Chapter 07: Here Comes Claude, a Hero and a Romeo (Part 3)

“I told you already, hand us your daughter, your wife and your caravan, and we will let you go. Now, looks what going happen if you are stubborn. You will end up just like the caravan we just blew up!”

A guy, dressed in a red hood like the rest of them, started to talk. Perhaps he was the de-facto leader. A hearty but somewhat sinister laugh followed soon.

“Gwahahahaha”

“No, you will not have my daughter and wife.” Came out an answer from the middle of the group.

“Then you will die, stubborn old mule. And we will still take your wife and daughter. Gwahahahaha…”

And the rest of the group started to laugh like the leader with ‘Gwahahaha’ ringing throughout the area. Man, what a typical bad guys’ laugh.

“I rather die than sacrificing my own family to scum likes you!”The man was still retaliating despite the overwhelming odds in numbers and strength.

“Then your wish is ours to command, old fool. Gwahahahaha”

It was a robbery. In a broad daylight, in the middle of the main path that leads to Elsivier. And looks like it would be a robbery turn into murder soon enough.

Sehanie, listen. Can you count how many of them?

“I’ve already counted. 20 of them, all armed with various weapons. Ten with blades, another 4 with bows, and the rest have daggers or short swords.”

Races?

“15 humans, 4 halflings and one dwarf.”

Sehanie was really dependable. She really knew her scouting job really well.

No.

Now’s not the time for any compliment. We need to save that family first and fast.

Two versus 20. With a family in the middle. And we needed to stop the robbers from killing the family.

The situation of having a group of armed robbers surrounding them would not be going to make the job of rescuing and saving the family’s life any easier. However, this was not something that was too impossible for me to handle.

Together with Sehanie, I knew we can do it.

Alright, I got an idea.

Sehanie, listen carefully. I need you to headshot the leader with a single arrow. I think he is the one that was talking earlier and laughs “Gwahaha”. Get him and the group will be in disarray for a moment. And they will be looking at the direction of the arrow fired. Next, get all the archers if you can.

“What about you then, Claude?”

Well, since they haven’t detected us yet, we can ambush them, but the surprise attack won’t last long as they will be prepared to fight us off. After you fire the away and kills their leader, I’ll move forward and strike the ones that form the perimeter of the group. Hopefully, with our first swift attack, we can take out their leader, their archers and I can secure their attention. Once I have got their attention, can you stop their movements with your nature magic? All of them are melee fighters, so once you stop their movements, it’s easier for us to attack them head-on.

“But I need some time to cast my magic, Claude.”

I’ll buy you some time. 20 versus 2 look pretty one-sided in terms of numbers, but we need to coordinate our attack.  So, on my count of three. Get ready Sehanie.

Sehanie nodded and prepared her arrows.

Three!

As soon as Sehanie fired her arrow, I leapt in front and dashed forwards. Without making much sound, we took their leader with an arrow directly to the head from behind. The impact killed him instantly without a single sound made. Not even a groan of death.

Even before the first arrow reached its mark, Sehanie fired another four more around of arrows consecutively, each hitting the red hooded archers with such eerie accuracy. As for my part, I managed to cut down two in front of me, and most importantly, secured their attention.

The attack really took them by surprise. Their leader now was dead together with all their archers and including the two that  I’d slashed earlier, now it was 13 vs 2.

I stood in front of a man, the one that these group of red-hooded people trying to rob and kill. Behind him, was a young red-haired girl about the age of 12-14, his daughter perhaps and next to her, was a middle-aged woman, presumably his wife.

Are you alright, old man?

The man was surprised to see me.

“Who… Who… are you?”

Who am I is not important right now. I asked, are you alright?!

“I-I’m… alright!”

Good! How about your wife and daughter?

“We…we are alright too…” Answered the middle-aged lady.

Good. Now I want you to listen and do exactly as I say if you valued your life dearly. There are 13 people here and three lives to save. So, first get back behind me all of you.

The three of them did as they were told immediately. Perhaps my actions and words had impacted them somehow.

And when I say run, you will run towards your caravan and hide, got it!

