We explored the forest for another hour or so without further incident. We were about to head back to the village, when a scream echoed through the trees.
“Help!”
It sounded like a woman. I turned to ask Gams what we should do, but he was already moving, dashing off in the direction of the voice, Murus close behind. They didn’t hesitate for a second. Staying behind was dangerous, so the rest of us hurried to follow. The screams came intermittently. Whoever it was still clung to life, but probably not for long. I ran as fast as I could, but Murus and Gams were pulling ahead. Even Chem had to regulate her pace to let me catch up. The inhabitants of this world were impressively fit.
Gams and Murus were just specks in the distance when they suddenly veered to the left toward the sound of clashing metal.
A swordfight?
“Don’t worry about guarding me, Lan! Please go and help them out!”
Lan glanced at Chem. Chem nodded. Lan dropped to all fours and raced away at an incredible speed. By the time I caught up with everyone, gasping for breath, it was all over. Bodies scattered the ground. A couple of black wolves, a person in leather armor, two horses, and a broken cart. The cart was fancier than the one in the village, painted white and heavy with ornamentation.
Our fighters were unharmed. I had time for a split second of relief—before my breath was snatched away again by the stranger at the scene. She had golden hair that brushed her shoulders and sleek, straight-cut bangs. Her features were beautifully crafted and perfectly symmetrical. Her lips were red, eyes lightly painted. This was the first time I’d seen someone wearing makeup in this world. The woman was just a little shorter than Chem and wore an elegant dress, giving her an upper-class air. Beside my villagers, she stood out.
Gams offered her his hand, and she stood up.
“Oh.”
I gasped out loud. Chem and Murus were beautiful themselves, but this woman was out of this world. It wasn’t just her face but the way she held herself. She just oozed feminine charm. Chem gave her a terrifying scowl, staring at where the woman held her brother’s hand.
Oh God. Chem and Carol were definitely not going to take well to a gorgeous, refined woman in their midst.
I feel a bloodbath coming on.