Hymn of Elys

Chapter Nine

Her hazel eyes opened, only to see a wide back in front of her. Olive-tinted toned arms held a sword and shield, reminding her of the other new adventurer she had seen earlier. Had they accepted the same bounty?

"T-Thank you?" she whispered, tears burning the edges of her eyes. She had been so close to dying. Though she knew in the back of her mind that Lysbeth was watching over her, Alice's instincts had gotten the better of her.

She hadn't even asked what happened if she died before they had started the encounter! Alice hadn't even asked if she would feel it.

"No problem, but you have to concentrate," he held his shield higher, but didn't turn his head to meet her eyes. He was fully intent on the problem at hand. "I got your back, but you have to have mine too, understand?!" Manuel was the personification of strength. Just watching him imbued her with courage.

She had to watch his back, and watch out for herself too. Alice couldn't continue to depend on everyone else. Sooner or later, she would have to show everyone that she could hold her own. "I got it! You can depend on me." She scrambled to her feet, twinges of pain echoing throughout her body.

Ignoring the uncomfortable ache in her legs, she clasped her hands to her chest and took a deep breath. "Just keep them busy, if you can."

She heard the bang of metal clashing as he hit his shield with his sword. The two remaining wolves turned towards him as he provoked them. "I can take care of these small fry. Just power up your magic for their boss."

Alice nodded, and let her eyes drift closed. Another calming breath, and she felt the spark of her magic. Hope filled her, followed by relief that she could finally be useful. Reaching out for her music, she put all of her faith into the unknown man to keep her safe.

The melody in her mind was chaotic, the lyrics sorrowful. This time, she wasn't hesitant as she started to sing. Alice put all of her strength into her lyrics.

"In a world I am thrown into

that I don't quite understand;

I can hear a screaming

Tearing at my heart where I land."

Her voice was strong and clear, the words echoing across the forest.

In front of her, Manuel took a defensive stance. His wide shield protected most of his body, not leaving any vital openings for the wolves.

Since the wolf that had been on top of Max was distracted, he took the opportunity to roll away. Grabbing his sword and using it to brace himself, he pushed himself into a standing position. "I think I saw you earlier. You have the same quest?"

Manuel nodded, a grim smile tugging at his lips. "I do. It looks like you were lucky I wondered by."

Max grimaced, backing up as he kept his front towards the two remaining wolves. "Listen hear, newbie. We would have been fine."

The paladin laughed, his tone mocking as he replied. "I could tell." He left it at that, and it drove Max insane with exasperation.

The paladin acted too cocky for Max's liking. Getting his frustration back under control, he turned his gaze back towards the fray. He copied Manuel's stance, raising his sword once more in defense. "Since you have this under control, I'll just let you take care of these. If any of them get past you, I'll protect Alice."