I slowed Mad's pace to a crawl as we made our way through the forest. Even though we are immune to their toxins at this point there are still things in this forest that any traveler needs to be wary about. Like the monster.

It is said that the monster has massive wings that can tear down the strongest tree. Limbs that can find their way into the toughest of places. Tentacles that can sense pray from miles away. Eyes so large that there is no escaping when they find you.

Not only is that monster found here, but smaller poisonous animals that can take down any beast with just one scratch and plants that won't ever let you leave once they have you in their grasp. 

To say the least I didn't want to chance mine nor Mads life more than I already am. So slow and steady will win the race with this forest and anyone that says other wise has a death wish far beyond my understanding. 

Mad and I kept at this slow pace until day turned into night and night turned to dawn. All while I gathered herd and plants that would be useful for travel and took small breaks in-between to keep exhaustion from kicking in.

As we walked I found a  very small clearing under a very large tree. "This will do, lets rest for the day." I patted Mad's head hearing him chirp with understanding. I gathered loose branches to make a makeshift shelter/camouflage combo. To hide Mad and I while we slept, but to also keep the sun and heat off of us. 

As I settled in to my makeshift shelter I felt a pinch to my side. I touched my side where I felt the pinch and saw red. It is funny how the body reacts to pain, like my eyes needed visual proof that I was hurt before I felt anything at all. 

I felt warm, no not warm burning hot, my throat got parched. My lips instantly was chapped begging for the kiss of wetness. My body started to itch, like a rash was spreading all over my body. Worst of all my vision was getting hazy. 

Maybe that was why I could swear I saw a figure heading towards me, and when I looked back towards the ground I saw something small scurry across the ground. Hallucinations started to take control of my brain, that is the only explanation for this and that means that I only had a little bit of time left. 

I tried reaching for my herbs, hoping there was something in there that could help. Trying was about all I succeeded in, because my body refused to move, almost like it already accepted its fate. I screamed inwardly as I felt time slipping away, as darkness covered my eyes, and the figures of death slowly moved towards me. Those figures where the last things I saw as my life faded away.