“Uhhhh…” whimpered the middle-aged man.

GOT IT!

I shouted directly at them.

“Y-Yes!”

The red hood robbers had finally regrouped themselves before long. All of them surrounded me in an arch, leaving my back free.

Good.

This bunch of robbers and murderers were pretty thick when it comes to tactics, then.

“What in the world?!… Who are you?!” Asked someone from the group.

“A damn kid, sticking his nose up into something none of his business” came another voice.

Looks like their morale was pretty low after the death of their leader and it was obvious that they did not have a plan to counter-attack. Perhaps they did never even consider themselves to be attacked like this. Such arrogance in their numbers. However, because of their sheer number, they had one fatal flaw; they thought they would have an upper hand against a small kid in front of them.

I gave a dry smile.

And I started to do what I do best. Goading and taunting.

It’s not my business alright. But robbing a family in a broad daylight and what more in the main road, are both stupid and reckless. You red hoods must be having manure as your brain.

“What did you call us, damn brat?!”

Stupid, manure-brained, reckless, and now deaf red hooded cowards.

I could see some of them trembled in anger. Looks like my goading and taunting has taken some sort of an effect.

“Looks like we have to kill you too!!”

Heh. Kill me. Look how many of you are dead. Be thankful if you are the ones that are alive after this.

“Heh. You are alone, kid and with those people behind you will be pulling your weight down. What can you do? We outnumbered you, many times over. And we can kill you as many times over too. No, we will torture you first before we kill you.”

Who says I’m alone?

I gave a smirk that sent shiver down to these red hoods’ spine. They looked around but saw no one. Because of that, they seemed to gain a short-lived dose of confidence.

“Don’t lie to us kid. There’s no one here!!”

Lie? Hahahaha… soon you will have nowhere to run and your lives will be forfeited. Now, all of you either put down your weapons, and run away like a dog, or would you all prefer to fight and die a useless death, worthy of you coward lots.

I can see that I’m really getting on their nerves. Leaderless, nearly half of their members were dead, afraid of the unknown support I might have and worse of all being taunted by a damn kid.

There was a silence between the two groups; myself with the family versus the red hoods.

What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue?

“You are the one that will get nowhere. Now you die, you damn kid!!”

As soon as they lifted the weapons to attack me, I heard Sehanie’s scream.

“Water and Earth, hear me out... grant my wish and let this seed of life grow. Determine the fate and preserve the balance of all....stop the track of one who destroys. Vine Entrapment!”

Suddenly, the ground that was below the red hoods began to rumble.

“Now, Claude!!”

I readied my First Movement of the Sun Sword stance and shouted to the family behind me.

“RUN NOW !!”

Without any further delay, the three of them run away to safety, taking cover behind their caravan. The distance was no less than 30 yards away.

“W-W-W- Whaaat is this?”

“Sorcery... This is sorcery!!”

Before the red hoods could even react, all of them have been entangled with vines of some sort.

Sehanie came out from her hiding place and now stood beside me. And in front of us, were the now entangled red hoods, dangling from midair, with vines contracting all their body movements.

“Look! It’s… it’s an elf witch!!”

Sehanie became really annoyed with that word. A witch they called her. Perhaps these red hoods really did not value their own lives.

Sehanie then made a gesture and the vines moved and covered all the red hoods mouth.

“We don’t have to listen to them, anymore. So, what shall we do with them, Claude?”

Well, we can let the Brotherhood of the Sun handle them.

Upon hearing those words, all the red hoods’ faces became pale beyond normal complexion.

“Ohhh… you don’t know who you are up against?” Upon seeing their reaction, Sehanie began to taunt them.

“Although he is a short damn kid, he’s the hero of the Brotherhood. And an army of the Brotherhoods is coming this way to greet him personally.”

Hey, don’t include the ‘short’ word, alright. ‘Hero’ would be just fine.

I could see some of the red hoods was starting to get really nervous.

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Look, I am not a robber and killer like you guys, but I can’t let you go just like that. Else, you will start to rob and kill people again. We can’t have that, can we?

“So, what shall we do Claude?”

