To The Camp

Quickly, the woman took Fred by the hand and led her off into the forest next to the town. Soon, they came to a clearing where what looked like a military encampment had been set up. Tents stood in rows around which tall, redheaded women much like Fred's own rescuer went about their business. Whether gathering supplies, cleaning weapons, or practicing formations, everyone moved with the disciplined efficiency born of good training.

Seeing this caused a feeling of warmth in Fred's chest, a comfortable familiarity similar to what she had felt surrounded by her roach family in that rotting log. Somehow, she belonged here, or at least someplace like here. A place of warriors, swords, and armour. But how could that be?

Suddenly, one of the women ran up to the one leading Fred. "There you are! Where have you been, milady?" Her eyes turned to Fred and widened even further. "And who is this? What happened to her?"

"I was just taking a walk and found her like this," Fred's companion said cheerfully like a child bringing home a stray puppy. "The townsfolk were about to kill her thinking she was a zombie. So, I saved her."

The other woman sighed. "That explains why these Allarians are in an uproar. I thought you had gotten into some sort of trouble again, and it appears I was right. As noble as your intention's may be, milady, we are not here to interfere with Allaria's citizens. We were invited here to help with their monster problem, nothing more. Thus, we can't have you risking your safety on any side ventures."

"I'm not a child, Fynia. I can take care of myself. And others, too. Speaking of which, my guest needs a bath and some clothes. Can you help me with that?"

"Milady, I don't-"

"Or I can always do it by myself."

With a look of resignation, the woman, Fynia, nodded her head. "No need. I will do as you wish, milady. I will also be adding this to my report to the queen. That way, when she demands to know why her youngest daughter got lost in the Allarian forests or eaten by a troll, she will know I tried my best." Not waiting for a reply, she turned and headed back to the camp.

"Your faith in me is as inspiring as ever, Fynia," Fred's rescuer muttered to herself. Glancing back at Fred, she found her staring in shock. "What's wrong?"

"Queen's daughter? Princess?"

A grimace crossed the woman's face. "Yes, but you can call me Astra. Out here, I'm just another hunter like the others."

Holding a fist across her chest, Fred bowed. While not sure what these movements meant, they just felt right.

Astra looked dismayed. Grabbing Fred's shoulder, she forced her to straighten up. "Not you, too! Please. Just think of me as a friend. If I saved your life, that's the least you can do in return, right?"

Fred could not refuse. "Yes, prin-"

"Astra."

"A-Astra."

"That's better. And I'll call you..."

Recognizing that she was required to give her name, Fred opened her mouth and replied.

1. Fred
2. Hannah
3. Frida
4. No name

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