Travel and training

In the morning, you head south. Rachel says a less thorough goodbye to the girls and heads to the portal. She promises to keep in touch through messages as much as possible. Anything important she will be sure to get to Trevor.

Trevor, for his part, gave you a few items from the kingdoms armory to assist you. You absorb an agility boosting amulet, assuming that trying to out strength an orc is a lost cause. You also find out it’s a week to reach the orc camp, and a few days beyond to the capital of Mermouthia.

The trip is relatively quiet, with the evenings filled with combat training for you, Anna and Lynn, courtesy of Clarissa, Kali, and Maya. You learn to use your agility and speed instead of strength.

The other girls entertain themselves as you train. For the most part, Yura spends the evening meditating, Elys reading, and Sadie dancing and singing.

One evening, as you’re stretching after training, Yura interrupts.

“Josh. The vision is complete. I was wrong before, the girl raising vines is no elf. She has green skin. I think dryad.”

You nod. “And the last girl is this orc we’re going to meet?”

Yura shakes her head. “She is no orc, though she is tall and muscular. I see red skin and white hair, and horns. I see her carrying a huge club as well.”

“Interesting. I don’t know what that means, but it means that this orc chieftess is going to stay with her clan. Hopefully as our ally.”

Yura nods, and kisses your cheek. You give the little selkie a smile, and turn to the other girls.

“Well, regardless, tomorrow we reach the orcs. I’m as prepared as I can be.”

Clarissa nods. “No guarantee you’ll win, but you should put up a fight they can respect. As to the other half, I can personally attest to your skills.”

The girls giggle, and you roll your eyes. “Thank you for the vote of confidence. I can’t help but be nervous. This is so far out of my world, I’m flying blind.”

Kali smiles. “You’ll be fine. Just don’t hold back, in either case.”

You sigh. “I guess we sleep on it, then. Tomorrow’s the big day.”

The girls giggle, and chatter excitedly about what’s to come. You smile, knowing that if they’re not worried, you shouldn’t be.