I’ve got an idea. I gave a smirk that sends yet another shiver down those red hoods’ spine.

A moment later…

Is that all on your side, Sehanie?

“Yap, that’s all. Every one of them”

Good!

We stripped those red hoods naked and then tied them up using the vines from Sehanie’s nature magic to the trees just by the roadside and placed a sign that was big enough that says,

“We are red hooded robbers and murderers. We are big masochistic perverts and we liked to be tied naked to trees.”

By using Sehanie’s nature magic it took a short time to finish everything. I then proceed to blindfold them, but before I did so, I gave them my victory pose.

Heh.

As for the dead bodies, we buried them nearby. Even though they were bad people, at least we could give them a proper burial. That and also add to the fact that dead bodies lying on the roadside sure ain’t pretty. All of that too was hasten by Sehanie’s magic. Magic seemed pretty useful in a situation like this. I needed to pay more attention to magic classes from now onwards.

You sure the vines will hold them long enough, Sehanie?

“Yup, even normal weapons won’t be able to cut easily through this vines.”

Good. This is a busy main road. For sure there will be cavalry or knights passing this area before long. They will know what to do with these guys. Let’s check out the family now.

We went over to the family and we found them inside the caravan, hugging each other.

I called out to them.

Hey, it’s alright now. We’ve got them all tied up.

The middle-aged man looked at me first, then followed by his wife and lastly his daughter.

It’s safe now. Is there anyone of you is hurt?

Upon hearing my words, they cried. A cry of joy that upon realizing that their lives were still intact.

“We…. We…are unhurt…. Thanks to you… young hero!”

I smiled. Being called a hero felt good.

Well, if all of you are alright and not hurt anywhere, you can come out now.

All of them came out. And we then introduced ourselves.

I’m Claude, and this elf girl here is Sehanie.

The middle-aged man then proceeded to introduced his family.

“I’m Jann, my wife Mili and my daughter, Nelia”

“Thank you so much for saving us” Mili has been thanking us nonstop. From the moment that she realized that their situation has turned for the better, I could hear her words of thanks and gratitude over and over.

However, Nelia was pretty much quiet. Perhaps this incident gives her such a traumatic experience for a young girl like her. Understandable, really.

“So, what are you doing here? And what actually happened between you and those red hoods anyway” Sehanie inquired from Jann.

“We are on our way to Elsivier. We travelled this road every other day. We are a merchant from the nearby village, you see. Although we are a merchant, but we are just a small-time one. We don’t carry any valuables with us, other than vegetables, fruits and meats to sell at the capital’s market.

And the red hood?  I asked Jann.

“They are the Red Scarlet’s gang. They are a bunch of robbers and slave traders!”

Red Scarlet’s gang.

Hmmm… I never heard of them. So, it means that they wanted to take your daughter and wife as a slave? Not just your golds and your merchandise, but they want to take your family too?

Jann looked down on the ground and said, “Yeah… if it’s not for both of your help, who knows what might have happened to all of us.”

“Dear…” Mili patted her husband’s back.

But, but… why do it during broad daylight and here, of all places?

“I heard from some knights back in the capital last week that their gang’s leader, Red Scarlet went missing for quite some time now. So, there have been some infighting within the gang on who to succeed the gang’s leadership. So, in the meantime, several groups were formed and some took their evil deeds, way too far. Even robbing, kidnapping and killing people in broad daylight. As if to tell the other group, we can do it better than you.”

“How terrible...” Sehanie sympathized with Jann and his family.

“But’s it’s all over now, right dear?” Mili tried to calm down her husband, who seemed to be agitated from the beginning.

“Claude and Sehanie have helped to take down one the group.” Mili continued to reassure her husband.

I can sense the situation was somewhat depressing despite their lives had been just saved, so I move on to another topic.

How’s the caravan? Can it be fixed?

Jann and Mili checked their caravan.

“Well, other than a hole in the roof from the impact of the explosion, some destroyed merchandises and another big hole to the side on the caravan, it’s still in good condition. We feared the worst but luckily it’s not.”

Can it move? What about the horse?

