Merryn brushed away the hair that tickled an ear. "Them. The rumors in the towns lately that someone or something has been killing off the big five. So far three are dead. The last Dragon, Chimera, and Unicorn. I heard this news before coming to this area. If a great intelligent beast like a dragon can be killed then— "She pointed back where they came "— the not, so friendly Behemoth is endangered too."

He loosened the grip a tad.

She wrenched free before he replied and leaped next to Parcival.

"It's about time. Have any idea how much that hurt?"

She elbowed him in the ribs. "Stop complaining, and jump!"

"I'm not doing that!" His eyes widened.

This one is truly silly at times... She pulled on his arm, sending him over the edge.

Parcival shouted, rolled into a ball covering his head with his arms, while falling.

She dove after him.

"Finish what you were saying! Such an annoying lunch!" The creatures bellow filled the caverns.

She fell for an eternity, then splashed into a deep lake in the cavern. She swam up breaking the surface, then gasped drawing in a burning breath.

Han sat at the edge of the water sitting on his haunches shivering, the water lapped upon the shore spraying him with a fine mist; little water droplets trickled off his whiskers.

The weight on her neck lightened as the pouch on the chain slipped off. No! It sank slowly and easily. Don't panic. She gulped a breath of air swimming after it, missing once, twice three times. She swam under the pouch and let it land on her chest, then double-tied it on the chain, tucking it back under the vest again. Really need to put it on the chain and ditch the pouch.

Parcival whizzed down next, he smashed into a small ledge, bounced off, before landing with a splash into the lake sinking below.

Dregs of the chamber pot! Is he dead? Don't be dead... She dived after him kicking with all her strength to catch him. She wrapped her arms around his chest and fought against his weight, her forearms, shoulders and back burned. My elvin strength is dwindling. Great goddess grant me a boon, even a short one! Her legs and arms weakened, gripping him tight while her lungs screamed for air she sank with him before giving one final burst through the surface and worked to the edge of the lake. The shoulder wound reopened stinging again.

Han jumped out of the lake bringing Parcival further on the cavern floor.

"Have to get his chest armor off, and check him for any injuries."

She flopped to the edge panting. I'm glad they're alive.

Han pointed to the large dent on the side of the armor.

She pushed him upright and undid the buckles on the left side. He flopped out onto his back, then sat next to him.

"Sit him up again."

Groaning she, pushed and pulled at him. With him upright again, Han worked the vest padding off and rolled up his shirt.

His right side was red, swollen, and already turning a blueish green. Han ran his furry hands up and down his side, making soft mew sounds. The tip of his tail twitched.

"Feels like he has about three ribs broken. Come on lets us move him over here. I'll start healing him." He pointed to a dry area ahead.

"This is going to take a while, stand guard."

"All right."

He chanted a spell to Elaema, then spread his hands that glowed a soft white, placing them on Parcival's side. It was good that other races worshiped her, along with their own religions. She accepted everyone who could follow the sacred laws. They weren't easy to abide by in this broken world.

A few hours after, she paced the cavern from the edge of the lake to the northern wall, when out of sight she leaned against the cave wall for a moment pulling in deep breaths. The pain wasn't so bad but coupled with the last bit of the poison effects it hurt. Still, the pain helped with the creeping sensation of the walls wanting close in, and... move! She paced checking the area. Don't think so. I'm never coming here again.

Later that morning Han stopped and rolled down Parcival's shirt, who moaned.

"Don't move!" Han pushed on his chest. "You're still healing, rest."

He grunted. "That beast was completely distasteful. How long have I been out?"

"About twenty-eight hours," she said. Distasteful? A corner of her lip quirked. A novel way to take it.

He seemed colder, more distant. Must be angry that I let him fall. She huffed.

"Why won't you speak to me?"

He looked away a blank look on his face.

"Think what you like. If I hadn't pushed you'd have become a crunchy snack!"

He took on the appearance of eating rotten fish, his kindly lips broke into a sneer. "You think so little of me? Who says you're to decide what I can do? Don't do that again."

She clicked her teeth. "Young fool! If I hadn't we'd both have died." She went over and poked his chest. "In battle one doesn't always have time to ask permission. Seconds count. I made a choice." Arrogant man! Kind one minute then a stinking cave slug the next, how annoying. "Gaaa!"

Han sat further away, smoking and studying the ceiling.

