Chapter 1: I Don't Know Evil, Even When I See It
Since the very beginning, I've been alone. My parents were killed by vicious DarkOnes when I was a little pup. Even then, I didn't really understand how they were evil. They looked like normal wolves. My friends say they're ghosts of dead wolves purged by darkness. They're not even the least bit transparent! But the wounds they leave are frustrating to treat. They can leave deep gashes that take ages to heal, and those are the worst to treat on impatient wolves, like Vanquishers, who wish to get back onto the field. What am I, a magician?! I can't heal a wound with a clap of my paws!
"Lilith?" A female voice spoke. I felt overjoyed! My best friend, Cassiopeia, had come to visit me in all of my angst! She padded into the room, staring at me.
"Cassi!" I said, grinning from ear to ear. "I'm sorry if all the guards gave you trouble on the way to see me." Cassiopeia smiled.
"Not at all! It was Twig again on duty, and she understood our relationship as friends!"
"How's Eremis been treating you?" I asked, cocking my head.
"Well! I don't sleep there often, though."
"And why is that?" I said, puzzled. I knew my friend was a trader and she loved staying at the Oasis, but I had thought since the first day she arrived that she'd be sleeping in Eremis like a normal wolf.
"I've got customers to serve, and Eremanians still give me that side-eye when I enter the camp. They pick on me often, since I am not from the Island like them." Cassiopeia said, shifting her paws uncomfortably.
"That doesn't give them a right to tease you because of your history!" I said, a bit of frustration in my tone. Cassiopeia smiled.
"I'm glad you're somewhat supportive of me." She said, amused. I grinned.
"Duh, I'm supportive. I'm your bestie after all!" I exclaimed, and walked over to hug her.
After Cassiopeia had departed, I padded down the short flight of stairs and entered my potions room. Using the telekinesis gifted to wolves by the Island, I lifted the bucket and scooped up water. To be more cautious, I used my jaws to carry the heavy object and dump it into my cauldron. I gently placed down the bucket and reached for a container of herbs. I dragged it towards me, and reached out my other paw to get a stronger grip.
"Gotcha!" I exclaimed, and began to sift through the box for a few sprigs of oregano and a bulb of garlic. There! A white object flashed in the corner of my vision. I turned my head. I adjusted my glasses and grasped the bulb. I carefully peeled off the white skin and popped the clove out. I mashed it in my stone bowl and slid it into the cauldron. Now, Oregano. I grasped the fuzzy herbs in my paw and dumped it into the cauldron. I levitated the ladle in the air and lowered it into the herbal mixture. I stirred it slowly, often levitating a few potions and dumping their contents into the water.
"Lilith!" A male voice said urgently. I whirled my head around. Forget the damn potion, who's calling me? The Vanquisher Mangrove and his apprentice, Weasel, entered the cave.
"Weasel!" I screeched. The poor apprentice had been mutilated. His hind paws were a bloody, torn mess and his face was suffering deep gashes that trailed around his body.
"Can you save him?" Mangrove said, his eyes wild with terror.
"First, what the hell happened?!"
"There was a band of DarkOnes near the shoreline. They ambushed while we were training outside the Vanquisher Den. I've sent a few of the other Vanquishers down that way." Mangrove said, panting.
I grabbed a few of my leaf wraps and began repairing the injured apprentice's paws. I rubbed them with disinfectant, then I wrapped them with the bandage. The apprentice whimpered.
"DarkOnes? I thought we taught them a lesson!" I grumbled
"You'd think so, but these were definitely DarkOnes, in the flesh!"
"Well.." I said, my voice trailing off.
"What's wrong?"
"The apprentice won't be able to use his hind paws.. ever again."
"What?! You've got to fix it!" Mangrove said, dashing over.
"I can ask a few friends from Calyxe if they can put together something.."
"Please do!" Mangrove said, frantic. I've never seen him so vulnerable before..
"Alright.. Stay here and take care of him. If he's in pain, give him a violet potion. Those are painkillers." I instructed him. He nodded.
I dashed out the entrance, my paws thrumming against the ground. My tail streamed out behind me. I've got to hurry.. Weasel might not last long! I was aware that Calyxe was a short walk from Silvum, but their tunnels were a labyrinth. As I entered the first tunnel, I followed the purple glow. My nails clacked on the stone.
Soon enough, I padded up to the main entrance. Two wolves guarded it, and they glared at me when I approached.
"Silvian, what is your business here at Calyxe?" One stated. Calyxe wolves are so creepy.. They never seem to blink..
"I need to see the Blacksmith. I'm the Healer." I said, clutching my satchel tightly. The two wolves leaned in towards each other, exchanging words that I couldn't hear.
"Emerald will alert the Regent of your presence. It's up to the Regent to decide if you enter."
I waited for Emerald to return, sitting back on my haunches. The other guard kept a sharp eye on me, presumably making sure I didn't bolt. Soon enough, Emerald returned.
"The Regent grants you permission to enter." Emerald said, his cold eyes locking onto mine. Thank goodness! That seemed like forever. I exhaled, and stood onto my paws. I dipped my head in gratitude. I entered the cave, staring at the gargantuan purple crystal of unknown kind as I walked. I rammed into a chest of fur, and I jumped back, turning my head to see who had bumped into me.
"Lilith!" The Blacksmith, Stone said.
"Stone!" I said, pleased. "I need your help with something."
"Anything, Lilith. What's up?" He said, smiling.
"I've got an injured patient who can no longer use his hind paws. Do you think you can make a contraption to help him walk?" I asked, hopeful.
"I'll see, but this is the biggest favor you've asked me." He said, sighing. "It might take a while.."
"Thank you!" I said, and turned to leave.
