"Hold the line," Keagan D'Arc calls to his men as another wave of harpies swoops down on them, their talons scraping against the men's shields. One of them manages to sink their claws into one shield and effectively carries the man holding it into the air. He screams his head off as the feathered girl begins to beat her wings harder.

Keagan curses, slides his flail into the metal loop on his belt, and then picks up a broken spear that lay at his feet. He takes aim, the soldier's flailing unbalancing the harpy for a moment and giving him time to get a clear shot. Keagan lets the spear go with a loud 'oomf', the headless spear soaring through the air and strikes the harpy in the side. She shrieks, her talons coming loose from the wooden shield and letting the soldier go, who also screams from being dropped from a fifty-foot height. Keagan watches with a droll stare as the soldier falls on the outer side of the fortress wall. He's fine.

His men push back as another wave comes in, sweeping low with their talons raised and ready to snatch up any man not ready for the attack. "Push!" Keagan's soldiers answer his command by thrusting their shields forward, the harpies slamming against them. The Monster Girls cry out from the unexpected impact. Despite their petite frames, harpies have powerful legs that allow them to be able to carry off men fairly easily. Keagan himself once watched a pair of harpies carry off a horse, the rider still clinging to the beast as they flew off with them.

Despite the attack the harpies take back to the air, fatigue wearing on them as they finally realize their defeat. "MEANIES," it is a collective insult from the harpies as they fly off into the dreary, overcast sky.

Keagan sighs heavily, glad to finally be rid of the harpies; at least, for today. They did not take any of his men this time, Keagan thanks the Gods silently as he did not want to send another report to the Legion. He doubts he would have heard the end of it.

Keagan hisses as the physician places a bandage over the wound on his shoulder. It is a flesh wound, received from the harpies' latest attempt to kidnap him and his men. Normally he would not bother with it, but he does not know where their claws have been.

"They don't know how to take 'no' for an answer, do they?" Lora says as she secures the bandage. She is an older woman, though you would not know it by looking at her. Her skin is fair, no wrinkles or scars, a nice, curved figure, and a pair of nice breasts that show no sign of drooping. Keagan would have liked to have her in the old days, but those times are far gone.

"That's putting it mildly," Keagan says with a sigh as he pulls his shirt back on. Lora secures her medicine bag as Keagan stands up and heads for the door. "How is the guy who fell? What was his name? Dermel?"

"Yes. He's going to need a few days of bed rest. Twisted his ankle when he landed, though how it was only that is a mystery to me."

Keagan curses. As the commander of the farthest outpost in all the Iron Legion's territory, Keagan is in charge of maintaining the garrison of Fort Northpoint; though calling the ruins a 'fort' is laughable if you ask him. The entire place is not even worthy to act as a light house as it sits on top of a sea-facing cliff. Furthermore, Keagan and his thirty men are responsible for patrolling the three villages in the area and protecting them from Monster attacks. Hard to do when they often attack the fortress itself, too. Suffice to say, even being short one man can make things difficult.

"Fine," Keagan sighs heavily. He knows Lora will not allow him to overwork his men; despite her normal, more gentle nature, Keagan has seen the beast that hides behind that pretty face, too many times if you ask him. He will just have to make do with his remaining men for their patrols.

"Commander!" Keagan groans at the sound of his lieutenant, Conner, who bursts through the door right as Lora and Keagan would have opened it. He is a young man, only twenty-two, short blonde hair and green eyed, standing in a set of steel and leather armor with a broadsword at his side. The young warden has only been with him for six months, but he has made himself useful, especially with the villagers.

"Yes, Conner, what is it?" Keagan gives the young warden a droll stare. Despite being a decent soldier, he is highly strung, often seeing the most minute tasks and situations as overly important. Especially when it comes to injuries. Conner straightens himself, realizing he has overreacted, again.

"I received word that you had been injured. I came to make sure you were still well." He says, keeping his military bearing. Keagan sighs heavily.

"Yes, boy, I'm fine. Unfortunately, we're down a man. Poor sod almost got carried away and twisted his damn ankle." Keagan steps forward and Conner steps aside for both him and Lora to enter the hallway.

"Yes sir. I heard that as well. Shall I take the lead on today's patrol?" Keagan starts to confirm it but stops. Normally he would just send Conner, the warden being far more likable than the gruff, often irritable conqueror that Keagan is. However, it has been some time since Keagan went on a patrol. As a leader, he cannot leave everything to his subordinates; or at least that is what his superiors keep telling him.

"No. I need to stretch my legs. You stay here in make sure nothing goes wrong while I'm away."

Three hours later…

Keagan secures his flail to his belt and his shield onto his back before climbing into his saddle. His horse, a large, shaggy beast, grunts as the heavy man settles onto his back.

"Oh, quit your whining, Mormon," Keagan returns, patting the horse's neck. Despite the two of them being a pair of old grouches, they make a good team, having been together since he first came to Northpoint. Keagan turns to see his men, ten in all, as they prepare themselves. "Mount up!" The soldiers jump at the call, finishing their preparations quickly before jumping to their horses. He then turns back towards the iron gate of the fortress, signaling the men at the mechanisms to raise the gate. They grunt as they turn the heavy leavers, raising the iron gate just high enough for them to pass through. Keagan runs a leather covered hand over his shaven head before placing his helmet on, ready to go.

"Move out!" Keagan is the first one out of the gate with his men following behind in two files, side by side. The patrol rout is not a long one, easily done within a day if on horseback. The harpies set them back a few hours but, if they hurry, they should be back in time to catch dinner chow. Keagan spurs his horse into a trot and his men follow suit.

They ride over the countryside, down the hill from Northpoint and through the grassy fields that make up the surrounding area, sparse trees and vegetation making it easy to spot any ambush or traps. An hour later their first stop comes into view: Boto, a small pig village made up of several, dark, wooden houses and fenced-in mud pits for their swine. Keagan inhales deeply, the salty air filling his lungs before he lets out a long sigh. As they come closer to the village an older man in a straw hat raises a hand.

Keagan brings his horse to a stop when they reach the man, his clothes stained with mud, his wrinkled face screwing in disappointment as he recognizes Keagan in his kettle helm and face guard.

"Well, were't expect'in you today, Lo'd Conqueror." The old man's name is Harold, the village elder. Keagan narrows his eyes at the old man's tone.

"Didn't think you would be, Elder," Keagan says, using the same biting tone Harold had just used. "We had some harpies to deal with this morning. Had Conner watch the fort." Harold nods, his eyes dropping to the ground before going back up to Keagan.

"Well, nay 'n issue here. No Monsters to dea' with, least none tha' we don't want." Keagan nods, accepting the old man's information.

"Very well. We'll be off then." Harold nods, giving Keagan another hard look before he gives the order for his men to move out. He always hated talking to Harold, the old man always making sure that Keagan knows his opinion of him. Though, Keagan does not get paid to care about the opinions of the village leaders.

The next village is Termic, another livestock village. Unlike Boto, Termic is made up of several different buildings of different sizes. It even has a general store and an inn; it would be considered a town if the population was just a little higher.

