Interval V: The Church of Ruins

“I feel much better now. Thank you, miss.”

I bow my head in respect. The young lady pats the top of my head and continues on to assist the other wounded. I stand. My hooves clop on the stone floor of the infirmary.

The Guildmaster walks into the room. His face wrinkles in fear and concern as he takes a moment to console an adventurer with a bandaged head. Now he makes his way to me.

“Jim, are you ready to get back out there and help the others?”

I don’t need to speak. I nod my head.

“Come with me. There is something you need to do before you go.”

The Guildmaster leads me to a small room. Not very fitting for a minotaur I squeeze my side through the door. Hitting my horns on the frame. I hope I didn’t leave a mark. From the look of decor in the room I would say it is the Guildmasters quarters.

“Papa!”

My family. Good they are safe. I know I can trust the little ones with my beloved Millie but it is good to be certain. Lowering myself I grab the calves and hold them tight.

“What were you thinking Jim!”

Oh on here it comes…

“If you were going to go hold back a horde of monsters all by yourself you should have at least taken me to fight with you.”

“Dear, please not in front of the Guildmaster.”

“Oh I have words for you myself old man!”

The Guildmaster genuinely looks terrified. I know the feeling well.

“But there is no time for that.” She snorts. “I will make sure the Guild stays safe. Go do what you do best dear.”

She nuzzles her nose with mine for only a moment.

“On the horn of my ancestors I swear that I will protect this town.”

She looks scared. She sighs and takes the little one from my arms. The Guildmaster bows and leads me out.

I turn back, taking one last look at my family.

“Good luck papa!”

My little calf lets out a tiny moo.

I will protect them and everyone in this town.

We exit out of the Guild Hall.

“Are you coming too Guildmaster?”

“Jim, do you think I have forgotten how to fight in my old age? You know if need be I still could slay a dragon if asked. Well probably. Don’t really want to have to prove it.”

I let out a hearty laugh.

“Moohoomoohoo!”

The ground shakes. Was that me? No, something isn’t right. I look around. I can feel it close by.

I hear the sounds of stone crumbling. There are screams. I look towards the commotion down the main street.

The old church. A relic left behind by the old city. The steeple crumbles.

What just happened? The church should be evacuated by this point but what could have caused that?

“Jim look–”

I see it. How?

How could monsters be within the town walls?

My blood begins to boil. How dare you enter my town you fiends. I turn and look at the old man but he is gone.

The Guildmaster is already ahead of me, running sword drawn towards the flood of monsters. I lower my body down and my hands touch the stone. I charge. My horns aimed ready to skewer my foes.

The others will know how to protect the Guild.

We need to buy them time.

No, I need to buy him time.

“Mroooooooooooooo!”

Tai we are all counting on you. The people say you are fast. So be quick. Like a nonexistent demon of speed.