Rising threats

You slowly walk back to the camp in the morning, a bit groggy from your busy night. Addie went back to bed after you left, but that’s not a luxury you have right now. Ferra walks beside you, unaffected. Her face is neutral, but you can sense the slight amusement in her body language. Regardless, she keeps it to herself as you he’d towards the camp. Even Lilith is quiescent, sated from a long night of ‘feeding’. The succubus has been quiet of late, clearly worried about her fate.

As you walk into the camp, you’re greeted at the entrance by the guards. You simply nod in response, heading towards the center, where the command tent and the girls are set up. When you walk in, you find the girls all gathered already, along with the unit commanders. Alex is the first to see you, and she immediately bursts out laughing.

“We were right! Looks like my bondmate had quite the night!”

Everyone chuckles, even the commanders. You can’t help but grin yourself, and shrug as you walk up to the planning table.

“Yeah, no surprises there. Did I miss anything exciting?”

The highest ranking commander, a grizzled veteran named Grant, shrugs and speaks. “Camp is all set. We have some fortifications to build to be truly finished, but we should be set by evening.”

Melora speaks next. “And not a moment too soon. Danger approaches, and it feels…familiar. I cannot say exactly, but we have a fight coming.”

You nod. “Can you see when they will reach us?”

Melora sighs. “Not with any precision, I’m afraid. Within a day, two at the outside.”

Sarah speaks up. “I doubt that Niran is expecting us to be here. It shouldn’t be a problem, we’ll smash whatever shows up!”

Nadia shakes her head. “Too much confidence. Always expect a struggle.”

You interrupt Sarah before she can answer. “You’re both right. Whatever Niran sent to wipe this place out, it won’t be expecting a defensive army. But we can’t go in expecting an easy victory.”

Grant speaks again. “The troops are as ready as we can be, and we have scouts on patrols. We’ll have plenty of warning, whatever shows up.”

You nod, and you’re about to say more when Rahu steps into the tent. The former deity barely fits inside, his head brushing against the roof. He nods to you as he walks up to the table.

“Ahh good, you’re here. How soon do you plan to move on Niran? I have begun to gather my strength to send you.”

You glance around the table. “As soon as possible, but first we need to see off this threat.”

Rahu nods. “Very well. I trust you can handle this without my aid? I must conserve my energy for our real fight.”

Alex answers for you. “We got this! You just get charged up!”

Cassie laughs. “Yeah! Then we can go smack the bad guy around and get back to the fun!”

You smile. “There’s your answer. Go do whatever it is that you need to do, we’ll handle this. As for the rest of the camp, keep up the good work, and if anything happens, come find me. I need to take a nap.”