The Forsaken Hero
Chapter 792: Return of the Star Guard

Chapter 792: Return of the Star Guard

The refugee camp was a sprawling, chaotic patchwork of tents and cookfires. The elves within were tired and worn, wearing scraps and old, faded cloaks. A few children ran and scurried between tents and around weary adults, earning glares and sharp rebukes, but most just curled up against canvas tents, staring listlessly at the ground.

I braced myself for the stares, glares, and fear that came whenever I went anywhere with Fable, but they never came. The most we drew were a few weary looks, but as soon as it became clear we weren’t stopping or engaging anyone, the refugees largely ignored us.

"It’s so sad," R’lissea murmured, looking around with sad eyes. "I almost miss the stares, but who can blame them? A hero and a few demonkin aren’t worth mentioning against the horrors they’ve seen."

Despite the lack of interest in us, our elvish escort was tense and quiet. Their eyes roved back and forth, scanning the masses of refugees on either side. Occasionally, one would jump at a sudden movement, half drawing their sword or raising their spear. A sharp word from their leader forced them to stand down, but they never lowered their guard. At times, they seemed as wary of us as they were of any threats from outside.

"They’re keeping an eye on us," Elise whispered in my ear.

"What?" But we’re helping them," I protested.

She shrugged. "They’ve as much to fear from us, without a demon horde, as the Risen or Luke’s forces. They don’t know we want to save them."

"Would it change anything if they did?" I asked hopefully.

Her expression darkened, and I sighed, shifting Borealis into a more comfortable position. The only elf I’d truly known was Selena, hardly an appropriate sample size for knowing their culture and customs. Oh, and R’lissea, but she hardly counted.

As we approached the walls of the city, dropping into the bottom of the valley, I felt several powerful presences approaching. They brushed against me like the summer breeze, warm and familiar. My eyes lit up, and I leaned forward over Fable’s shoulder, scanning the white canvas tents. There was nothing but shabbily dressed elves, until...there! A flash of steel announced the arrival of a heavily armored soldier.

"Luxxa!" I cried, startling everyone around me.

The armored woman noticed us immediately, correcting her course so quickly I almost lost track of her. She moved with the grace of an experienced warrior, blurring slightly from the speed of her approach. The rest of the Star Guard trailed after her. There was Gith’s dark cloak, Jena’s white, revealing dress, and Kahlen’s gleaming robes. My tail stiffened at the sight of the demons, and I glanced uncertainly at the guards.

The leader spat a curse, drawing his sword. His men drew in a tight ring around us, souls brimming with power.

"Stand down, elves," Luxxxa said as she reached us, folding her arms. She’d been running, but her breathing was light and easy. Her eyes, however, were hard and stern, daring the elves to disobey.

The leader of our escort gritted his teeth, then reluctantly sheathed his sword. The others followed suit, backing away slowly as Kaheln walked past Luxxa, coming to one knee in front of Fable.

"My Lady, you’ve returned," he said in his smooth, steely voice.

"Kahlen," I said, dipping my head in greeting. "It’s been a while."

"Look who finally decided to show up!" Jena said, gliding forward gracefully. She flashed me a grin and a playful wink. "Still alive, eh?"

Gith nodded silently, fingering his bowstring. His eyes continued to rove around, keeping a vigilant watch. Even the elves had forgotten to do as much.

"My Lady, forgive us," Luxxa said, dropping to her knees beside Kahlen.

"Please, don’t," I said, slipping from Fable’s back. Borealis jumped into the air, circling overhead. "You have nothing to apologize for. You kept Korra safe."

The female knight shook her head vehemently. "No, we carry nothing but shame. Our sole purpose was to be your shield, sword, and spell, and yet we failed you. We never should have allowed you to face the horrors of Brithlite on your own, and be taken by the demons afterward. Everything you’ve suffered since is on our heads."

"Luxxa," I whispered. I sniffled softly, tears gathering on my eyelashes. Why was I crying?

She stiffened as I threw my arms around her, hugging her tightly. The cold metal of her armor was hard against my chest and head, but I ignored it. Is

"My Lady?" Luxxa asked, awkwardly patting me on the back. "Are you alright?"

