The Bravery of A Knight

"Damien, you're…"

"I'm fine," he stopped her words, "I'm the vice captain of your strict squad–I'd be caught dead years ago if I was stopped by a flesh wound like this."

Even so, his words were only that–words, and not reality. Still, she accepted his hand with a faux smile, if only to give her comrade respite as she was hoisted to her feet with the assistance of Damien. 

"We need to retreat," Damien told her as he grunted, wincing as he reflexively held his abdomen which was gushing plentiful crimson. 

"Damien, you're not…!"

"I'm fine!" Damien replied sharply, collecting himself as his breaths came heavy, "...listen, your safety is top priority. I'm pretty sure there's a town a few miles past the Rainbow Peaks…Irideyle, I think. Should be some local adventurers stationed there…maybe some knights…"

Getrude begrudgingly accepted, giving her shoulder to him, "First, we have to grab Malune." 

"And if he doesn't want to move?"