Your friends arrive

It is hard waiting when you are so close to your objective, and harder still because Alexia is so close that you can feel the warmth of her breath, even though she is careful not to let you touch her. She's right of course, a woman like her deserves to be treated with honor, but as a man you want nothing more than to feel her lithe frame squirming underneath you, her hard capped tits in your hands and her long legs spread open to receive - Damn it! Pushing away the erotic images, you focus on what Alexia is saying instead of her good she'd feel as you explore her body.

"-left for another week, but after that I don't think we are going to be able to stay where we are." She is right to be concerned about your supply-lines. You had hoped to be able to use the ample amount of gold from Kalion's mines to loosen the tight supply of food to buy what you need for your troops at three or four times what you should. But, the United Armies have been here for almost a month now, and there just isn't much grain left no matter how much you are willing to pay for it. Suddenly Alexia climbs to her feet and peers into the darkness.

"The others coming now." Sure enough, Barticus and Galeon striding confidently up the boulevard led by the much slighter figure of a boy. It takes only a second before you recognize Sandrine as the pair's guide and even though you are aching to show Alexia how you feel about her, you feel a tingle of anticipation as the mysterious young noblewoman comes closer. In many ways the two are similar; Sandrine's crudely bobbed hair is darker, and her hips are a little more rounded, but neither of them have the full bouncy breasts and buttery skin of fine ladies like the dark-eyed twins waiting for you back at your camp. More importantly, both Alexia and Sandrine have the spirit and courage to risk their lives for a greater cause, remembering Sara and Mara's giggles as they described what they hoped for in a man you have a hard time imagining either one of them in Sandrine's sandals.

It is a measure of how focused you had become on those inappropriate images of your spymaster squirming in your arms that Alexia spotted the pair before you did, but the pleasure you feel at the sight of these three friends far outweighs your irritation at your lack of awareness. Galeon ignores your offered hand and sweeps you into his arms like you are no more than a small boy hugging you wordlessly. Barticus is less physical, but you can see the relief in his eyes when your right-hand man finally puts you back on your feet, and Sandrine appears to be laughing at you as you try to regain your dignity.

Just once, you'd wished she could see you at your best instead of dangling from your giant's bearhug. Once back on your feet you greet Sandrine with careful politeness and introduce her to Alexia who seems eager to meet her. You make no attempt to hide her gender, but none of the others seem surprised to learn that this ragged street urchin is actually a young woman. Barticus in particular appears taken with Sandrine; he always had an eye for the fairer sex, and even with the smudges on her face and dressed in her ragged clothing he clearly sees her potential. A little irritated that everyone seems to have an easier time charming the mysterious noblewoman than you do, you decide to end the small talk and finish this adventure.

"Alexia," you nod towards the center of the city during a lull in the pair's conversation, "Time to get moving. I want to get to the temple district by dawn."

"Yes, Sire." Alexia agrees, but instead of turning her attention to moving on, she glides gracefully to your side, clearly with something on her mind. Her voice is pitched low enough that only you can hear. "You should consider sending either Barticus or Galeon back to camp to call off the search and let them know all is well."

Your advisor is right as usual, you have to send word, and the messenger must be someone who can restore confidence to what must be a tense situation. You consider the pair helping Sandrine to her feet. Of the two Galeon is better prepared to take charge of the Kalion forces in your absence. But remembering his bear hug, you wonder if he will even allow you deeper into the city without him. For that matter, if there is going to be trouble, Barticus would also be useful in a fight...