Herodotos rushed through the forest. He ducked and weaved between branches and trunks, making sure to stay below the tree canopy. He came across many wild animals, but he ignored all of them, flying quickly past them, not even giving them any time to react to his presence. Usually, he would feel exhilarated at the feeling of freedom at the tips of his fingers, but this time he only urged himself to move ever quicker. The wind howled in his ears and whipped his hair around. He had to quickly weave and duck to avoid collisions, pushing his reaction speed to the limit. The only place where he was allowed to practice his powers was in the southern jungle, where he was right now. The jungle was a dangerous territory, and only experienced hunters would venture past the tree line. He was using this jungle to travel quickly to the southern city, now called Victoria after the battle at the northern plains. He pushed himself to move ever faster and ever quicker to reach his destination if even only a second sooner. The wind ripped at his cloak, trying to hold him back, yet the strength welling up from deep within his core easily shrugged the wind's attempts off and propelled him to ever greater speeds. He soon saw the edges of the city appear over the horizon. Heeding his brother's warning, he flew out of the jungle and landed at the edge of the forest. He then proceeded to walk to the nearest road and continued his journey on foot.

He passed by fields and farmers tending to those fields. He saw as a group of hunters emerged from the nearby jungle with prey slung over their shoulders. Over in the north, he even saw a caravan heading into the city. The carts were pulled by strange four-legged creatures. They looked like deer but much more broad. He would have stared in wonder if he didn't have to hurry to enter the city. He kept a light jog and soon arrived at the entrance to the city. At the outermost edge of the city, he could see new houses being constructed, with workers standing up on wooden scaffolding. He soon entered the winding streets of the city, the sprawling houses littering the sides of the road in an uncoordinated manner. Every time Herodotos entered the city, he was in awe of its size, and the many people present, but he did not spend his time gawking and instead moved with purpose. He navigated the twists and turns of the streets with confidence and soon halted before a midsized house. Two withering and blooming flowers were depicted on the sign hanging outside the building.

Herodotos knocked on the door. "Enter!" Came a voice from inside. Herodotos did as he was told and entered the house. A strong scent of dried herbs hit his nose. In the dark room, Herodotos could make out several clay jars and pots containing various leaves, berries, roots, and even some colorful rocks. The floor, like his floor back home, was made of compacted dirt and the wooden walls were lined with shelves containing jars. In one of the corners sat an older man, using a stone mortar and pestle to grind some leaves to a fine powder. The man looked up, and once he recognized Herodotos, a warm smile spread across his grizzled face. "Herodotos! It is good to see you again. You've grown since the last time you've been here. How is your father? Did the salve I gave last time help his knees?" The man stood up and embraced Herodotos in a big embrace. Herodotos struggled to breathe and wormed his way out of the embrace. He flashed a tired smile at the medicine man. "It is good to see you too, Paeon. But I'm afraid that today I'm here not because of good news. My father is very sick, and he needs medicine to help him." Paeon's demeanor shifted instantly, and he took a small distance between himself and Herodotos. He grabbed him by both shoulders and looked him in the eyes. Paeon wore a serious expression. "That certainly is not good. Describe to me the symptoms your father has." Herodotos felt slightly reassured by the firm grip of Paeon and his seriousness. He listed everything that he remembered, from the coughing to the fainting. He also mentioned how his father had been feeling weak the last few days and couldn't do as much physical labor, which is why he did the easier labor like tending to the chickens. Paemon listened intently and nodded now and then. Once Herodotos was finished, Paeon released him and let out a heavy sigh. Herodotos's heart felt a twinge of anxiety.

"Well, this sounds very similar to a new sickness that has been spreading. The first symptoms take a long to be discovered, so people infect each other, without even realizing it. The sickness then strikes, making the person weak. Luckily this sickness isn't very deadly, and your father should make a full recovery. It is very possible, however, that for the next two or three days, he will be unable to move much. Here, let me prepare a remedy for him so that his body heals faster. You and your brother should also immediately take some of this remedy if you feel symptoms similar to your father's." Herotos let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding and flashed a relieved smile. "Thank you, Paeon." Paeon simply waved him off, before gesturing to a wooden chair. "Don't worry about that and have a seat instead. You will have to tell me about how you and yours have been, while I prepare your medicine." Herodotos nodded gratefully and took a seat.

