143 Blood

After being led through the swamp to a wooden cabin, Vanessa sat on a log by a fire outside. Drinking her soup, she stared at the old woman, waiting for her to make a move.

Ms. Dia threw her hands, "Vanessa, stop staring. If I wanted you dead I would've killed your little shribbly self".

Vanessa rose her head to speak as Ms. Dia continued, "You look like a swamp rat minus the meat".

"You look like somebody who was defeated by Hakim".

Ms. Dia's face dropped, "Now what would he say if he heard you"?

Vanessa sipped her soup, "Is true".

Ms. Dia shook her head, "You kids are a little wild. Not as Wild as the generation before you". She sighed, "But still".

"How was it before?" asked Vanessa.

She chuckled, "Let's not go there. It was terrible. It's probably what caused the curse in the first place".

Vanessa thought for a moment, "But what is keeping it here today"?