Detour: Help a Squire in need

While making your way to Shal's abode, the sound of someone grunting in frustration and in pain. A young man around your age donned in a lobster-like helmet, chainmail, and a white-blue checkered pattern of robes was fighting with insectoids the size of a house cat with a spear.

His trousers and boots were already bloody and it seemed like his footwork was sluggish. While you weren't sure whether he was always like this or if the creatures had to do anything with it, a sense of duty overcomes you and halts your steed before steering it towards the man.

The command was given through word and gesture; the horse lurches with an arched back before galloping towards the soldier. The latter seemed to have noticed you and even with his injuries, he proceeds to jump out of the way before your equine companion crushes the insectoids with its hooves.

It seemed to hate them too as it neighed and trampled on their exoskeletons even when they've already been turned to smush. Dismounting, you approach the soldier who was now resting his back on a nearby tree, continuing to grunt.

"Wonderful morning, ma'am." The soldier winced before removing his helmet and laying it on his chest. "Thank you for intervening, but-" Flinching, he tries to steel whatever strength he had to keep conscious, "it's far too late to save me.

"While I admire your valor and hope that this privilege isn't limited only to me nor dying men. I wish you luck in your travels."