The Matriarch's Daughter

Interlude: Help is on the way

"Excuse me, are you members of Elite Team One?"

Wilran eyed the half-elf weary. It had been five long days since she and her companions had made the trip from Lightmount to Goldale and by the setting of the sun on the fifth day the weight of exhaustion pressed heavily on her. Her muscles ached and creaked, stiff from sleeping on the hard ground. All she wanted to do now was have a good soak and sleep a warm bed. Still, the half-elf's greeting was friendly enough, and by the military garb and color of her purple beret, Wilran knew the woman to be of some importance.

"Why yes," Wilran replied trying her best to be polite. "What can we do for you?"

The woman stood a bit straighter, offering a crisp salute. "Lieutenant Aldermoon of the Goldale Guard. I've been instructed to intercept you regarding your lodgings."

"Oh?" Tash cut in, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Of the four members of Wilran's team, the Youngling of the Sands was the most suspicious—a habit she had come to accept. Over the past three months, she'd learned to trust Tash's instincts, even if the Galak did play his tarot so close to his chest that it left the rest of them guessing. "Is something wrong?"

The Lieutenant pulled out a note and gave it to Tash as she explained the situation. "Nothing serious. There was a scheduling issue, and we only learned of your arrival earlier today. Unfortunately, we're having trouble finding accommodations large enough for your team."

She handed the note to Tash, who took it without hesitation.

"I apologize for the inconvenience," the lieutenant continued, gesturing toward a large building across the street. "For tonight, we've arranged for you to stay at the inn. It's modest but comfortable. And don't worry about the cost—the Guard will cover it."

Tash read the note but did not share the contents with the rest of them; not that Wilran was surprised. Doubting, it was anything important to begin with, she instead let him fold the letter up, then put it in his diplomatic pouch. She herself stifled a sigh, feeling her patience thin. Letting Tash take the lead, he gestured for Lieutenant Aldermoon to guide them, her thoughts drifting as her stomach grumbled.

Maybe they could get a meal first. She'd earned it after all.

Lost in her thoughts, Wilran barely registered the sound of a loud bell ringing from the direction of the gate as they crossed the street. When the chime finally broke through her haze of exhaustion, it struck her as odd. It seemed far too early or late for the bell to mark a change in time. She turned to ask the lieutenant its meaning, but her question froze on her lips.

Lieutenant Aldermoon had gone pale, her gaze fixed in horror toward the gate. "We're under attack."

All around them the streets exploded into chaos. Panic rippled through the city as screams and shouts filled the air, blending into a cacophony of terror. Dozens of people surged toward the spire, desperate to escape, abandoning their belongings in the frenzied flight. Bags, baskets, and cloaks littered the streets as bodies jostled and shoved, clawing for safety.

Through the chaos, the lieutenant dashed, her movements agile as she weaved through the fleeing masses, heading for the city's defense.

Wilran didn't think twice. Meal, bath, and bed now forgotten, she took off after Aldermoon, shoving her way through the crowd. If the city was under attack, she would fight, no matter the cost. She reached the gate just as it began to close. A guard attempted to stop her; his hand outstretched.

"Ma'am, it's too dangerous! Get inside!"

Before she could respond, Lieutenant Aldermoon drew her sword, her voice sharp. "She's with me, private! Focus on getting the citizens to safety!"