Unexpected assistance

You arrive at the former Humanitas capital, now army headquarters, in less than a week. And without anyone needing to be carried, although Sadie got several rides from Uzume. Those two had become fast friends, through a shared passion for silliness. They could be siblings if it wasn’t for the fact that Sadie was just under six feet, blue, and thin, whereas Uzume was…Uzume.

Kali and Samara, meanwhile, continue plotting, and continue to clam up whenever you’re around. You do catch them smiling behind your back a lot, however. In the end, it’s a quiet week, simply a long walk.

Cheers from the army battalions awaiting you herald your arrival, and you wave to the soldiers as you make your way to the castle. You bring Dura with you, along with your girls, leaving the orcs to rest while you meet with your commanders. You find Ochiba and Genna in a large room set up with maps and a large table. The commanders of the other forces are there as well, including a couple surprises. Ruka is there, and she hugs you as you walk in. “You made good time, Josh!”

You nod. “The orcs set a hard pace.”

Looking around, you are surprised to see Queen Sella’s husband, Nathan, in armor. “Don’t look so surprised, someone needed to lead our troops, and I wasn’t going to let Sella do it!”

You chuckle. “As long as you stay safe. I’m not going to have an angry fox Queen after me.”

He laughs. “I was scout-general before I caught her eye. She understands what needs to be done.”

A new voice surprises you from the doorway. “As do we all, young magus. Or should I say, emperor.”

You turn to see Forgefather Unir stride into the room, heavy armor clanking as he walks. “This is the big fight. Our one throw of the dice. That’s why he’s here, and why I’m here. If not now, when? I may not be a terror on the battlefield, but I’m the best strategist we can offer. Everyone needs to come together if we are going to win this.”

The dwarven god of metal and stone smiles. “We are all at your service, emperor Josh.”

He takes his place at the table, and all eyes turn to you. You chuckle, nodding. “I’ll try not to get a big head. I suppose that’s everyone, then. We have a lot of work to do.”

You look down at the map.