Convincing speech

“Let me start by apologizing. I would rather have done this without a fight, but I don’t think your jailers would have cooperated. Regardless, you’re free now.”

There’s a murmur of conversation among the now former prisoners, an you hold your hand up for quiet. “Now, obviously that doesn’t mean much. You’re still in the middle of the ocean. You can’t return to a port controlled by the Order. Even if you could, you’re all still considered criminals by the government.”

You shake your head. “It’s unfortunate, and it doesn’t leave you with many options. However, I have an offer for you. Come with us, join us in working towards taking the Order down. We’ve only just begun our work, and it will be a long, hard road. But the end result will be a worth it!”

As you expected, someone almost immediately speaks up. A tall, scarred man steps out of the crowd. “And if we don’t want to join you? Some of us have families left behind. Some of us would rather just disappear. What then? Do we become prisoners again? Slaves?”

You look at the man and shake your head again. “No. Those of you who wish to leave are free to go once we make port. I do ask that you keep our location secret, but before you make your decision, think on this. What happens when you suddenly reappear with your family? What happens if the Order recaptures you? What kind of life can you live, always in hiding?”

You sigh. “To answer your real question, no, I do not accept slavery. I will not imprison someone simply for refusing to help me. You are free to go, if that’s what you choose.”

There is a lot of talking now, and a few shouted questions. You raise your hand again, calling for quiet. “I know you all have questions, but for now we need to get moving again. It’s about a weeks sail to port, and I would like to head that way. I promise that all your concerns will be addressed once we arrive. For now, we sail.”

You step down from the platform, Alex by your side. Ferra awaits you at the bottom of the steps, and the three of you head back to the Horizon. Both crews set to work getting ready to sail, and before long work begins in safely separating the two ships. You mostly just watch, and you’re quickly satisfied that everyone seems to be getting along already.

After a while, Alex grows restless, and heads off to check on Melora. Ferra watches her go, then leans close to you, a small smile on her face.

“Alex told me she wants to celebrate your victory tonight. I’m guessing she wants to convince Melora to join us.”

You chuckle. “I’m guessing you didn’t need much convincing.”

Ferra shrugs. “You know I’m always by your side. And Alex told me that you would really like to celebrate.”

You laugh, putting an arm around the golem girl. You give her a squeeze, and she sighs happily. Her smile grows as she looks up at you.