The cavern above rumbled and a handful of rocks came tumbling down. A blast of air wormed its way down the cavern tunnel followed by growing. She covered her ears.

Parcival pushed himself upright clenching his jaw. "Let's go."

"You're going to hurt yourself, lay down!" Han said.

His tail swished back and forth and his ears flattened.

Another roar torpedoed down throughout the cave.

"You can't heal what's dead. I'll look for a way out if you stay with him."

Merryn searched around the area by the lake, with no passageways to be seen, only a dead end.

Walking back over to the lake she knelt down, and peered deep into the water, spying what looked like another cavern entrance.

"Over here!"

"I'll follow you later, give me a few minutes."

"I thought you were tougher than that." She winked, before running over and hoisting him up. Her shoulder twinged, and she almost dropped him, before tightening her grip.

Parcival stood, wobbling, and pushed her away. "Get off of me. I'm not a child."

She flinched. "Never said you were."

Hissing bared his teeth, "come on, move!" he ran back over to the cavern wall ahead, and fetched his pack.

"Han, leave it," she said.

"I need it! Go, I'll be right behind you."

They worked their way down to the underwater cavern entrance, which was off to the right.

Han caught up. "You know you're not shaking anymore."

"You're right. I'm too scared of Infernum right now." A bathroom would be nice and an beer or five. A nice dwarven stout, made by a master tangy, lemony, rich yet refreshing. Her mouth watered. If we live going to drag everyone to the next bar!

Several seconds later, a dull thump from above! The whole cavern rumbled, and they dodged several stalactites that came crashing down.

She ran between the falling ones and prayed to the wind spirits to grant her haste.

Parcival gave a curt nod.

So tired. She slowed but kept going.

She gripped his hand that hung down on her shoulder and went deeper forward dodging the falling chunks.

They all dived back into the water.

Beside her, Han struggled to swim with the waterlogged pack, he bobbed toward the surface and back down again repeatedly.

Helping him might also set of an odd response too, I'll let him be. A sleek linear forum twisted in the water. Infernum! He whipped its tail out in front, just missing taking Hans's head off.

Han's eyes bulged and a few bubbles escaped his mouth. He swam frantically away from the falling stalactites and chunks of cavern ceiling that came crashing down.

Infernum hid behind the screen of murky water and whipped his tail just missing Han.

The cavern ahead became another long tunnel. An opening, the blue sky reflected on the surface.

Got to leave the water, Infernum just won't let this rest. She pointed ahead. Parcival nodded. Gripping him tight she pushed him hard. He landed with a thump outside. Threw him a little too hard.

She heard him yelling at her but ignored him, before taking a deep breath and diving back down. Her shoulder ached and twitched it was hard to move.

Where is he? She went back the way they came and looked around. There he is.

He was crouched under several large clumps of seaweed, that bent over hiding him.

She propelled over to him and pushed him down through the water. Hmm. She floated a foot above Han. Both ways looked clear.

She swam over to Han jostling him while pointing at the exit. He nodded and swam off.

A tightness wrapped on her ankle it started to pull her down. Need air! She struggled to get away, it was a fight not to give in to her demanding lungs. Something streaked by, slashed, and tugged at her chest, before diving deeper. She screamed, water pouring into her lungs the bubbles blocking her vision. Infernum again? Hard to see. Was he coming back?

It was just some seaweed, unwinding it, she followed Han to the small exit. He climbed out onto the stone ledge. Swimming faster she shot out the exit and landed stomach-first on the grass. The air was a sweet relief, she pulled in gasping breaths. Thankfully, that exit was far too small for ol' Infurty.

She rubbed her temples. "Need to get... away. "

Han looked away then back again smiling a little, his ears flicked. He flopped on his back. "A few minutes won't hurt. I'm just happy to be alive."

Are you mad? "You think beast will..." She flailed her hands. "Let us go?"

Han cocked his head. "That hole is too small for it. We're fine."

She stumbled back over to it. Yes, it was kind of small. Bright lights sparkled at the edges of her vision.

"We should stop and get something to eat soon." Parcival stood slow and easy. He hissed through his teeth as he undid a leather shoulder strap on the dented cuirass plate, it dropped into the grasses.

Have they no idea?

Starting to stand turned into a bad idea as her legs wobbled and folded under. "He's...persistent, we got–merrf–moving."

Han eyed her. "Can't understand you, say again?"

