Earthblood - Crossroads 11 (Patreon)

"Kalu!"

You feel the vibrations of time passing.

"Kalu!"

The earth shifts beneath you in its entirety, carrying you through the cosmos.

"Kalu!"

The breath of every living thing on the planet whispers in your ears.

"Help me."

You sit up startled, a clearly excited Seri kneeling beside you.

"Kalu... They're awake."

You follow them across the sand, the moon low on the horizon hinting at the near end of the night. As the two of you reach the mouth of the cave, you hear something from inside. A voice.

Seri rushes in with you in tow. As you turn the corner, you find the stranger laying on their side, rocking back and forth. Their eyes are wide, the glint of the dying embers reflecting deep in them like ancient stars. They mumble, their voice echoing in the narrow chamber. Seri pulls you closer, trying to catch meaning from the stranger's breath.

"Help... me... please. No more cages..."

"No, there's no cages here. It's going to be alright." Seri kneels beside them and gently caresses their hair.

"Please... no more... cages... no more..."

Seri looks up at you, eyes wet with clear distress.

"What do we do?"