Alliance

In the morning, everyone is pretty tired, with the obvious exception of Ferra. You find a nearby stream to clean up in, and despite Alex’s efforts, everyone avoids getting started again. The whole group makes their way back to the city, splitting apart as you and Ferra head for the Gitanna house.

This time, you’re wearing your armor beneath concealing robes, and although you’re not carrying Caliburn, it’s close enough that you could call it to you if needed. If Lira has decided to sell you out to the Order, now would be the time. Hopefully she will make the right choice.

The two of you are waved into the compound with no issues. The guards don’t seem any more or less alert than usual, although as you’re led through the courtyard, you do see a lot more training going on than yesterday. It could just be a scheduled session, but you’re wary nonetheless.

You’re met at the front door of the mansion by Lira once again, and this time she is joined by a larger man you presume to be her husband. Neither of them are armed, but you know that doesn’t mean there’s no danger. Still, they’re both smiling as you approach, and Lira shakes your hand in greeting.

“Welcome back. I’m sure you’re eager to hear my answer, but first, let me introduce my husband, Tyrin.”

You turn and greet Tyrin, shaking his hand as well. He’s taller than you, though not by much, and broad shouldered. Middle aged as well, he has the look of an athlete that has relaxed and let go a bit, though there’s clearly still strength in him. He doesn’t say anything, just nodding in greeting.

Lira laughs. “He’s a man of few words, as you can see. Come, let’s go sit.”

She leads you into the house, this time to a sitting room with several couches. All of you sit except Ferra, who stands behind you instead. She rests a hand on your shoulder, and you can feel that her skin is hardened, in anticipation of possible trouble. Lira doesn’t seem to notice, and sits beside her husband, resting her hand casually on his knee. After a moment, she speaks.

“I can see the tension in you both, so I’ll get right to the point. I will join you against the Order.”

Your relief must have been obvious, because both of them smile. “Now you can relax, right? Now, I’m not going to just throw my people into a meat grinder here. And so I’m going to give you some aid, but until you take the city, what I can do is limited.”

You nod. “Understandable. I don’t waste lives. I’m not the Order. But you know as well as I that there will be fighting.”

Lira shrugs. “Of course. And I know you’re not some butcher. I merely wanted to make my stance clear.”

You smile. “Got it. And thank you for accepting my offer. I had a feeling we were on the same side.”

Lira nods. “Indeed. May I ask, what’s next? What do you need of me?”

You shake your head. “Nothing at the moment. We’re proceeding slowly. You’ll understand if I’m quiet about our strategy.”

She shrugs. “I suppose. Just be aware that you’re not as invisible as you think you are. I know you’re making advances towards Harald. And if I’m seeing it, then you know that the twins will notice it as well. They’re bloodthirsty, but they’re not stupid. And they have eyes everywhere.”

You sigh. “It’s only a matter of time. Can you give me any insight into what they’re doing?”

Lira shakes her head. “Their compound may as well be in a bubble. No one knows what happens there, but there’s rumors. Not the least of which is that the twins aren’t human at all.”

You raise an eyebrow. “You know the company I keep. Not being human isn’t really a problem.”

Lira nods. “I know, but that’s not what I meant. It’s all just rumors, but…anytime someone goes missing, it’s assumed that the twins had something to do with it.”

You sigh. “Something to look into, then. Thank you for the heads up.”

You stand, and shake her hand, as well as Tyrin’s. “I have a lot to do, so I’ll be in touch.”

Lira stands as well, and nods.