Bass Reeves quest: Eoten roots attack does not end

My recruitable NPC was attacked by an Eoten while I was occupied with a bound attack, we got separated. I found my NPC being attacked by Eoten roots once every second. The Eoten was not nearby, I estimate > 500 meters. I had to quit the game then restart in order to get him out. Even after restarting, the roots were still around him, but at least I could chop them away.