Direct action

You gather everyone together to figure out your next moves. Despite the situation, all the girls are in good spirits. Even Kaeli seems relaxed, though you suppose anything is better than where she was. With a sigh, you sit down, and Ferra stands behind you, a hand resting on your shoulder.

“So. It seems we won’t be able to do the slow takeover we had planned. The twins are forcing our hand. Any suggestions?”

Surprisingly, it’s Alex who speaks up first. “Why not hit them before they can hit us? If they’re trying to lock down the city, they won’t have many troops at home.”

Sarah nods in agreement. “That’s not a bad idea. And we still have surprise on our side.”

Alex beams at the hellhound, happy to get her approval. “Exactly! We rush in, thane them out, bam! We win!”

Hell yeah! I like how she thinks!

Nadia shakes her head. “It’s never that simple, you two.”

Melora looks thoughtful. “Not usually, but…what if it is? This isn’t a kingdom, where people will rally to a fallen ruler. By all accounts, house Thenlan is cruel, and people are scared. If we take out the heads of the house…”

You nod. “It’s possible it could all crumble. But this is sounding more like one of my insane and risky ideas. No matter how many troops are in the city, the twins won’t be unguarded.”

Ferra squeezes your shoulder. “Not to sound arrogant, but there are not many that could stand against us. Assuming we can get into their compound.”

You look over to Cassie, who has been quiet until now. “Cassie? Any thoughts?”

The chameleon girl shrugs. “I’m not much for violence, really. But I don’t see any way to talk this through. The twins seem like bad people.”

Kaeli speaks up. “I never liked them. They’re what happens when a bully grows up and gains power. They never stopped being the child who pulls wings off of flies.”

Her voice grows distant. “They’re exactly the sort of warlords we formed the Order to depose.”

She looks at you, her eyes hard now. “If my opinion carries any weight, I say we go after them directly. Their soldiers are simply following orders.”

You nod. “Nadia? You still think this is a bad idea?”

The faerie thinks for a moment. “Well, yes. But I think it’s the sort of bad idea that you pull off, master. Just be careful.”

You chuckle. “Im always careful.”

Right. That’s how you ended up with a succubus in your brain. Super careful.

That gets laughter from everyone. Even Kaeli and Ferra crack smiles. You nod. “Fine. Once we hear from Lira about Harald Feyran, then we go. We’ll start planning tomorrow. Today, we relax.”

The meeting breaks up, and some of the girls walk out, chatting. Kaeli turns to you, looking at you questioningly. “Would you mind if I spent some time with miss Ferra? I would like to get to know her better.”

You smile. “That’s up to her. Ferra?”

Ferra nods. “Of course. Master is safe here. We can speak privately, if you wish.”

Kaeli nods, and the two of them leave the room. The only ones left behind are Melora and Sarah. Both girls grin at you, and Sarah gets up and closes the door.

You chuckle. “You have something to say in private?”

Sarah laughs. “You can’t play dumb very well, Nicholas. You know what we want!”

Melora nods. “And we have some fun ideas we want to try. Just say yes.”

Do it, coward.

You laugh, and smile at the two women.