Another World

Felix took a deep breath of the cool evening air lungs that weren’t technically his, but that didn’t lessen the relief. As he inhaled the fresh breeze, a wave of longing swept over him. Something within him said the time had come to breathe again. But first, other things were more important.

Behind him or them was the heavy wooden gate of the mausoleum. Before them lay the advancing twilight. Darkness slowly merged with the woods surrounding them. It encircled the burial site and stretched out to either side. A road led on from here, continuing toward small meadows and fields. In the fading daylight he could only make out vague shapes, but beyond the trees, it might be getting lighter.

And now? Felix asked. Which way?

East.

Okay, he thought, so if the sun set over there, then we have to…

Left and straight ahead.

Huh? Felix didn’t quite understand, since a faint shimmer of the last sunrays was still visible in front of them.

“But…” he began, confused.

That’s north ahead. That means we have to go left.

Hesitantly, he started moving. Then he asked, “Does the sun set in the north in your world?”

Yes. Doesn’t it in yours?

“No. In the west. Must be one of those quirks,” he muttered. “Man, I really need to get used to this squeaky voice.”

After the forest comes a village, but we should avoid it. We mustn’t run into people or attract attention.

It’s getting pretty dark are you sure it’s wise to walk through a forest now? Felix felt that the body he was in still lacked strength. And what if he tripped badly on that terrain? He didn’t think it was a good idea to go that way.

Don’t worry. Thanks to the potion, my eyes regenerate too. They see quite well in the dark.

As the world was cloaked in silent night, Felix thought:

"Quite well" was an understatement, he realized.

A few meters away he couldn’t distinguish colors, but he could still see everything. Farther ahead, shadows and darkness didn’t blur into one big ominous blanket. Instead, he could tell where trees stood, branches lay, or rocks blocked the way. Only finer details escaped him, like the texture of the bark. Those had dissolved into simple dark surfaces.

"That's cool," he said excitedly, glancing around in all directions. He covered first one eye, then the other, to check if one saw better than the other. But both seemed equally good.

What does 'cool' mean?

Felix explained: When something is really good or impressive, we use that word in my world.

Then he asked: Do you smell that too?

No, what?

Musty and gross, he continued in his thoughts.

At first, he looked around but saw nothing. Finally, he sniffed himself.

“Ugh.”

You stink to high heaven. He made a disgusted face.

Very polite of you. Should I stuff you into a wooden box for a few years?

“No thanks, I’ll pass.” Felix tried to keep communicating mentally with his companion, but he kept slipping back into his usual way of speaking.

We should do something about that, he said. Fresh clothes, for example, and a bath?

We can later follow a road that leads to Yahra. We’ll surely find something in that town.

The path through the forest was overgrown. It was full of rises and ruts. Felix had to keep climbing up and down small slopes. He hated sports, but this body seemed to have stamina. Relief spread through Felix, since it made up for his usual lack of agility. Even so, it took him almost the entire night to make progress. At some points, Felix had to turn back because it was too steep. He couldn’t always find solid footing, and the voice in his head tried to guide him, but he often misunderstood.

Eventually, he noticed a flickering light and began to creep toward it.

What are you doing? Stay away.

But Felix wouldn't be lectured.

It’s practically on the way. I just want to see what it is. Maybe we’ll find something useful, he thought. The real issue, however, was his curiosity.

For now, she fell silent. Dawn slowly began to break.

“We were really on the move all night,” Felix remarked. “How far do you think we made it, considering the terrain?”

Luckily, quite a good stretch.

After finding a sheltered spot from which to view the clearing where the light came from a campfire he lay in wait. With these eyes, he could see easily, which still amazed him. A small camp with three simple tents. As morning slowly awakened, he could also begin to see stronger colors again. Two armed men...Wearing hoods and dark red military tunics with cloaks, they stood guard. Six horses were tied to the trees. Then a woman stepped out of one of the tents.

“I’ll take a bath in the lake. Wake the others and break camp,” she instructed. Despite the distance, Felix could hear her clearly.

“Your hearing is incredible too.”

But he received no answer and turned his focus back to the scene.

“Yes, Lieutenant,” confirmed a young guard, snapping to attention.

