The Great Divine Protects Us

"Malvolia! How dare you!?"

The Apostle had become ruddy faced as he ran out of the temple. The Divine Sister leaned against her claymore. She used one hand to adjust her veil. I avoided her gaze as Alder healed my shoulder. All of my energy was completely sapped. I had trouble standing. I barely did anything, but it felt like I've been using my magic for hours.

There was something off about her. I couldn't place it. Why was she staring at me in the temple? Why did she seem so interested in me? My mind couldn't get rid of the crazed smile she had while she was fighting. The way her lips stretched so unnaturally across her face. I could feel my stomach twist at the site. It was a mixture of jealousy and apprehension. I wanted to get out of here.

"How many times did I tell you not to swing that thing around?" The Apostle pointed his finger angrily. "You're like a mad woman!"

She shrugged. "I was helping."

"She was." Alder wrapped an arm around my waist to steady me. "We defeated the Atrophied quickly because of her help."

"See?" She grinned and pointed her claymore at the Apostle. "I'm using my gift from Empyria for good."

"Excuse me!" The Apostle scoffed and leaned backward. "You'll get off this time. But next time… you better be praying for forgiveness."

"Yes, Apostle." Malvolia then turned to Alder and Stolas. "It was a pleasure to fight with you."

Stolas grinned. "You're fantastic at using the claymore. It was like an extension of your body. It's been a while since I fought with someone so talented."

"Indeed. You have a natural aptitude for battle."

My face soured. Of course. Malvolia was just so extremely competent. It's not like anything I did helped at all. The three continued to talk. I looked over at all the people. Flops was running around, giving out bandages, salves, and letting people pet her for comfort. A rabbit was more useful than I was. I leaned even further against Alder and closed my eyes. I could feel my consciousness start to wane. Maybe I shouldn't have been so insistent on getting healed. 

"Cahira?"

Alder's voice sounded far away. I let out a small hum, unable to stay awake.

"Cahira."

I couldn't open my eyes. My body relaxed as the exhaustion finally took over and I fell asleep.

˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔ ۫ 𝄞♪ ˚°❀⋆.ೃ࿔

When I woke up, I was nestled in the corner of a couch in the tavern. Alder's jacket was placed over me like a blanket. I blinked the sleep away from my eyes. Alder was sitting next to me, Stolas next to him. Flops was in Stolas's lap. Our bags were placed in front of our feet. The Apostle sat across from us. The Divine Sister, Malvolia, was nowhere to be seen.

The Apostle had a small smile on his face. "Thank you again for helping us."

"It is our duty." Alder leaned forward. "We did not expect things to turn out this way. I apologize for the trouble it has caused you."

"What exactly… is the Atrophy?"

The Apostle seemed hesitant. I kept quiet, not wanting to draw attention to myself. My body felt much more energetic with the sleep I had gotten. I felt better with Malvolia not around either. The tavern was filled, but there was an obvious thick tension seeping through. The attack from earlier had rattled everyone. A normally peaceful life had been disturbed by something unknown. It was a scary feeling that I had known well.

"It is a disease. We do not know where it came from, but we are traveling to Othesh to stop it. I had already talked to the guards about placing talismen, but I will fortify the entrance to the forest even more. I will also teach the people how to get rid of the Atrophy without touching it."

"It is a shame." The Apostle sighed and lowered his head. "We lost a great man today. May his soul become starlight for the Empyrians above. I pray for his new life to be fulfilling."

Stolas picked up Flops. "We do need to get going, my king. I can teach the guards while you take the Apostle to the entrance of Elfil Forest."

"But Cahira is-"

"I'm awake." My voice was quiet. I sat up and wrapped Alder's coat around you. "I can come with Alder."

Alder blinked in surprise and then smiled softly. "Are you sure?" You can still get some rest."

"It's alright. I've rested enough."

Everyone stood up and went their separate ways. I followed Alder silently. Despite feeling refreshed, my mind was reeling. Another Atrophy attack. I knew that my journey didn't go the way I planned. I had gotten involved in something that was bigger than me. But that made me question everything. Was I truly involved? I had believed that I was helping. Thinking back to Malvolia and how easily she fought with Stolas and Alder, I truly did nothing. Even when we were back in the forest, I only ended up getting hurt and being a burden to Alder and Stolas.

I should just stay focused on being a bard. I don't need to worry about the Atrophy. Alder has it handled. He's the Fairy King. And, apparently, the Holy One. Whatever that meant. I just happened to be there while everything happened. It doesn't mean that I should get involved anymore than I was. Everyone had their own goals and dreams. Mine was being a bard. Not a savior.

Alder had placed a barrier, leaving only a small gap where the trail was. Talismen were on about every tree. Stolas had finished showing the guards how to get rid of the Atrophy without touching it. And soon, we were ready to be on our way. I shouldered my bag as Flops stood next to me, thumping her feet restlessly.

"We will be having a funeral tomorrow for the lost one. I do wish you could stay."

Stolas put his hands on his hips. "We must be on our way. We are deeply sorry for your loss."

Alder nodded in agreement. "We are trying to get to the capital as quickly as possible. You will have protection from the Atrophy. I swear we will resolve this."

The Apostle closed his eyes and steepled his hands. "Empyrians have mercy… you have a great task, Holy One."

"Please." Alder's face flushed and he looked away. "I prefer the Fairy King or King Hydnell."

My eyes widened as I finally spoke up. "You have a last name?"

"I do."

"Huh." I didn't say anything else. I went back to being silent.

"Anyway," Alder chuckled and shook his head. "The nymphs will come and do repairs when needed. The Atrophy can be disposed of as long as you do not touch it. You shall be safe in the meantime."

"Thank you. Shall I give you a blessing?" The Apostle's eyes moved to me. "It will aid your journey."

I shook my head. "O-Oh, no. Thank you."

"You will need it. Take it as a shield."

"I don't-"

Alder moved his arm across my chest and gently pushed me back. "We must continue our travels. We thank you for the village's hospitality."

His voice was tight and short. I knew him well enough to know that he didn't like how the Apostle was acting. I was grateful that he stepped in. I didn't feel like talking. I just wanted to leave. The Apostle sighed before nodding. He bowed his head before reaching up and grabbing his necklace. He ran his thumb over the eye pendant. He was silent for a moment before speaking.

"Cahira. You have a great purpose in this life. Please, do not get distracted by false dreams. Empyria will watch out for you."

I furrowed my eyebrows. "Uhm…"

"The Holy One is also watching out for you."

"Do you mean Alder?"

The Apostle grimaced. "Good luck, elf."

The tone of his voice made me blanch. Alder and Stolas said farewell once again before we left the village. The Apostle's words repeated over and over in my mind. False dreams, Empyria, and some hidden Holy One. Something about this didn't feel right. My stomach turned over with anxiety. I couldn't focus. But I didn't want Alder or Stolas to worry. So I just kept walking, trying to tune out the Apostle's words. They just wouldn't fade.