As Keagan comes into town the people raise their hands and wave, offering smiles. Keagan never minded coming to Termic. Unlike Boto, the people actually appreciate his role in being their protector, regardless of what they know about him. Keagan comes to the middle of the town's only street before halting his horse, giving the signal for his men to follow suit. The soldiers stay in their formation as Keagan dismounts and leads his horse to a hitching post. He then walks up the short set of stairs to the porch of the only residential building on the main road. Just before he can make it to the door, a man appears as the door swings open.

"Keagan," the man says, surprised as he offers his hand. Keagan takes it, the two sharing a strong gripped hello. "I wasn't expecting you today." The man's name is Dominic, a hearty man, friendly enough, and the elder of the village.

"I had Conner watch the fort. Had some damned harpies show up this morning."

Dominic laughs, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "I'm sure that brightened up your day, huh?" Keagan cannot help but to laugh, the man's good nature rubbing off on the conqueror.

"Help! Someone help this man!" Both Keagan and Dominic turn to look down the main street to see a group of people starting to form.

"What is it now," Keagan curses as he storms off the porch towards the scene, Dominic following behind him. A few of Keagan's soldiers dismount and follow suit, running up behind the two older men. Keagan shoulders his way through the small crowd, townspeople looking at him with angry glances until he reaches the source of the commotion. In the center of the crowd are three men, two helping up a third. The third is injured, his clothes torn and covered with blood. The skin under his torn clothes and face are covered with bruises and blisters. Keagan also does not miss the fact that the man is completely covered with bright, golden sand. All three of them are covered in it, in fact.

"What happened here?" Keagan asks the two men helping the injured one. One of the men answers frantically as they manage to get the injured man to his feet.

"Monsters, sire! We were coming back from the beaches just north of here. We saw what looked like wagons off in the distance before we were attacked by them. One of them started throwing sand at us, making it move on its will, sire! Robert here took a full hit. We just managed to get away!" The men say nothing else as they rush the injured man as quickly as he can hobble to the village physician's house.

Keagan tries to think of a creature that can control sand; elementals and magic users can control elements around them, but what has Keagan's interest is the sand that the men was covered in. The sand of this region is pale and often muddy. The sand on them is golden and gritty. Unable to think of an answer, he shakes his head before turning to the small group of people as well as Dominic and his soldiers.

"Alright, nothing more to see here! Move along!" Keagan calls and the townspeople begrudgingly disperse. "Men! Remount your horses and be ready to ride fast! We have some Monsters to bring down."

"This looks like the place," Keagan calls as he throws his hand up to signal his men to halt. Keagan and his men have ridden in the direction the villager had said, riding till Keagan could see what the villager described. Two hundred yards or so lays the remains of some kind of caravan: wagons tossed on their sides, wood and metal scattered across the ground, a few human bodies here and there, not to mention that a good portion of the area is covered with the golden sand Keagan had noticed on the villagers' clothes.

"Alright, dismount and form a column! Let's find out what the hell happened here." Keagan dismounts and steps forward, his men quickly following suit as they form a line perpendicular with the road with Keagan at its center. When all ten soldiers are in line, Keagan raises his flail and then drops it, signaling them to move forward.

As they move down the scene of destruction, the soldiers inspect everything they come across: items, wreckages and even bodies. Keagan becomes aware that there were different types of Monster's involved; the tracks left in the sand and mud show many kinds of footprints. Hooves, bare feet, large bird-like prints, and at least one long scrape leading off to the gods know where. He also sees all the human boot prints, too, and judging from the sparse bodies laying about and the large number of prints, Keagan can tell that not all the men are still here.

"Sir! Movement at our left flank!"

Keagan and his men snap into action, taking up a defensive formation. Keagan takes center point as his soldiers move so that three men are standing shoulder to shoulder with him, the remaining four falling in behind them. Each of them bring their shields and weapons up, ready for whatever may try and attack. When Keagan sees the reason for the call, he pauses. Not far from their position stands a woman, a Monster Girl, wearing a tattered, make-shift dress. A head of messy, black locks hangs from her head, along with a pair of fur covered arms hanging from her shoulders. He can also see the pair of dog-like ears sticking up from her head.

Keagan and his men do nothing, say nothing, as the Monster just stands there, motionless, the only movement being her hair blowing in a stray breeze from time to time.

"Commander," one of Keagan's soldiers asks in a whisper. "Should we engage?"

Keagan thinks for a moment in silence. Judging from the looks of her, she must be a werewolf and by the state she is in, she has not been taken care of recently. Keagan can see that her fur is matted with dirt and sand even from this distance, as well as the soiled dress she is wearing. What's more, werewolves are known for being ferocious, attacking any prey that may come nearby, even when alone.

"You men stay here. I'm gonna try and talk to her. But if she so much as twitches in the wrong way, swarm her," Keagan says and both men beside him nod. Taking a breath, Keagan lowers his shield and approaches the Monster slowly, keeping his flail in hand but folded. As Keagan draws closer, more signs of abuse become noticeable to him. Around her wrists and ankles, he can see where she was put in shackles, the fur almost rubbed completely off. He can also see just how baggy the dress hangs on her body; she probably has not eaten in at least four days by Keagan's guess.

"Hey," Keagan asks as he draws close enough to speak to her. "Are you hurt?" The Monster does not answer. Keagan raises an eyebrow, "Did you see what happened here?" Again, the werewolf ignores him, her eyes covered by her hair. "Do you want to come with us?" Keagan finally notices a reaction from the werewolf, her arm raising slowly from her side. Keagan watches in confusion for a moment, stepping forward in anticipation to take her hand. However, Keagan realizes that her lips are moving. "Damn it," Keagan dives to one side as the sound of harsh winds and shifting sand bellow, a small but violent sand-twister forming right where Keagan had been standing before it charges forward. Keagan has enough time to see his men separate to dodge the attack, only for him to be struck in the chest by a powerful force.

Keagan is thrown through the air, sand filling his mouth and nose. When he hits the ground, the force clears his airways as well as his lungs. He looks up to the Monster Girl, watching as sand starts to swirl around her body in a slow but menacing twister. He also does not miss the fact that her eyes are glowing purple, her lips pulled back to show a set of elongated canines.

Keagan curses as he pushes himself up, pain shooting through his chest as he shakes off the sand from his armor. The girl is an anubis, a desert dwelling Monster that can control powerful magic and curses, or so he has read. What he wants to know is why the hell she's here in Ashfeld. The Monster Girl gives him no time to ponder this question as she lets loose a slithering tendril of twisting sand towards him. He dodges, rolling under the attack as she launches two more. Keagan brings his shield up to strike both, sand showering over him as his arm aches from the attacks.

Keagan then becomes aware of the sound of battle cries as his men charge towards the Monster Girl. She lets loose more blasts of sand, striking two of his men as the rest surge against her. Keagan rushes forward, wanting to join his comrades. In her current state, the anubis is at her most dangerous. Because of the abuse and starvation, she has become feral, no better than a beast, a beast that can still control magic, at least. Even now as Keagan rushes forward, he can see how the Monster Girl is tossing his men around like rag dolls. She grabs one man by the throat, starting to strangle him as Keagan brings his shield up and slams into her at a dead sprint, sending the anubis and the soldier tumbling to the ground. Keagan regains his footing, looking down to his soldier who is already pushing himself back up, coughing and sputtering as he does so. Keagan narrows his eyes on the Monster Girl as she starts to rise again as well.

