At A Moment's Notice

"H-Huh…"

My eyes are open.

A faint orange has begun to peek into my tiny inn suite. The chilly temperatures of the night are now transitioning into the warm summer day. This transition is present, but definitely still very early in the process.

KNOCK KNOCK

"I'm coming, I'm coming…"

I couldn't go back to sleep even if I wanted to, not with all of this ruckus outside my door. My only option is to open the door and be greeted by a tall man in heavy armour. He would have been easily mistaken for a decorative piece with how none of his human features are visible.

"Who in the world are you!?"

"Are you Rado Huward?"

"I don't know what you think I've done, but I'm innocent!"

Slow reflexes back me into the only other piece of furniture in the room, that being a wooden desk. My luggage rattles atop the platform as I bump into the desk with little to no grace.

"Ah, no—-"

"Did you finally decide to get rid of me!? I won't go down without a fight."

I brandish a metal spoon, my hand completely ignoring the bow and quiver sitting right next to it. The rough surface feels much more comfortable in my hands.

"Don't underestimate my tools! This thing has taken on demons and lived!"

"Again—"

"Go ahead! Do your worst!"

Some of the other residents glance into the room as they pass by. Upon seeing my crazed face, they speed up their walk behind the towering soldier.

"I have come to deliver a letter from Commander Charles!"

"Huh?"

Instead of pulling out his sword, he brandishes an envelope free of any smudges or folds. From where he was storing it so well is a mystery.

"A letter? That's unusual…"

I lower my weapon and slowly approach the outstretched hand of steel. Even the paper feels high quality once I hold it.

"Please read it with utmost urgency."

"Ah, thank you for bringing it."

Without me ever seeing his face, the knight turns to leave. Meanwhile, I tear open the paper envelope. Shredded pieces litter the floor due to the wax seal being uncooperative.

"Let's see here…"

Heavy steps come from the hallway and join my beating headache as I glance down at the fine penmanship. The way that the characters curve is better than your average merchant. Would be nice if I knew what any of it said.

"Hey! Get back over here! I have no idea what any of this means!"

Knights always seem to move annoyingly fast for how heavy they dress. That makes it hard to chase the man down and get him to read the letter aloud.

* * * * *

"Commander!"

"Rado! Well met!"

I'm out of breath from having run the entire way from the tavern to the front gates of the city. The sun has started taking to the skies and the heat settled in just in time to make the trip an absolute pain. Admittedly, I maybe only ran for half the distance.

"What is…hah…is happening…"

"Breathe, Rado! You still have some time!"

He looks over my hunched shoulders, where one more person is rushing towards us. Even if the purple outfit didn't immediately give her away, the presence of only Leon and Bernard at the gates probably would have. The aforementioned two are getting the horses ready.

"As detailed in my letter, you are to ride Leudo at once! The—"

"Who is that, again?"

Charles holds his face within his palm for a moment. If I weren't such an important asset, I could probably predict how far I would have flown after his blow.

"It is the farming village near your previous demon encounter."

"That village!?"

I can still remember how nice the people were when I was last there. It was thanks to their generosity that we were able to have a proper meal before our battles. I fear what may have happened to us were we powered by only ship biscuits.

"The residents have reported frequent demon sightings, and our scouts found them gathering in preparation of a large assault."

"A large…"

I can feel my blood rushing. Memories of the devastation that I had experienced plays in my head, this time with homes and faces that have not yet been burned. However, I cannot guarantee that they will be standing for long.

In my panic, I grip onto Charles's shoulders.

"C-Commander! We must do something at once!"

"Indeed. That is why you all are here."

Our wizard finally joins the gathering, allowing the Commander to pull away and stand in front of the party. He delivers our mission the same as always, standing tall and looking across each of our faces.

"We are preparing an army to defend the village. You will ride in advance to push back the invading forces. Prevent this attack from occurring at all!"

""Yes Sir!""

I joined in, shouting that confirmation from my heart. My time there was brief, but I can still make out some of the faces in my memory of that village. While I may not know any of their names, I see my past self in them. The way that they peacefully go through their lives and take on every day one at a time, I've lived it before. And just like in this sad life of mine, it all came under the threat of demons.

"We're moving out!"

That is what I shout to my horse as I pull myself onto his back. There's no time for me to be battling the second worst creatures in this world. An even more threatening existence is waiting for us.

The others are quickly mounted as well, reins in hand. Leon looks back at the Commander, who now stands in salute.

"We will not fail!"

"I shall hold my faith as such. Best of luck heroes!"

A series of snaps and our steeds are put into a full sprint. It takes everything I have to hold on at this speed, but I must bear it. There are greater lives at risk.

"Please make it in time…"