What do we do? White Flower gave me back the lead. I have to get used to this lead swapping.

I looked at the Lynx. He looked at me, then spoke:

“We cannot fight both groups. We may fight one of them, but both are really dangerous. That means possible casualties. If we try to run out of the cave, the wolshi will attack us. That thing is damn fast and strong. No matter how I try to think this through, I fear some of us will not make it if we try running that way. That is not acceptable. We may have some chances to fight it, but Cala is not yet used to her spell powers, and the mage in the cavern with its two trolls might attack us too. Then we are done. The only logical solution seems to be to hide. We should try to hide and let the mage pass. Let them fight the wolshi. Maybe this is the reason why they came, to fight that damn wolshi.”

He did not spell out that he was the one who could escape. He was the only one faster than the wolshi, and probably me with the speed spell. Neither of us could carry the other three in a race with the wolshi.

“What if they do not pass?”

“If they detect us and if it comes to a fight, it is better to have only the mage and the two trolls facing us!”

“Only the mage and the two trolls...”

I turned to Spartacius:

“You and Tina should stay away. This is not for you!”

He gave me a dark look. A look Sparty had not given me until now. There was gloom in his eyes. He spoke with a sad tone.

“It will not work. You and the Lynx, you cannot tank all three mobs. You, Dolores, you are a damage dealer, not a tank. The only one close to being a tank is the Lynx, but he is not really a tank, and in no case can he tank two trolls.”

The Lynx seemed to agree with him. I sighed. It was not the moment to start now a discussion. This kid should do what I tell him to do.

Interestingly, this thought pained me. Deep inside me, something spoke against what I'd just thought. I swallowed. Spartacius continued:

“I have to help. You will risk too much if I do not help. I do have a tank build!”

“Kid, you need to understand this. Your level is much too low to tank a troll! This is no good fight to gain experience.”

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

The moment I said that again I felt that pain in my soul. His eyes became even darker. He huffed.

“Experience! I don't intend to try to tank them to gain experience. I can try to kite one and win some time for you. I am not a kid. I am a twenty years old not-a-spawn. I am not even a spawn. I am a replacement, a backup. Let me do at least what I can do to help you! I am expendable.”

I did not hesitate anymore. I gave to the impulse that came from inside me. I went and hugged him. I ran to him as I was. It did not matter that my dress was only an illusion. It was important to hug him, to feel him close.

I took a deep breath. I concentrated on the feeling that was deep inside me:

“Don't do this to me, please! You are damn important to me! You are damn important to Cala! She would kick my ass if I risked only one of your hairs. Please try to keep yourself safe and keep Tina safe! Come out only if there is no other way! Please, Spartacius, please, promise this to me!”

I hugged him again, stronger. Tears were running down my cheeks. I did not know I was so easily impressionable? Again a sting in my heart. This was no easy thing. I sighed. I realized it was Cala in me who cried. Fuck. I cannot hug her too! My heart started to beat stronger. I guess she hugs me.

A short time before, he was joking and laughing with me. It seemed so natural, but it was not. I did not realize that this backup thing hurt him so bad. I did not realize that it hurt me so bad. With me, I mean Cala. Fuck! I rested my head on his breast and breathed.

The Lynx came behind me:

"Sorry to press on guys, but they are coming closer!"

I looked at Spartacius.

His eyes cleared, and the darkness went away. It is not over, yet he is calmer. He nodded.

I took a deep breath. Fuck, I do care for this not-a-spawn. Why do I care? He is just the... OK, I do not have to rationalize this. I do care. Cala cares. That's all that matters.

I dressed my gear within seconds. I let Cala lead my movements. The Lynx grinned. He must have recognized her.

I turned to him, and again strange emotions filled my heart. These must come from the fairy? I do feel her emotions? He is her friend as much as he became mine. I mean Cala's. Yes, well then, he is my friend.

“You big cat, take care, don't take unnecessary risks! Understand papa?”

He grinned:

“That's my kitty!”

“OK, let's hide now!”

First, I put Spartacius and Tina in a corner under some boulders, and White Flower covered them with an illusion. I went with Alice to another corner and the Lynx... disappeared in the air. Let's see now what the damn mage will do.

It was just in time. I heard steps entering this part of the cavern. Then I heard the trolls:

“Grunt, grunt!”

One of the trolls was hitting his shield with a heavy mace. I heard it like a rumble of rolling thunder that was accelerating my heartbeats. My breathing accelerated accordingly. The grip on my katars tightened. Fuck do they use psychological warfare now?