"Alright! Men, let's bring this girl down!" What soldiers that can still fight rally on Keagan as he rushes forward, letting out a battle cry to match that of their commander's. When the anubis sees them coming she throws both her hands up and brings them down, sending up a surge of wind to form a wave of sand and commanding it to roll forward. Keagan does not stop as the wave of sand hurls towards them. Throwing all his weight forward, he brings his shield up and slams into the wave. The force hits him like a stampede, sand blowing over his entire body as he manages to keep his footing. He hears the cries of his men as they are hit as well, unaware of how many of them are not thrown by the attack. Keagan does not bother to look as he continues to rush forward. When he looks over his shield again, he sees the anubis only a few steps away, her hand going up to form another blast of sand.

Just as she is about to launch the attack, Keagan brings his flail around, the spiked ball shattering the attack before she can even let it fly. She tries to conjure another with her opposite hand only for Keagan to swing his flail around and shatter it, too. With a third swing, Keagan sweeps the anubis off her feet, the Monster Girl crying out as she falls to the ground. Acting out of pure instinct as well as his training, he throws down his flail and pulls the leather glove off his free hand before dropping to his knees behind the anubis. She tries to push herself back up to her knees as Keagan moves into position. Without a second thought, Keagan thrusts his bare hand up the skirt of her dress, thankful for the fact that she is not wearing underwear.

The anubis cries out in surprise when she feels two of Keagan's fingers bury themselves into her body. She starts to turn and attack him only for him to start thrusting his fingers in and out of her roughly, causing her to cry out in pleasure. Keagan does this for several moments, hoping that his play is enough to get her started. While most beast-type Monster Girls cannot survive purely on Spirit Energy, it can be enough to keep them sane and heal their wounds. She is resistant at first but soon gives in, her head dropping to the ground as she raises her hips, giving him full access to her.

Thanking whatever gods are watching over him, he throws the skirt of her dress up, showing off the chocolate-colored cheeks of her ass, as well as the pink-centered netherlips that now glisten with moisture as he pumps his fingers into her. He then starts using his thumb to tease her clitoris, the added attention causing her to moan loudly, her hips bucking from the attention. When he's sure that she is ready for him, he pulls his fingers from her body and throws his shield down, his empty hand going quickly to the latches of his groin plate.

He hears an annoyed groan come from the anubis, her head turned over her shoulder as she eyes him with angry, purple tinged eyes. That is, until she sees his exposed erection. She whimpers, lowering her head back down and giving her hips an inviting shake as she waits for him. Keagan says nothing as he lines the head of his cock with the anubis's center. With a hard thrust forward, Keagan hilts himself inside the Monster Girl's tight folds. She cries out from the rough entrance and Keagan grits his teeth as her walls tighten around him like a vice.

Keagan concentrates, wanting to work the anubis over enough to bring her back to sanity before he releases inside her; this is not his first round with a Monster Girl, and it will not be his last. He gives the Monster Girl's petite rump a strike, the anubis crying out before rocking her hips back and forth to match Keagan's thrusts.

Shit! Bad idea! Keagan growls as he tries to control his body, it has been a while since he last had a woman; correction, it has been a while since he had another Monster Girl, it has been even longer since he had a woman. Keagan grips the anubis's hips and tries his best to slow down her movements so that he can control the speed, though she does not make it easy for him.

The two go at it for what seems like hours until he starts to notice her hips shaking faster and faster, despite his efforts to slow her down. She continues this for a few moments, her gasps and moans becoming rapid as her pleasure reaches its summit. Just when Keagan fears he's at his wit's end, the anubis cries out as she brings her hips back all the way to Keagan's hilt, her body pulsing from her orgasm. Keagan lets her enjoy her pleasure, the feeling of her tightened folds pulsing up his shaft is pleasant, despite the situation. Once he feels her body relax, he lets loose, driving his hips into her with every ounce of strength he has left. She cries out as Keagan's member impales her over and over, he is almost positive he has pierced her womb even. He does not hold back as his own pleasure finally reaches its peak, his body exploding inside her.

She moans loudly as she feels Keagan's warmth fill her body, her body twitching in a way that makes him expect she has orgasmed again from it. With a heavy sigh he pulls himself from the anubis, her hips falling to one side, her breathing labored and heavy.

Gods, don't let there be any more, Keagan thinks to himself. "At least…not for an hour or so. Phew!"

After Keagan rights his clothes, he looks over the field where his men are recovering. When every man is accounted for, their wounds minor, they bind the anubis with rope, gagging her in case she tries to use her magic again. Once he is sure she is safe, he leaves four of his soldiers to guard her.

"If she so much as moves an eyelash the wrong way, finish her off." Keagan's men nod as they draw their swords, taking up positions around the unconscious Monster. "Alright men let's see what the hell is going on around here. Spread out!" Keagan and his six men move out over the field among the remaining wrecked wagons and few bodies near the road. As Keagan examines the area, he realizes that this was an ambush by Monsters: weapon marks all over the wagons, armor scattered around the bodies, each of them nothing more than a pale, shriveled husk as they were sucked dry of their Spirit Energy. Poor bastards…

"Sir, we found something." Keagan turns towards where the soldiers call: an overturned wagon just off the road. Keagan approaches and one of the men point to the back side of the wagon. As the conqueror sees the interior, Keagan's face goes white. The other side of the wagon is made of bent metal bars, some missing completely, and lengths of chain trailing from the heap, some still with their shackles at the ends.

"Gods damn it all," Keagan curses, realizing the situation. He then moves to the next wagon, stopped just off the road, its outside completely made of wood with a single window high on the back wall. Keagan rounds the wagon to the door on the back side, the wooden door slightly ajar. He swings it open to see more shackles and chains.

"Sir, what is this stuff?" Keagan turns to the man who spoke, his face white behind his faceguard.

"Slavers, by the looks of it." Keagan looks back towards the other wagons. "They were carrying slaves, and a lot of them, too. Most likely they were going towards one of the northern beaches to hand them over to another group who would then take them by sea. Gods know where they would end up after that." Keagan does not say, but he is sure he knows. More than likely they would sail down the coast to the Imperial Legion's territory. With his past, he of all people would know. "But the wagons were attacked, a decent sized force came from the field. Monsters, obviously. They freed the slaves and probably took them, along with the rest of the slavers."

"Found something!" Keagan jerks around to where another of his men shouts a few yards off the road. Keagan and the rest of the soldiers converge on the spot. The soldier in question picks something off the ground before holding up for the rest of the group to see. Keagan's face turns into a droll stare as the soldier holds up a leather thong, his face turned into a cocky grin. No doubt it was dropped as the attackers left with their catch and the slaves in tow. Ignoring his subordinate, Keagan looks down the field, noticing that the thong is not the only piece of clothing left behind: a few boots, a scrap of chainmail and leather armor here and there, and, yes, more underwear, too. Keagan sighs heavily.

