Victory After

When Roderick opened his eyes and regained consciousness once more, he found himself back in the military camp outside Andorhal.

Remi and Kindi sat in chairs nearby, drowsing. Karasha was still mixing potions at the table, while he himself was wrapped head to toe in bandages like a mummy from legend, with only his eyes, nose, and mouth exposed.

The Night Elf girl's senses were even sharper than Roderick had imagined. Just as he was about to turn over, he saw her whirl around and stare at him blankly, utterly motionless.

"Karasha, I'm fine. Thank you for taking care of me."

Roderick's voice sounded like two sheets of iron scraping together. The toxic plague had ruined his vocal cords, and every word he spoke brought considerable pain.

"Oh heavens, goddess above, you woke up so quickly. This must be the goddess's will..." The muttering Karasha ignored Roderick and hurried outside to find the others.

Remi and Kindi were also awakened by the Night Elf's cry. They saw their brother with his eyes open and his lips slightly parted, as though he were trying to smile.

The girl did not throw herself onto him as she had before. Instead, she sat beside the bed and stroked his dry, peeling lips as tears silently streamed down her face. Remilia, who had not slept for days, still had a smudge of dirt on her face, but the tears washed it clean, turning her into a weeping little tabby cat.

Kindi carefully leaned closer and wiped away her friend's tears. "Remi has been here for several days. It's wonderful that you woke up."

"Your brother is the strongest warrior, Remi. I told you I would return safely." His voice was still terribly unpleasant.

Remi did not answer. Karasha returned to the room and casually