章 32: Guild Master's daughter?
Oria murmured and walked in circles around her orb in her temple, uncertainty clouding her thoughts. "Can Hero Elara really still be alive? How is that possible? She was summoned from a realm called Midgard or was it Helheim? Oh, it really has been so long since I summoned her... Was she not just a human with some skills? I know she grew extremely fast, even with the Hero title, faster than I could ever have hoped for..."
Oria paused, her mind drifting back to memories of Elara. "And when she defeated that demon lord, she just disappeared... I thought she died since I couldn't sense the Hero aura anymore on Eldoria. But I guess she somehow suppressed it... Hmm, now let's see if I can find her with my orb."
With a determined look, Oria approached her orb and began to channel her magic into it, focusing her thoughts on finding Elara. The orb glowed and swirled with vibrant colors as it responded to Oria's will, searching for the hero who had once vanished from the world.
...
On the way toward Bez'eru the next day, the group heard howls and fearful battle cries. Elara quickly called out, "Ella, fly ahead and see what it is and if they need help. If you are not sure, just wait for us; we will be right behind you. Brumstone, stay in the rear, and Lilith, you know what to do."
They all rushed ahead. Ella was the first to see what was happening. An adventurer and a little girl were being attacked by a pack of wolves. The wolves had surrounded them around a tree, and the little girl was crying and hiding behind the adventurer. Ella rushed ahead, chanting a spell. When she got close enough, she unleashed a wind blade that decapitated two wolves. The adventurer, using that opening to his advantage, struck down another wolf. The last wolf, caught off guard by the surprise attack, was killed by another wind blade from Ella.
Lilith and Elara saw it all and yelled out, "Are you guys okay?" as they rushed toward them. Ella flew ahead and checked on the adventurer, who had some small wounds, and cast a small healing spell.
"Thank you," the adventurer said, bowing deeply. "Thank you for saving us. If it were not for you, little faerie, I'm not sure if I could have protected my daughter. My name is Claus," he continued, "and this is my daughter, Lilly. We were on our way to Bez'eru to meet up with my wife, Lilly's mother when the wolf pack came out of nowhere and surrounded us at this tree. Normally, these roads are safe, but I guess we were just unlucky today. It is really rare to see wolves here."
"You are welcome, Claus. I'm Ella, and those guys over there are my companions," she said, pointing at Lilith and Elara, who were just walking up to them now. Lilith had her spear at the ready, and Elara's eyes were still scanning the area for any further threats.
Lilly, her eyes still red from crying, timidly walked over to Ella and bowed with a sob. "Thank you, pretty faerie," she said in a small, shaky voice, then quickly rushed back to her father's protective embrace.
"Oyyy! Are you guys okay?" a voice yelled from the distance. It was Brumstone, running as fast as he could, his heavy armor clinking with each stride. His face was a mix of concern and relief as he approached the group. "I heard the commotion and came as quickly as I could. Is everyone alright?"
"We're fine now, thanks to Ella," Claus replied, glancing gratefully at the faerie. "She saved us from the wolves just in time."
Brumstone nodded, catching his breath. "Good to hear. We should stay together and keep a sharp eye out. It's unusual for wolves to be this aggressive around here."
Elara stepped forward, her expression serious. "Claus, Lilly, you can travel with us to Bez'eru. Safety in numbers. We were headed there ourselves."
Claus looked relieved and nodded. "Thank you. That would be most appreciated."
As the group gathered themselves and prepared to continue their journey, Ella fluttered over to Lilly, offering her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we'll make sure you get to Bez'eru safely."
Lilly nodded, clutching her father's hand tightly, as they all set off together, more vigilant than ever.
As they continued their walk toward the city, Claus asked Brumstone with interest, "Are you all adventurers like me?"
Brumstone laughed loudly, the sound echoing through the trees. "Lad, I'm not an adventurer. I'm a foreman from the mining camp in the mountains. The reason I have this armor on is for protection. I got it back in the day for travels like these."
Claus looked surprised. "A foreman? I would never have guessed with the way you carry yourself. You look like you could take on a whole band of bandits."
