Something bumped and scraped gently along the wall by the stream. Mathias stirred, his eyes opening quickly and darting to the water. A young pale girl was floating in it. It was impossible to tell from the lighting whether or not she was actually alive. His mind was already made up. He clenched his teeth to ready himself for the incoming shock, dipped over the stream and scooped his arms under hers. There was something off about her form as he threw his weight back to get her out of the water current quickly.

Though he had hauled her all the way from the water he had to scramble back, startled by what he saw. Beneath the innocent features of her torso was the abdomen and legs of a spider. Black carapace, prickly limbs and all. He was really quite shocked. "What mad god made this creature?"

There wasn't much time. He could already feel the curse reacting to his choice. Mathias moved his hand to draw his sword. It felt like every muscle in his body clenched tight. With right hand yet locked to his sword the pain hit. "Not yet! Hhrrgh!" He cursed through clenched teeth, collapsing to his knees. He couldn't keep steady, there was no composure left. It felt like lightning coursed through his veins! He rolled to his side and writhed in agony.

That Velka had a sour humor. Instead of just striking him dead as her revenge she thought better to make him suffer. What was the point? Malignant witch! The more good his actions did the worse things were. It wasn't surprising this would nearly cripple him. His only hope was that it would fade before this creature recovered. This lord didn't want to be easy prey.