A convenient alliance

You smile at the woman. “I am Nicholas. Fittingly, we’re here to take refuge from the change storm out there.”

Before you can say more, the first boat from the prison ship arrives. The man who shouted before leaps from the boat, running through the surf to embrace the cow woman and the baby she holds. A cheer goes up from the nearby people.

The woman nods, looking back to you with a smile. “I’m guessing we have you to thank for bringing Amelia’s mate back to her? She will be very grateful, we thought he was lost to us. I am Bella, please tell your crew they can join us here.”

You nod, giving instructions to the crew you have with you to go back and start moving ashore, and to bring some supplies. No sense using up your newfound friend’s resources. Afterwards, Bella asks you to come with her, to explain what’s going on. She brings you into the village, and brings you into what must be a gathering place, large and open, with a few tables and chairs. You sit down along with Melora and Alex, with Ferra deciding to stand behind you with a hand on your shoulder.

Bella sits across from you, and looks over your group with a smile. “Well, you seem like a popular fellow.”

You chuckle, shrugging. “It’s been an adventure, for sure.”

You explain your story, and introduce everyone. As you tell your tale, Alex and Melora chime in when they have something to add, though Ferra keeps quiet. Bella listens with rapt attention, and when you finish, she smiles as though at a private joke.

“So, you’re working against the Order, and you’re based out of a village not far from here?”

You nod, and she continues. “Interesting, and it seems you have mostly men, while we have mostly women. It’s almost like it was fated for us to meet. I don’t suppose you saw this coming, miss seer?”

Melora shakes her head, though she stifles a laugh. Bella nods, smiling. “Well, it seems obvious to me that we should work together. You say that they are good people? I won’t have those under my care taken advantage of.”

Alex giggles. “They’re so nice it’s almost boring! They don’t even flirt with me because they know I'm Nicholas’s bondmate!”

Melora nods. “Victor and I would never allow things to be like that. We’re supposed to be the good guys, after all.”

Bella smiles. “So there’s good leadership as well, wonderful! I think we should arrange a meeting. When you go, I will come with you. If everything goes well, perhaps we can join up. Most people here want to find a way to fight back.”

You nod. “Of course. You’re welcome to come with, and it should only take a few days.”

Melora smiles and speaks up. “I can’t imagine there would be many objections from our end.”

Bella laughs. “I expect not! Likewise from us, many of the ladies are quite lonely here. Actually, on that note, I have a favor to ask. Two, actually.”

You look at her curiously. “Go on.”

“There is a young woman here, about your age. Her name is Cassie, and she has been dying for some adventure. If you and your companions don’t mind, I would have her go with you. She is a talented fighter, and a strong healer as well.”

You look at her in surprise. “You remember that we’re more than just friends, right? As in, we share a bed…”

Bella rolls her eyes. “I am not a fool, Nicholas. And neither is Cassie. All I ask is that you meet her.”

You glance at the girls, and Alex speaks up immediately. “The more the merrier! Our bed has plenty of room!”

You roll your eyes and glance at Melora, who nods. “There’s no harm in meeting her. It’s not like we’re kidnapping someone.”

Bella looks at Melora. “Actually, she will be very interested in your eyes, dear. Perhaps she can help. Her healing is extraordinary.”

Ferra speaks up. “If she can help us, we should see her. If she likes Nicholas, all the better.”

You chuckle. “It’s settled then. And what’s the second thing?”

Bella smiles sheepishly. “I would like you to introduce me to your Captain Ben. He sounds like a dashing fellow, and we’re going to be traveling together for a while…”

You laugh, rolling your eyes.