Smoke rose off of Gilreg's body. He had minor burns all along his arms and face. He hurt all over and groaned as he sat up. Across from him was Shaymus, and she lay unmoving. No longer thinking of his own wounds, the warrior leaped to his feet to check on his comrade. Shaymus sat up weakly, coughing. She also had burns, which appeared to be much worse than Gilreg's. For the first time, she didn't have a wicked smile. She looked to be really hurt. The warrior cradled her, and she didn't resist.
Behind him, he heard some movement and saw Raine and Nulrok limp over to him. They were further away from the Templar's Nova Blast. Their burns were less, but they were still in pain.
"She needs treatment," Nulrok said, nodding toward Shaymus.
Raine searched around the smoking ground for her father. She looked to the hut, and her jaw tightened with determination. The group could hear sword fighting coming from inside. The chieftain's daughter drew her two-handed sword and marched toward the hut.
"Raine," Gilreg called out weakly.
The Templar was too powerful, and he knew he could not stop her. But he could help her. The warrior laid Shaymus gently on the ground, and he picked up his shield and sword. Nulrok watched him with his pupil-less black eyes. Exiting the tent was the wounded and bloodied Shimlock the Shaman. Raine paused with wide eyes as she was handed the Chalice.
"The humans are fighting. Come close. We do not have time," the Shaman rasped.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
Gilreg slung his shield over his shoulder and sheathed the curved blade at his side. The warrior gingerly lifted Shaymus and headed over with Nulrok toward Raine and Shimlock. The sounds of curses and fighting could be heard from within the hut, with an occasional flash of magical energies.
Shimlock was wounded badly, but the Shaman held out a gnarled hand. Green energy emitted from it as he chanted with his eyes closed. The four of them glowed faintly as their wounds healed. Shaymus opened her eyes, and she kicked free from Girleq's arms.
"That is the best I can do. You four must go. Take the mountain paths. Go to Haven. Find out more about this Chalice," Shimlock rasped.
"What about my father?" Raine demanded.
"I will see to him," the Shaman answered and motioned again for them to leave.
"Take this," Zaploc said from behind the group, and he handed Raine a pouch filled with gems.
"We can't leave you with the Templar," Gilreg said, determined to fight.
"They only want the Chalice. With it gone, the adventurers will leave us. It is you that will be in danger," Zaploc said.
The oldest of the young warriors was behind him. Even with their numbers, they were still not a match for the two fighting within the hut.
"The tribe needs this treasure to rebuild," Raine said and attempted to hand the pouch back.
"Nonsense! We have the treasure from the four you defeated," Zaploc said, motioning toward the remains of the adventurers.
"You must leave now!" Shimlock rasped.
"Go!" Zaploc barked, and the four guardians departed to take the mountain paths.
"Their journey will not be easy without supplies," Shimlock observed.
"They are goblins. The mountains are their home." Zaploc added.