I can barely believe that we got out of that situation alive. Ogres really are scary strong, even unarmed. He was overwhelming and even though I used one of my trump cards, shattering part of my armor, it seems like he had not been hurt too much. If it had not been for Alexius, I would probably have been killed. I have to hand it to Alexius, he can really come through when he really needs to, even if he is heavily injured.

Speaking of Alexius, it worries me that he has lost consciousness, but there is little that I can do now, as I myself am not in much better shape. I'd hate to make Helena worry about us, but I don't think I am in any condition to carry Alexius back to camp. Besides, I guess it's better to check this carriage. If the ogre, clearly the most powerful fighter here, was guarding the carriage, then there's probably someone or something important inside. Probably the reason why they blocked this pass, created this fog and attacked a caravan. I put a hand on the door, hopefully whoever is inside won't attack me, I am not in any shape to put up a fight right now.

“What is it? Is it already time?” I watch a gnome girl let out a heavy sigh. “To think that my life will end like this... My poor small heart, gouged out in one of the grisly ritual of the Broken Wheel to their mad deity. Well, aren't you going to pull me out? I am certainly not going to walk to my demise willingly.”

Despite the situation, or perhaps because of it, I let out a chuckle.

“If you don't like getting a knife to the heart, then I suppose you're in luck today. Me and my friends were traveling through this pass and saw what had happened to your caravan. We decided that whatever it is that the Broken Wheel planned to do couldn't be good, so me and a good friend came here and killed all of them. You're welcome, I suppose.”

Looking at the utterly confusing and unbelieving expression in her face was slightly comical. She probably believed that this was some kind of mind game or trap. To be honest, I would probably be thinking the same in her position.

“You mean to say that every single one of the crazy cultists outside are dead and that I am saved? You must forgive me if I say that I think this is a bit too good to be true.”

Wavering between disbelief and hope. If she wants to be sure, then I suppose there is only one thing she can do.

“Hey, you can step outside of this carriage and take a look around. Sure, the weird fog is still around, but it shouldn't be too hard to stumble on the corpse of the ogre me and my friend killed. But... I'd prefer if you don't stumble on my friend who's unconscious next to the dead ogre, he's quite hurt.”

Quite a predicament that I am in... I don't even know if Alexius' life is in danger or not. The gnome woman changes her tone.

“There's someone injured out there? I... I guess if he's your friend then he must be one of my saviors...” It seems that she decided to believe me. “I'm not all that ready to leave this carriage yet, but if you bring him inside... I could take a look at him. I was taught many things by my tutor, weak healing magic is one of them. If he's bleeding to death then there is nothing I can do, but if he only has surface injuries... I can purge light infections and soothe flesh wounds.”

That was very good news.

“Oh, good! Here I was worrying... I will be right back!”

I pretty much jump out of the carriage. Even in the fog, it doesn't take too much for me to locate the ogre's body and the unconscious Alexius next to it. It takes more effort than I expected, but by putting some will into it, I manage to drag Alexius to the carriage. It takes even more, but me and the gnome finally manage to at least take off the upper part of his armor to take a look at his injuries. I can't help wincing at the scar he got back in the Eternal Testing Grounds.

“Hmm, good thing you brought him to me. These burns he has aren't too bad if you apply some healing, but if you just leave it there, then it might cause him pain the rest of his life. Those other wounds here... If I just purge these, its not a problem at all, but if you just leave them be... He could die from an infection in a few days. There. He should be in no danger at all anymore.”

That's a big relief.

“So, if you'll excuse my rudeness, who are you? Some kind of priestess? I guess that would explain why the Broken Wheel wants you for a sacrifice.”

And the healing skills as well. But it seems that I was wrong, she shook her head.

“I am not a priestess. My name is Milina Gardesine, daughter of the city of Toragan's council president.” Ah, that explains the fancy carriage. “I know healing magic because my tutor is one of the most preeminent scholars in Toragan's history. Might I know your and your friend's name? I owe both of you my life.”

I suppose it can't hurt to reveal our identities. She does owe us a pretty big favor.

“I am Kardenon Therynia, of Tharaz Eron. This one here is Alexius Magnar, from Meridia. If it's not too much to ask, since we planned to visit the city-states of Nemiria, would you mind providing us with lodge in Toragan, since your father is so influential?”

Surely, it is a reasonable request.

“It is not a problem at all! If you bring me unharmed all the way to my home, then I am sure my father won't be opposed to that. In fact, I'm sure he would insist in providing great rewards!”

This girl... I'm not sure if she's naive, or if she's actually quite shrewd. Well, it's not like I intend to turn into a kidnapper and extort money from her father or anything...

“I see, not that I need a reward, anyway, would you mind moving a bit that way? Thank you, I am quite tired. Since Alexius is out of danger now, I will just close this door here and... take a little nap. I am exhausted.”

Am I forgetting something?