A Few Explanations

Anbana smiled at this. "Of course, no-one would travel through the Land of the Insects by choice. But neither of you live there, nor could you have travelled its entire length and evade its curse. Therefore your arrival here must have been pre-ordained."

Fred and Astra looked at each other in surprise. What on earth was he talking about?

Anbana looked at their puzzled expressions and grinned. "Do not worry, I will explain. Did you not pass some statues on your journey here?" Fred and Astra nodded. "My tribe is descended from the people that erected those," Anbana explained. "We would have liked to continue that tradition but it appears the only source for the stone exists in the Land of the Insects. Not even our bravest warriors dare venture there."

"So whatever happened in the land we left caused your ancestors to leave?" Fred asked.

"Those who were left, yes," Anbana agreed. "I believe my ancestors were the only people to survive the curse."

"What's this curse you keep mentioning?"

Anbana looked at Fred and smiled. "Patience my young friend. I am getting to that." Fred flushed slightly at that. Astra did her best to stifle a giggle.

"My ancestors it seemed didn't take kindly to strangers in their midst," Anbana continued. "Several explorers of the same colour as yours had been set upon and attacked, including their native helpers. Only two of them may be of interest to you.

"One of the travellers was young, and on his own. He was attacked by five men, including the leader of my ancestors. His was the killing blow. Searching for things to loot, he saw this metal object, this ring, glinting in the sun. He took it, thinking it would be a good status symbol. Until he started suffering misfortune. He was eventually killed by an illness caused by an insect bite. One that normally could be survived..."

He trailed off when he noticed that Astra fidgeted slightly at the mention of the ring. He looked at her squarely for a moment before realisation dawned. "Ah!" He exclaimed. "You have encountered this ring."

Astra finally spoke. "Yeth," she admitted. "It made my hair fall out and gave me a lithp."

1. "I might be able to help you," Anbana said. "But first, I will continue my story."
2. "I do not think I can help you," Anbana said sadly. " I am sorry."

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