The Hydra Sin (SDS)

Chapter 21- A New Quest

Leaving everyone behind was harder than I thought it would be, mainly because all I wanted to do was to tell them what was going on and let them help me. Sadly, I had been warned by Hel that that was a bad idea. Loki was amazing at sensing the bonds between others, and digging the truth out of them, so I cut ties with them temporarily to keep them safe, and to ensure that we had the best chance of success possible.

I hoped that Merlin would understand my note, at this point, that was all I was able to do; I had very few options here, all I wanted was for people to survive.

By the time I had left the city, Hel was already complaining about my constant self-recrimination, "Janis, you honestly cannot still be going on about having to break your mist link with the others, can you? We both know that you did what was needed, so stop beating yourself up!"

"It's a bit harder to do then you are making it sound," I snapped back, we had been connected nearly the entire day, and I was going insane. Hel was a sweet woman, and an insanely powerful leader, but she could also be immature and self-centered after a while; though I would never tell her that. "I swear that I'll 'toughen up' as you so kindly put it, but if me lingering on this irritates you, you are more than welcome to leave for a while. I still have a few days of walking until I get to the mountain, so you don't need to be with me constantly until then."

"Yeah, about that... Why exactly are you walking? You have your sacred treasure, you could easily fly there in the blink of an eye. I don't understand your logic with this one." I sighed and shook my head, her question was a good one, but I did have my reasons.

"My Queen, I told you that the mountain is a refuge for a dying species, right?" I could feel her confirmation, "Well, that species is the Dryads, they hid there over a century ago, but have yet to make a comeback; and it so happens that they don't really like banshees. We may be cousins, just like the sirens and the naiads, but banshees have always been cast out because of our connection with death, and if I were to use my magic anywhere near the dryad's home, I would immediately be killed."

"I have been in contact with some of the dryads on this mountain in the past, and that is the only reason that I think I can find the ravens here, they should be able to recognize me as a friend. However, if I were to use my magic to fly to the mountain, I would be viewed as a threat and I would be attacked immediately. Dyads are finicky creatures." I grumbled this last part to myself and continued walking.

Everything I told Hel was completely true, but I didn't include the fact that I had a few scars from the last time I visited here. I had to fight several of the chieftains in the area before they would let me leave, which nearly resulted in my death; I knew that coming here was a gamble, but I was willing to do whatever they wanted me to do in order to contact Odin.

I could feel her grumbling, but ultimately, she accepted my word, and I felt my connection with her recede. I now had a few days of peaceful walking to look forward to now before I found out if I would live or die at the dryad's hands... Oh joy...

Third Person POV

It had been just over a day since Janis had left, and the sins were left in turmoil. Everyone was discussing what could be done and how they would get Janis back except Ban and Merlin; who were sitting off to the side, each nursing different drinks.

Eventually, Elizabeth approached the two, "Sir Ban, Lady Merlin, why are you not joining in the conversation?" She looked extremely confused, and while she addressed both of them, only Merlin looked up to answer her; Ban just continued to glare at his drink.

"I trust Janis, if she left so suddenly, I'm sure that she had a reason; even though not knowing might kill me." She had an excited gleam in her eyes that worried Elizabeth slightly.