“Yeah, a little repair on the wheel, and it would be able to get us to the capital with no problem. We can get proper repair there. The horse is alright, although it was dazed from the explosion.” Jann explained to us in details.

“I’ll heal the horse a little with my magic.” Sehanie offered herself and proceed to work her magic on the horse.

Then, I’ll help you fix the wheel, Jann.

With that, we managed to get the caravan moving again. Jann and Mili offered to take us Elsivier on their caravan, an offer of which we gladly took. A ride would hasten our journey.

However, because of the incident, the caravan moved at a much slower speed. On foot, we could travel faster and lighter, but both Sehanie and I don’t mind actually since we have travelling companions with us now.

The more, the merrier. Although Nelia has not even uttered a single word since the beginning.

The sun set before long and we decided to camp. The horse needed its rest too and Sehanie has been taking care of it, since the beginning of the journey. Wood Elves sure love animals, it seems.

I helped Jann to prepare the camp and start the fire, while Nelia and Mili were busy preparing food. It looked like I would not have to cook or catch some fish to roast tonight. And the smells seemed so good. It must be delicious. I can’t wait for dinner.

I looked at the direction of the pot where the smells came from and my eyes met Nelia’s. However, she turned her face away from me the instant she saw me.

Hmmm… what was that all about? Did I piss her off or something?

Jann, looking at what was happening between me and Nelia, laughed and patted my back.

“So, you are not just any normal hero, ehh?”

What do you mean by that, Jann?

He did not answer but continued to laugh.

Before long, all of us were seated around the campfire in a circle. I’m sitting between Jann and Sehanie and the opposite of me was Nelia and beside her was Mili. Nelia seemed to choose her seat very close to her mother. It’s more like she was hiding behind her back instead of sitting next to her. I wonder what was wrong with Nelia. Was it something I’d said before?

“Claude, please try this broth.”

Jann handed me a bowl of broth and I took a sip.

Wow, this is really good. This is the best food I have tasted for a long time. Even better than the one they serve at the Brotherhood.

“Mili is a great cook. That’s why I married her.” Jann teased his wife.

“Ohhh honey…” Mili blushed.

“The food she cooks is really famous in Elsivier. People would be lining up to get a taste. And that’s how we can sell all our merchandises. Hahaha.”

Ahh… Is that so?  I gave out a smile and nodded in approval of the deliciousness of the broth.

Jann received a nudge on his arm from Mili.

“But it’s true, did it not darling?”

Yeah, I can see that. This food is delicious. What do you think, Sehanie?

“It’s great. Lovely. I never had one like this. It’s refreshing but at the same time it brings warmth inside of me.”Sehanie was complimenting the food and it was a first I saw of her doing that while eating what she normally called a‘human-waste’.

“That’s Mili’s special, Mum’s Broth. A sip of it and you will be fresh and full of vigour.”

Jann seemed to be so proud of his wife. Who wouldn’t if she happened to be such a great cook.

“So, tell us, about yourself. You haven’t told much anything about yourself, just your name” Jann asked of me and Sehanie.

I looked at Sehanie. And both of us nodded in unison. Well, the night was still young, so a little story would not hurt.

“Yeah Claude, Sehanie. Tell us about yourself. We would love to know more about our saviour.”

I blushed. Sehanie kept looking at me, perhaps letting me take the lead.

Alright, let me see. What can I tell you about myself? Perhaps I’m from the Brotherhood of the Sun and I’m travelling to Elsivier. I have been invited to join… what’s that again… The Royal Elite Knights… I think.

Suddenly, I could hear bowls were being dropped. Jann and Mili both had dropped their bowls.

“What?! You are a member of the Brotherhood?? THE Brotherhood of the Sun?” Jann asked for my confirmation.

I nodded. I showed him my Journeyman’s ring.

“And you are going to join the Royal Elite Knights. You are not kidding this old man, right?”

I shook my head.

Nah, I don’t need to.

“Wow, looks like we have an esteemed guest with us here tonight, dear.” Mili interjected.

“Yes, Mili. We do. We do. Haha! Hahahaha!” Jann laughed and picked up both of their bowls that was dropped earlier.

