Chapter 7.

The Full Moon Cure.

The journey back to dry land was arduous and full of uncertainty. Marcus's wound, inflicted by Morgana's poisoned razor, weakened him with each passing day. Iris and the rest of the crew did their best to keep him stable, but they knew they needed urgent help.

When they finally reached the coast, they took Marcus to a small village where a famous healer lived, known for her ability to treat poisons and curses. The old woman, with wise eyes and a serene expression, examined Marcus carefully.

This poison is deadly, the healer murmured, shaking her head. It is the poison of the Komodo dragon, very rare and extremely lethal. The only way to remove it from your body is through a ritual that requires the energy of the person who inflicted the wound.

Marcus, despite his weakness, listened intently. ¿What should I do then?

The healer looked at him with compassion. On the next full moon, you must maintain relations with the person who poisoned you and also with the person who extracted the Komodo dragon's venom and provided it. The ritual must be performed under the light of the full moon so that the magical energy can flow and purify your body.

Iris frowned. ¿What if we don't know who provided the poison?

The healer nodded, understanding. It's a risk. Maybe, the captain herself took care of extracting the poison, but we can't be sure. They must find both people and subject them to the ritual.

 In the meantime, I can prepare a potion that will decrease the potency of the poison and treat the wound, but you will only buy time until the next full moon.

With the potion prepared, the healer applied a salve to Marcus's wound and made him drink the bitter mixture. Marcus felt momentary relief, but he knew time was against him.

You have exactly until the next full moon, the healer warned. If you don't complete the ritual by then, the poison will become irreversible.

Iris clenched her fists, determined. We will find Morgana and whoever else is needed. We will not allow the captain to die from this poison.

The crew of The Shadow of Thunder prepared for their next mission: to locate Morgana and discover who had provided the Komodo dragon venom. They knew they had to act quickly and cleverly, for each passing day brought Marcus closer to the brink of death.

The healer gave them her blessings and provided them with a map of the possible routes The Crimson Fury could have taken. May the gods of the sea be with you, and give you clarity on the path of uncertainty, she said before taking her leave.

As the sun set on the horizon, the crew set sail with renewed determination. The next full moon was approaching, and they knew that the fate of their captain and crew depended on the success of this dangerous mission to subdue Morgana, but more than subduing her, to make her speak and sing word for word whether she had been the one who had extracted the Komodo dragon's venom or if she had an accomplice, but what irritated Marcus most was the mere thought of having to bring Morgana's energy through a sexual act because he clearly abhorred anyone who practiced magic.