Chapter 23: Whispers
The whispering continued without stop. Veyla sheathed her sword but became self-aware about her environment. She let Riven walk on his own while she glanced around to make sure they weren’t being followed.
The forest seemed quiet afterwards, though you could still hear the whispering if you concentrated.
"What was that?" Riven asked, clutching his side as he walked.
"They’re called Silent Roots. They’re just like the Whispering Sapling, but they’re smaller and less dangerous. Though they can manipulate your thoughts if you listen to them longer," she explained, walking back up to him and giving him aid with walking.
"They’re that bad?" he asked, resting on her shoulder.
"Not really. They wouldn’t affect those who have grace in them," she said.
"So why didn’t it affect me? Aren’t I graceless?" he questioned, turning his head slightly to her.
"True, you are indeed graceless, but I am accompanying you, so rest assured you’re safe," she said with an assuring smile.
Riven turned his head back and they continued walking, taking one step at a time toward the camp.
"How far is it? And how long will it take us to reach there? I can feel my body giving out," he asked as he tried to control his breathing.