Mantle of the Gods

It felt like I was carrying a body.

Considering I had a jumpsuit full of various fruits on my back, it kind of was.

“Are we there yet?” Aelin wheezed as she sat down. “I need a break.”

Justia had been helping to carry part of the jumpsuit until Rix found a monster. While Ether was wrestling the monster into place, Justia would set down the part of the jumpsuit she was carrying, then run over to hack apart the plant monster.

We were due for our sixth monster soon and I was glad for the break. Ten power and I was still getting tired from the physical toll. I couldn’t imagine how sore Aelin had to be. I didn’t know what her Power stat was, but I knew it was less than six.

“The stream is right there.” Rix pointed in the direction we had been headed, “we’re almost there.”

“My legs…” Aelin whined

I was acutely aware of legs as Ether sat down so close to me that her bare legs touched mine. She leaned her head on my bare shoulder and I began to worry that it would become obvious just how much the physical contact was exciting me.

“Do we have to go fight until dark once we get back?” Ether asked as she hugged my arm.

It was only around five in the afternoon. We still had three hours of light and had only defeated twenty-four monsters. If we kept going we could get another eight, which wouldn’t get us close to the forty-five we had beat the day before.

“Maybe we should take the rest of the day to try to build a shelter.” I suggested

Aelin, Justia, and RIx looked at me. It felt like Ether might be starting to fall asleep on my arm.

“There is weather inside the dungeon, just like there is outside.” I tried to motion up with my chin, “So far it’s been clear, but if it starts to rain…”

Rix nodded, “We need to move camp.”

That wasn’t what I was getting at, but considering one of the walls to our camp was the creek, it made sense that she’d want to insure against flooding.

“Probably wouldn’t hurt.” I ignored Aelin’s groan, “Where do you suggest?”

“Here?” Aelin offered before Rix could speak.

“Actually…” The redhead looked around, “It wouldn’t be a bad idea.” She pointed to a spot to her right, “Firepit there.” She pointed at the tree I was leaning against, “Shelter there.”

Justia looked at me as if she was waiting for my approval.

“Sounds good to me.” My back muscles rejoiced at not having to carry the jumpsuit of fruit anymore.

“I’ll grab the fence.” Rix took off.

“What do you think the ‘prince’ is going to say about having to move?” Aelin snorted.

“I don’t care.” Ether said as she sat up, “I’m just looking forward to going to sleep tonight.

We all got up, despite how nice it felt on the ground.

“Someone needs to stay here with the food.” I looked at the women, “Probably Ether and Justia.”

“Why…” Aelin whined,

“Because the two of them can fight off a monster by themselves.” The assessment earned me a smile from Ether and a fleeting smirk mixed with a flash of pride from Justia.

“Ugh…” The buffer sighed, “One of these days I’m going to get a weapon I can use and fight off a monster. Then you’ll all realize just how awesome I am.” She twirled around for emphasis.

“We know.” I patted her on the shoulder, “Now let’s go save Rix from Grumpy.”