Gisele was in high spirits since time of the diner and decided to spend some time training with the dwarfish solider in the barracks. Commanders were more than just pleased to hear that, reason?:

- “BACK IN FORMATION SLACKERS!” sergeant yelled at few footmen that were shattered after dragoness strike “You have the only possibility to spare against someone with posture, strength and size of an ogre!”

- “S…somehow that doesn’t sound nice!” She pointed out

- “Actually, you can easily imagine that that woman here IS an OGRE!”

- “… W-What?”

- “Big as tree, strong like cow… I actually wonder if she isn’t an ogre in disguise!”

- “Ok. Enough of these! Take your words back right now or…”

- “RIGHT NOW! FIRST SQUAD, ATTACK!”

- “Wait, what?!” Gisele got distracted and four solider that she previously knocked on the ground were raising back on their foots and charging forward

She still managed to avoid first attacks and parry two more but the last one got her - shaking her posture and forcing her on the ground

- “Victory! See? That’s how you do it! Remember folks! Ogres are bigger and stronger than you! You can’t mindlessly charge at them. Wait for your companions and set up some small ambush that will distract them. Thank you, dragoness, you played ogre’s role perfectly, actually, I think that you played it even dumber than they usually are but I don’t mind it, in the end, it is only training.”

- “R..right! That’s exactly what I did! Played a role! Ha-ha-ha!”

Dwarfs just looked upon each another with awkward gaze

- “Ok. That’s enough for today. You can rest a little, you earned that. Dismiss!”

Small training ring in which they were practicing was placed in a room with small balconies inside. Commanders could watch from these how the training was going. Because of its higher ground and being placed in darkened parts of the room soldiers in the ring couldn’t see if anyone was watching them. That helped them focus.

From one of the balconies a slow clapping could be heard. Right now I was leaning over the balustrade letting them see me. Dwarfs just greeted me with respectful nods and Gisele just turned around, all red on her face.

- “Interesting tactic, sergeant, yet mind telling me what distraction you plan to perform on a battlefield? I doubt that calling ogre as dumb and fat as a dragon would work.”

- “Ay. That’s part of the plan that still needs some work.”

- “On the other hand, if an ogre would know Gisele I think that his pride could be damaged after such comparison…”

- “HEY!”

- “Still your lady is one hell of a warrior, mage, I am pretty sure that all divisions would love having her in their lines.” sergeant praised Gis quietly so only I could hear him

- “Aren’t you afraid violating formation?” I titled my head

- “Nay. This chick can work as whole life by herself, we could just cover her back and sides… changing the subject a little – do we know anything about greenskins yet?”

- “Yes and no. We know the location, more or less, but we will have to wait till morning for their numbers, forces, and fortifications.”

- “We will count on you then. Till battle day. Magician.” He nodded once again and followed his men

- “How long where you watching us?” Gis asked when we were left alone. Her head was still turned away from me

- “Since [back in formation slackers]”

I knew why she asked. She probably did great till very last moment, unfortunately I witnessed only her most humiliating moment. Her quiet hiss convinced me about it even more

- “Come sweetie. Tomorrow we may have a hard day. We need to rest, especially you. You got quite popular among dwarfs –on my way here I was asked by at least ten commanders if I couldn’t [lend] you. I am almost jealous.”

Her tail twitched happily.

Indeed, my friends, if you want to make your woman happy you have to feed her with sweets and praises. Well, mine prefers meat over sweets but I am sure you can easily see my point!

- “I..if you say so.”

She put huge wooden bat she used instead of her sword back in weapon’s racks and headed after me outside of the barracks.

Now as I look at everything from the side I am one lucky bastard, am I not? I mean, just look at it! I got kidnapped yet I managed to escape getting myself quite nice team and weakening my enemies by healing strongest human alive sister.

I followed “friend” to get myself an armor and I ended up helping him and his kingdom at war getting close to newly elected queen which opened paths for political negotiations.

Yeah. I know. I told you I am not interested in politics. That is true. Or was. I won’t make it my priority but maybe, just maybe, if my luck would not abandon me I could build myself something nice, could I? In the end I have quite few fractions supporting me already.

~ It is only natural for you to hunger for greatness

~ You are being called beast king for a reason

~ That’s your fate. You will not escape it. Most primal desire

~ To look at everything around you and acknowledge it as yours

~ Host-sama is surely growing up quickly

~ … damn it Lust! You ruined the mood!

