Lizzy says "So, what do you need?"

"Right now, I think I need to meditate. I need to figure out what is going on before I can work on a solution."

Lizzy says "Alright, do what you need to do."

"Okay, watch Ekard for me."

Taking Ekard out of the shadow pocket I place him down next to Lizzy. Then I sit down and try to enter my meditation, it is a struggle because my mind won't focus. After a half an hour of struggle I finally focus enough to enter meditation.

As soon as I do I realize there are all sorts of things wrong with my body. It doesn't take me long to figure out I am suffering from withdrawals, but what I'm addicted to isn't obvious. It takes me several hours of intense study to figure out what I got addicted to, power.

Turns out the power in a drake's blood is too much for me to handle since I am not a drake. So using the drake's form for so long actually damaged my soul. From now on I am not going to be able to use the drake form, it is too dangerous.

The worst part is, there is no way to heal my withdrawals, I have to suffer through them. Until my soul can heal on its own I am going to be stuck feeling weak and sick. That isn't so bad right now, but it means I need to avoid getting into any fights.

The only part that worries me is I don't know how long it is going to take for me to heal. Until I fully heal I should probably avoid shapeshifting at all, just to be safe. I should also avoid combat, but that isn't very likely, and would be way too boring.

To be on the safe side I will take a few days to rest up a bit, but if I'm not healed by then I will go back to traveling. Once my mind is made up I exit my meditation and open my eyes to look around. Lizzy is curled up around the sleeping Ekard, Windy is in the corner reading a book, and Leonarr and Verica are standing guard.

Lizzy says "Are you alright now, Ash?"

"No, but at least I figured out what happened."

Windy says "So, what happened?"

"It turns out that the drake form is too powerful for me. I am suffering the backlash of using it too long."

Lizzy says "So, no more being a drake?"

"Yeah. No more shapeshifting for a bit."

Windy says "So, what now?"

"We will stay here for a few more days while I recuperate, then we head for Illium."

Leonarr says "What are our orders, My King?"

"You will return to Illium once Mercy no longer needs you. We will be taking the long way, but I want you to use the portal. The sooner you are in Illium the sooner Pol can start making arrangements for everyone."

Verica says "What sort of arrangements?"

"Finding homes for those who want to settle down, educating those who have no idea how to interact with humans. Forming those who want to stay into an army and assigning them duties. That sort of thing."

Verica says "So, you really plan to offer choices to everyone?"

"Yes, didn't I already say that?"

Verica says "Yes, but I am used to being lied to."

Leonarr says "I told you, you can trust Ash."

Verica says "So it seems."

Lizzy says "If you are feeling better, Mercy wants to see you."

"Okay, I think I can walk now, but just in case you two come with me."

With Leonarr and Verica flanking me, ready to help if I stumble, I head to Mercy's tent. As I walk through the camp I can see that the soldiers are starting to break down their tents. It looks like Mercy has issued marching orders for the army.

Mercy says "Ash, how are you feeling?"

"A little better. What's going on?"

Mercy says "We are breaking camp and moving out. I can't keep an army sitting in the field for no reason. Besides, I have a lot of things to take care of in the capital."

"Makes sense. Need anything from me?"

Mercy says "In the morning I will be giving out awards and medals. I will also be paying your beastmen what they deserve. After that they will be back under your command. I still can't thank you enough for their help."

"You trained them in exchange for their help, there is no need for thanks."

Mercy says "Still, without you and your people, I wouldn't have my kingdom back. If there is anything I can do for you or them, just ask."

"I will keep that in mind, Mercy."

Mercy says "What do you plan to do?"

"I will stay here a few more days to rest up and then head for Illium."

Mercy says "Alright. Oh, Zamart already left with Rat, he is starting his vacation."

"Then I will probably see him at the tower."

Mercy says "Anything else?"

"Leonarr, go fetch Leyla, she will be going with Mercy."

Leonarr says "At once, my King!"

Mercy says "Oh, I had forgotten about that!"

"How has Mericel been doing?"

Mercy says "Much better! You were right, she needed to interact with people. That girl you brought back to be her maid has been a huge help!"

"Good, I'm glad to hear it."

Leyla says "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, Leyla, has Seronia spoken with you yet?"

Leyla says "She has, but I am not worthy to be a high priestess!"

Mercy says "Did you really dare to tell a goddess she was wrong?!"

Leyla says "Well, no, not in so many words."

"But you did try to argue with her?"

Leyla says "Yes, I guess so."

Mercy says "Was she angry with you?"

Leyla says "Maybe a little."

Leonarr says "Why do you think you are unworthy?"

Leyla says "Because I am not pure!"

"I've already told you, Seronia doesn't care about that. You need to stop letting one event, no matter how horrible, define you."

Leyla gives me a hurt look and bursts into tears, totally not what I was expecting. Mercy gives me a dirty look then starts trying to comfort Leyla. Not sure what else to do, I send Verica to fetch Mericel and then return to my tent.

Only as I arrive do I realize it isn't actually my tent, it is the army's tent that I have been using. So before resting I set up my actual tent and move everything over. That way the soldiers can break the big tent down and pack it up.

Lizzy says "Ekard has been asleep for a while, should I be worried?"

Realizing she is right and that he has been asleep since I woke up I take a look at him. At first I am worried but then I realize he has grown a couple of inches. That should be why he is sleeping so much, it is a relief to see him finally growing some.

"Looks like he is going through a growth spurt, just let him sleep."

Lizzy says "Alright. You look horrible, you should get some sleep too."

"I will, after some food."

When I start pulling out food I can tell by the way her eyes light up that Lizzy wants some. It would seem she has missed my pouch more than she missed me while I was gone. After we are done eating I go to lay down and I am out as soon as my head hits the pillow.