Chapter 6 - Laera
Lukas hated being caught unprepared. He was not ready to start a brawl at the Cottage. His feasting girls were still unaware that the Council Guard stood on their porch. Lukas knew he had no chance against all five guards without their help, which would be late to arrive. He wasn't even sure they would stand a chance regardless.
The head soldier noticed Lukas' unease. "Let us in," he said. "We promise we won't kick your ass again." As Lukas' continued hesitance became apparent, the guard grunted. "No one is getting arrested today."
Lukas nodded and slowly stepped aside, letting the soldiers enter the home. Four alarmed faces greeted them as they entered the main room. Unprompted, the soldiers sat down on the sofas, letting out content sighs as if they were finally resting after a long journey.
"Let's get this over with," the captain began. "My name is Bruiser, and I am a captain in the Council Guard. You can call me Captain Bruiser." He leaned back in his seat and continued. "The news is likely still breaking here in Eberlorn, so you may not be aware. A dragon emerged from the mountains in the Mystic Forest and razed the city of Stormpyre, the stronghold of the Phoenix Guild. The capital is rushing reinforcements to the forest perimeter, including Eberlorn, in preparation for another attack. We have been given a directive to recruit local Adventurers to support us in the event the dragon does target the Chimera Guild."
The Lukas and the girls listened intently to Captain Bruiser, not believing what came next.
"My team would like to officially request your assistance," Captain Bruiser said, "provided that you aren't holding any grudges from our previous encounter. The compensation for your assistance has not been determined yet..."
"Hold up!" Lukas interrupted. He, just like his four companions, could hardly believe what he'd just heard. "It's hard to imagine you are being serious. Surely there must be loads of other Adventurers that have more experience than us. Why us, specifically?"
Captain Bruiser clenched his fist tightly, not amused about the interruption. "You were not my first choice. Two teams of Anoran reinforcements arrived just hours before us and snatched up all the heavy hitters. It's a shame; the elves will probably just use them as front-line fodder."
The soldier nearest to Lukas leaned over and whispered. "Don't let him fool you, he might have picked you even if we got here first. You showed real grit, and he's convinced you won't bail on us if the situation turns south."
Captain Bruiser shot his subordinate a death glare. "As I was saying, I do not know at the current moment how you will be compensated, but make no mistake, it would be highly advantageous to have the Council Guard owe you -- especially given your... rebellious nature."
"What does this mean practically?" Lukas took a deep breath, thinking it through. "Do we follow you around until a dragon shows up?"
Captain Bruiser shook his head. "The Phoenix Guild managed to score some serious hits on the dragon. It will likely lay low for a couple days to regenerate its health. We are housed by the Chimera Guild in the Great Hall. If you hear the early warning bell, meet in front of the hall, ready to fight. Otherwise... Well, it would probably be too late for Eberlorn. If we survive a surprise attack, we will likely seek shelter in the Mystic Forest. You can try and find us there."
"What are the chances the dragon strikes here next?" Lukas asked.
"The mountain range is located roughly in the center of the Mystic Forest," the captain answered, "which is surrounded in all four directions by the guilds. However, the Phoenix Guild was slightly closer than the rest. Eberlorn is the next closest. I can't be sure, but I would sleep with your bags packed and your weapons within reach."
"Can I have a moment to discuss this with my team?" Lukas asked. "I can't believe I'm considering this, but if Eberlorn is faced with destruction, perhaps old enemies can become friends."
Captain Bruiser stood up with his four companions and shook his head. "That was really cheesy." They walked towards the front door -- two of the guards still chuckling at Lukas' line. "We will be waiting for your decision on the front porch," the captain called back. The door closed leaving Lukas alone with his team.
"Oh boy," Fiona said, barely containing her laughter, "'Old enemies can become friends.' They must think we're complete amateurs.'
A rare blush flashed briefly across Lukas' face. "Fiona, we are amateurs!"
"Nah," Fiona replied, "we may have only been doing this for a couple weeks, but there's a reason they came here. Lukas, you know this team. You know we can hit way above our experience level."
Lukas nodded, knowing she spoke the truth. "What does everyone else think? Do we suddenly not hate those council twats?"
"If we are going to fight a dragon," Gemma admitted, "I would want them by my side. I have to agree with Fiona's assessment, too. I wouldn't place us in the amateur category."
"Gemma," Lukas said, "we aren't going to fight a dragon. We are just reinforcing the Adventurers who are going to fight the dragon."
Gemma just smiled at him. "Whatever you say, Lukas."
Lukas looked at Gwyn.
"I still don't like them," she said simply, "but I'm in if you are."
"Laera?"
"If my team fights with the Council Guard against a dragon," Laera mused, "my parents might not hate you all." She offered up a shrug. "A terrible reason to hinge such a decision upon, but I say we go for it."
"Speaking of making life decisions for terrible reasons, maybe Lukas should consider giving the elf an extra skill..." Fiona began.
"Fiona!" Lukas stopped her, hoping to prevent her from finishing her thought.
"What?! I'm not even kidding. Look, you need a Mentality boost; I'm betting the princess mage can give you a nice one."
"Fiona, you were just saying how great our team fights together already. We don't need to pressure Laera into anything," Lukas argued.
"We are going up against a dragon, Lukas. Her magical talent is spectacular; I've never seen anything like it. Imagine her with another skill? She would be unstoppable."
Laera started blushing, not understanding the sexual implications of their conversation, but surprised at how highly Fiona was willing to speak of her abilities.
"Laera needs to come on her own terms," Lukas affirmed.
"Don't give me that" Fiona snapped back. "Her pussy gets dripping wet every time she's around you. Imagine her with a skill, I don't know, to swallow your cum and get extra mana from it?"
"Fiona!!" Lukas desperately tried to protect Laera's innocence, but the veil had already been lifted from the conversation.