"Alright, you," Keagan says indicating the soldier who found the trail. "Take two other men with you and scout ahead. It looks like the trail is heading for the cliffs to the east. Follow the trail and we will catch up to you. Do not engage unless they attack you first, understood?" Keagan's question is answer with a loud 'yes sir' as two men step forward to join him. "And soldier, leave those damn panties where you found them." The soldier does his best to drop the thong inconspicuously despite being outed, Keagan shaking his head with a heavy sigh as the three men break off to follow the trail.

"What about us, sir?" One of his soldiers asks. Keagan turns back towards the group guarding the anubis.

"We're going to wake up our friend there and have a little chat."

The anubis jerks awake as Keagan douses her with the contents of one of his water skins, her cries of surprise and irritation muffled by the gag. She tries to twist herself up to her knees so that she can lunge at them, only to become aware that she is bound by her ankles, too. Keagan's men form up on his sides, their shields raised with swords drawn and pointed at the anubis. She goes still once she realizes that she is at their mercy.

"Can you understand me?" Keagan asks as the anubis's eyes fix on him, glowing with anger. She does not answer. Keagan growls with frustration as he removes his helm and faceguard so that she can see his face. He runs a hand over the sweat covered dome of his head, dusting off some more sand from their fight. He pins her with a dark brown glare. "Can. You. Under. Stand. Me?" He says and finally she gives a short nod in response. "Good." Keagan takes a knee, his face softening a degree. "Okay, look. I'm sure you are not happy right now and I know good and well that you don't trust us worth shit, but we are not your enemy, okay? We just want to know what the hell happened here and where the rest of the people that were with you went." The anubis does not move a muscle. "If I ungag you, you think you can give me the details? Without blasting me with sand? 'Cause my men here are ready to kill you the second you start mumbling spells and I doubt you want that, right?" The anubis nods again.

Taking a risk, Keagan moves behind the anubis, and removes the gag before quickly stepping back from her, waiting for any reason to attack, though she gives none. Keagan then moves back to her front. "Okay, lets start with names. I'm Keagan."

"Saya," she says, her voice sharp.

"Saya, can you tell me what happened here?" Saya goes into the story of how she was captured far to the south by mercenaries. She was taken to different places with different groups of women. Whenever they stopped, she was forced to service men with her body. Finally, she overheard that her captors were taking her to a place called the Empire to be sold at auction. She was in one of the caged wagons when the convoy was attacked by Monster Girls with the ears of pigs. They attacked, raped the men and flipped the wagon that she had been in. When she had recovered, she was still under the wagon and everyone else was gone.

Keagan nods, understanding. "So, it was orcs, huh?" Keagan should have guessed, though it would not have been difficult to figure out. Orcs are known for their strength and ferocity in battle, but they lack almost all forms of intelligence. Most cannot even make bows and arrows, simply preferring to bash their enemies with whatever is handy.

Saya nods. "Yes, that is what they are called. Though, they had an ogre with them, too, I believe." Keagan raises a brow.

"An ogre?"

"Yes, there was a larger Monster Girl with them. She commanded the other orcs." Keagan's face drops at this fact.

"A high orc," Keagan sighs. High orcs are a subspecies of orc, very rare and very hard to deal with. Not only much smarter than a normal orc, they are stronger and can command other orcs, as well as teach them new tactics and how to make different weapons; some have even been known to use magic.

"I have told you what I know. Now what is my fate?" Saya asks, her voice sharp as she pins him with an untrusting glare. He sighs again, drawing a knife from his belt. Saya stiffens for a moment, only to relax again as Keagan cuts the ropes from around her ankles. He then moves to her wrists, even offering a hand to help her to her feet.

"We'll take you back to our fort. Get our physician to have a look at you. We'll keep you safe till this situation is figured out and then you can go as you please." Keagan points to one of his men. "You take her back to the fort. Keep her safe. We'll be back soon."

After Saya and her escort ride off and disappear from sight, Keagan and the rest of his men mount their horses and ride towards the eastern cliffs, hoping to catch up with the scouting party. The group cross the grassy plains, the harsh, salty wind scraping against them as it blows in from the sea. After riding for a short while they reach the cliff faces that drop off into the churning waves below.

"Sir!" Keagan turns as one of his men calls, pointing down the cliff face where he sees one of the soldiers from the scouting party, his sword raised high as he tilts it back and forth. Keagan and the rest of his men ride to meet the scouts.

"Report," Keagan commands as he dismounts, the three of them standing before him now.

"Sir! We found their camp just down the cliff face. There's a path that leads down along the cliff side into a cave. No alternative routes though." Keagan nods, there will not be any ambushing them. And more than likely they will have more numbers, too. Not to mention the slaves will more than likely be fighting for the orcs and only the Gods know what else was in that convoy. "Were there any sentries posted along the path?"

"No sir," one of the men answered. "From what we heard, it seems they are a little…busy at the moment." Keagan's face automatically goes into a droll stare. Of course they are, it is natural for Monsters to celebrate a victory by having a full-blown orgy. Keagan would not be surprised if all the mercenaries they took from the convoy are now nothing more than lifeless husks. Serves them right, of course, but he could use some information from them. However, if memory serves, Keagan may know just how to deal with this situation. Taking a long sigh, Keagan says nothing as he walks past his scouts and heads down the cliff side.

It does not take long for him to find the path leading down to the orc camp; even if he had missed the path, he would at least hear the moaning. Keagan and his men head down the rocky path leading along the face of the cliffs, taking care not to look down and especially not to slip. As Keagan finally comes into the opening of the cave, which is more of a large hollow pocket in the cliff face, he comes to the orc camp. It is a simple set up: walls made of wooden beams and polls, a single gate, a watch tower that reaches all the way to the ceiling of the cave, torches and bones decorating the exterior; a typical orc camp. Keagan steps up to the gate, the moaning almost deafening now, and raps on the wooden planks. The sound does not penetrate the orchestra of moaning the first time, though he makes a harsher effort on the second. He hears someone call out and the moaning stops suddenly, some hushed voices, scurrying sounds and the like.

Finally, the doors start to creak open as a set of spear heads are shoved out of the space between them, the jagged tips only an inch from Keagan's faceguard. "More slavers!" a feminine voice cries. There are a few gasps and the sound of footsteps as more Monsters move to block their entrance. All the Monsters Keagan can see are orcs: all of them appearing to be human women for the most part, each of them covered in leather armor that leaves much of their voluptuous bodies on display. The only distinguishing feature on them is the sets of pig-like ears jutting from their heads, as well as the curled tails on their backsides.

"Those aren't slavers!" Keagan's eyes widen a little at the harsh, female voice that echoes through the cave. All the Monsters turn to look at the source of it, the high orc. She's taller than the other orcs, just an inch or so taller than Keagan himself. She's not as pudgy as the others, her body more toned, several scars displayed on her tanned stomach and legs by her light leather armor. She plants her pole-axe into the ground, a hand on her hip, as she eyes Keagan and his men who have moved into defensive positions. "These are knights of the Iron Legion. Real warriors!" Keagan steps forward, steeling his resolve.

"I'm Keagan D'Arc of Northpoint Fort! I've come here seeking the survivors of the convoy that you attacked, including the slaves you set free." The high orc smiles at him.

