On the march

The next morning, you head out of the city. You’re not the only one who looks like they took advantage of the final night in the city. You and your girls, of course, but you catch Ochiba and Genna sharing a smile occasionally, and you even notice a few soldiers with an extra spring in their step.

Regardless, you and your fellow leaders head out of the city at the head of the column, and spirits are high. A cheer goes up as the flag of Athkalla is unfurled upon leaving the city. Meanwhile, there’s a constant flow of reports from your scouts, directing you as to the location of the enemy forces you’re looking to meet in combat. It sounds like you will meet them tomorrow, before you reach any settlements.

As you walk, Clarissa walks beside you. “How are you feeling about this, Josh? Finally moving against the demon lord, that is.”

You sigh. “Ask me again after the battle, honestly. I have confidence that we’ll win here, it’s the main army that worries me. In the end, all that matters is taking him down. It’s odd, both sides live and die by their leaders.”

Clarissa nods. “Both sides fall if the leader falls. The difference is that we’ve been dismantling his support, and fighting on two fronts, plus whatever happened with the purple glow.”

You sigh. “I had forgotten that. We need to get scouts to look at that as well, and get some idea as to what the triumvirate is doing.”

The metallic dwarf smiles. “One problem at a time! Once we start liberating actual towns, you’ll feel better.”

You nod. “And once the looming threat of battle is dealt with. You sometimes seem to forget I haven’t done this a lot.”

Clarissa laughs. “Don’t worry, the rest of us will cover for you. Lean on the expertise you brought with you!”

You smile. “Good advice. I knew I kept you around for a reason.”

Clarissa chuckles. “I’m sure it has nothing to do with my kinky side.”

You grin. “How dare you! My motives are totally pure!”

Clarissa looks up at you, amusement in her glowing eyes. “Based on the sounds coming from your room last night, I don’t believe you.”

“I was corrupted by the demons in my bed!”

Clarissa laughs.