Downtown Druid

Book 2 Chapter 5: Why would I want to be anything other than a rat?

Book 2 Chapter 5: Why would I want to be anything other than a rat?

Dantes looked at Lorna and the strange green creature shed called Beast as they moved to sit next to him. Her eyes were dark, almost black, and he found his own drawn to them. Like looking down a dark passage in the pit, and sensing something there that he couldnt quite make out.

You said you think the Mother chose you for two reasons. You explained the first one to Murk, what was the second?

You have good hearing.

Yes.

Dantes glanced at Jacopo who was still boldly drinking water as Beast sat less than a foot away from him.

The second reason I think she chose me is hedging.

Hedging?

Its clear that druids are dwindling because of their conflict with cities and it sounds like a few other issues. By making me a druid in a city, shes hedging her bets. Making sure that at least one member of the brotherhood will survive by being on the side of the largest city.

She scoffed. A weaklings mindset. The Mother doesnt hedge bets she is one of the greater gods. If we die it is because we are weak and she has no use for us.

Ah, Im guessing you dont think I should be initiated then?

She shook her head. Oh no. I do. The first point you made to Murk has convinced me. Bombs, magic, tactics. The Floating City of Chitlan does not encroach on my swamp in the way a city that rests on solid ground might on the nature which surrounds it, but they already take more than their fill. It will worsen with time and I must be ready.

Dante nodded, taking note of her conviction. He wondered what shed be willing to trade with him. He wasnt sure what a swamp would have to offer him, but hed keep an open mind.

He glanced again at Beast. Can I ask what manner of creature he is? Some kind of swamp dragon?

Youve never seen a gator before?

He cocked his head. Never even heard of them.

She knelt down and gave Beast a rough scratch on the scales of his neck. He opened his mouth and closed his eyes in a clear display of contentment.

That is sad for you. They are the greatest of the Mothers creatures.

He looked at the row of razor sharp teeth on display and nodded. Yes, I feel very deprived about it.

With their conversation done he approached the twins next. He found that while Fern was on his side, Ivy wasnt and she needed some convincing. Luckily, unlike Lorna she was convinced by the idea of him being the Mothers insurance in case the brotherhood came close to falling. They were also both tentatively interested in gunpowder. The suggestion of what havoc they could cause with their birds carrying bundles of bombs seemed to clinch the deal for them.

He spoke to Fizz last, who returned to the glade with two dead deer being pulled by an ox, which shifted into something too small for Dantes to make out then disappearing in the grass.

Dont bother. Ive been listening in this whole time. Well, we all have been. Hard to keep secrets in a grove full of druids.

Dantes knew that, but hed already felt that not visiting them individually could be seen as disrespectful or he may come up with some new argument in his favor on the fly.

Well, where do you stand so far?

Dantes nodded. Yes. Im Dantes, nice to meet you.

She looked him over, approached, and smelled the air around him by flicking her tongue in his direction. Hmmmm, theres an interesting mix of environments within your locus. Im also picking up a deep low light environment near strange energies.

Dantes raised an eyebrow. He hadnt been in the Pit for quite some time, and hed bathed frequently since hed gained the ability to do so regularly. Quite frequently with the help of additional hands that cost him a few silver. You have impressive senses.

Do you know of any native poisons in your locus? Or any curatives?

Dantes thought about it. Come to think of it, it seemed very foolish of him to overlook the potential of poisons and medicines with his new abilities. It also didnt surprise him that a Kobold druid wouldve put the incredible focus of her species into investigating that.

I know that greenleaf helps with wounds, and I think arrowroot can mess up a stomach, but aside from that I dont know much. Dont mind a bit of weed for a headache, though some prefer dust.

Her face turned disappointed as he spoke. Greenleaf could refer to many many things, as could arrowroot.

Hmm, assuming Im initiated Ill talk to an herbalist and bring samples the next time all of the druids are called here and give them to you.

Her expression brightened a bit.

Maybe you could teach me a few things about poisons in exchange.

Her expression brightened even more. Yes, that would be excellent. The raccoon on her shoulder nodded in agreement.

Coal approached shortly after, with his hog snorting and snarling behind him. And youd be the filthy city dweller trying to join us?

If youll have me.

You good in a fight?

Only when I fight dirty.

You good to your friends?

As long as they stay friendly.

Do you love plants, animals, and life of all kind.

Dantes paused. He hadnt really thought about it before. As a kid hed thrown small bits of bread into the water at the docks to see the small fish slurp at it from down below. As a young man hed fed and cared for the mascot for the Purring Princess, a long haired white cat that hed nearly beaten a man to death over stepping on. Even when he was in the pit he still took the time to water the plants he found and shared some food with Jacopo.

I do, he responded after standing silently for a few moments. Speaking with a sincerity that was rare to him.

Coal spat in his hand and held it out. Then it would be an honor to call you brother.

Dantes spat in his own hand and gave Coals hand a firm grasp.

Coal released his grip, leaving Dantes with a hand that had gone from gray to black where he had touched, and then looked across the glade, his stomach audibly rumbling.

By the Mother, tell me someone already hunted.