"We have 'em. We were showing those slaver-boys what it's like to be used before you showed up. I was so close when you interrupted us." Her voice is cocky and irritating, she reminds Keagan of a new soldier who thinks themselves better than everyone else. He always loved putting men like that in their places.

"And what about the slaves?" She jerks her thumb over her shoulder, indicating a group of women looking out of one of the many huts on the inside of the camp.

"They're here, too. We're looking after them. No need to thank us." Keagan wants to slap the smirk off the high orc's face, but he pushes himself to be patient.

"We'll take them into our custody, now. You've done well to free them." The high orc shakes her head.

"Nah. I think we'll keep our eyes on them. They may not trust you very much. You know, being men and all." Keagan cannot help but smile behind his faceguard.

"Then I challenge you to a duel. If I win, I take the slaves, the survivors, and all of you into custody." The high orc's smile widens at his challenge.

"And if I win?"

"Then I'll become your personal pet, husband, whatever you want."

The orcs, other Monsters, and Keagan's soldiers form a circle around the inside of the orc's camp. Keagan and the high orc step inside, weapons drawn and ready. The orcs cheer and roar in excitement, their leader raising her axe courageously. A few of Keagan's men shout in support of their commander, but he stays composed, focusing on the high orc.

Her armor is scarce, mostly being made up of studded leather that covers her shoulders, her forearms, and making up a battle skirt decorated with animal bones around the waist. She has also dawned a helmet with a large boar skull decorating the cap of it.

"I never caught your name!" Keagan calls over the roar of the crowd. It is customary for warriors to introduce themselves.

"My name is Viera Shieldbreaker." Keagan nods, recognizing the name. She is from Valkenheim, homeland of the Vikings in the north. The Shieldbreaker clan is a smaller section of the southern-most clans, he knows because he's had to fight off a few of their raiding parties over the years. While the ceasefire prohibits the Vikings from leading mass invasions and raids, it does not prevent the individual clans from leading smaller movements.

"What's a Shieldbreaker doing so far away from Valkenheim?" Keagan asks. She smirks from under her helmet.

"I might tell you after I chain you to my bed!" The orcs howl with laughter at her chide. Keagan says nothing else as he brings his shield up. Without warning, Viera takes a running start at Keagan as he starts to twirl his flail. She lunges for him, the spiked pommel of her axe slamming against his shield. Keagan grunts from the force of the strike but does not falter; shoving her back he brings his flail around in a wide arc. The high orc ducks and spins, dodging the spiked orb before turning again to face him.

Keagan cannot react fast enough as Viera charges again, this time wrapping one of her arms around his waist before hoisting him up onto her shoulder. Viera roars as she starts to run with him across their 'arena'. Keagan grunts in surprise as the crowd cheers with excitement, cursing himself before he notices an opening. Swinging his flail, he manages to capture one of her ankles with the chain. They both cry out as Viera falls to the ground, the crowd cheering at the spectacle, Keagan now laying on top of the high orc.

Keagan tries to push himself up so that he can take advantage of his position, until he feels a pair of sharp objects slide up between his legs. All he manages to do is yell in surprise as Viera uses the tusks on her helmet, and her inhuman strength, to flip him into the air like an enraged boar. Keagan cannot appreciate the comedy of the thought as he flips through the air before slamming down onto the hardened dirt floor.

He groans, his shoulder and arms aching from the fall. "Bloody hell…" Keagan manages to push himself up onto his knees, just in time to see Viera rushing towards him again. He manages to jump up to his feet as she swings her axe around, the blade slamming against his shield. He grits his teeth from the force, only managing to side step her next swing.

"I thought the Iron Legion were warriors!" She punctuates the last word with a hard swing of her axe that he can only block with his shield. "Fierce and strong!" Another hard swing slams into his shield. "But your just like any other human!" Another swing. "Weak!" That's what you think, Keagan thinks as he crosses both arms across his chest, his shield facing out. As Viera's axe comes around again, Keagan throws all his strength behind his shield, throwing her axe backwards and offsetting her balance. Before she can react Keagan lunges forward, his shield raised as it slams into her helm, the tusks of the boar skull shattering.

Viera stumbles back with a yell of surprise, using the momentum of the attack to roll back onto her feet. Just as she looks up, she is met with Keagan's shield again as it slams into her face. She cries out, jarred by the strike, but she pushes through the pain enough to bring the pommel of her axe up to strike at Keagan. The Conqueror bats the attack away with his shield as he brings his flail around, the chain wrapping around her shoulder and striking between the shoulder blades, where her leather armor does not cover. She cries out in pain but does not miss a beat as she raises her axe with one hand. She brings the blade down, most of the force coming from the weapon's weight. Keagan faints a block, letting the heavy blade scrape against his shield before sinking into the dirt.

She tries to punch Keagan, but the Conqueror anticipates this, bringing his flail up to not only block her attack but to ensnare her forearm in the chain. She jerks back hard, enough to pull Keagan forward, which he uses to give his shield more momentum as he slams the rim of it into her face. There is a loud crack as more of the boar skull splinters with the hit, as well as a satisfying umph from Viera as Keagan draws back to hit her again and again. To finish her off, Keagan draws back once more only to swing upward, driving the edge of his shield under her jaw. The force is enough to lift her off her feet before she hits the ground, going limp as she lays sprawled out in the dirt.

Keagan flicks his wrist, releasing the chain from around the unconscious high orc's arm. His men are cheering for him and he smiles through his labored breathing. He looks up and notices the other orcs as their weapons begin to drop from their hands, as he knew they would. In order to get other orcs to follow their commands, as well as to make them more ferocious and powerful, high orcs release a pheromone that inspires power in other orcs. However, when the high orc is defeated, they release a new pheromone that causes orcs to become more docile as well as obedient, especially to the one that defeated the high orc. Now, all he has to do is get all the orcs, the slaves, and the mercenaries back to Northpoint…The smile fades from his face.

Three hours later…

Keagan sighs heavily, tired from the day they have endured thus far. After defeating Viera the orcs became easy to manage, their will to fight completely diminished. The slaves were distrusting of Keagan and his men, eyeing them suspiciously as the soldiers herded them and the orcs to one side of the camp as the slavers were brought out of one of the shacks. At first, they had been excited to see Keagan and his men, at least until Keagan had his soldiers retie them in a file with rope.

Now, the three surviving slavers struggle to keep up as he leads them behind his horse, each of Keagan's soldiers has at least one of the slaves on their horse as they ride in formation, and the entire band of orcs follows in their own formation. Viera, still unconscious, lays draped across his horse's behind, her wrists and ankles bound tightly in case her will to fight is still intact.

Keagan shifts in his saddle, his legs and buttocks becoming numb from the long ride. They had just passed the road leading to Termic, meaning they only have an hour's ride left till they reach the fort. Keagan would have never thought the idea of the crumbling heap would make him feel so relieved, but just the idea of being back in his 'home' is enough to make the bitter commander smile, almost. Keagan's eyebrows shoot up as he hears a groan come from behind him. He looks down to notice that Viera is starting to stir, his gut clenching as he fears her reaction to being bound. The high orc's head starts to shift from side to side before snapping up as she realizes her hands are tied.

"I…I-I lost?" She asks, her voice completely different from before, her bravado gone and now filled with uncertainty.