An idea struck Felix. We’ll follow her, he thought.

Why? Are you curious about her or something?

No. Maybe we can use something, he defended himself. Possibly the hooded cloak or something else.

Steal? We already have everything.

Because we stink like a dead polecat!

Alright then, if you insist.

Cautiously, Felix followed through the forest until they reached a lake steaming in the cool morning air. He had to be incredibly careful to stay quiet. From a safe distance, he hid.

The woman began undressing. Her clothing bore an emblem some kind of bird but he couldn’t make it out. Underneath was a chainmail shirt, then plain undergarments. When she removed the last of her clothes and slowly stepped into the water, Felix had to admit he was a bit affected. He liked the sight of her toned body, but they had other things in mind.

Hey. Stay focused. The sharpness in the voice snapped him back to attention, and he pulled his eyes away from her.

At least luck was on his side, as the woman began swimming.

Now or never.

Felix crept carefully to her belongings, hurriedly grabbed what he hoped was an underdress and the hooded cloak. He excitedly stuffed them into the large magical bag, which swallowed the items without bulging. He was already running again, sticking close to the lakeshore. The lake curved through the forest, forming small sheltered coves due to the uneven terrain. At one of these, at what he believed was a safe distance, Felix stopped and put the items down.

What are you doing? You were supposed to keep going toward the road.

I think we’ll wash up quickly. Then we’ll put on the clothes.

Whether that would work as a boy in a girl’s body, he didn’t know, but the stench was almost unbearable.

So whatever, he thought, and began removing the clothes.

Don’t get any stupid ideas.

“Relax,” Felix said with an uncertain smile. “I come from an enlightened society.”

It’s always the same with you young men.

“That’s not true,” he protested, louder than he intended.

Help me with your armor, he requested. How do I get it off?

Felix fumbled wildly with the straps. His companion, already annoyed, guided him, and despite his inexperience, he managed to remove the body armor quickly. Then came the bracers, the reinforced pants, boots, and the remaining clothing.

At first, he didn’t dwell on his situation in this body. Cool air rushed around him. He was eager to get into the water, which felt colder than it actually was. Slowly, the sun rose. The trees cast their first dancing shadows on the small waves. Felix enjoyed the water on bare skin. It might not have been just him who felt relief this body too, finally freed, could move through the world again.

The voice in his head remained silent. He began washing as quickly and thoroughly as possible. To his surprise, it didn’t feel much different than usual at first.

Maybe, he thought, it was just a psychological thing. But when he began to wash his groin, the reality hit him he was not himself. He sighed, hesitating.

What’s wrong? Afraid of women? Her voice was mocking, but also sounded like a wicked grin.

Come on. You were so eager to wash.

Everything’s fine. Totally normal, Felix thought, ignoring her.

He quickly washed down there too. His face twisted; something was obviously missing. He swallowed uneasily and looked around, visibly disturbed.

“This just feels wrong,” he sighed.

As a progressive and open-minded young man, he had believed he could handle this but that was a delusion. He couldn’t feel his gender where it should have been. Breathing heavily, he floated on the water to swim a bit. But even swimming felt different. Strange, wrong. Sadness rose in him, along with the knowledge that something had been lost.

“Guard!” echoed across the lake. The trees returned a pale echo.

I think she noticed.

Felix listened closely.

You think so? he thought, turning back.

You should have gone toward the road.

Maybe, but we had to wash. Changing clothes wasn’t enough.

Maybe so, but now we’ve got trouble and I can’t stand trouble. She sounded serious.

Felix tried to reassure her.

It’ll be fine, he said. I’ll improvise.

"Aha, now I’m curious," Felix said, peeking out from the lake, scanning the shoreline. He couldn’t see or hear anything nearby, so he swam the final stretch back and began to quietly climb out of the water. The air now felt cold, but it didn’t seem to bother the body much. In fact, he found it rather refreshing.

"Now we need something to dry off with," he thought.

"Just improvise," she teased.

Felix ran his hands down his skin to wipe away the water. When he reached his chest, he was hit again by that uneasy, alien feeling. It only disturbed him when he was directly confronted with it.

Suddenly, there was a rustle not far from him.

"Someone’s coming."