I’m confused. Was there anything special about who am I going to be or what I'm about to do anyway?

Jann, being a perceptive old man he was, perhaps from his merchant’s skillsets, noticed the perplexed look on my face.

“Do you know anything about Royal Elite Knights, Claude?”

I shook my head,

Not a single idea. What’s a Royal Elite Knights, anyway?

It was my turn to ask Jann and Mili.

Jann and Mili looked at each other, disbelief with what I just said. They then turned back to me. And I could see Nelia was peeking from in between both of her parents.

“I don’t know much, but I’ll tell you what I know. Claude, you have been invited to join the most prestigious knight’s group, The Royal Elites Knight. Every kid, even I, when I was younger dreamt of joining them. But to join the Elites – which what we called them, you must first be recommended by a royalty, or have a noble blood. Secondly, you must prove your skills. And last but not least, displaying valour on the battlefield. And the act of valour in the time of need, far above beyond the call of duty.” Jann explained to me.

I see. Now I understand.

“So, tell me, Claude, if you really don’t mind, who recommended you and what did you do?” Mili pleaded with me.

I looked at Sehanie. She was smiling and nodded at me, and I could even see that Jann, Mili and Nelia were somewhat expecting stories from me. Especially Nelia. Her eyes seemed to sparkle the most amidst the campfire’s flicker.

I can’t disappoint my fans, right? Telling stories of heroic deeds seemed to be part and parcel of being a hero. And so, I began to tell my tale, saving Princess Sierra, together with Sehanie. And my journey to Elsivier to receive my King’s Medal of Gallant Heart. After I concluded my story, I was hoping for a clap.

Instead, I got something else.

I saw Mili and Jann’s jaws dropped and Nelia went further back, hiding behind her mother. She looked restless. I looked at Sehanie, wondering what had happened. And she too gave me a blank stare and a shrug of a shoulder.

Ehh… Jann? Mili? Are you alright? Was my story too… undeserving? Do you feel that I’m lying?

After a while, they responded to me. First was Nelia. She went inside the caravan without even taking a look at me. Now, I feel hurt. If I had known earlier, I wouldn’t even indulge in something like this. I should just decline them and shut my mouth up. Now, look what had happened.

Mili was next person to respond. She looked at her husband and nodded at him.

What now? Telepathic communication between married couples. Aww, come on.

Jann's hand was trembling. However, despite the trembling, he began to speak.

“You… you… are really indeed a hero. To do what you did, to save our Crown Princess, with Sehanie… I… I… We… are deeply honoured to be in your presence, young hero.”

Ehh?

“It’s true. Upon hearing your tales, it wells deep inside my heart to have both of you with us. Myself, Mili and Nelia. All of us are really honoured.”

But, don’t you think I might be lying?

“When you save us the way you did earlier, we know that your tales are to be true. We are strangers before, and yet you risked both of your life for some unknown people. And it’s not some minor risk. You were against those many people, just both of you.”

Well, we can’t let innocent people live to be taken just like that. Our conscience would not let us.

Sehanie nodded.

“We won’t let some evil people, no matter who they are, to do whatever they want. What more to innocent family like yours… to you Jann, Mili and Nelia.” Sehanie added more weight to my words earlier.

I agreed with Sehanie. Though she has been quieter than usual for these past few days, but she was right. Our Brotherhood ethos would not allow me to be idle. And Sehanie, as a Wood Elf, hated evil-doer that destroy lives wantonly.

“Again, we thank both of you. I don’t know how we can repay you.” Mili added.

Please. Enough with the thanks. Your broth is wonderful and that is payment enough. Could I have more, please?

“Hahahaha. Have more. Please have more.” Jann and Mili were beaming with happiness and joy and I could see that in their faces.

Suddenly, I heard something fell down. Well, not exactly falling down, but someone jumped from the caravan. It was Nelia. She finally came out from the caravan at last. She was the only one that somehow I felt was very distant from me. She hid behind her mother’s back, again as soon as she emerged. She was 14 and yet, it seemed like she behaved like 5 years old girl.

