Behold, Hope

Chapter 3: A Knight's Vow

I could hear the sounds of armor scrambling around. As my eye adjusted to the lights outside, I looked out. Stars. A lot of stars. Stars I have never seen. Amazing. I am truly not on Earth anymore. It's exciting, but also terrifying...and lonely. I was snapped out of my daze by the confused guards panicking as they climbed the stairs to the door I just opened.

"Who are you?" one yelled nervously. Time to get my acting game on!

"Ah sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I'm an adventurer, I got hurt as you can see and wasn't able to get out right away," I stated calmly while gesturing to my leg in its crutch.

"But we've never heard to look out for an adventurer that may've been left inside" the other pried.

"That's because I hunt by myself, so no one was aware." I tried to rebuild my story. Yet, they still looked at me suspiciously without dropping their guard. Uh oh, I might have to change the plan.

"Hey, why are you guys making a bunch of racket? You're supposed to let me know if a monster comes throu-" He made eye contact with me and paused. His eyes grew wide and his knees locked, eyes growing glassy.

"Captain, what's wrong? Do you know this person, they claim to be an adventurer"

"Yes. I do know her," He replied, regaining his composure.

Wait. Lycia knows this guy. Oh...yeah...according to her memories, he was one of the soldiers there on the day I died. She saved his life, right? Maybe he can let me go without anyone knowing I'm alive.

"Please go back to the fort. I will take care of this. And yes, she is an adventurer," He motioned to the other two soldiers. They scurried off, looking back curiously.

I continued down the stairs. Well, I tried to. My crutch doesn't make stairs easy, but it's not like I have a choice. I sighed as I made it to the bottom and looked up to see a bawling man. I smiled. Braith. A soldier with a bright future the last time Lycia saw him. Lycia? You see him? He is alive and well. He's a captain now too!

"It's good to see you," I said faintly as I hugged him. I am unsure of why I did so. Likely my lack of human interaction and maybe even some compassion I somehow had left. He must really trust me if he is crying so much in front of me. He hugged me back, I could feel his whole body shaking. Not in fear or sadness, but....with joy. Who knew such a large muscular man could cry so hard. Ha.

I began to release him from my grasp, "How have you been, Braith?" I smiled warmly as he wiped the tears and snot onto his uniform. He looked at me and then crouched down onto one knee, bowing his head.

"My lady, I owe you my life and have vowed that if I ever saw you again, I would devote my life as a soldier to you."

"Um. Braith. I don't really know what to say. Thanks! But you really don't need to-"

"Please Lady Lycia. After the incident, I have never forgotten you and the sacrifice you made. I spent a long time feeling terrified, but at the same time I remembered your words: survive. You were willing to save us all in that situation with no fear. No matter what you decide to do in this world after what it has done to you, I will follow you. It's the least I can do. So please...let me do this." He persisted, the desperation and stubbornness piercing me. I sighed. There's no way he will take no for an answer.

"Alright, fine" I replied reluctantly. He shot up immediately, overjoyed at my response.

"Braith" I paused. "I have a lot I need to do. Firstly, do you think it's possible to not allow anyone to know what has happened tonight and that I've returned?"