Kill them all!

You hurry to catch up with Dana as she makes her way towards the entrance of the cave. She glances at you briefly as you fall into step besides her, then turns her attention back to walking. Her stride has a determined air to it, and her spine is ramrod straight, while her chin is lifted high in the air. The image is oddly incongruous with the evidence of your recent activities still proudly on display. You consider commenting, but think better of it. You don't know who Dana is trying to make a point to, but she is very obviously making it.

The two of you emerge from the cave to be greeted by the sight of the assembled host of forest spiders waiting for you. Hrax and Blix are standing to your left; you turn to them.

How many will be joining us in the ****? you ask.

"All those you see before you shall be accompanying us. We have left behind a small guard for the clutches, but the majority of us are here," Hrax answers you.

Not exactly what you were looking for; you were kind of hoping to be told a hard number.

"How many spiders will Drux have?" you inquire.

Hrax lifts his front two legs in an approximation of a shrug. "Anywhere between a third to half as many more than our number. It depends on how many clutches he's been able to hatch."

You nod; you like those odds. Drux outnumbers you, but your troops are of much higher quality, even without any aid you might provide. Overall, you think you have a decent chance of victory, especially with surprise on your side.

You turn back to the spiders gathered before you, preparing to give a speech.

Friends, allies, today is the day we strike back against those who have wronged us. Today, we send a clear message that we will not stand idly by in the face of injustice; we will fight to defend what is ours. We all know the nature of the enemy. He is a malicious, deceitful coward who will stop at nothing to see us destroyed!
**I know that previously, we were allied with those we now fight. Some of you might even feel that you go to fight your friends today. I urge you to put those feelings aside. Our enemy gave up all claims of friendship when he betrayed us, attempting to take what we hold most dear. We will not forget, and we will not forgive. **** to the Enemy!**

"**** to the Enemy!" the spiders cry, echoing your call to arms. The spiders hissing voices means that the clearing is filled less with a thundering roar of rage, than with an only slightly menacing, sibilant shout. Well, it'll have to do.

You pivot to face Hrax and Blix. Take the spiders to Drux's hollow. Surround him on all sides. Send me word when you're in position. I'll signal the **** when we're all in position. If anyone gets hurt, have them fall back until the regain health, then have them return to the fighting. Leave no survivors.

Hrax and Blix rush off to carry out your orders. You turn to address Dana.

She jumps in before you can say anything. "I'm coming with you. I don't care I'm not that powerful. you're not-"

I know, you interrupt her, However, I would like it if you would stay towards the rear. Your healing will be needed there.

Dana looks at you considering your suggestion. You can tell she doesn't like the idea of being kept out of the fighting, but she knows you're right.

Finally, she relents. "Fine. I'll stay in the rear. But, you are to come strait to me if you get hurt. The spiders can heal in the sunlight, you can't."

You nod your assent. She returns your nod, and then goes to join the **** ****. You follow after her.