One of the guys (1)
Lia washed as fast as possible while Eldric guarded the background. It was such a relief to find him, a familiar face in the midst of all the commotion and unknown territories.

For the first time in what felt like forever, she allowed herself to relax. It was as if a ton of weight was lifted from her shoulders. If she was not embarrassed by being out and naked and with a guy standing guard not too far from her, she would have soaked in the water, smoothing the knots on her muscles, and enjoying the night view.

But there was a time for that.

Eldric allowed her to use the clothes he originally brought. “I can always change once we get back with the rest of the guys,” he said.

Lia sighed inwardly. A half-naked, sporting a wet look Eldric was a sight to behold. If they were under normal circumstances, she might have a crush on him. But she needed to preserve her life more than anything else. Having that in mind, it would be better for her to just be contented looking and be careful not to develop unnecessary feelings. For now, Eldric was just someone good to look at, like a beautiful view that improves one’s moods.

The caravan she discovered in the morning turned out to be Eldric’s caravans. It was a pleasant surprise for her to see these men still behind the caravan, sitting in a circle and exchanging tales and jokes. Though they were relatively a smaller group than when they left her town.

They stopped dead when they saw their general approaching. The narrowing of their eyes and the hint of scrutiny in them did not escape Lia and she could only assume that it was because they did not recognize her.

“Good evening,” she said tentatively, gauging their reactions. “I’m–I’m Lia if you can remember me from the town…” She wondered if they would have an easier time recalling if she just flat out said ‘the witch’.

It was Tim who shouted his surprise first. “Ah! Yes Lia!” He scratched his head. “Of course, we remember you. It was just a shock to see Eldric coming from his bath with someone with him. I almost thought he is having a midnight rendezvous.” That earned him a scowl and a light slap on the arm by Eldric.

“Give room,” Eldric signaled the men to move aside in which they promptly followed. “I’m going to change then we’ll listen to her story.”

Once Eldric was back, Lia started her tale. She told them about the men watching the store and how she heard that they were planning to abduct her. “I had to disguise and part with my mother’s friend to avoid them.” She told them about what she heard in the previous town, trusting them with everything she knew. Except for the details about Tamara. They did not need to know about that.

“What is it?” She asked when she noticed the exchanged glances between the men.

Tim threw a quick glance at Eldric’s direction before speaking. “We had a report from our scouts about the Unseen going around towns.”

“And then we heard of the attack in town. We had to survey the area first, that’s why this is what’s left of us. Jeremiah and the rest continued to the capital,” Eldric continued to explain.

“Wouldn’t you need a physician if a fight breaks out between you and the Unseen?” Lia asked.

Eldric gave her a wry smile. “We are used to doing first aid to ourselves if that happens. They could not hold off any longer. They are needed to facilitate the national exam.”

The national exam…

With all the things that happened, it totally slipped her mind that she needed to take that exam. Among other things that she needed to do or think. She did not have time for this kind of leisure.