Escort

"I know a lot about the ancient curse. I know who placed it, why they placed it, and I know what led up to it. I'm on a mission to stop it, but I have no clue where to look."

"How do you know so much about it? We Elves know only a little, yet you claim to know so much. How can I believe you?"

Unlike when she asked the question before, she was totally serious now.

"I can't prove myself. All I have is my word."

She stared deeply into my eyes for a few moments, searching for the slightest hint that I was lying, but I told the truth.

"Fine. You mentioned earlier that you were on a mission. Would that happen to be somewhat related to the curse?"

"Somewhat related? It has everything to do with the curse. I've been tasked with stopping the curse before the demon armies return. I don't know when, but I'm sure they will return soon, so I must hurry along in my search."

"How are you supposed to deal with the curse on your own? Having only two magic types wouldn't make it easy."

"Who said I had two?"

I then revealed all of my magical abilities at once, letting them all shine brightly in the room. As they shine, Elizabeth stared incredulously at what she had once thought was impossible.

"You just keep getting better..."

Her face was flushed red as she whispered the words to herself, but thanks to my incredible hearing, I heard it all. She quickly snapped out of her trance in less than a second, but a look of awe still lingered in her eyes.

"Ahem... Well, you won't have to look much farther. I happen to know where the site of the ancient curse is."

"You do!?!?"

You mean to say I accidently stumbled upon the solution to my problems?

"Yes, I do. It is at the king's castle, where my father-in-law is."

"Well where is this castle?"

"It is a little ways away. How about I take you there?"

The smile she had worn earlier began to reappear on her face.

"We could get to know each other a little better."

She bit he bottom lip as she looked me up and down from head to toe. I want to go home.

"That won't be necessary."

"No, I insist."

If I refuse the princess's hospitality, the Elves might hate me forever. I might need their help in the future. It seems that I have no choice.

"Okay then, if you insist."

Hearing me finally give in, her small smile became quite wider.

"Guards."

She called out once, and they all came filing into the room. When they entered, they immediately knelt down and crossed one arm over their chest.

"Yes your highness?"

When they arrived, Elizabeth hid her smile beneath a face of authority.

"Prepare an escort to the king's castle. We have urgent matters to take care of that hold the fate of the Elves on the line. We must leave immediately."

Hearing her urgent orders, the knights knew that she was serious. Knowing that time was of the essence, they rushed to get an escort prepared for the both of us.

It took no less than five minutes for them to finish getting the escort ready to move. The escort consisted of one comfortable carriage and many horses. Sixty four horses to be exact. I guess that meant we would be bring sixty four guards as protection.

A bit overkill, but she is a princess, so I guess I can understand. That was what I thought at first. Then I turned the corner.

"What!?"

Literally all of the elves had joined a formation behind the horses. They all stood grouped together behind the horse, weapons sheathed but ready for action. She's going to bring the entire castle!?

"Uhm, princess?"

"Oh please, call me Elizabeth."

"Forget that. Why are all the elves going with us?"

"I don't know. I have never once asked them to journey with me, but whenever I leave the castle, they all come with to protect me. I'm not sure why, but they all care deeply about me."

Talk about loyalty.

After having answered my question, Elizabeth hopped into the carriage with the help of one of the guards and I hopped in behind her. Since I don't feel comfortable being near her though, I'll just sit as far away as possible.

Elizabeth sat in one corner of the carriage while I sat in the opposite one, putting as much distance between me and her as I could. She seemed a little hurt by this, but she didn't say anything.

Once we had both seated ourselves, the escort began to move forward, exiting the safety of the castle. As soon as we were outside, I maxed out my senses, looking for the slightest hint of trouble. Considering the Elven ruins I first encountered, it seems the rats are especially dangerous. I need to be ready to fight in order to ensure no one dies.

As I was sitting quietly, observing everything around me, Elizabeth broke the silence.

"So, I'm sure you have learned my name by now, but I don't know yours. What is it?"

"I thought one of the guards would have told you. My name is Estelle."

"What a pretty name..."

Stop staring at me. Please.

Hmm, what was that?

"So Estelle, what did you think of my ca-"

"Shh."

"I'm sorry?"

"Shh!"

"Why are you telling me to shu-"

I stopped her by putting my hand on her mouth so that I could listen. I guess she interpreted it the wrong way however, as her face immediately flushed red.

That doesn't matter though. I'm certain I heard it.

There it is!

"Tell the guards that we are under attack by Raging Rats."

"How do you know?"

"I just do. Also tell them that we are surrounded on all sides."

A single glance at my minimap showed me just how outnumbered we all were. This might get messy.