United

Lita's grim assessment wasn't as bad as you feared. Where you had imagined soldierly legions of demons like you had heard of at World's End, there were only a couple of Berghast's and some imps floating through, looking for havoc. By now, there had been enough time for the city watch to marshall a response. Armed but poorly trained defenders were in the streets, mostly corralling villagers to safety, though a few were actively confronting the demonic threat. A couple of them take particular interest in the five of you.

"Hey!" You hear as a couple come your way "What do you guys think you're doing? Everything's going to shit and you decide it's time to take a merry stroll?"

"Relax" You say, putting an emphasis on calm. It's clear he and his friends are low on trust and high on stress, and you don't want to be the one to start an avoidable fight. "We're not here to cause trouble. We're trying to help"

"Really?" A more junior, undisciplined one pops in, his anxiety making way through this full helmet "You guys have any sense as to what's going on? We're clueless out here"

"Ya" You respond quickly, being sure to jump in before Joan tries to levy a coy insult "there's a demonic cult starting all of this. We're heading to Lord Diamant's estate, that's where they all are."

The guards look at each other, seemingly shocked. One of them isn't so immediately convinced "Wait, how do you know that? Hm? You gotta admit this is all rather suspicious"

Lita pipes in "Because Lord Diamant is my master. I've seen him form his cult for years, but was too terrified to do anything, until it was too late."

"Look" you add in "There's not a lot of time, and we could use all the help we can get. There's probably going to be a lot more trouble there, so rally whoever you can, and meet us there. If we work together, this can all end tonight."

"No guarantees mate, but we'll see who we can scramble together. I know where that estate is. Give us about fifteen minutes, and we'll be there with whoever we've got."

"Thank you" You reply "Be safe out there"

The soldiers carry on without a word spoken. The first voice you hear is Joan

"My my" she opens up "First the princess and now you? If I didn't know any better, I'd say I was had"

"I'm sorry?" You ask, not understanding her point

"You sure you haven't done anything like this before? You have such a strong grasp of command."

"You're a natural leader" Trevolia adds in "My dad could see it too. Probably why he was always trying to get you involved in something."

"To be honest," Joan brushes up against you as she speaks "It's pretty hot"

You're physically taken back "I can't believe you. Seriously Joan? Everything's gone sideways, our life is on the line, and you choose now of all times to be horny?"

"That's my secret darling" She gives a wink and a closed smile "I'm always horny. Besides, we didn't finish up from last time. I'm surprised you're not aching for not having finished."

"I've got my priorities" Your reply leaves an opening you should have seen coming

"That's not a 'no'" Lita pipes in, surprisingly "Even for a pampered noble, you've got real strength. I wonder what it would feel like to have those strong orc hands wrapped around my neck..."

There's some giggles from the other ladies as your face takes on visible surprise from the outburst.

"Settle down" Trevolia says, trying to be the voice of reason "we need to get through this mess first, and that's not going to be easy, even with the town guard helping." She glances at you, seeing that old fire in her eyes forcing a smile upon your face. "Besides, if Silve thinks he can juggle four women, he should be shown exactly what that means. We'll see if he has the endurance for it..."

The conversation is cut short as another imp rounds the corner in a hurry. Moving as one, the lowly demon is easily dispatched of, and you continue your march towards the gate of Lord Diamant. Waiting in a secluded spot, you find the rookie soldiers have tripled in size since you last saw them.

"Aw, no way" you hear one of the guards let out audibly "this is the band of adventuring hero's you were talking about? This is who's going to save us? We're fucked"

"You'd still be wondering around with your tails between your legs" Lita responded in rare defiance

"Look who's talking" one of the guards was quick to respond

"Hey!" you shout "That's enough. I know we're not anyone's first pick, but we're here to do the same thing you are. Anyone who can't take orders from an orc or a drow can just as easily turn around now. I'm sure you're needed elsewhere."

The soldiers look at each other, but none moved away, to your mild surprise.

"Okay than. Let's get going than"