Parcival nodded then jolted upright. "Don't worry it'll be fine." With careful motions, he rested back soon snoring.

"Not you too!" Han muttered, "should've taken that advanced healing class last summer."

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Han hopped up and shook hard the water sprayed off in all directions, and his fur proofed out like a dandelion.

"Uhh!" Backing away as she covered her eyes with an arm. Too bright.

Han stamped over, stood on tip-toe, and glared. "Don't say it."

"No." It was hard finding the right words.

"Fiff. You seem fine now."

He turned, wringing the water from his tail. He sniffed, then went over to a nearby flat rock and sat. "You'll just have to wait. She will share her gift again tomorrow morning."

"I not stay here!" What the hell? "Ack." She froze. It disappeared, oh under gods below, why? She searched her clothing, then tried her luck in the grass and by the water's edge. It's gone, my necklace!

Han tilted his head. "What is it?"

"I—gone, necklace." Please, understand. She sat down again. "Iee."

He scratched an ear. "I don't follow."

Arrg! She patted her mouth. "Necklace." Among other things. Come to think of it the god hadn't said anything for a while now.

He slapped his forehead.

"Hold on a moment," searching about his clothing, and after pulling and tugging on a pocket he pulled out an old dull bracelet, then came over tapped twice, and it attached to her wrist.

She shook her head. "Must. Have it. Not that." A pulling sensation started, she got up and edged back into the water.

"What are you doing?"

Ignoring him she dived back under. No ignoring this—this—need.

She swam around going in circles diving deeper. Where is it? A faint thought. Over here? She turned to head right and downwards. Metal glittered on some jagged rocks. A blurriness faded her vision and a weakness settled into her arms and legs. Ugg. She pushed harder diving faster. A moment later grabbed the chain and started back to the entrance. Everything turned back just before breaking free of the water, and she sank back down gripping the necklace, unable to move. No!

Claws grabbed her arms and legs tight, pulling her forward. Breaking the surface of the water and landing on the grass she flopped on her side letting out the screech that had built up. A hand clamped on her mouth.

"It's us, calm down."

She took in several breaths, her vision slowly returning.

"That was risky." Parcival's tone cold and thin.

She squeezed her eyes shut. "I..." What to tell them? All of it would sound insane.

Lie.

What? Elaema will smite me!

A chuckle. No, she won't.

Her eyebrow twitched. Lie? "This is enchanted, my... health is in it too."

A half lie. Not bad.

Didn't ask for your opinion, corrupting one.

Don't blame me you chose.

Parcivals eyes widened slightly. He looked away and became quiet.

Han poked his arm. "Mate, get over it. You're alive, we're alive all is well."

Merryn rolled over unable to look at them. Can't blame him, we almost all would've been visiting The Great Cosmic Forest.

#####

The next morning they discussed where to go next while Han healed Parcival more.

She stopped a stretch as the shoulder was still sore. "A hot meal would be nice. Well, what way to go now?" Thankfully, the map had stayed dry in the pouch. Unrolling it, she motioned Parcival over and pointed to the small drawing of a silver tree. "If we cut through The Silver Forest we can reach it much faster. Rumors say its home to one of the great five beasts, so watch yourself here."

Parcival came over. "That might work."

Oh, he's talking. Such a strange human. She nodded.

Her stomach growled. Dang it, the underground cavern river had swept away all the food.

"Do you know which beast?"

"No."

"let's keep going," Parcival said.

"So be it."

Parcival lead the way. Later that day, trees with long silver trunks shined where the sunlight hit them. Draping down from each of the branches delicate clear crystal leaves grew. It was tricky to figure out just what was off about this place though.

"Guard yourselves." Her right ear twitched violently she pinched the lobe stopping this. Far off in the west—a crunch of leaves underfoot. It stopped. "We need to leave quickly."

"If we go North-west here, and around this river, we can get to the city and exit this place faster and reach your city."

"Yes," he said. That last word came out as a wheeze, and he gripped his side. His face paled as he thumped down onto the ground.

"Parcival!" Rushing over she knelt beside him.

Han trotted over to him, pulled off his armor ran his paws over his torso, and pressed in several places.

Parcival yelped.

"A rib bone must be broken off inside somewhere," Han said.

"Let's camp by that giant stump. Can you fix him?" She pointed up ahead.

"Yes, but then that'll be it for the week healing bone isn't easy."

"Right."

