A History Through Blood

Kahina, knowing the dangerous role she was now playing, was unable to rest or feel any sense of ease. Her mistress was beside her, hidden with-in her herb lined basket that served to mask the adze's presence, although Victoria's proximity offered little to quell her ever growing fears. In the void of activity, the translator opted to translate sentences between her known tongues as to distract herself from the mortal danger she had volunteered for. Often, she would ask for phrases, converting it from English to Portuguese, Arabic, Fulani and fragmented French to retain fluency in those tongues. Unfortunately, the phrases provided were often bland and clinical, devoid of emotion or expression used in common parlance. For months now she had been subconsciously altering Victoria's words, adding qualifiers to make it appear more natural or convey her meaning.

As she translated Kahina noticed that she knew little about her mistress, outside of her mission and supernatural inclinations. Looking back on her conversations she knew more about the former religious woman and the young child who residing with-in her, than anything of substance about the adze in question. There was a stark contrast in the amount of time she spent translating during business transactions and the casual translation she performed for her familiars. Each period of rest often saw Victoria retreat to her own devices, either to do some self-assigned busy work or keep to herself on the outer edges of the group.

“If I might ask,” the translator asked hesitantly “is there a reason you tend to isolate yourself? I just noticed that most of the translating I do is for your familiars and not yourself.” There was no movement or response from the basket which almost caused her to apologize, but the adze soon answered. “Misgivings from my associates aside, I am generally not sociable.” She answered, seemingly pondering her response in some measure of detail. “I am content merely watching from a distance, getting emotionally involved is... problematic for those who will outlive others.” Something about her explanation seemed forced, or at least missing some details in her explanation.

Before she could probe any deeper a high-pitched chime echoed throughout the village. “Did you hear that?” she asked, panic filtering into her voice. “No” replied the adze, shifting from her previously passive observance into a more proactive role. “The chime seems to resonate with isolated or susceptible targets, it is time to coordinate with our associates nearby.” Through a somewhat tediously drawn-out translation, with Kahina and others sounding out the translation for the familiars in the other buildings. It seems that she was the only one who heard the sound, placing her at the center of the creature's attention and confirming that the Eloko was still hunting for human prey.

All she could do was wait, knowing that a strange, and likely painful, death was stalking her from the depths of the nearby jungles. Kahina did place enormous trust in her mistress, but the mounting uncertainty still weighed heavily on her mind. Each passing minute, each seemingly elongated second, only served to grow her fear. Attempts to distract herself from the predicament proved ineffective as she often stumbled or mispronounced words she was translating. Crispin had offered to give prayer and comfort prior to entering the home, but the good intentions failed to translate as she lacked the necessary understanding of his faith. Now even the little comfort he would have provided was greatly appreciated.

Left with only one available option, she turned to her patron for advice and assurance. “How do you deal with this feeling of encroaching danger?” asked Kahina, dread slowly creeping into her voice. “You are asking the wrong person.” Responded Victoria, measuring her words to try and reassure her. “I have not felt any concept of fear from death for many years, long before I became somewhat timeless. This is not due to some internal strength, rather an acceptance that it will come eventually.”

“So how should I deal with these feelings?” she asked, trembling at her newfound realization of her own mortality. “Weeks ago, I was mostly safe and well-fed working for my lecherous master, now I might die, forgotten and far from home. I thought I would be fine, but it's different than watching the men fight beasts in our defense. One is now targeting me, only me, and I cannot help but think of these things. The constant feeling of dread, its unbearable.”

From her basket Victoria rose, hugging her as best as she was able. She was never one to outwardly show her emotions, but it was reassuring to know she had her support. “Most everyone flinches at the notion of their own death, those shielded from this truth often take it the hardest. You will survive the night; you have my word.” She meekly nodded, still shaking from her outburst. “How was your first-time facing death?” Victoria paused, retreating back into her basket. “Indifference. If you are already numb to your surroundings, then even impending death can give little pause. We promised to protect you and one is only as good as their word.”