He instinctively shielded his body with his hands and squinted into the woods but couldn’t see anyone. Quickly, he opened the bag to reach the spare underwear, but the stone was in the way. Surprised that it was lying so high up, he set it aside and rummaged deeper.

"This can’t be real," he cursed silently. Whatever he needed always seemed to be buried right at the bottom.

It was as if the magical bag was playing a joke on him. Just as he pulled out the clothes, another noise sounded right in front of him. He looked up and there stood one of the soldiers, staring at him in surprise.

"Hey!" Felix exclaimed. "I’m bathing here."

"My apologies, milady," said the soldier, quickly scanning the items around the bag before turning his back.

"We’re searching for a thief. Have you seen anything suspicious or had anything stolen?"

"This is exactly what I wanted to avoid."

"Don’t panic," Felix told himself, "just stay calm."

"Not so far, no. I’m sorry. If you give me a moment, I’ll be happy to help you," he said aloud.

"Of course. I’ll wait," the man replied with a hint of impatience.

"Luckily, the cloak is still in the bag."

Felix grabbed the clothes and armor, quickly getting dressed under the instructions of his companion. Still, it took time he wasn’t used to this kind of clothing, let alone wearing armor. Finally, he fastened a strap that held a stiletto in a small leather sheath on his back.

Then he turned to the soldier and said, "Now, how can I help you?" while placing one hand on his hip and trying to look as innocent as possible.

The soldier turned around and looked suspiciously at the slender girl. On his tunic, a filled yellow circle stood out against the dark red, with a flying black swallow on it.

“What do you have in the bag?” he asked, pointing with his finger.

Felix opened it. That stupid stone got in the way again, but underneath, he pulled out the leather case with the phials. The soldier gave him a crooked look, as the bundle barely fit.

Are magical bags common? Felix asked.

Hardly. In the human realms, they were banned three hundred years ago.

“You don’t have much with you,” the soldier noted. “Are you from around here?”

“What are you doing here?” asked a bold female voice from the left.

Just from the side, how rude, his companion’s voice said coldly in his head. Tell her that.

Felix stared at the man before him and replied, “Bathing. It’s rude to address someone from the side like that.” Only then did he turn his gaze to the woman.

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry for just asking questions.”

“Are you, yes? After all, you disturbed me while I was bathing, completely exposed,” he complained.

“Please forgive me, I wasn’t aware of that. I’m Iren, my knight here is called Gilbert.” She waved her hand.

She looked at Felix expectantly with hazel eyes. He had to look up slightly, even though she wasn’t as tall as her companion.

Only first names? Felix asked in surprise. He thought titles or birthplaces would be included.

With wandering knights like the Swallows, that’s customary.

Aha, got it. What’s your name, by the way? You still haven’t told me.

I don’t remember, it’s probably been too long.

Great, thought Felix. Now he was starting to feel pressured, as the others were clearly waiting for the girl to introduce herself. Luckily, something came to mind.

“My name is Anri,” he said with a smile to the two. “Pleased to meet you.”

What kind of name is that?

I’ll explain later, thought Felix.

The two knights exchanged questioning glances.

“Just Anri?”

“Yes, Anri is enough.”

“I’ve never heard that name before.” Iren thoughtfully stroked her chin. “Where are you from?”

From the west.

Felix looked up confidently. “From a region in the west.”

Iren and Gilbert looked at each other again, huddled together, whispering to one another. Apparently, it had some effect, Felix believed.

The knight seemed surprised. “Oh, from such a rough region.”

“There’s not much out that way. Which city are you from?” Iren asked curiously.

Tell them I no longer have a home. I came here to escape the past.

Felix tried to repeat the words as gloomily as possible, even though he didn’t think he delivered them convincingly. Gilbert seemed satisfied for the moment, but Iren gave him a doubtful look, visible in the corners of her mouth.

She’s critical. Stay alert around her.

Felix replied: I think so too.

Suddenly, a wild scream echoed toward them: “Lieutenant!”

Iren turned her head. “What happened?” she shouted. “Richard?” She motioned for Gilbert to follow. “Quickly, hurry.”

Gilbert drew his sword with a singing sound, and Felix’s heart sank.

“Richard?” she shouted again.