Parcival was heavier than last time. She pulled him back up and failed. Could heal him too, but no the cost is too high, the spirits aren't gentle like Han's gods are. Forget it.

He eyed her. "You're getting worse."

"What?—don't be—." She closed her eyes. "Let's worry about you for now." He's way too perceptive, the god had only taken a little more than normal today. Probably from being separated.

"I'm fine."

"We'll need a fire. I'll go get some wood." Han said.

"It's time I told you something." Parcival inched over to a stump nearby and leaned against it, then reached for her hand.

Han snorted and went off to gather sticks along the ground, cute little Hooper-sparks spun about hopping, spinning, and sending out tiny sparks.

She stiffened. Ah, it's come to this. Am glad. "It's good, it's fine you both need to get away from me."

"What? No. You know you never asked me what I am you know."

Huh? She jumped a little and smacked her knee on a rock. Ouch! "Then..."

"I'm a Guardian of Olenus."

She fell backward and scooted away from him. "Shouldn't you be in robes? Never mind that if you lie you'll turn into ash! You can't be one." She pulled her daggers out brandishing them at the nape of his neck. "Sent to kill me? Your kind never cared for Elvin!"

He recoiled. "I have not, am not. Put that down!"

She eyed him breathing hard, then finally lowered them. "Damn you."

His voice thickened with emotion, and his eyes filled with a soft, gentle gleam. "I care about you."

"Care? You sure don't show it very well!" A guardian! Each was selected the world over for this duty. Shouldn't he be off stopping wars or protecting children?

He held his hand out. "A man has his pride. You must understand this. How would you feel if every turn we kept saving you?"

Ah, yes that's the only reason. Ha! She went back over but ignored his hand. "That." She paused, "I can believe. With that mismatched armor, I figured you were an apprentice."

He lowered his arm resting it on a leg. A wry smile came and went. "Sometimes it isn't armor we need."

Leaning against the stump she sat by him. Perhaps so.

After an hour or so, Han came back pilling the sticks then pulled out an orange stone with a fireball carved in its center, and touched it to the top of the heap.

"Wouldn't a rune work better?" Stretching she reached out and grabbed for the stone.

Han jumped back with it. "Hey! Do that again, and you'll get no soup."

She wandered off behind the stump. A ridiculous heat covered her face. She pinched her forehead between the brows.

Her arms dropped down and she went back to sitting near Parcival. "I want to continue in the city. Perhaps one of the Elder priests can be of help."

"Yes, that could work." Parcival closed his eyes, and his hand gripped the grass pulling out a handful, he opened his palm and a breeze took the strands where they swirled away up high. His pinched face relaxed and softened some, as he looked at nothing for quite some time.

They still have no clue of this evil or my own, I don't deserve this help. Turning away she shivered. Rude to stare for that long. She shifted and picked at a shredded leather boot tie.

Han coughed and eyed her for a long moment, his tail swishing. "That's all I can do for now." He handed them both a bowl.

"Thanks," said Parcival.

"Next time you both make your own food, I'm not a cook."

She nodded then jumped straight up onto the stump balancing the bowl. He wasn't a bad human. Han was alright too, a little grumpy sometimes but can't blame him. A sip lead to many gulps later of the rich earthy broth.

The wind blew a handful of leaves that swirled halfway then faltered down before it caught them again and speared them onto a branch. The cold wind blew back her cape, she wrapped up in it and shivered. The sky darkened. She checked it quick. Might rain, don’t rain. She watched him sleep. This wasn't the time to bother with romantic relations. Not that dreams of a family weren't nice, but not now. The leaves ripped off the branch split in two and fell into a puddle and sank. Night enfolded the sky, by the next breath the stars and moon were covered in a thick vail of clouds shutting them out like a coffer.

A crinkle, a rustle.

Her ears swiveled and she tensed. Please be an animal. Fixated on the sound she pulled both daggers out and crouched down. She held back a sigh. It would be so much simpler to call the spirits if it weren't for the lack of energy thanks to Unnamed!

I can help you. The cost is most of your energy. Unnamed boomed in her head.

Why do you ask? What kind of a weak god are you?

Do not anger me! It would work against my best interests to just outright drain all your energy.

Ah, you need me.

For now.

Tempting, but no.

You won't be able to refuse forever...

A form streaked down from the treetops in a blur of green and paws, it growled and then took off again into the darkness.

She jumped down and patted Parcival and Han's arms. "Wake up!"