The Arch-Mage

Chapter 5

Miran's started to wake up while they were transporting him. Since his whole body ached and his head was pounding, he decided to keep still. After a short while, he lost consciousness once again. After an undetermined amount of time he woke up again. This time however he woke up bound to a tree by vines and it was nearly night.. Since his head hurt a lot less, he tried forcing his way out but stopped when he felt his arm throbbing. He turned to see that his arm that had been perforated by an arrow and was all bandaged up. The hunter finally noticed that they had taken his sword, his bow and the dagger he hid in his pants. Tired and sad of losing his father's last gift, he let himself slide down the tree, ashamed of having led his team to their death. He didn't know what to do anymore. He was alone in enemy territory and had none of his weapons. He also had no idea where he was. He looked around and saw that some people were staring at him. They probably didn't expect him to wake up so fast. All sense of bravado gone, the hunter looked down at the ground and waited. It took a while but a pair of green boots ended up in front of him.

What do you want? Asked the hunter
I wanted to offer you some company.

Miran looked up at a smiling face. She had beautiful blonde hair, light blue eyes and a slim yet developed figure. He thought she resembled someone he saw before but wasn't sure of who.

And who are you supposed to be?
I'm the daughter of the matriarch of this clan but you know me as Sylvia. She said while smiling.
Well your highness, feel free to do whatever you want. It's not like I have much of a choice.
Are you like this because you lost your comrades?
What do you think, my friends and my father's last memento were taken from me. How do you think I feel?
What was your father's last memento?
You saw the big sword I carried around right? That's it.
Oh that... we took it to make sure you wouldn't go berserk again. Now that you're with me though, I'm sure I can give you your armament back.
Why would you?
Because you helped me and my archery teacher go back to our home.
And what, now you're paying back the favour by letting me live?
Not exactly... we were thinking more along the lines of letting you live in the forest.
Away from my last living friend. That and I would be subject of hate because I'm a human living along elves.
To be honest, you're not exactly human...
...What did you just say?
That wasn't my place to say, come on let me untie you so we can go get your stuff.
... alright but you're gonna have to help me walk, I'm having some difficulty after that fight.
That's not gonna be a problem. She said while undoing his bonds.

After getting him up, she put his arm around her shoulders and put her arms around his waist to support him. The two walked until they reached a flight of stairs carved into a massive tree.

I hope your kidding.
Nope, we have to go up.

The two struggled to go up the stairs since Miran wasn't a lot of help. When they finally reached the correct floor, the two walked into a room with a bed, carpet and dresser. Sylvia sat her charge on the bed and walked over to the dresser. She pulled the giant sword from next to it followed by a bow and quiver and dagger before laying them near Miran.

Who's room is this? Questioned the hunter
It is currently mine. As you can see, I don't own many things but this is more than enough for one person.
Where do you eat?
In the dining room of course, where else?
I thought you lived in this room.
Oh... this is my room but this whole tree belongs to my family.
I see... so, what do we do now?
Well, we're gonna rest here. You're in no shape to climb the rest of the tree and I'm too tired to carry you up so we are gonna stay here for a while.
Got it! He said while laying down on the floor.
What are you doing?
Laying down so I can sleep, what does it look like I'm doing?
No, I mean why aren't you sleeping on the bed.
It's bad for my back.
What do you mean, it's very comfortable.
Ok, let me explain. Because of my weight, the mattress changes shape under me and that's bad for my back that and I've been sleeping on hard surfaces since I joined the military so It would be weird.
I see... If you don't mind my asking, what were you doing before joining the army?
I was a farmer. Me and my adoptive father sold fruit and vegetables to the closest town.
How did you find your life with humans to be?
"It wasn't great but I could imagine worst. Nearly everyone who knew avoided me because they thought I was a bad luck charm. The only people who clearly cared about me where my father, named Brune and an old guard who helped me out of trouble more than once. My father, Brune, was a very big and threatening man. I look small next to him." He said, a smile on his face. "Even though he was scary, he was kind to nearly everyone he met. He said his kindness was to atone for his sins in the previous war. The big sword that I carry around is the one he used in his military career. It was designed to, even if it didn't penetrate, kill the opponent... Now I'm getting off topic, Brune was the only who would take me in when I was young. He was the kindest and least judgemental person I had ever met. And I love him for how much he's done for me. As far as I care, he might as well be my father.
"He must be a great guy." Happily said the elf
"He was... he was." Answered the soldier, a grim tone in his voice