~ I JUST GOT OVERWHELMED BY EMOTIONS, OK!?

~ What we are trying to say is that what you feel it is completely natural. Don’t fight back with that desire. You are adapting to the world around you same way the world is adapting to yourself. The weak creature is shaped by the world as it becomes stronger, and when it reaches certain level of power it achieves the ability to shape the world itself.

~ Savor the taste. Enjoy it, let it fill you.

~ Use those around you same way they want to use you.

~ You told that yourself. This is what you want. You are worthy to have…

… everything. But not just yet.

- “Zari? Something happened? You looked bit absent for a moment.” Dragoness asked with concerned tone

- “I am fine, sunshine. I was just wondering what a funny life I have. I really have everything. Funny life, lots of actions, great friends and most wonderful woman I could ever desire by my side.”

- “You are wrong in one place…” I raised my brow “… I am the one having you, not the other way!”

She chuckled happily.

If that’s what she wants to think, I won’t stop her. Just let me look in those eyes of your some more.

Next day. Morning. Guild.

Jericho was sitting behind the table supporting his chin on his palm. Now he saw what he refused to see for past few days. He screwd the training. He treated Elana like every other student that came to study under his guidance – he did everything to abuse her limits.

That was a mistake, he could easily tell that by seeing lack of improvements. Poor little El still struggled with doing ten sit ups.

Damn it. Zariel told that clearly – some basic stretchings and warm-ups! Her muscles were degenerated - she has to learn once again how to walk, damn it! By abusing under-developed muscles he could harm its grow! He could cripple her for life! What a shameful mistake!

Hopefully, it is still not too late.

Someone knocked at the door.

- “Guild Master, you called us?”

Rus shoved her head through gap in the door

- “Indeed, I did. Come on in.”

Rus walked inside, Elana followed her. Her cheeks were already bit reddened from climbing thought the stairs.

- “I got a quest for you two... Easy! Easy there! Nothing big. No killing, nor hunting.” He added after seeing eyes of the girls widening “In the end, Rus is still G rank…”

- “F! I got promoted yesterday!”

- “Rus, my child, Rank G was made just for nobles that wanted to have a paper telling that they are adventurers – somehow it boost their ego. F rank stands for, pardon my words, Fucking useless. All rank bellow D were made to separate spoiled brats from people with guts that are not afraid to get their hands dirty. There is still a long way before you would be treated as adventurer.”

He said that with rough tone making little magician lower her head bit with her cheeks reddened from embarrassment

- “Don’t get me wrong. Ranking up is an event worth celebrating, but you have to remember that you have made only first step. Nothing more.”

- “I.. I know it!” she pouted

- “B..but what about me?” El asked clasping her hands on level of her chest in concern “I am not even an adventurer, I can’t possibly be recruited for any quest, not speaking about…”

Jericho slide over the table a piece of paper with quest in her direction. She pick it up with tense expression.

- “That is… a shopping list?”

- “Very important shopping list!” Jeremy corrected her raising his finger in the air “I want you two to get everything from the list in same order.”

- “B…but the things from the top and bottom of the list can be bought in same place! You literally would want us to walk over the whole merchant district few times! It will take us twice as long!” magician yelled after taking a look at the list

- “There is a reason behind everything, Rus, here – I prepared one for you too.” Another piece of paper was push in direction of other girl

- “It’s fine! I am confident with my memory! Just leave it to us and…”

- “Rus. I insist. Take it.”

The list given to Rus had bit different quest description. Bit above list itself he wrote a small notice

Rus,

Adventurer has to become stronger not only as individual, but also as part of the team. You will leave your life in hands of your friends many times. You have to help them improve too, remember – the chain is as strong as strong is its weakest link. El has determination. All she need is a little push and someone who would help her bring her body in right shape. From now on I would like to ask you to help me training her. The two of you may make a great team with time. So, Rus, will you help me?

Girl read the text over and over again. In the end she just raised her hand which she clench it in the fist giving Jericho confident nod

- “Please! Leave it to me!”

- “R..Rus! Aren’t you to eager? I..I mean, that’s just a shopping list and…”

- “There are only two ways of doing things! Seriously or not at all! Come on El! We will put our spirits into this job!” her eyes were burning “Come on, El! Shout with me! YA-HOOO!”