I tried to smile at her, but it seemed awkward. However, Nelia blushed and hid her face immediately behind Mili.

“Nelia… come on child, you do have something for Claude, don’t you?” Mili persuaded her daughter.

Something for me?

“Ohh?” Sehanie suddenly left out a sound. Seemed that she was surprised too.

“Claude, please forgive Nelia. She is an extremely shy girl especially around boys.” Mili explained Nelia’s behaviour to me.  

I see. Nevermind then. It’s normal for a girl her age.

But honestly, I do feel a little hurt inside my heart though. Nelia was a beautiful young girl and I have no doubt she will grow into a fine young lady, though I prefer them my age or older. However, the fact that she looked away from me every time our eyes met or hid away hurt me a little. But, as their hero, I can’t be too bothered about it, right?

While I was still in my thoughts, I saw a small hand, extending something for me. It was Nelia and on her small hand, I noticed there’s a small ring.

“Please…. please…. take this…. as…. present….  Ser… hero…” Nelia stammered her words uncontrollably.

“Ohh hoo!!” Sehanie giggled at me.

Cut it out Sehanie.

Jann and Mili both laughed out loud.

Is this ring for me, Nelia?

Nelia nodded, her head bowed down in embarrassment.

Why thank you, Nelia. It’s beautiful.

I took the ring from her hands.

Nelia blushed. But this time, she did not hide behind her mother’s back, though she still won’t look at me.

“My, my Claude. A gift from a girl. Just like you always wished.” Sehanie teased me.

Nelia blushed even more.

“Is that a proposal ring to Claude, Nelia?” Sehanie jokingly asked of Nelia. However, to her immediate surprise, Nelia nodded.

“Hahahahaha…. Looks like our daughter just falls in love with you Claude.” Mili smiled at me.

“She falls in love with him the moment she saw him back then when he came out of nowhere and saved us… and being Nelia, she’s all shy about it.” Jann explained to Mili.

No kidding.

But… but… I…

It’s my turn to stammer.

“Nelia is shy, but she is serious, Claude. Hahahaha.”

Ohhh Jann, please. You are not helping me here.

“Looks like we have a lady… I mean a girl-killer. Teehee..” Sehanie continued to tease me as she nudged my side.

“Come on Claude, wear the ring already. Don’t let the girl waits.” Sehanie laughed at my somewhat pleasant misery.

But…. I like them older…. And…bigger…

Before I could finished up my words, Nelia grabbed the sleeve of my tunic.

“I’ll grow older… and… and as busty… as Sehanie… So…please…”

Mili and Jann laughed uncontrollably. “Hahahahaha…”

Sehanie was rolling on the floor, laughing out loud.

“You hear that Claude? She said she will be as big as me. Teehee… this is so funny!”

“If Sehanie…. Doesn’t… want you… anymore… I’ll… I’ll…” Nelia stopped before she could even finish her words.

“Teehee. No worries, Nelia. You can have him. Teehee…” Sehanie tried to pan the flame even more.

“Ohhh, Claude… you are the greatest hero alright. Princess saviour and now a girl-killer. This must be surely the dreams that you always wanted, Claude.”

Ohh, please stop it Sehanie. Please don’t give Nelia the idea.

All of them seems to enjoy my misery.

Come on, guys, help me out a little bit. I… I have never been proposed like this. Heck, I never been proposed before or even proposed to any girls.

I looked up to the starry sky as I contemplate what was happening at the campsite.

Soon, as the night grew darker, we began to clean up and took our places to sleep. As usual, Sehanie prepared traps around us so we don’t have to keep watch. After a while, everyone went to sleep. Sehanie and Mili were sleeping together inside the caravan. Jann slept inside too, but a little further from them, near the edge of the caravan.

I’m with Nelia beside the campfire. Nelia was still holding my sleeves, and now she was asleep beside me. I wore the ring that she gave me earlier and that makes her so happy that she won’t let go of me at all.

Girls sure were persistent, even the shy ones.

Sigh…

This was going to be a very long night. I too went to sleep not long after. It has been an exhausting day. And it’s just the second day of my journey. Wonder what would still await me tomorrow?