"Yes. Though I'm still aching from the fight." Keagan says as he keeps his head forward, though he is aware of her movements and already has a hand on the knife that is sheathed on his saddle. The high orc slumps against the horse's haunch.

"No…" he hears her breathe, followed by what sounds like a low sob. Keagan cannot help but feel sorry for the Monster Girl.

"Ah, come on now. You put up a good fight. No sense crying over it now."

"I'm not crying," the high orc snaps as she jerks her head up to look at Keagan. He looks down to meet her gaze, his brows knitting together.

"Then why are your eyes wet and your cheeks red?" Her eyes go wide as she realizes it is obvious that she is upset, and she starts to rub at them with her forearm.

"Sh-shut up!" Keagan smiles behind his faceguard, finding her flustered state adorable. He also cannot deny that she is attractive. Her features are soft, despite being a hardened warrior, her skin a light caramel color with jet black hair and a set of emerald green eyes. He also cannot deny that he would like to have her in his bed.

I won't be made a full of again, Keagan thinks to himself, remembering the last time he let a woman get under his skin. Shaking his memories away, he focuses on the road ahead; though, he cannot help but think about his 'passenger'.

"If you promise to behave, I'll cut you loose and let you sit up." She does not reply for a minute.

"Why would you do that?"

He does not look down at her. "Because I'm not a bastard, despite popular belief."

Viera looks up at him now. "What does that mean?"

"It means what it means. Now do you want to sit up or not?" Keagan does not mean to sound annoyed, but he cannot stop his tone from coming out that way. She does not reply for a moment, but she finally nods, holding her wrists up. Keagan draws the knife from his saddle and leans down to cut her wrists free first, then her ankles. She then shifts herself into a sitting position, pressing herself against Keagan's back.

Keagan's eyes go wide as he feels her body press against him. While she is still wearing the leather pauldrons, her breasts are contained in a simple cloth wrapping, and though he is wearing chainmail under his green and black tunic he can easily feel her hefty bosom against his body. Pushing the thought out of his mind, he keeps his eyes on the road ahead.

One hour later…

Keagan never thought he would ever be so happy to see Northpoint's rusted gate opening for him as he leads his men and their new 'guests' inside. On the other side, Conner and Lora are waiting for him, both their eyes going wide at the sight of the group entering the small courtyard of Northpoint.

"Thought I'd seen everything," Keagan hears Lora say as he brings his horse, along with the captive slavers, up to them both before dismounting. Viera follows suit, standing by the horse with an unsure expression.

"Conner," Keagan says, "take these bastards to the cells. I'll deal with them after we've eaten. And dealt with the orcs." Both Keagan and Conner's eyes go to the high orc, as well as the growing group of orcs that instinctively start to gather around their former leader, each of them looking uncomfortable and unsure as to what to do. Conner looks back to his commander.

"What should we do with them, sir?" Keagan has to think on this for a long moment.

"They haven't killed any innocent people, at least that we know of, and they aren't going to give us any problems now that their docile…"

Conner raises a brow at his commander. "Enlistment?" Throughout the Legion's history, it has not been uncommon for them to enlist Monster Girls into their ranks when the time called for such measures. Unlike the Order, the Iron Legion has no hang-ups on a warrior's origins, so long as their loyalty and honor are suitable. They have no ability to claim rank or benefits, those are awarded to them at the commander's discretion and only hold value under their command; basically, they fill the roles of private mercenaries. But it serves well to have warriors with inhuman abilities; and what's more, most Monster Girls that are enlisted do not typically ask for monetary payment, instead asking for payments of a 'carnal' nature.

Keagan sighs, not sure how he truly feels about the idea, but it would not hurt to try. He steps away from Conner, the warden following behind him without a word. Viera straightens up as she watches the two of them come closer. She has not come to trust the conqueror just yet, but she does appreciate his honor as a warrior; she would even go as far to call him 'kind'.

"Alright," all the orcs jump at the sound of Keagan's voice. "So, you all have presented me with a dilemma. I cannot let you go, otherwise you'll probably go back to being a bunch of bandits again and I'd much rather not deal with that at some point." The orcs look down at the ground simultaneously, each one with a guilty face. "What's more, since you all are defeated and not looking to kill or rape anyone at the moment, I don't see it fit to kill any of you either. So, I have a proposition." All the orcs look up in anticipation, save for Viera who just continues to watch Keagan as he talks, trying to still be an example for her comrades. "What if I enlist you all as soldiers under my command?" The orcs start to murmur amongst themselves.

"What is in it for us?" Viera's question shows no hesitation or submission.

"Well, you'll be alive, for starters," Keagan begins. "You'll receive a small salary, which will be increased once I send word to my superiors, and," Keagan takes a long breath before he says this next part, "as long as they're willing and it's not during your shifts, I see no issue with any of you having… 'relations' with the other soldiers here. I will stress that it will not happen while on duty, though." This raises one of Conner's brows while making the rest of the orcs go wide-eyed. Viera does not react, simply crossing her arms and looking away as she thinks. She then turns back to her comrades as they murmur amongst themselves. A moment later, Viera turns back around, her face still steadfast.

"We will accept your offer," Viera takes a knee, bowing her head to Keagan, the rest of the orcs following her example. "We pledge our loyalty to you, Commander."

Keagan gives the group a droll-stare, not appreciating the dramatic pledge. "Right…well, okay." The orcs rise at his awkward answer. He sighs, not sure he is making the right decision. "Viera, since your used to giving orders and leading this group, I'll grant you the rank of lieutenant." Conner practically jumps at his statement.

"Sir, are you sure that's wise? I mean I see your reasoning but won't that be problematic if…" Keagan raises a hand to silence him.

"That's not going to happen," Keagan says, not wanting to hear whatever Conner is worried about, "because I'm putting you in charge of teaching her how we do things around here." Conner's face goes pale as he looks back to the high orc who is only an inch or so taller than him, yet more muscular in comparison, and definitely more intimidating. Keagan puts an arm around the depressed looking warden. "This is lieutenant Conner Hinesow. He'll be in charge of training you for your new role. As for the rest of you, you'll start out as regular soldiers. Show me you have what it takes, and I'll promote you as I see fit. Understood?" The orcs nod in reply and Keagan smiles behind his faceguard. "I said, UNDERSTOOD?!" The orcs jump at the sound of his commanding roar, each one going to a position of attention.

"Sir, yes Sir!"

Two hours later,

"Evening, gentlemen," Keagan says as he bursts into an old storage closet in the small dungeon of the fort that they call the "interrogation room". The small, windowless space consists of a wooden table with the three prisoners tied to chairs surrounding it. The three men eye him with blank stares, they were expecting an interrogation since the conqueror strapped them to his horse. They were not, however, expecting the high orc to be following behind him, the large Monster Girl now sporting trousers and a tunic with the Iron Legion's colors along with her leather armor. She says nothing as Keagan approaches the table, placing his flail on the tabletop. "I hope you are comfortable."

The men say nothing as they look back and forth between the conqueror and the high orc. Keagan removes his helmet and faceguard, placing it on the table beside his flail. He scratches at his shaven head as well as his two days' worth of whiskers, rounding behind the three men as he gives them a friendly smile. The men now watch him as he makes a full lap around the room before coming back to stand before them all.

