He Took The Time

Chapter 6 Wild

He sat at the edge of the cliff looking down at the peaceful forest. But he knew that was a lie. The forest was full of danger and hidden evil. He'd let his guard down today and someone else had paid the price.

He and one of his companions had left at dawn to go hunt game for the group. After some time with no luck, they'd split up as his companion had transformed into his wolf form. He'd field dressed a dozen birds when the sun hit its highest point in the sky. Before the hunting pair split up they'd agreed to meet back at noon, where they parted ways. He'd gotten distracted with the last few birds and figured the wolf would kill him because he was going to be late.

In his haste, he'd become slightly turned around. By the time the wolf tracked him down he was overrun by Lizifols. Even with an extra sword fighting by his side, the battle was long and hard. One second his companion was fighting at his side and the next he was wounded at his back, taking a blow meant for him.

"He's gonna be okay," He jumped at the voice; coming out of his dark thoughts with his bow notched and ready. It was the second time he'd been caught unaware today.

He quickly lowered his arrow away from the Old Man and asked with a bitter scoff, "How can you know that?"

"While deep, the wound is easily mended," The older hero sat next to his vacated spot and looked over the valley, "The Captain says he will be good as new."

The young man stood a moment longer before sitting with a defeated sigh, "No thanks to me."

"You got him back to camp."

"He was wounded in my place."

"Then it was a place he chose to be." Even with one eye, the Old Man could stare you down to let you know he was serious and you better listen.

"Why would he do that?"

"Ya already know the answer to that."

"This is different than saving the Kid."

"How?"

He shrugged his shoulders trying to explain what just was, "We all watch out for him. He's the youngest, it's our job."

"It's our job to look out fer each other, we're a team." The younger hero fought off an eye roll, of course, he'd say that. Even without knowing his true age each hero often felt like a kid to the Old Man.

"I should have been better," He looked down at his bow in disappointment.

"You're a soldier, ya know better than that."

He was beginning to get frustrated, "But my training…"

"But nothing. You can't train for everything. Ya just take the situation that the Goddess gives us and try to make the best of it."

He gripped his bow tightly in frustration. He broke enough weapons as it was without throwing his only reliable one off a cliff in anger. He spoke a vow, "I need to be better."

"You are a true hero, a great warrior, and a good friend." The older hero placed his hand on his shoulder, emphasizing his words.

He shrugged off the hand, not ready to be comforted, "That did nothing to help protect my friend today."

They sat in companionable silence for some time as the younger hero digested the wise words spoken and came to terms with recent events. Finally, he seemed to accept what had happened and the sacrifice done on his behalf.

"He's really going to be okay?"

"Yes," He affectionately ruffled the long blonde locks, "Now let get back to camp before we fall off this cliff."