Without thinking, acting purely on instinct, he ran after the two of them.

“Attack! Tshaks!” echoed from the trees. Iren now drew her sword as well and said, “That’s strange. Why would they want to harm us?”

What are you doing? Get out of here.

Together, the chances are surely better. I don’t think we’re safer alone, Felix said.

Alone is always better remember that for the future!

“Anri, I don’t know if we can protect you. What are your combat skills like?” Iren’s gaze was grim. Determined, she rushed through the forest, leaping over roots.

“Well… not very good,” Anri replied cautiously, muscles tense. The heart raced with fear.

Felix sensed nothing good. Oh dear, what now?

Keep your eyes open. Stay alert. I’m fast and agile, and the armor will protect us.

That’s good, Felix stammered.

He tried to get the stiletto into his hand, nearly dropping it.

But I’m not fast or agile, he thought. I don’t even want to fight.

Dodge quickly. Don’t do anything foolish.

Soon after, two more knights with drawn swords came toward them. Iren’s eyes followed the first.

“Richard, where is Arun?”

Turning to her side, the man with short brown hair fixed his gaze on the path he had just come from.

“They overwhelmed him right away,” he said.

“Damn.” Iren quickly scanned the forest and planted a foot forward, readying herself for battle.

Anri was now surrounded by them. The second knight, who followed Richard closely, stood at Gilbert’s side.

Strong, but a little shorter than the others.

“Three more came from the north. Be careful, they were right behind us,” the last one said.

“Frederick, you’re bleeding on your leg,” said Gilbert, casting him a quick glance.

“Just a scratch,” he replied dismissively.

Watch closely they’re fast.

Anri, as Felix now called himself, gripped the spiral hilt of the stiletto tighter. A short, thin, pointed weapon with a small crossguard. Since it had a three-sided cross-section, at least some defense was possible.

He thought: I have no idea how to use this thing.

It’s sharper than it looks, but you need to work with the tip, understood?

Uh...

Sounds of fast-moving feet, snapping branches. Felix felt a tingle in his gut. His pounding heartbeat roared in his ears. Fear surged through him he didn’t know whether to stand or run.

Shit, what have I gotten myself into? I’ll never be able to do this.

You were the one who ran after them.

Bushes rustled. Underbrush crackled.

With a raspy screech, four Tshaks leapt at them. Small gray figures, child-sized with long pointed ears and stubby noses, barely clothed.

“Watch out!” Iren shouted, swinging her sword with both hands.

They quickly circled the small group. Apparently, there were more of them. They carried hatchets and daggers that looked like axes and swords in their small hands. They grinned slyly with stubby teeth, lunging repeatedly, but it was difficult for the knights to strike them. Gleaming steel whooshed through the air, flashing golden in the morning sun. The four tried to defend Anri. They were forced to loosen their tight formation to fight more effectively. This created gaps through which the small Tshaks could slip. At first, they ignored Anri, who was still struggling to keep up with her eyes.

“Shit, shit, shit,” she whispered through clenched teeth.

Left!

One of them tried to swing widely at Gilbert’s leg from behind, when Anri reacted.

Pure reflex made the stiletto shoot forward like a lightning strike. Flailing wildly, she struck the small creature’s dagger by sheer luck. Hissing angrily, it stumbled back and was swallowed by a bush.

Felix simply followed his instincts and was surprised he managed it. Still, he tried to follow the fight as adrenaline flooded his body.

The number of Tshaks had meanwhile increased. How many exactly, he didn’t know, but the attacks intensified. Their screams all around grew more aggressive.

Focus.

But that was easier said by someone with combat experience who grew up in this world.

A hiss. Next to Anri, Frederick groaned. He bent down and fell to his knees. Then she saw a short arrow stuck in his stomach.

“Watch out! One of them is shooting!” she shouted.

“From where?” Iren asked, spinning around.

The wounded knight pushed himself upright again. With a strike, he split a Tshak in two that tried to leap at his face. Anri quickly scanned the direction from which the arrow might have come but saw nothing.

He probably moved on and is attacking from somewhere else. Remember their speed.

