Beginnings of resistance

Iris nods at the man. “I am indeed, Samuel. I brought help, as well. May we speak inside? I’d rather not discuss this in the open.”

He nods, stepping aside to let your group in. Though he eyes you and the girls with suspicion, he says nothing until the door is closed behind you. You find yourself in a small home, clearly only occupied by this one person.

He turns back to Iris. “Forgive me, milady, but you said you brought help? Is that these four?”

Iris nods. “Of course. Remember, I wasn’t going to bring an army, our goal isn’t a war. We simply need to stop Queen Mayella.”

He nods, and looks at you incredulously. “And these four can do that?”

Iris smiles. “Let me introduce you all. Everyone, this is Samuel, he is a zombie, and one of the members of our resistance group. I trust him completely.”

Samuel nods to you, and offers a hand to shake. You do so, surprised by the strength of his grip. Iris continues. “Samuel, this is Josh, Emperor of Athkalla, and three members of his family. Maya, the half-dragon, Uzume, the oni, and Sadie, the djinn.”

Samuel’s eyes widen slightly. “Emperor? Do you mean…is this the slayer himself?”

Iris nods, and you chuckle. “That seems a bit dramatic. I didn’t do it all by myself, you know…”

Maya pouts. “I didn’t get a fancy title because I was too busy being pregnant!”

You roll your eyes. “You already have one, remember? The dwarves named you “the lady of scales”, if I recall.”

Sadie giggles. “Besides, I think it’s a better title for Joshie without the s!”

You look at her for a second, then groan. Uzume and Sadie laugh, as you shake your head. “So much for maintaining an air of dignity. To answer you, yes, I, along with several members of my family, was the one who defeated the demon lord.”

Samuel nods. “Then Iris is right. You definitely can help us. And Becca is going to lose her mind!”

Iris laughs, turning to you. “Becca is another resistance member, who has developed a bit of a crush on you after learning about you, Josh.”

Maya giggles again. “More undead booty for my Josh!”

Samuel looks at her. “More? You mean…”

Iris coughs, interrupting. “Regardless, we can start working on gathering everyone now. Samuel, would you spread the word? The less we’re seen the better.”

Samuel looks at her for a moment, then nods. “Of course, milady. By tomorrow morning we should be able to gather. You all can rest here in the meantime.”

You smile. “Thank you. I promise we’ll keep it clean here.”