Regaining consciousness, I noticed two stranger elves around me. Both of their hands were extended over my chest and legs. One. Two. Three. Four. I can visibly see four hands, and yet, I felt another hand massaging the back of my head. I quickly shot out a hello to the priests and threw my hand on the fifth I didn't see.
The hand was rigid with calluses and scars. I laughed, "Uncle, what happened?"
He didn't respond and continued his massage.
Both priests removed their hoods and shown different expressions. The man shot his eyes toward his partner, and demanded, "you talk. I'm not done."
I tried to sit up and he quickly pushed me back on the ground. His golden eyes glowed and I felt a surge of fatigue, "I said, I am not done."
The other pair of golden eyes started fading and she moved her hands away and spoke to him, "your crassness will sour the mood."
"Is this youngin thick? Or naïve? She nearly died."
I lifted my eyes toward my uncle, "what happened?"
"Healer Socro, she was simply unaware. I had not given her all the counsel necessary for this trip."
"Officer Theodoric, that was your mistake. There is a key reason why there is a lack of presence in that part of the forest. The woods are sacred. If they adapt to not allowing us entry, that is what we must do.
I noticed the lack of red, risen areas. I felt underneath my chin and my nodes were no longer swollen. Surprised, I spoke, "I don't think it was the woods that harmed me. The sap definitely was burning me, but I took care of that."
She clapped her hands, "I noticed that actually. You must have an affiliation with the Salamanders."
I nodded.
Healer Socro curtly spoke, "Apprentice. These are hypersensitivity symptoms. Here is another learning lesson for today: elves are sensitive to iron and Wailing Pinnacle is mostly comprised of iron. With the exception of the pass."
"I see."
His eyes faded to a solid laburnum color and he moved his hands into his robe.
She talked again, "how are you feeling now?"
I pushed myself off the grainy ground and slightly lost my balanced. Rubbing my elbow on the rocks, I laughed, "I feel great. Thanks Healer Socro and -." I awkwardly glanced at her.
The elder scowled and grimly said, "Socro."
Theo involved himself to point out the now obvious, "they are grandfather and granddaughter."
My ears and cheekbones perked. I lifted myself off the ground casually, "that's amazing. Thank you both." I placed my hand on my chest, and slightly lowered my head, "I'm indebted to you both."
He resented nodded.
She grabbed my wrist, "it's so nice to meet a like minded person. I hope we can talk much more at a later date."
They both walked away, and I contemplated what she had meant.
It took a moment for me to realize where we were.
"Uncle, what happened to the pass?"
"We continued passed it. It is much easier to tend to a patient when not distracted by the environment."
I bent over and slowly released the sand. Looking toward the water I felt a rush of aspiration and fantasy. The sky was perfectly reflected off the glimmering water. The sun had just passed the highest point of the day. On the sea were numerous water vessels that I could only hope to lay upon my eyes. As a commoner, of course, I have seen small boats that can hold at most fifteen people. But this, this was surprising. On every single vessel, there was the Myriad flag fluttering around with the wind. That will be a great motivator for everyone.
Theo nudged me, "ever since the last war, Queen Usha has encouraged many makers into creating stronger, longer-lasting warships. This is one of the three fleets that the Myriads hold.
There was no way that I would be able to count the entire fleet, but I was simple left speechless on the sheer amount of this day. I was definitely feeling overwhelmed.
Then I noticed the largest warship among the fleet already heading out, being followed by at least eight smaller boats. I pointed to it, "Why are they leaving already?"
He looked at me in disbelief, "that is Usha's ship. She is meeting with King Taariq, the Warrior leader of the human clan. They'll need to discuss the apprehension of our enemies."
Reflecting his disbelief, I looked at him praying that the commander would stay safe. I heard about the Human King: ruthless, merciless, the one man to slaughter a goblin village alone and not to mention the man to control the whole union.
I looked around and saw the single line out of the woods deviate to three. Each going to a specific vessel.
My next thought completely defeated me. I put my hands on my knees and swayed for a moment. Am I doing the right thing? Will I be okay? Everything happened so quickly, and I was surprised that this picture-perfect moment destroyed me. This moment is what brought me back to reality. I know I just went through a humiliating experience, probably even life threatening. But. I can't think about it.
I remember eavesdropping in the forest that officers, recruiters, commoners all go on different vessels. I let out an ugly chuckle. I am both a recruit and commoner. "Theo, where am I going?"
"Actually, I had a heavy discussion with the ship organizer. After our tedious talk, we decided that it would be beneficial for you to be on the officer's ship with me. As long as we are productive," he smiled with his teeth. "That includes you not wandering."
My mouth flew open and hung. Let alone being shocked, I realized Uncle Theo's influence in the Myriads and my connection to a higher-up has actually led to an advantage. In the last war, Theo was one of few individuals that were able to bond with the two other races to have them create the Myriads along with the elves. He was a great man with a smooth tongue.
He directed me towards one of the warships.