I nodded, sniffing again. "Luxxa, please, don’t say things like that. It wasn’t your fault. Everything that’s happened...it was supposed to. If the demons hadn’t taken me, I never would have gotten to where I am."

The words tumbled out, echoing thoughts I’d never dared utter aloud. For some reason, it was like a weight left my shoulders, lightening with every breath of the knight’s fresh, surprisingly feminine scent. So much of my suffering was meaningless, imposed on me because I was powerless to stop it. But coming here, saying that...I realized it was the truth. Where would I be if I hadn’t had Luke to help me overcome the darkness of Haven? I might not have even made it that far, as R’lissea had been captured by the demons, too, and without her, I would have fallen to the sunpurge. We never would have created Requiem or facilitated the surrender of Blacksand. The Lava Dragons would roam free, and Rash’alon would rule the demon horde. There was much pain and suffering on this path, but when faced with the sheer immensity of our accomplishments, how could I regret it?

"I’m glad you see it that way," Luxxa said, "but please, allow us the chance to redeem ourselves. Will you accept us as your guard, once more?"

"Please." I lowered my head, resting my forehead against her breastplate. "It would be a welcome honor. My sunpurge may be healed, but I’m just as vulnerable as before."

"More so," R’lissea added. "She’s half a spell away from collapsing at any given time."

I flushed slightly, ears warming. "I-It’s not that bad. I can cast lots of magic."

"Just not the good stuff," Korra said, laughing.

"Is Sari here?" I asked, looking over the knight’s shoulder.

"She’s with Flicker," Jena said, nodding at the city. "Staying at an inn, I believe."

My eyes widened, and I glanced at Kahlen. "They let demons in the city?"

Kahlen snorted disdainfully, giving the elves a vicious smile. "They’re welcome to stop us, if they wish. But only their archmage has that kind of power, and she wouldn’t act against us. Not with our allegiance to you."

"Good to hear," Fyren said, "I was afraid I’d have to burn my way in."

Kahlen executed a low bow, his floating swords mimicking the motion. "My Lord, it’s a pleasure to be in your presence once more."

Fyren waved dismissively. "Yes, yes, just continue your duty. Join these...Star Guard in protecting the Oracle, as you once did."

"As you command."

Our escort was growing antsy, so I returned to Fable. Elise offered me her hand, pulling me back up, and we resumed our journey through the camp. The Star Guard fell into place with our escort, positioning themselves between us and the elves. I caught Jenna watching me, a small smile playing across her face. I touched my cheek, searching for anything amiss on my face, blushing even when nothing came up.

"What is it?" I asked timidly.

"Nothing. Just...you look different. More confident. Find a man or something?" she asked teasingly.

I froze, my tail going rigid. "W-what?"

"Jena," Luxxa warned with a frown.

"What? Just asking. Besides, at least we can confirm she’s just as bashful as before. Some things never change," the wind mage said, chuckling.

I averted my eyes, trying to hide the crimson splashed across my face, but Korra was already laughing. Elise patted my shoulder sympathetically, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Isn’t she just adorable?" Korra exclaimed. "No wonder she’s got Luke crawling all over her."

"He’s not!" I cried.

"There is someone?" Jenna gaped. "No way!"

"Alright, that’s enough," Elise said, though it was clear she was still hiding a smile. "We’re almost at the gates, and it wouldn’t do to arrive without composure. This is an important diplomatic mission, don’t forget."

"It is?" Jena tilted her head. "No one told us."

"Maybe because they haven’t had the chance. Please, just stand back and do as you’re told, for once," Luxxa said.

The wind mage sniffed, but, to my relief, withheld from teasing me any further. My face cooled, and I took a deep breath. As much as I hated to admit it, the tension had almost entirely left me. For a moment, it had felt like nothing had changed, and I was back in the days before the war in Brithlite. Jena might be a tease, but...I let a small smile slip. It had been a long time since I’d felt this relaxed.

The escort stopped as we arrived before the massive gates. Turning, the leader gave a salute. It was clean and crisp, mimicking the salute of Blacksand’s soldiers.

"Welcome, heroes and oracle, to Brackencliff City. Please, follow me. Lord Greenpine awaits."