"We have asked ourselves the same question," the King replied. "The Mother of the Forest has been our protector for thousands of years, guarding the Glade from external threats. But recently, she has grown restless and has lashed out without reason. Her poison has affected some of our warriors and people, leaving wounds and a toxin we cannot heal. Although our people have extraordinary healing abilities, the poison seems bound to an evil magic. We can only slow its effects, but we haven't found a cure."
El listened with deep sympathy and a growing sense of responsibility. He realized that this issue was deeper and more complex than he had initially thought.
The incurable poison, the Guardian's sudden change in behavior, and the weakening defenses around Serenity Glade all seemed connected in a single chain of events threatening all life in Arkana.