The steel of a short sword gleamed in the air. With a big leap, one of the little beasts lunged at Anri. Before the guiding voice could even speak, she held her weapon out. With her eyes closed, she hoped for the best. Pure luck drove the blade into its chest. Due to the jump and the Tshak’s weight, it ripped the stiletto from her hand.

A complaint followed immediately: Watch what you’re doing.

Is that your only problem right now? she thought.

Anri knelt to retrieve the weapon. To do so, she had to turn the limp body of the Tshak, its tongue hanging out, slightly.

Felix felt sick to his stomach. It hit him hard even if it was self-defense, he had just taken a life. But there was no time to reflect, as the voice inside urged him to pull the blade free.

A whistling sound passed over Anri, followed by Frederick’s painful groan. Her eyes darted to him as he sank to his knees. Another short, thick arrow was stuck in his chest. His eyes searched for her, then he collapsed onto his back.

A crossbow. But probably just one, or the shots would be more frequent.

Anri quickly crawled to the knight, looking into his gnarled face that had surely seen much of this world.

“Take it. Help my friends.” He struggled softly but firmly to hand her his sword. Hesitantly, the blade bloodied, she took it. She looked at the weapon, uncertain.

Frederick’s eyes stared stiffly into the glowing treetops. Lifeless, yet rich with experience and pride.

“Frederick!” Richard cried out, broken.

Iren pulled him back into the fight. “Focus!”

Countless emotions and thoughts swirled within Felix, from fear to disbelief, but the situation didn’t allow him to make sense of them. All around him, there was trampling, cracking branches. He heard the swish of swords slicing through the air, splintering twigs. The knights gave each other instructions. They remained defiant, as long as an arrow didn’t strike them.

Anri gripped the sword tightly. Even though Felix didn’t know how to wield it, his decision was still to help as best he could. After all, this was about survival, so he had no other choice.

Don’t hurt yourself with that.

He ignored her sarcasm while trying to keep track of the situation. His breathing and heartbeat now noticeably increased in pace. The small-statured Tshaks focused on the knights, as they were being specifically targeted.

Out of the corner of his eye, Felix saw someone darting between the trees. The figure carried something noticeable in their hands.

The crossbow!

A split second later, Anri had already lost sight of the little one in the thicket again. Clearly, the knights had already faced many hardships together. They formed a solid unit, each guarding the other until something else came stomping closer.

Strong and at least a head taller than the men, a Tshak crashed through the bushes. It charged straight at Iren, even when Gilbert stepped into its path. This new threat wore riveted leather armor and carried a broad sword. With a sideways motion, it managed to shove the swallow-knight aside with its shoulder. Its target was clearly the woman of the group. A warning shout from the staggering Gilbert alerted Iren, who readied herself. Concern surfaced on her face.

That one has to be taken out.

At first, Anri wanted to help Iren, but then she saw him again the missing Tshak with the crossbow. He was aiming at the knight from behind a thicket. She dashed forward. Instinctively, she took the stiletto and threw it. Of course, she was far too inexperienced, just a boy from Earth, to properly strike a target that way. But the hilt still hit the side of the little one’s head. He toppled back into the bush. Dazed, he tried to get his bearings, and to retrieve the weapon. Anri ran past him and, with a sweeping strike, hit and separated his grotesque little face from the rest of his body. The head rolled next to the crossbow, which quickly found a new owner. She slid the stiletto back behind her again.

Now she stood amid the turmoil, only reacting, following an instinct that didn’t belong to Felix. Breathing in labored bursts, tense with the pressure.

Gilbert and Richard were busy keeping the little Tshaks in check. Meanwhile, the large one gained the upper hand in his duel against Iren. He pressed her so hard that she eventually fell onto her back.

With flying steps, Anri rushed forward, driven more by instinct than reason. One of the small creatures leapt at her, clawing onto her back. It tore through part of her clothing above the armor. Wildly flailing, Anri tried to shake off the passenger. She stumbled around while the little one shrieked into her ear. She twirled, hopped briefly on one leg, and finally fell, slamming her back against a tree. Groaning, the little Tshak cushioned her fall and was knocked unconscious. As quickly as she could, Anri got back on her feet while the Tshak tumbled to the forest floor. With the blade in her right and the crossbow in her left, she ran onward to help Iren. Something foreign in Felix pushed him forward.