Rus yelled raising her hand over her head

- “Y..Y…Ya-ho?” El followed both scream and posture, yet with far smaller excitement

- “We will have to work with your posture and confidence! But fret not! I will devote lots of attention to you from now onwards! We will make a heroine out of you! You will see, kids will be adoring you! Hm, we will have to think of some cute nickname for you! CRAP! I DON’T HAVE ONE MYSELF! Ok, easy there, we will have a meeting to discuss that matter as soon as we would end with this quest and…”

Rus was talking with speed of thousand words per minute while pushing her friends in direction of door. In the end Jericho was left one again alone in his office

- “I hope Zari won’t kill me for that.” He said quietly to himself

Another knocking could be heard at the door

- “Ya busy?”

It was Jason. Middle-aged man that Zari brought recently to the guild.

- “I am always buys.”

- “Sad to hear that.” He said forcing sad expression on his face “I just got myself new bottle of whiskey and I was looking for someone to help me empty it.” He slowly started leaving the room

- “Hey, hey, hey! Where do you think that you are going? Back inside! I am not THAT busy! I mean, if I would relax myself a little my efficiency would improve, right?”

Jason put two glasses on the table and opened the bottle

- “Oh, I am sure that you are right.” He said while pouring liquid into glasses “You have lived longer than myself, all I can do is to listen to you while hoping to learn as much as possible… also, I would have a favor to ask.”

O-ho. Here we go. Nothing for free

- “I am all ears.”

- “Well, I joined the guild cuz Zariel told me that I could somehow earn a coin for bottle of two… The problem is that because we are ranking up so slowly I can’t put my hands on better quests. Come on, Jeremy! I am talking to you as my bottle-friend! I am not asking for moneys for free! Could you just… forget about my rank once or twice while setting quests, will you?”

- “Oh, I am not sure, it doesn’t sound right.” He said after he drunk the glass in one go and putting it back on the table

- “Oh, if you could reconsider this…” he said as he was pouring another round into glasses

- “I am still not really into this idea…” they drank once again

- “Really nothing that would change your mind?” Jason Jasny yet again refilled glasses

- “…Well, you know what?” Jeremy asked as he opened the drawer and picked another paper “I have a quest here, estimated for B-ranks. Easy one. A merchant needs someone to protect his goods in warehouse. The problem is that the city – two days south-west from here – is well known because of thiefs. Merchant is afraid that guards are corrupted. I told you, normally I would send Morgul or Marika… but then a photomancer… you could just cast illusion in the warehouse? Make it look empty or filled with some food?”

- “And what does it store?”

- “Oh, you would enjoy it. He is one of the best producer of… whiskey. If he would like your job he can give you some gift… You know what I mean? BUT! No drinking during job!”

- “Fear not. Zariel already trained me in that matter. Also, you are great friend, Jericho!”

They finish the bottle and Jason left the office with wobble step.

Damn it. He was growing too soft.

Same time. Red Mountains.

They started preparations before the sun raised. Lots of forces were gathering in the hall in front of the gates. And I have to say that – they were impressive. Their coordination was flawless, especially those in the first lines. Commanders were giving orders and in next second phalanxes were moving as one body.

- “THIRD BRIGADE – LEFT WING! FIRST BRIGADE – RIGHT WING! SECOND – TAKE MIDDLE! MAKE PATH FOR BULLDOZERS!”

Brigade was made of 25 footmen creating 5x5 formation. Every life on five was made of sergeant commanding four of his man, and every brigade by corporal. Sergeants were taking command if formation of brigade would be broken.

Sergeant had their helmets with small horns on the sides which made them easily recognizable on the battlefield. Corporals were having small flags attached to their backs.

There was also squads of cavalry – depending on the environment. If they would manage to catch enemies on the mountainside they would send fast divisions on goats – same squads were send if the enemies would start running.

Yet it was their heavy cavalry what was truly worthy of praise – in the end you rarely can see someone riding over cave bears.

Gisele joined bulldozers taking her spot in first line of the middle team, taking place near my recent opponent. Bulldozers themselves were put in the third line. Interesting. They wouldn’t be hit by first line of enemies, so casualties from impact would be lessened, still they are close enough to take a lead in case if situation would turn dire… wait, is that modified Acies triplex?

