The plan laid out

You and Ferra wait in the command tent as the others slowly arrive. Soon it begins to feel crowded, with your girls, your commanders, including Grant, and Rahu all in the tent. Last to arrive is Brianna, along with a pair of her men. She has changed back into her armor, and she confidently moves to stand near you by the map table. All business now, she simply smiles and nods, indicating she’s ready to begin.

You look around to see everyone watching you expectantly. You take a breath, then look to Rahu. “You say you’ll be ready tomorrow?”

The former deity nods. “Yes. I’ll be able to transport you to the vicinity of Niran, along with Ferra. Any more than that would require longer, and be less likely to be accurate.”

You glance at Ferra. “That’s actually exactly what I hoped. Ferra and I will be the ones making the strike.”

Immediately, the other girls object, especially Alex, who grabs your arm. “What?! You can’t leave us behind! We’re all in this together!”

Sarah nods. “You need us! What if you need help?”

You shake your head. “This is how it has to be. Remember Poena? The…entity that charged me with this? She all but told me that it has to be the two of us. More than that, I won’t risk the rest of you. Ferra is the only one who can resist most of what Niran can do.”

Melora starts to speak, but then grabs her head. Everyone stares at her in concern, until she suddenly straightens, her normally blue eyes a blazing red. In a voice not her own, she speaks.

“He speaks the truth. The champion and his chosen companion must make this challenge on their own. No others may interfere.”

Lilith speaks in your mind. And me, of course. It’s not like I can stay back.

Melora’s gaze turns to you, those red eyes locked on yours. “Yes. The spirit succubus is bound to the champion, she is allowed. But no other exception can be made. The champion of the chaos aspect will be given gifts to combat you. It will be, as always, fair. I wish you luck, my champion.”

Just as suddenly as it started, the red light fades from Melora’s eyes, and she staggers in exhaustion. Nadia and Cassie catch her, but Melora waves them off. “I’m fine, it’s ok. That was just…draining. You can go on, love.”

You nod, looking back to the map table. “Once I leave, I want all of you to break camp once Brianna’s infantry arrives, and head for the capital. Even with Niran defeated, I doubt his forces will immediately surrender. Grant, you’re in command while I’m gone.”

Grant looks surprised. “Me? Wouldn’t it make more sense if the Crimson Lady…”

Brianna cuts him off. “Firstly, please call me Brianna. Second, I’m happy to defer to your command. If Nicholas trusts you, I will as well.”

She grins, her serious demeanor dropping. “Of course, I’ll definitely offer plenty of suggestions.”

Grant laughs. “As you say, Brianna. Your advice will be appreciated.”

You smile, and continue. “Your job will be to march on the capital and crush whatever loyalist forces remain. I will rejoin you as soon as I can. I leave the actual battle plan to you. The girls that are staying behind will be aiding you however they can.”

Grant nods. “You got it. Simple enough.”

You look around the tent. “Any questions?”

You roll your eyes as Alex immediately speaks. “Yeah! Does this mean we can party tonight?”

You laugh and shrug.