By now, the large Tshak loomed threateningly over the knight, ready to strike. He knocked her weapon away and wounded her arm with his clawed foot. She was a little ways off from her companions, who were still fending off the smaller attackers. As the broad sword came down upon her, she closed her eyes, expecting the inevitable.

A bright clash rang out, but death didn’t come. When she looked up, Anri was grotesquely twisted above her, blocking the powerful blow with only one hand while bracing herself with the other. Suddenly, a bolt fired from the crossbow, hissing into the green forest.

A furious cry drew attention back to the large Tshak. He roared, threw Anri to the ground, and followed up with a sweeping sword strike. Anri tried to stumble away, but the blade crashed into the forest floor, shattering a thick root. The root trapped the weapon, refusing to let it go. The Tshak growled and tugged at his sword. With great effort, he yanked it free. He looked briefly at Anri, then turned his attention back to Iren. With a large step forward, he brought his sword down toward her head.

Anri wanted to help, but from the ground, the burly Tshak looked monstrous. Fear seemed to rise from the very earth, seizing and holding her down.

Richard’s blade rang out, vibrating as he threw himself in front of Iren. The attack was so strong that it knocked the Tshak’s sword from his hand. The Tshak screeched angrily. He managed to grab Richard’s sword arm and push him down with a groan. Growling, he raised a clawed hand but then his voice fell silent. Gilbert’s blade pierced through his neck, and suddenly, the offensive from the little creatures ceased. They vanished as quickly through the trees as they had appeared.

That wasn’t bad for your first fight. Felix thought he detected a smirk in the voice, though he didn’t feel at ease at all.

Thanks, he thought. I think I’m going to be sick.

Anri laid the sword down on the soft forest floor, then braced herself on her thighs to take deep breaths. She wanted to shake the queasy turmoil from her stomach.

For a moment, Felix marveled that this delicate girl’s body had helped fight a battle.

Iren struggled to her feet, but Richard and Gilbert quickly supported her.

“Thank you, Anri,” Iren nodded to her, holding her abdomen. Blood dripped heavily onto the moss beneath her. “But I fear…” she tried to continue, but a pain-stricken expression cut her off.

“Lieutenant,” Gilbert said, looking down in alarm.

“Hold her steady,” Richard instructed. He knelt and worked his way through her clothing and chainmail. “A deep wound. Our medicine won’t be enough. We must get her to Yahra quickly.”

“That’s still half a day’s ride,” Gilbert replied. “Iren, can you make it to the camp?”

“Of course,” she answered with a strained smile, but she slumped further.

Felix asked: What potion can I give her?

If you must, then the green one. But it’s a waste.

“I think I have something.” Anri pulled the bag over her head, set it down, and opened it. The leather wrap was on top, so she boldly reached inside. She immediately grabbed the stone. Grumbling, she let it drop and tried again, this time pulling out the right item. Quickly, she untangled the string, opened the wrap, and loosened the knot on the green vial.

She received surprised looks from the knights as she offered the potion to Iren.

“Here you go.”

“A life potion,” Richard observed. “Those are rare.”

Gilbert simply added: “Wow.”

With trembling hands, Iren grasped the small vial, initially eyeing it with a hint of suspicion. Anri could see her brain working behind her eyes. Carrying such a flask was likely quite unusual. The color of the liquid was so vibrant it almost seemed to glow.

“Thank you very much.” Iren smiled at the vial, popped the seal, drank the green liquid, and then collapsed again.

“We should return to the camp,” Gilbert recommended, steadying himself under his lieutenant.

“Can you manage?” Richard asked.

Gilbert nodded. Carefully, he stepped forward, while his companion went over to Frederick. Then he looked back over his shoulder at Anri.

“I know he’s quite a lump, but could you give me a hand?”

Anri nodded hesitantly, sliding the sword through her belt. Strange, what Felix experienced here. He tried to make sense of the battle and his emotions. Yet another feeling spoke within him honor that he had to help Richard with the body. So he walked over to him.

Together, they first calmed the horses, then dismantled the tents. They were simple, held up by ropes stretched between trees. After a little while, color began to return to Iren’s face.

