A Hero With/Out Time

Chapter 28: My Hero (Part 5)

"Amazing," Ardent exclaimed despite his pale complexion. "To think magic like this existed."

"It's not really magic," I sighed. "We ask for their help and they reply, really I don't think they can refuse."

"How?" he stared at the denizen as Ronalt let him down.

"It's hard to explain but... it's not something you learn without dying. Not just once either, it takes hundreds of lives," I patted the creature. It was an odd sensation. Like a cloud with more substance yet still so fragile. "Denizens are creatures born from rampant mana and given life by thought. That's why they seek us out, to desperately join the thoughts that created them. Even I don't really get it. I just know they're useful." What I didn't tell them was the connection we had to those we summoned. Like a bit of our soul had been given to them. A fragment from the many times we had died.

"Is now really the time to talk about this?" Earnest asked. He pointed towards where Lara fought the army of shadowed creatures. The forest around had been torn apart beyond recognition.

"There's not much else we can do. Unless you want to walk into that," I gestured towards her.

"As entertaining as it would be, I'd rather not," Earnest sheathed his sword.

"Caius do you have her?" I asked lightly.

He frowned, "I'll be able to keep her company this night at least."

"Then I'm going to check on the Guild. Taylor should have been back by now." To be honest I was worried. Even for her a stray arrow could mean death.

"I'm back," before I could move the brown haired thief landed in front of me. She had definitely seen better days. Dried blood stained her clothes and her skin was covered with sweat and the grime of battle. "Sorry to keep you waiting."

I hugged her without warning, "Thank you." To see her was more relieving than I could put into words, especially after all that had happened.

She was startled but returned my embrace, "Umm no problem... good job as well." We let go of each other and her eyes turned to the chaos behind me. "Is that really Lara? She... she's really letting herself go and all those denizens, is that you?"

"Caius for the most part," I replied. "As for Lara... don't get too close."

"I don't plan to," she shivered.

Ardent stepped forward still shaky, "Taylor, please tell me the Guild is okay."

She replied with a soft smile, "They're okay, for now at least. The Kingdom's knights turned the tides but not completely. The push let them repair the main gate but now their holed up again in a siege situation."

"I see... and the Archmage?"

"She's leading them from inside. Right now the Empire's army is in disarray, they haven't been able to contact that General of theirs. I suppose you had something to do with that."

"We took care of him," I sighed unable to be entirely content with his death. Revenge was that kind of emotion.

"Unfortunately the Empire have called for reinforcements. They'll be here by daybreak."

"How many?" Ronalt asked.

"An entire other army."

He cursed, "With those numbers even with our knights the Guild stands little chance."

"Daybreak huh...," I looked towards Lara. She was unceasingly beating down the denizens that continued to assault her without fear. "That's our time limit as well." Once the denizens were gone we'd have no more shield or spear against her other than ourselves.

Ronalt's eyes lingered on Lara for a moment before facing me, "Rain can you save her?"

"Yes," I replied determined. It was more like no matter what, I had to. I owed her that much.

"Do you need me here?"

I could understand what he wanted. He was the Kingdom's Knight Captain, the one who led them. With Taylor's guidance it wouldn't be too hard for them to sneak within the Guild's walls. That being said, without him if we were attacked we'd be at a severe disadvantage.

"Can you be back by first light?" I made my decision. In the end we still had to face the Empire's army and Ronalt's help in that could be the thing that changed our fate.

"That... I am unsure, however I will try to my utmost."

I smiled to him, "It would be nice if you bring an army as well. If things go badly we might need them."

He let out a laugh, "Then all I have to do is defeat the Empire tonight."

"Off you go then," I slapped his side. "Taylor if you could lead him."

She sighed, "I just got back.... In that case." Her hands suddenly took hold of my head and pulled me towards her lips. They locked against mine. "Just needed a little charge."

"Appreciated," I smirked. "Good luck Ronron."

"Ronron?" Taylor puffed out a giggle causing him to shake his head exasperated. They left together, moving through the forest quickly. The dark of night would guide them safely and I could only hope it would do the same for us.

"It might be hard but let's get some rest," I clapped my hands and stared at Lara. Her screams of rage and the sounds of her rampage barely reached us from here but I was sure they'd haunt my dreams tonight.