Brumstone grinned, patting his chest. "Well, the mountains can be just as dangerous as any battlefield. You learn to defend yourself. And this armor has saved me more times than I can count."
Ella, flitting nearby, chimed in, "Brumstone may not be an adventurer, but he's as tough as they come."
Lilith, who had been quietly observing, added, "We all have different backgrounds. I'm a scholar and battle-mage, Elara here is our "acting leader and strategist", and Ella is our resident faerie scout."
Elara nodded. "We may not all be adventurers in the traditional sense, but together we make a formidable team."
Claus smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the group. "Well, whatever your backgrounds, I'm grateful for your help. My wife will be relieved to know we're safe. And Lilly—"
Lilly looked up at her father and then at the group, her eyes wide with admiration. "You all are like heroes from the stories."
Brumstone chuckled. "Heroes, eh? Well, I suppose we have our moments."
As they continued their journey, the group exchanged stories, their bonds growing stronger with each step. The city of Bez'eru loomed closer on the horizon, promising safety and reunion.
Claus shared tales of his own adventures, some harrowing, others humorous, while Brumstone regaled them with stories from the mines, describing the camaraderie and dangers of working deep within the earth. Lilith spoke of her reasoned adventure in the mine and the ruins, where she learned to balance her life as adventure. Elara shared strategic insights from past battles, her tactical mind evident in every word. Ella flitted around, adding lighthearted commentary and recounting her scouting missions, always with a touch of whimsy.
Lilly, listening intently, seemed to forget the recent danger, her fear replaced by fascination. She stayed close to her father but occasionally ventured a question or comment, slowly warming up to the group.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, the walls of Bez'eru came into view. The city's gates, guarded by vigilant sentries, promised safety and rest. The group quickened their pace, eager to reach the city before nightfall.
Upon reaching the gate, the guards, noticing Claus and Lilly, greeted them warmly. "Welcome back, Claus. We've been expecting you."
Claus nodded, gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you. We've had quite the journey."
Elara stepped forward, addressing the guards. "We encountered some trouble on the way. Wolves attacked Claus and his daughter. We managed to kill them, but it's unusual for wolves to be this bold. At least they were not direwolves."
The guards exchanged concerned glances. "That is indeed troubling," one of them said. "Wolves rarely venture this close to the city, and bold attacks like that are almost unheard of. We'll increase patrols in the area and report this to the captain."
"Thank you," Elara replied. "Better to be cautious and ensure the safety of everyone traveling these roads."
The guard nodded. "Agreed. Safe travels, and thank you for the warning."
With a final nod, the group entered Bez'eru. The bustling streets, filled with merchants, townsfolk, and adventurers, were a stark contrast to the dangers of the road. Claus guided them to an inn where he planned to reunite with his wife.
Inside, a woman with a worried expression looked up as they entered. Her face lit up with relief and joy as she saw Claus and Lily. "Claus! Lily!" She rushed to embrace them, tears of happiness streaming down her face.
Claus held his wife close, then turned to the group. "This is my wife, Heather. Heather, these are the people who saved us."
Heather looked at each of them, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, thank you so much. I don't know how to repay you."
Elara smiled warmly. "No repayment needed. We're just glad you're safe."
After ensuring Claus and his family were settled, the group bid them goodbye and walked toward the Red Devil Inn for lodging. Jizla greeted them warmly and gave them the same room as last time. Then they walked over to the tavern part of the Red Devil. As they gathered for a meal, they reflected on their journey, knowing that their bonds had grown stronger.
In the warm glow of the inn's hearth, they rested, ready for whatever adventures lay ahead.
The next day, they walked to the guild so Lilith could turn in her subjugation token for the reward. As they entered the hall, they saw a little girl running around. She spotted them and ran up to them.
"Hello, pretty faerie," she said to Ella.
Ella smiled and greeted back, "Hello, Lilly."
Right after that, Heather walked over and scolded Lilly. "You should not run around inside the guild hall. How many times have I told you this!"
"Oh," Lilith remarked, "hello, Heather. Are you here with Claus?"
Heather smiled and grinned. "No, I'm here watching over Lilly while I'm working... I guess I forgot to tell you guys yesterday, but I'm the guild master here."
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