Cheerful voices filled the air, chattering in excitement. Gillibrian and Agandaur were arguing as usual. The three elves lied on the grass, trying to sleep under the entire ruckus the two messengers created. Richard sat, doubt racing through his mind. It was better to get rid of those two when there the opportunity was still there. Stephan, on the other hand, focused on cracking the riddle. The proverb he saw carved at the tree flashed before his eyes occasionally.
The ringing of a bell attracted his attention; it was faint but noticeable. The sound grew louder with time and then the call of help resounded, this time attracting all attention. The elves jumped on their legs, reaching out for their weapons first. Stephan stared at the flame's dance intently; the sudden movement of the elves destroyed the order of shapes.
"Alright! I suggest you stick all of you to a tree and stay there until the one calling for help ran and crossed us peacefully," he snorted. Somehow, he guessed the woman calling for help was running towards them seeking help as if she was confident she would get it. Was it naivety? Or stupidity? Maybe intentional? "Let's not waste our energy on something we won't earn anything from it."
Everyone liked the suggestion. Therefore, they moved to the trees, standing, their back stuck against them. Stephan kept his eyes on the riddle when the owner of the voice appeared in everyone's field of vision. She was a woman, a long scar on her left eye but she could see with it, shorter than the apprentice mage, dark skin color, short brown hair gathered to form a ponytail, had a sword in her hand but didn't use it for the monsters pursuing her, and especially a human.
Richard was surprised by the lack of engagement of Stephan. He was a human yet he wouldn't help a fellow human from his race. If he were in his shoes, he would help a fellow from his race, unless he had a mission then he might give up the idea.
"Please, help me," she cried but once she saw the group, each waiting for the drama to end, she opened her eyes widely. Her desperation grew then she found herself looking for how to get the help she needed. She kept running, unkempt from all the chaotic events. "I can heal. I can be a great healer. I can be of use. Please, help me!"
Stephan paused and drew a deep breath before reading the riddle one last time. He knew Soprana wouldn't help him unless he was in danger. The girl could be useful in healing if she claimed it was her ability. They didn't have healers and a healer was a must in a party. The girl reached the campfire alongside the beasts behind her.
The monsters were similar to the ones that attacked the elves. Stephan noticed how they were running behind her but not enough to catch her; it was as if they were doing it on purpose. He looked at the girl with a serious expression. When she reached the area right in front of him, he ran to her and caught her arm, pulling her out of imminent danger. At that moment, a humanoid beast stretched its hand and grabbed Stephan's shoulder. The next moment, his body was thrown back against a tree, causing the pain to jolt inside him. He gritted his teeth to not let out a scream. Another reminder of how weak he was.
Soprana ran to his help, appearing in front of the monster and blasting him with an explosion. She blasted the rest quickly and turned to Stephan who was watching her. Conflicting emotions raced through her heart; one moment he told them to stay out of it, and another he threw his body in front of the girl protecting her.
It was a joke even for him. If it wasn't for her words, he would have left her to die or whatever plan she planned. At first, Stephan thought that perhaps he could use her. However, if she was lying, he would kill her; maybe give her to Soprana who needed fresh blood to strengthen her power. A temporal solution to keep her away from the elves, if they couldn't survive her before, then they wouldn't survive her even now.
"Thank you for helping me!"
The young girl appeared before him, snapping him from his thoughts. She wore armour, but it was poorly made. All her clothes were cheap. She had a dress, and despite her short stature, and she had eyes speculating she was older than she appeared to be. She stretched her hands and placed them over his chest. A green light surrounded her hands, travelling to Stephan's body and healing the cuts and scratches he got from the fall. If there were some broken bones then they were all healed.
"I hope I am useful to you all," she lowered her eyes and stayed on her knees when Stephan jumped on his legs.
"I don't understand you, kid. You clearly said there was no need to help anyone that couldn't bring any profit to you."
"She brings benefit. We need a healer. Our trip will be dangerous and wounds will be unavoidable. I need more chances to stay alive."
"Are you sticking to us because you are raising those chances, kid? You have guts. I praise your confidence."
"First, you are the ones sticking to me. I remember I simply gave you a warning and you followed. I didn't say to follow me at all. Second, you bring nothing to me," he crossed his arms slowly. His mouth made sure to articulate each word correctly and slowly, to show he knew what he was doing.
Richard looked at the witch and the image of her flying to his help like a slave flashed before him. It would be hard to get to the brat. He was happy that he didn't pull his sword at his throat. There was no chance over that. Witches were dangerous. His lips twisted into a nervous smile.
"I am interested in knowing how you got a witch into being your slave. However, I will keep this for later. I am more interested in what the human has to say. Why were these beasts following you? And what are they?"