Ok but if Polites lived until Mutiny, it would've been so much more tragic.
He would've been defending Odysseus' decisions out of loyalty to his friend but also 100% understanding Eurylochus' very valid concern of starving to death. He would try to stay as neutral as possible and talk both of his friends down but would ultimately be unable to stop their sword fight. They are way past listening to his reasoning.
As a last-ditch effort, he throws himself in between them.
Right into Eurylochus' sword.
Odysseus and Eurylochus freeze as Polites clutches his stomach.
It was a strong thrust, intended to kill, and cut right through Polites' worn-down armor. As he falls back, both of his friends rush to his side in terror and guilt. His voice is wet and warbled by the blood seeping between his lips as he tells them they need to be kind. They used to all be brothers. What happened? How did such a big rift grow between them? Please, please swear to him to stop fighting.
They both swear and Polites' eyes glass over, a ghost of a smile on his lips.
There's a moment of silence broken only by the rumble of thunder.
Odysseus fails at choking back a sob.
He looks up at Eurylocus, tears and rage in his eyes. "You did this," he whispers.
Chapter 8 is up! Chapter title “Lamentation de Deux” (fic is “I Do Not Fear Death”)
Chap summary:
Death snarled, heatedly drawing his trusty twin sickles, and, with a fierce swipe of shining steel crescents cutting through the cold night air, hell-hot flames shot out like a blast wave in a deadly arc, slicing clean through all the trees encircling the clearing as easily as a hot knife through butter. The trunks all fell as one and instantly ignited, pink flames engulfing them along with the stumps left behind.
He then let out a primal and guttural roar, flames shooting high into the air and spreading to still-standing trees as his anger spiked, soon raging like a wildfire and making his fur glow with their unnatural pink hue as he began to see red.
Thinking about a healer Warden who has dedicated their life to the healing arts. Who drinks the Joining and their connection to the veil, their understanding of the body, the Spirits who murmur around them, it all helps them feel it.
Feel the sick, dark and sticky mass in their gut. Feel the sweet syrupy muck in their throat as they choke. Feel their bones ache and scream as the darkness touches them.
A Spirit Healer Warden feeling the taint inside of them and knowing what it means. Who feels the magic inside of them trying to to burn the infection out like it does for any illness.
Spirit Healer Wardens needing to take a few days to be able to rest. To convince their magic it is no infection they can fight.