"I'm going to cut to the chase, as my patience for you all has gone out the damned window. So, here's the rules: I ask a question, one of you gives me the honest answer, no hog-shit included, and I don't beat you all to death with my flail. Sound good?" The three men look at each other and then back to him without answering. Keagan looks at each of them with the same friendly smile. "Now, first question: Who are you working for?" The three men say nothing, staring at Keagan with blank stares. Keagan stares back with his friendly smile for a moment. When the moment is over his hand darts for the flail and brings the spiked ball down on to the shoulder of the man sitting to Keagan's right. All three men gasp and start screaming, especially the one Keagan strikes as his shoulder pops from its socket, the spikes tearing into his arm.

"Was I not clear," Keagan roars, his face still smiling.

"You're a bastard, you fucking twat!" The man jerks in his chair as Keagan whips the flail up and slams the head on the table in front of the man on his left, the wood cracking under the strike.

"Don't test me, boy. Next I'll slam it down on those little cherry tomatoes dangling between your thighs!" The man pales as Keagan jerks the flail back. "I'm still waiting on the answer to my question."

"We don't know!" Keagan turns to the man sitting on the opposite side of the table.

"You don't know?" The man shakes his head as tears start to stream from his eyes.

"Yes, sir! We don't do names. We get approached by proxy and that's the only person we have any contact with. They give us a place to pick up the wagons and a place to drop them off. That's it!" Keagan narrows his eyes on the man.

"You expect me to believe that shit?" Keagan rounds the table with his flail. The man starts to whine even louder as Keagan takes him by the hair and jerks his head up so that they are eye to eye. "You boys sell women off like cattle and you don't even know who is filling your pockets? What kind of stupid mercenaries would do that?"

"W-we're not mercenaries!" Keagan arches his brow.

"Then what the hell are you?" Keagan shoves the man back, almost sending his chair backwards.

"W-we were bandits. We got captured by another group of knights a few months ago. Our boss was offered a deal for our release, I don't know who though. Whoever made the deal didn't want us to know who they were. I swear!" Keagan's brow only goes higher. Either someone with deep pockets paid to have these men released or… Keagan cannot finish his thought as a knock on the door rings through the small room. Keagan turns to see Conner poking his head in.

"Sir! A group is approaching the gate. They are wearing our colors." Keagan curses, just another lovely addition to his day. Why would anyone else from the Iron Legion be this far north…unless… Keagan looks to the three men still sitting at the table, the wounded one gritting his teeth and panting from the pain.

"Let's give them a welcoming party."

Keagan stands in front of the main gate, a small force of his men standing in formation behind him, both Conner and Viera on his flanks, Viera holding a spare broadsword that Conner lent to her just moments ago and a spare helmet that covers her pig-like ears to keep her identity secret. The land is covered in shadow as the overcast sky blocks the evening sun, the rolling grassland dark and dreary. Just like the rest of the region, Keagan thinks to himself.

The conqueror watches as the small group comes into view: there are six of them, all on horseback, and one is carrying a banner with the Iron Legion's colors on the end of a polearm. As they approach, he recognizes the two leading the group: the one carrying the banner is a lawbringer, clad in their signature plate, the banner tied to his halberd. The other is a peacekeeper, dressed in fine leather armor and a faceguard designed after a theatre mask; the other four are dressed as common soldiers.

As the group draws to the gate, the peacekeeper and lawbringer dismount, the peacekeeper taking lead.

"Good evening, commander D'Arc," the peacekeeper says, her voice sounding muffled and puffy from behind her faceguard. Both of the newcomers bow their heads in greeting.

"Evening. Who are you?" Keagan's question is quick and sharp.

"We are from the Point Hollow garrison," Point Hollow is a town almost two days' ride south from Northpoint. "We had a report of a convoy being attacked by Monsters a few hours south of here. We found what was left of the convoy, but we believe they outnumber us. Can you spare us some of your men?" The peacekeeper's story raises multiple red flags, but he does not act on them just yet.

Keagan nods at her explanation, "Sounds like a fine predicament. I'll spare you what I can," Keagan says. The peacekeeper bows her head in thanks. "However," the peacekeeper's head shoots up. "I don't recall getting any notice about a convoy." Northpoint is the only Iron Legion holding for miles. If any convoy comes this far north it is meant to go to Northpoint, which he would get notice of if it were coming.

"I was afraid of that," the peacekeeper's voice shows no sign of discouragement. "We had sent word a day ahead. We were dispatched after the messenger did not return."

Keagan eyes the peacekeeper from behind his faceguard. He shrugs nonchalantly. "I suppose it can't be helped. How many men were in this convoy?"

"Twenty in all. We found many corpses, but there should be six survivors if the Monsters haven't drained them yet."

Keagan nods. "Must 'ave been a nice sized convoy. What on earth were they sending us?"

"Food supplies, repair supplies, armor, weapons, the usual."

Keagan nods again, his patients reaching its end. "Well, I don't think you'll find any survivors, I'm afraid."

The peacekeeper's head cocks to one side. "Why so, commander?"

Keagan raises his hand and waves right before three objects are heaved over the top of the gatehouse. The area fills with the sickening sound of necks breaking as the three slavers bounced and dangled in their nooses. The soldiers on horseback draw their weapons, the lawbringer brings his halberd in to a fighting stance; however, the peacekeeper does not move, keeping her faceguard pointed at Keagan who is keeping his gaze on her as well, waiting for any sign of hostility.

"I see we are too late," her voice is matter-of-factly.

"Yes, yes you are," Keagan brings his hand up to rest on his holstered flail.

The peacekeeper sighs heavily. "I was hoping to avoid the awkwardness, but…"

Keagan raises a brow as the peacekeeper lets down her hood before removing her faceguard. When he sees her face, his eyes shoot open. She is a beautiful woman, soft features, blue eyes, short black hair, not a single scar or blemish. Despite her beauty, Keagan cannot help but feel like the inside of his stomach is being turned inside-out.

"Hello Keagan," she says.

Keagan's surprise quickly turns to anger before becoming complete rage, his teeth gritting behind his faceguard. His fingers draw around his flail as he starts to draw his weapon.

"Before you do something stupid, Keagan, why don't we try doing this like civilized people?" Her words only serve to piss him off more.

"Why would I want to do that?"

She has the audacity to smile at him. "Because less than two days away is a boat coming from the Empire, looking to pay handsomely for the cargo it was promised." Keagan almost loses his resolve as she says the word 'cargo'. "I'm sure someone with your history wouldn't mind having a little more gold in his pockets. It would be just like the old days." The last straw falls and Keagan's flail lashes out, seeking to splatter her head over the road. She ducks and retreats, the lawbringer stepping forward.

Just as her companions step forward to attack, Conner and Viera come to Keagan's side, their soldiers moving up to form a column with them. "Stop!" Everyone goes still at the peacekeeper's call. She turns back to Keagan who is still eyeing her with rage. "Keagan it doesn't have to be like this. There is no reason for us not to get what we want."

