You Shall Be As a God

After being guided to find the Daemon’s Trumpet plant just outside of Desdem, Ch’Truta sincerely thanked Silina. She not only led him to the plant, but had calmed his mind concerning Islana’s safety. Because of this, Ch’Truta explained she had helped him be at peace because of her devotion to the twins, and he would return to his own tent and make the solution he needed.

Returning to his tent, Ch’Truta mixed the sand viper’s venom with the plant and added cactus s juice and pulp. He began to crush and mix everything with the mortar with his pestle. Ch’Truta hoped this would work. It would be a good thing to stay connected with the spirits.

The liquid was thicker than Ch’Truta was used to drink, most likely from the pulp. He sipped it. It was sweet with a tart aftertaste. Then, Ch’Truta quickly down the rest that was in the bowl.

Nothing happened at first, then his body went into a violent convulsion. He stomach nearly rejected its contents, but Ch’Truta fought and kept it down. His eyes glazed and Ch’Truta fell backwards. His body temperature rose, his skin became red-hot, and sweat poured from his pores.

Although not able to see in the physical about him, Ch’Truta saw a heavy darkness inside his mind. Soon, a smoke engulfed him. This was different than before. A female voice called from the darkness. “Who has come before me?”

He could hear her but not see her yet. “You are not clothed like one of mine,” the voice said. “Where are you from?” The voice was soft, yet fearsome.

As the smoke dissipated, Ch’Truta could make out a figure. She was alluring, yet terrifying. Ch’Truta wondered why she was in chains.

“I am Ch’Truta of the Chulla Brood of the Great Swamp.”

“Ch’Truta,” said the goddess, “from the swamp. Welcome to the knowledge of Ziarae. Unchain me and I will make you great.”

“How did one as great as you become bound?” Ch’Truta pried.

“Betrayal. A great evil was done to me by my own siblings,” came her response.

*Siblings?* Ch’Truta thought. *The Twins?* If they were evil, Islana may be in danger.

“Islana,” came his worried reply.

Yet all he could see was the goodness of Islana. What she had become. He saw no evil in her.

“Perhaps,” Ch’Truta probed, “it was their way of controlling you. Preventing you from blocking their plans.”

“You are from the outside,” Ziarae boomed. “You do not know our ways. Yet, if you unlock these chains, you may be beside me. I will make you as a god.”

In the physical, Ch’Truta began to struggle. This was not the experience he had wanted. His body began to tremor and quake as the poison began to work throughout his body.

One word was repeatedly whispered from his lips. “Islana!”