught it our language so yes, it will," Charsi said, returning to the group. Violet then stepped forward.
"Shadow Behemoth, we are on our way to confront what we believe to be the last remaining corrupted members of the population. Once we are victorious... " Violet turned her head to the others and smiled. "... and we WILL be..." The others smiled too as she turned back to SB. "we will focus all our time and energy to seek out what created the global corruption and eliminate it. As the last of the good and heroic, I give you our sincere word of honor on that."
A few moments passed, not knowing if SB understood what was said. But then, SB placed one hand-like claw over where the heart would be and bowed its head for a brief period in acknowledgment. Violet returned the gesture.
"All right everyone, let's keep going before it gets too dark," Violet said to the group. They began to leave. Charsi then paused and looked back at SB with an idea. The behemoth noticed her returning glance and looked back.
"Hmm," Charsi thought out loud. "If I can pull this off, UHoT won't stand a chance against us." She smiled with a wicked grin.