Chapter 16: Astrid's Gratitude
With the goblins defeated and the girl freed, Alaric, Alicia, and Jake finally had a chance to breathe. The girl they had saved sat on a fallen log, brushing the dirt off her fine aristocratic gown, though it was hopelessly tattered. Her silver hair shimmered faintly in the sunlight as she looked up at her rescuers.
"I am Astrid Rolzou," she said, her voice formal but laced with gratitude. "Daughter of Count Rolzou. I owe you my life."
Alicia, ever polite, gave a small bow. "It's an honor to help, Lady Astrid."
Jake scratched the back of his head, clearly unsure how to address someone of noble birth. "Uh, yeah, we're just glad you're okay."
Alaric simply nodded. "How did you end up captured by goblins?"
Astrid's expression darkened. "I was traveling with a small escort to visit relatives in the east. We were ambushed on the forest road. My guards fought bravely, but the goblins overwhelmed us. I... I was taken before I could even process what was happening."
The three friends exchanged somber looks. Alaric finally spoke, his tone reassuring. "You're safe now. We'll escort you to the nearest village."
Astrid looked at them with wide eyes, touched by their kindness. "Thank you... truly. There's a village called Elderstone to the east, just beyond this forest. If you could take me there, my father's knights should find me."
Without hesitation, the three adventurers agreed. They set off toward Elderstone, keeping Astrid in the middle of their group for protection. As they walked, Astrid's curiosity got the better of her.
"I don't even know the names of the heroes who saved me," she said, smiling faintly. "May I know who you are?"
"I'm Alicia," said the mage, her voice cheerful. "This is Jake, and that's Alaric."
Astrid's silver eyes lingered on Alaric a moment longer than the others, perhaps noticing his striking red eyes. "You three are remarkable. Not just anyone would venture into a goblin village."
As they reached the outskirts of Elderstone, the sound of hooves and clinking armor reached their ears. A group of knights galloped toward them, their leader pulling his horse to a halt in front of Astrid.
"Lady Astrid!" the knight exclaimed, dismounting quickly. "You're safe! Your father has been worried sick."
Astrid smiled warmly. "Thanks to these three brave adventurers."
The knights surrounded Astrid, ensuring her safety, but soon a luxurious carriage arrived, and from it stepped a tall, imposing man with graying hair and noble attire. His expression softened with visible relief when he saw Astrid.
"My daughter..." Count Rolzou murmured, pulling her into an embrace. "You're safe."
Astrid gestured to the three adventurers. "Father, it's thanks to them."
The Count turned to Alaric, Alicia, and Jake, bowing his head slightly in gratitude. "You have my eternal thanks for saving my daughter. Such bravery deserves a reward."
He gestured to one of the knights, who brought forward a heavy pouch. "Ten gold coins each," the Count said, handing the pouches to the trio. "And for your valor, I insist you accept these." He nodded to another knight, who presented them with finely crafted weapons and armor.
The three friends were stunned by the generosity. Alaric accepted the rewards with a slight bow. "Thank you, Count Rolzou."
The Count smiled. "You are always welcome in Elderstone. Safe travels, my friends.