- “Are you ready yet?” Queen asked as she stopped by my side. I looked at my cool-down message.

- “… Five, four, three, two and…” I started counting down

Flash of magic turned into smoke that slowly started forming shape of bird. A raven flew from purple mist landing on my shoulder as it started rubbing its head on my cheek

- “There, there, who is a good birdie? Hm? Yes, you are! Did it hurt? Aw, it did! My poor little birdie was hurt! It’s ok now, there, there!” I kept patting its head gently

- “Could you… um… hurry?” Vakirra didn’t like my small gestures of affections. I calmed her down with a gesture.

- “How cruel to hurt my birdie! Little one, show me who did that to you, I will surely repay a debt!”

Gilbert chirped happily as he rested his head on mine creating memory link.

Alien memories took over my mind as I saw and felt same things my raved did yesterday. I saw it. Valleys and mountains. Lots of forces on the mountain bit to thenorth. At first Gilbert wanted to fly in that direction but something else caught his attention. A small blink to further on west.

Bird turned and flew that direction. A small camp was well-hidden. Hundreds of small goblins and few hobgoblins were swarming the places. One side of the mountains was hit with pickaxes over and over again. It almost looked as if job of forces at the north was to draw attention.

Weird. I remember what goblins are like. Not completely stupid, but their strategies were lacking a lot. They prefer swarming their targets…

There was a tent made of leather in the corner of the camp, Gilbert tried flying bit closer, yet few greenskins below noticed it. Their raised a shriek and bolted to the blowguns and slings trying to shot bird down.

From the tent few creatures stepped outside. A gobbling with staff – clearly a shaman. Some twisted creature I already seen – a small troll, his movements were fluent and despite his ugly body he was moving with grace.

The last creature was two meter tall, red skinned ogre… no. wait. He is bit shorter, but I am almost sure that he looks pretty alike to certain WOMANH I met. Is that an Oni? Respect that is show to him… he is not just some warlord, can it be that I have already saw enemy leader?

Goblin-shaman pointed at Gilbert and said something to Oni, he just nodded, pick up a stone and throw it at Giblert.

It flew like bullet, poor bird had no chances of avoiding it. Next thing I felt was the stone crushing my skull. I shattered memory-link hissing with pain.

- “Everything all right?”

- “Enemy is leaded by red-skinned, two meters tall ogre or Oni, I can’t be sure. There is a hidden valley here…” I said putting my finger on the map on the table behind us “… they are doing … something… there. It looks as if their forces are doing everything to keep your forces away from that place. Gilbert has been spotted. I am pretty sure that they relocated their forces to stop us from reaching. Well, that’s what I would do if that camp would matter to me.”

Queen Vakirra nodded few times. Her advisors were walking at the map

- “They would have better positions…” head of Ironblood said “… they have at least three places they could use to set up an ambush. Here…” he pointed on narrow passage “… they can put archers. We wound have to send goat-riders to eventually clear the passage. Then here…” his finger slide over the map on next position “…they could set few traps. We would be forced to march uphill. Units with towershields should lead the way here… and finally – opening right here. Perfect place for battle. Open space. Solid, hard ground – place capable to hold an army or two – it is also guarding the only passage to the camp that kid showed.”

By [kid] he meant me.

- “Thank you, Zariel. We are marching out! Ironblood is in charge of strategy and his son will command an army from the field.”

- “I have weird feeling that you want to leave me here…” I titled my head to the side. Damn, I slowly stop controlling that movement

- “We told you, your fighting style is far too different from ours and…”

- “I won’t charge with army, damn it! Still, I am sure that you could use help of magician, I am pretty confident with my skill, at least up to the point of stopping few goblin magicians from burning your forces!”

- “Y…You want to come with us?”

- “Yeah. If I wouldn’t I would be forced to hear Gisele boosting how wonderful she was on the battlefield for next three years! And that way I could steal at least part of the glory.”

Queen few times opened and closed her mouth few times before nodding one more time

- “Very well and… thank you. You truly are our friend.”

The gates of the city under mountain has opened and brigades one after another start marching out. Hundreds if not thousands of dwarfs left the heart of the mountain.

Ah, so we finally get to the part with explosions, exciting, is it?