“Thank you once again, Anri.” She gave a short bow.

With a smile, she responded, “I should be the one thanking you. After all, you defended me.”

“Of course, we’re Swallows,” Richard chimed in matter-of-factly as he was securing a tent onto the sturdy packhorse.

Anri handed Iren Frederick’s sword. A long blade with a solid crossguard, its shape mimicking wings. The thick pommel had fine engravings reminiscent of a sketched bird. It tapered quickly into the hilt, which could be gripped with two hands.

A fine piece of craftsmanship, the voice noted.

“Thank you,” Iren said with a nod.

“You’re welcome.”

Richard dropped a bundle from the horse and called out, “I could use a bit of help.”

Anri didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I’m coming.”

The savior in distress, she mocked.

You can skip that, Felix hissed.

As Anri helped the other knight, Gilbert approached Iren, who was packing a leather bag, and whispered, “She’s strange. What if we let her keep the sword?”

She gave him a doubtful look. “It’s rather valuable, though the Order has plenty of equipment. What are you thinking?”

“This way, we might hear from her again.”

Iren narrowed her eyes. “Unusual things spread quickly across the lands. Let’s hope nothing unfavorable comes of it. The belt?”

“I’ll get it.”

“Anri!” the lieutenant called. “Could you come here, please?”

“Of course.”

Does she need help packing too? Felix wondered.

You’re quite naive.

“What can I do for you?” Anri looked around briefly before Gilbert handed a weapon belt to Iren, who said, “On the contrary, I want to do something for you.” She held out the sword, sheath, and belt across both hands.

“Because you fought so bravely alongside us and protected my life, I give you this sword out of deepest gratitude.”

Anri stood there dumbfounded at first.

Well, now that’s something. Go on and thank her properly.

“Thank you very much.” She bowed slightly, then accepted the weapon.

“Come with us to Yahra.” Iren looked at her in such a compelling way that no objection was possible.

“Gladly,” Anri nodded and glanced over to the two fallen. “Is there anything I can do for them?” She swallowed hard.

“No, thank you. We’ll cover them and take them with us. But that is our duty,” Iren sighed softly. It affected her, even if she tried to hide it.

After Richard had securely packed their gear with tight knots, he helped Anri onto the dappled packhorse. Gilbert took the lead rope from his own mount. In silence, each lost in their own thoughts, the small group made their way through the forest. They followed a simple but wide road lined with round pebbles.

What kind of name is Anri anyway? Where does it come from? I’ve never heard it before.

Felix tried to explain: It’s from a game. No matter whether you play a man or a woman, the name stays the same. It’s neutral.

Sounds like a strange game. Can we try it sometime?

Uh, no. That needs modern technology and electricity.

What’s electricity?

Felix thought for a moment. A lightning bolt is made of it too, he answered. In my world, we use it to power machines. It makes life easier.

We can do that with magic.

That’s something else, he said. His mind drifted back to the fight.

You're very fast and pretty strong too, right? I mean, I blocked that big guy’s strike just like that. I actually thought I was done for. I’m not even sure why I did it. Something made me.

A certain euphoria took hold of him. Felix had to be careful to stay quiet.

I can handle most challenges.

So, what’s your name now?

Strange, I still can’t remember, the voice said hesitantly.

But everything else. Well, okay, Felix doubted. He let it go for now.

The trees gave way to small meadows and fields. At a fork in the road stood a wooden signpost, which Iren pointed to.

“We’re almost there.” Those were the last words spoken until they reached the village of Yahra.

What’s strange is how aggressively the Tshaks attacked. Normally, they’re peaceful, live near humans and trade with them.

And the big one? You said he draws the little ones to him.

Yes. They follow him instinctively, but they’re usually friendly to us. It’s odd that each of them carried a weapon.

I had the feeling, Felix thought, that they especially wanted to hurt Iren. We were just in the way, and the big one went straight for her.

Ah, not only were you paying attention, but you can also draw conclusions. There was that mocking tone in her voice again.

Maybe you’re not as much of a fool as I first thought.

Great, thanks. You could be a bit nicer, I am helping you, after all.

But I think you’re right. The little stinkbugs were after her.

Then the question is why? Because she’s the lieutenant?

Not important.