The Tempest of Eerikki - Book One - THE PANACEA QUEST

Chapter 2

It had become full night when a challenge was offered. "Who goes there," the voice coming directly ahead, a massive dark figure blocking the path.

Tempie had dropped down from Blaz to stand between the horse and the perceived threat with both her sword and dagger drawn peering into the darkness. This was William's first glimpse of the warrior she was yet to become. She was calm and fearless, but to his reckoning possibly a little reckless. He had recognised the voice of one of his King's Elite Warriors and before anyone could take another action William bellowed. "It is I your Sword Master now lower your guard and let us pass." An audible clank of vambrace to chest plate in salute and acknowledgement was offered.

With a tired, husky voice, William spat. "Your Warrior's are getting sloppy Batair I heard you one hundred feet back."

The Sword Masters condemnation of his men's lack of stealth heard as a collective cringe, truth be told it was not his ears that had first alerted him to their presence but the sudden stiffening of the little one's body behind him. The light of a travel lantern allowed the silhouette of ten massive, armed elite warriors clad in battle dress to be seen.

"And who is this little one that attempts to guard our Sword Master." One warrior spoke in a mirthful tone.

Before the Sword Master could speak and aggressive growl passed her lips. "I am Tempie," her voice a challenge more than an answer. "I am ward and trainee to the Sword Master." Her declaration causing all to look harder at the little girl.

William nodded his acknowledgement of the truth of the statement to Batair the Captain of the Kings Elite Warriors. Batair was a huge warrior at six foot eleven who at twenty-seven cycles had achieved the rank of Captain, the youngest ever. He had amazing abilities and for his age had proven to be a wise leader.

"My Sword Master requires tending to, he is wounded and needs a healer now." Tempie stated.

The command in her words lost on none, especially William, but before he could respond his world went dark and he slipped into an inky black unconsciousness. Her sudden speed and grace astounded all as she hastened to the Sword Master's side bidding the great war horse to its knees and doing what she could to ease his descent to the cold ground but he was heavy and she was so slight.

"Well, tend him," her tone full of concern, was imperious and demanding.

All men looking to their Captain before moving, he quickly barked the orders that had his men scurrying to obtain the assistance for their Sword Master.

The little one was now cradling William's head. "Tempie,"

Batair bid her attention.

"Where is he injured?" Tempie lifted a tear-streaked face to the Captain. She knew not why she cried she only knew she did not want to lose this man.

"He has a deep gash in his thigh from a dagger and probably still has a concussion from a blow to his head," her tears flowed. "He should have stopped to rest but continued only because of me."

As if to sense the girl's fears. "He did as he must because you are his first duty and your safety paramount." Tempie's tears tore at Batair's emotions. There was such respect and esteem for their Sword Master, he knew that he would now help to secure this precious creature.

Batair spoke from his heart. "And now because of that vow, every warrior here also vows to care for you." Tempie lifted her eyes to see all remaining warriors taking a knee in front of her and saluting with vambrace to chest as if to all affirm the vow.

"You are safe little one release him to our care and we shall ward you both."

"DONE," The Goddess sang.