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Paeon walked to a wall and began rummaging through various pots, taking a leaf from here and a root from there all the while talking with Herodotos. "So have you and Telamon decided who you will court? Last time your father was here, he told me that there are quite a few beautiful maidens in your village." Herodotos let out a light cough while the tips of his ears flushed red. "No, none of us have decided who to court yet. Isn't it a bit early for that anyway?" Paeon laughed and shook his head. "Not at all. You are going to become an adult this year, as for Telaamon, he became an adult last year, so it's high time that you started worrying about that kind of thing." Herodotos chuckled politely while wearing a helpless smile. Seeing this, Paeon sighed and shook his head. "Well, no matter. How is life in the village? I bet it beats life in the jungle." Herodotos nodded and let out a laugh. "That's true. At least we don't have to worry about animals attacking our camp at night. But it wasn't all that bad living in the jungle. We regularly got tools and food from you and the others, rest their souls." At the mention of the others, Paeon's expression darkened. "Yeah, they were all fine people. Shame that they were discovered by that accursed city lord." He grabbed the mortar and pestle and after throwing everything into it, started grinding it energetically. The sound of stone hitting on stone reverberated throughout the room. "At least your brother got spared. Now your father and I are all that are left of the original resistance..." A somber atmosphere descended upon the occupants of the house.

Finally, Paeon let out a sigh. "But that is all in the past. The younger generation shouldn't be burdened by the grievances of their elders. That's what your father and I decided." Herodotos was staring at the mortar, no longer responding. It was as if he was deeply lost in thought. He absentmindedly nodded his head before sighing lightly. "Could you tell me a bit more about my father and mother? And I don't mean my father, but about Mundus, the eldest son of the god of humans." Paeon nodded his head while flashing a smile. "Of course. What would you like to know?" Herodotos hesitated, before choosing his words carefully. "Father doesn't like talking about the past, so I don't hear much about Mundus and Apernora. What were they like? As people I mean?" Paeon let out a thoughtful hum, before starting to speak. "They were great and compassionate leaders. Some say they were harsh in their leadership style, but they simply were willing to make tough choices, that would lead to the greatest benefit for the people. Even if it meant that some would have to suffer because of their choice. I remember in the fourth year we were here, a heavy storm in the north devastated many of the crops that were meant to feed the capital during winter. Your parents then imposed heavy taxes on all farmers and hunters, making many go with an empty stomach for a few days. And yet, while the people decried them for their choice, it is because of this harsh tax, that they were able to provide enough food to the capital, to prevent massive starvation. Thanks to the actions of your parents, the total number of deaths were practically zero." Herodotos listened intently, absorbing every word. Paeon chuckled lightly when he saw him act like that.

"Come on, here is your medicine. Make sure to get home on time. While your father's life is not in danger, it would be better for him if he got the medicine as soon as possible." He took a small leather pouch and poured the powder from the stone bowl into the pouch. "Mix this powder with boiling water and wait for a few moments. Once the powder is fully dissolved in the water, give this to your father to drink. There should be enough powder for six portions. Give your father one today and another two every three days. The other three you should keep in case you or your brother get sick as well." Herodotos carefully listened to the instructions, making sure not to forget anything. He nodded his head and thanked Paeon. He reached into his cloak and produced a small pouch containing coins. Paeon waved his hands before his chest. "There's no need for payment, boy. Your father and I are good friends and I don't wish to charge him for this medicine. Come on, you should go now." Paeon didn't allow Herodotos to protest and gently but firmly pushed him out of the house, not allowing him to pull out any coins. Before Herodotos could react he found himself outside, with two full pouches in his hand, one containing medicine and another containing coins. "You can repay me by feeding me with some delicious food next time I visit. Now it's best you be on your way." With these final words, Paeon closed the door to his house, leaving Herodotos outside.

He shook himself out of his stupor and chuckled lightly. Herodotos took out a few coins and pushed them through the slit at the bottom of Paeon's door. He heard angry shouts from within, but he quickly ran away, before Paeon could get ahold of him. The people walking on the streets shot curious glances. Soon, Herodotos left the city and traveled along the road toward the south. He soon arrived at the edge of the jungle and tracked west towards his village at the edge of the jungle. His plan was to get out of eyeshot of the city, get into the jungle, and fly the rest of the way in the jungle. He would need to walk the distance from the jungle's edge to his village, but luckily it wasn't that far away. He walked a few paces from the tree's edge, as he didn't trust the jungle with its many dangerous creatures. After a few moments of light jogging, he heard a scream coming from the jungle's edge.