Rebuilding an empty kingdom

The march to Agito continued the next day. Less vocal than the trip steeped in song, but no less determined. You and the Queen, without so severely encumbered, walk slightly ahead of the group. Braun had also insisted upon, ensuring that the Queen return to her land firsts. It was a symbolic gesture, something that you're increasingly finding out is a big deal to the General. He is driven by honor, clearly, but also by appearances. He does not seem completely vain, his cousin back on the throne was far more guilty of that. You are grateful for his help so far, but remind yourself that for all of his public affection and displays of loyalty to Queen Vercion, he will still put the good of his own people before your own if it comes to it. You have to be prepared for that possibility; lest you suffer the same fate as your ancestors.

Not that there's human subjects to compete over, you remind yourself. Making a turn in the switchbacked roads, around a large boulder, you are finally able to see your past and future home, the ruins of the Diamond City of Agito. It's a familiar sight to you by now, but you overhear several gasps from the dwarves.

"Gods" Braun says loudly as he comes to you "I know your kingdom was destroyed, but I didn't envision that it had been so complete."

You nod quietly "The Immortal Emperor doesn't believe in half measures Braun. He left nothing standing so that my people would have nowhere to go except to him. After the last stand that nearly ended the Triumverate War, he doesn't take any chances."

"Well, not to worry Mastbreaker," as he steps between the two of you "Your Highness. This is our home too now, we'll put this right. This will be an impenetrable bastion by the time we're done. The Emperor himself will have to come tear it down, you have my word" There's cheers from the crowd as well.

"Speaking of Orcs" he points down at the city, seeing the Warg riders racing through the area "It looks like you've got yourself some intruders". Moving on instinct, the general moves swiftly to call his men to action "To Arms! Gunners, Shieldbearers! Make ready to repel cavalry! Defend the convoy, Protect the Queen!"

"Belay those orders!" The Queen shouted over the General, causing a pause and great confusion.

"My Queen, this is not the time for diplomacy. They are a threat"

"They're with me" She brought her voice down, calming the situation "It was their idea for us to come find you."

"They're as eager to settle old scores as we are, as you are" You add in. "They're our scouts and **** protection."

"Stow all weapons!" The general ordered. Relative normalcy was had again, the three of you holding in place.

"A human kingdom with orcs and dwarvish subjects" Braun humors the idea "Oh my friends, win or lose, we will be long remembered."

"Especially when there are no human subjects, not yet anyway" You add in. Braun looks up at you in confusion, but lets out a sudden laugh

"Oh, what a tale this is turning out to be. A Human Queen with no humans under her, but leads dwarven refugees and an orcish warpack. Gods, I would not believe it myself if I were not here to it myself." He raises his hand to the side to guide Vercion along "Fear not, Your Majesty. Once our great work begins, your people will return. They'll know it in their hearts and their bones, that it is time at least to come home"

Vercion smiles quietly as the march continues, moving quickly as the end draws closer. Haven been given the warning, noone was taking action as the orcs approached. Chiorgax still lead the front, and was eager to approach and celebrate.

"Well, son of a whore, you're back quickly, and with friends!" The dwarves move slowly, traveling around the warg riders. The orc beasts struggled to be contained, finding new smells and new sights among this dwarvish throng. "How in the hells did you pull this off?"

"They believed us" You answer simply "General Braun here knew more of our Queen than we did"

"Well, you can't beat that sort of luck." Chiorgax said "Unfortunately, I don't have as good news to report"

"Ya? What is it?" You ask

"Imperial scouts" She replies "They've been nosing around in this area. Got one of them to talk, they're looking for whoever may have been responsible for killing an imperial governor."

"That was me" You acknowledge proudly "he held Vercion as a sex ****"

"Good on you mate" Braun said proudly "Terribly sorry that happened you, milady"

"Well, at any rate" Chiorgax continued "no one's going back to Imperial territory alive, we've made sure of that. Not sure how long we can keep the secret going. The pack moves with the wind and with the food."

"It'll last as long as it can" Queen Vercion said "We all know what's coming, sooner or later. We can't hope for the Immortal Emperor to think we're beneath notice, not for long."

"All understand what's at stake. The Emperor stopped his conquest where he did for a reason. He fears dwarvish planning, and orc ferocity. We'll do all that we can, and begin preparations immediately."