Mira's POV
This is the first time in years since the clinic was this chaotic and crowded. The row of cots that were lined against the wall was now filled with injured villagers and guards, some groaning in pain or laying completely still. The metal scent of blood and healing potion filled the room, with the addition of murmurs from worried families.
Mira's long golden hair, which was now wrapped in a high braided bun, moved skillfully between the never-ending patients. Her Healer's robes were covered in blood, but it didn't stop her hand from moving tirelessly, stitching wounds, administering potion, and using what little aether she could spare to treat some of the more serious wounds.
"More bandages here!" She called out to her young petite assistant who scrambled towards her.
A guard who was barely conscious because of the pain, groaned as Mira pressed a cloth soaked in numbing cream to his injured shoulder.
"You're going to be fine," she said softly. "The wound is deep, but luckily, it missed anything vital."
He nodded weakly, putting a faint smile on his lips. Mira returned it before moving to the next person.
At the end of the room stood an old man, Elder Harwin; his aging face seemed to have wrinkled more by the second as he watched the injured groaning in pain. "How are we looking, Mira?" He asked, his tone covered in worry.
Mira didn't work as she replied. "We've taken care of those who were severely injured, but we've lost a few. The guards mainly took the worst of it. I don't think we have the manpower to fend off another attack."
Darwin sighed, bringing his wrinkled hand to his temple, massaging it as if to ease his worries. "We need answers and quickly."
---
Thorne's Patrol
Captain Thorne led his weary patrol through the northern gates of Aldrin. The guards stared at the destruction caused by the now-dead brute. At least they could rejoice in this brief moment of peace.
The group was battered but alive, expressions grim as was the now the mood of everyone in this damaged village. Elias walked close to the rear, his emerald eyes sharp despite the fatigue weighing down on him with every step.
As they finally passed through the gates, Gareth exhaled deeply. "Finally. I wasn't sure if we would make it back in one piece."
"Save your relief," Thorne said. "We've delayed the inevitable, not stopped it. Whatever corrupted the forest is this out there? "
Elias glanced at the captain. "So you think this is just the beginning?"
Thorne nodded, his expression unreadable. "I don't think it, I know it."
---
Kael's POV
I watched through the small gaps between the boxes seeing my father approach, his tall frame casting a shadow over me. Elias looked tired as if he had spent 20 days on the battlefield when, in reality, it had only been a couple of hours. His armor was dented and stained with a mixture of monster blood and his blood, but his commanding and intimidating presence was still evident.
He's back. I clenched my tiny fist. I was bored out of my mind, only finding some entertainment in my attempts at manipulating the strange shimmer of energy. It was pretty exhausting. as if It was draining away at my energy, but thankfully, it seemed to have sparked something inside of me.
As Elias entered the workshop, I made a sad attempt at waving at him, but so what I'm cute. Well, at least that's what I think. I haven't seen my face yet. I hope I look like Mom, not this barbarian. I thought while staring at my father.
Elias chuckled, kneeling but the makeshift crib he had left me in. "Miss me, little warrior?" He said, Lifting me with one arm.
'Fuck no.' I said but only baby coos could be heard. I wouldn't admit that I missed him in a million years.
He looked at me for a moment, his tired eyes seeming to regain some energy just by looking at me.
"I promise I will always protect you," he started, his eyes gaining a soft look in them. "Let's go see your mother."
"What's up with him? Maybe I'm just that handsome but I don't like guys. I think." I thought whilst observing his strange behavior.
We left the workshop and steadily made our way to the Clinic.
---
The Clinic
The sight of Elias stepping through the door into the clinic brought a feeling of relief to Mira. Her hands paused for a brief moment as she caught sight of him holding Kael in his arms.
"You're late," Mira said, her tone filled with a hint of scolding and relief.
Elias smirked. "It's been a long night."
Mira set her tools down, wiping the blood from her hand as she approached, taking Kael From his father. "And you brought this troublemaker as well," she said in a soft voice as she embraced her son.
Karl just burgled in response, his eyes wide open observing the lot of injured people in a room.
Elias moved closer, in a low voice. "The forest isn't safe anymore, Mira. Something's wrong out there."
Mira nodded, her expression turning serious at this news. "Elder Harwin mentioned organizing a meeting to discuss what happened, you should go."
"What about you?" Elias asked, glancing at the injured around them.
Mira gave him a reassuring smile. "I'll be there giving a report. Ana will help the remaining as there is nothing serious."
---
The Meeting
The meeting was held in the hall of Eldrim, a sturdy stone building that serves as the village's center of governance. Sitting around a large oak table are Eldrim's key figures:
Elder Harwin, the village's leader, was wise but slowly grew weary from years of service.
Captain Thorne, his Harvard leaning against the wall, his eyes still sharp as ever as he scanned the room.
Naira Fairwind, a merchandise leader whose sharp tongue and keen mind made her a formidable presence.
Father Darel, the village priest, his robes pristine despite the chaos outside.
Mira Ardent, who arrived late but was greeted with a nod of respect for her tireless efforts at the clinic.
"Even the youngest joins the council meeting with us," she remarked with a sly grin.
Elias ignored the comment, his focus was fixed on Elder Harwin, who stood getting ready to address the group.
"Thank you all. For coming," Harwin began in a grave voice. "Last night's attack was unlike anything we had faced before. The brute's appearance and the corruption within the forest seem to be connected. We need answers and a plan."
Thorne leaned forward. "The artifact we found in the forest seems to be the source of the corruption. Someone or something placed it there."
Father Rarely frowned "Hmm, a curse, perhaps? Or dark magic?"
Elias shook his head. "It wasn't just magic. Someone crafted that artifact deliberately."
She crosses her arms. "If this is a deliberate attack, then someone must want the destruction of Eldrim. The question is why and who."
Mira holding a larger with the number of injuries and losses, spoke up. "We've lost a third of our overall guards, and similarly, some villagers are injured. If another attack were to come, we wouldn't be able to survive without help."
Elder Harwin nodded grimly. "Then we must send word to Methodism for reinforcements."
The room fell silent. Everyone knew that the Arcane Humans of Nethariel were powerful allies, but they were also very slow to act steeped in bureaucracy.
Thorne broke the silence. "Who knows if we have that much time? We can't wait for help. We need to investigate further. To find the source of the threat before it grows.
Elias spoke up. "I'll go. I've already seen the artifact and its effects that it has. I can track whoever is behind this."
Mira's eyes met with Elias's, concern flickering across her face.
"You'll need more than just yourself," Hairs said. "Let's organize a small team with supplies and a clear plan."
Elder Harwin nodded in agreement. "Agreed. We'll assemble a scouting party. Elias will be in charge of leading them."
The meeting continued, forming strategies and assignments given. Through it all, Kael just remained quiet observing with his thoughts far beyond his age.
A storm is definitely on its way, Kael thought, his hand gripping his father's cloak.
The council would begin to disperse, and Elias turned to Mira. "I'll be leaving at first light."
Mira's expression softened as she placed her hand on his arm. "Come back to us, Elias."
He nodded, his resolve now solidified he must come back alive to his family. "I will." He finally said filled with determination.
Kael, wrapped in his father's arms, stared at the retreating figures of the council one by one, then glanced at the love show his parents were having. He for the most didn't love or cherish them as they were nothing but strangers to him. A necessary need for his survival in this world. A small smirk formed on his lips.
This is getting interesting.