Another chime rang out nearby, sending the local dogs into a frenzy. The villagers and mercenaries all played their part, trying to locate the 'leopard' stalking their village. Their coordinated efforts failed to locate the supernatural hunter, although that was to be expected. Jaali and Marka both checked in on the pair, offering reassurance and their swift aid when called. Rose was stationed in their assigned hut, constantly feeding phrases she had learned passively to the waiting mercenaries. Any deviation or delay in the partial sentences was a sign to check up on them.

Once the commotion had settled down, Kahina was left mostly alone with her own thoughts and the sounds of small animals running between the earthen structures. Victoria's silent presence was of some reassurance, but due to need for quiet she felt all the more distant. Perhaps it was her mind playing tricks anticipating the incoming paranormal chime, but a high-pitched ring seemed to catch her entire focus. The reverberation throughout her body seemed to consume her every thought, softening the sounds of Victoria's hushed questions. The shifting inside of her basket or the sudden silence from the room went unnoticed, as she found herself slowly rising from her bedding.

A knock on the door reverberated around the room, momentarily breaking the translator out of her trance. “Can you let me in?” a voice cried out, “there is a scary cat out there. I just want to stay the night, please...” Partially catching herself, Kahina remained against the wall trying to regain her focus. “Yes... please… come in.” With a soft creak the door opened, revealing the small moss-green form of the Eloko. It stepped forward into the humble building, bell bouncing on an ornate staff as it prepared to feast.

The sound of drums suddenly started up from one adjacent house, which then spread throughout the village in response to the initial wave. Rhythmic beats quickly broke the enchantment's hold over Kahina*, sending the transgressing spirit into a confused state. Both the Eloko and Kahina frantically looked around the room around as Victoria rose from her basket, casting her moonlit shadow towards the child-sized demon. She too had produced a small drum, tapping it in time with the ever-growing cacophony of noise.

With the confusion now wearing off, the Eloko tried to flee towards the open doorway, only to receive a powerful gut punch from the rapidly manifesting Juliana. Rose had also materialized, providing the former nun with a polearm to help subdue the demon and coveting away it's enchanted staff. It took little effort to force the demon into a corner, cutting off escape routes with swift thrusts from a safe distance. Attempts to flee or counterattack were futile as the smaller familiar could easily shift into the path, slowing their foe to the point where Juliana could regain control. This was likely how Victoria had subdued the possessed villager, quickly summoning her familiars to overwhelm and subjugate the deranged foe.

The angry mob of villagers soon arrived, subduing the snarling creature with the points of a dozen spears. Any pretence of innocence or meekness had been dropped, devolving the Eloko into feral snarls and violent cursing. Amari followed closely, murderous intent dripping from his every expression. Most of the village surrounded the creature, their collective disgust and anger focused on the single entity. Only the children and those with weak wills were absent, as the entire populace seemed intent to bring harsh justice for the fallen mother and children.

Attempts of interrogation were quickly deemed useless with each line of questioning being met with ever escalating insults, to the increasing disgust of the onlookers. One such example was when Peregine asked if they could eat anything other than human flesh, only to get a rather abhorrent answer. “Hahahaha! Why wouldn't I eat it? It's so soft, juicy and they offer their own seasoning! The best meat is always the women, less muscle and full of life. That last on...” Its answer was cut off with sharp whack of a stick. “It was your woman, wasn't it?” The Eloko taunted, mocking Amari as he was subdued. It was at this point Kahina ceased translating, as everyone present knew it wasn't worth the energy to extract anything more.

Arthur and Jaali took charge of the execution, deeming Amari unfit in his current state. Victoria did opt to make a quick dissection upon its death, finding the body a queer mix of plant and animal with no clear distinction as to where the difference began.** She ultimately concluded that the physiology structure was similar to humans, but the muscle fibers and skin had traits reminiscent of fauna. The brief period of study was short lived as the remains were placed in the bonfire, that burned with greater intensity when provided a new plant-based fuel source.

Kahina found herself being gently guided into a hut, surrounded by a supportive corral of women. Once the exercise of inquiry had transitioned into one of futility, Victoria deemed her further involvement unnecessary. She had of course sent Julianna along shortly after, bearing a sweet tasting herbal sedative as to lull her into a calming sleep. The sweet tea was different this time around, both in taste and effect. Whilst her body quickly came to rest, the accompanying dreams never materialized. Sparing her from the likely nightmares that would've manifested from her traumatic experiences that night.