"'What we want'?" Keagan's voice starts out low. "The only thing I want is your head mounted on a pike, Dianna!" The peacekeeper actually gives him an offended pout.

"Keagan you're making a mistake. If you don't accept this offer then the Empire's soldiers aboard that ship are going to come and take what they were promised, and if I'm to get what I was promised I'll have to help them. You could always send word to the garrison, but you know I'll kill them before they make it halfway there. Plus, who would believe you, the infamous Keagan D'Arc, over me?" Her words cut deeper than he wants to admit. Furthermore, she is right, no one would accept his word over hers.

"Dianna…" Her expression softens at his calming voice. "Go fuck yourself with an anchor." Her eyes go wide at his unexpected insult. "If you want those girls you better come here with the whole damned Empire at your back, because I'm not giving them or you a damn thing, not till I have your head on a stick, you pox ridden hypocrite."

Her eyes darken at his reply. "Fine then."

Dianna had her men fall back, realizing they had no way to win this battle. Keagan wanted to kill them all on the spot, especially Dianna, but killing her would not be beneficial. Without proof of her crimes the Legion would just think he killed her out of spite for their past; furthermore, Keagan does not know if she is the mastermind behind the operation. So, he lets them go, but not without sending four men to keep an eye on them. He makes sure that the men know who they are dealing with. As a peacekeeper, Dianna is a master of stealth and assassination and she excels at close-courters combat. If at any point they believe she has learned of their presence they are to run as if the Demon Lord herself is on their heels back to Northpoint.

In the meantime, Keagan has Conner prepare to get the orcs into fighting shape. As Dianna had warned, they have less than two days to prepare for an attack from a force of unknown number and strength; every soldier in the fort is going to need to be at their absolute best if they want to see the end of the week. Keagan also dispatches a man to go to the villages in the area and have them evacuate to the fort where they would be safest, less Dianna and her Empire friends decide they want more 'cargo'.

After giving his soldiers their tasks, Keagan went to his quarters, too tired and too angry to think straight anymore. His quarters are not much better than the regular barracks, save for the fact that they are private. A windowless, cramped room with an old desk, bookshelf, chest, and bed. He goes to the bookshelf where he has a bottle of dwarven whiskey. He normally does not drink, preferring to keep his mind about him, but after seeing Dianna again after this long, the hatred boiling back up, he needs something to dull his mind. He pours himself a half glass and downs it in one go.

"Figured you'd go to that bottle." Keagan turns to see Lora standing in the doorway, her arms crossed with a disappointed look on her face.

"Don't start with me," if Lora were a soldier, he would have kicked her out of the door, but being that she is their physician, and privately employed, he thought better not to. Lora comes into the room and takes the bottle from his desk, the conqueror reaching after it but not getting up to stop her.

"I will. We're expecting an attack, Conner's doing as he was told to be ready for it, and you're in here drinking because you saw Dianna Migor again. That's the biggest load of seagull shit I've ever heard." Keagan is having a very hard time not treating her like a soldier right now.

"Lora, she is running slaves. After everything she put me through, she is running slaves," Keagan growls as she slams the glass onto the desk, shattering it. The glass cuts into his palm but he does not notice, his anger numbing his pain. Lora rolls her eyes with a heavy sigh as she approaches him, fishing a bandage from one of the pockets on her physician belt.

"I get it. She's a hypocritical bitch and you want to rip her head off. Can't blame you there. But save that for when her and her friends show up again. These soldiers need their commander and you can't afford to act like a dumbass." Keagan growls as she lays into him again while dressing his hand. He hates when she is right, he knows he needs to keep his wits about him, to keep his men safe and ready for the coming fight.

"How are the girls," Keagan asks, wanting to change the subject.

"They're fine. Tired and hungry, scared too. That Saya girl you brought back was a big help, despite all she went through." Keagan nods at that. Saya and the other seven girls would need some time to heal after everything. He may need them to help around the fort before the attack but even he is not heartless enough to work them to death.

"What are they," Keagan asks, referring to what kind of Monster Girl they are. He hadn't paid much attention to them after they brought them back.

"You have Saya, which you already know. There are two kikimora, sisters, a holstaur, a were-cat, and two human girls." Keagan nods, he wishes they had some flying types, they could…Keagan bolts up from his chair as an idea forms.

The next morning…

The morning brings another overcast sky with an oppressive fog that gives the entire fort an eerie atmosphere. The soldiers go about their business as they patrol the walls of the rear courtyard that serves as a training area. The soldiers make their rounds, bows in hand and quivers on their backs, staring pointlessly out into the fog as the waves roar against the cliffside below. For anyone else, the sound would be too loud to hear anything else, but the soldiers of Northpoint have learned to ignore it. Especially when the fog hid harpies looking for mates.

Men shout and an alarm bell rings as the harpies make their move, diving through the fog and attempting to snatch up a soldier before he can dive out of the way and shoot arrows at them. The harpies notice that there are orcs amongst the soldiers, but they do not care. As long as the orcs have not claimed the soldiers as their mates it makes no difference.

One harpy dives again, sweeping low for a soldier in the center of the training grounds. He's large, wearing chainmail and leather armor, his face hid by a metal helmet. Despite his large size and armor the harpy knows she'll be able to carry him; harpies' bodies may be petite by human standards, but their wings are powerful enough to where a single harpy can carry off a cow if she is hungry enough. The harpy tucks her wings in at her sides as she swoops down as a blur, her wings thrusting back out as she brings her talons up to snag him. However, much to the harpy's surprise, the soldier turns just as she is about to sink her talons into his armor. Out of shock she tries to pull up and avoid the soldier, but it is too late as the soldier capture's her in his arms, pressing her against his chest. It is at this point that she realizes the soldier is a woman as the harpy becomes aware of the large breasts hidden under the chainmail armor.

A few minutes later…

"Give Sissy back!" Keagan gives the harpy a droll stare as she squawks at him again. After Viera had captured one of the harpies as he had instructed her to do, the other harpies had stopped their attack and started calling for the captive to be released. Keagan told them to land and he would have a word with them. They landed on the far side of the training ground and Keagan tried to start a conversation, but every time he tried to say something the 'leader', a white haired, amber eyed harpy in a hide skirt and top kept interrupting him as Keagan's men kept 'Sissy' sitting on the ground beside him with swords trained on her, the young harpy looking around with a childish, confused look on her face.

"Would yo-"

"Give Sissy back," the harpy calls again.

"I will-"

"Give Sissy back!"

"I'm tryi-"

"Give Sissy back!"

"WOULD YOU SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Keagan's voice makes all the harpies and even a few of his men jump. "I'm trying to talk to you. Stop interrupting me or I'll lock her in a cage like a fucking canary!" The leader harpy puffs her cheeks up like a child who wants to argue but does not, finally. Why are these Monsters so damn childish? Keagan takes a breath before speaking again. "We. Need. Your. Help." Every harpy, and even a few of his men look at him with a questioning look. Every soldier in the fort had been briefed on what they were doing this morning but none of them had been told or figured out why.

"With what?" the leader harpy asks with a narrowed brow. Keagan gives her an irritated glare from behind his faceguard.

"I need a message taken to the knights south of here, in a place called Point Hollow. Heard of it?" The harpy cups her chin with her wing, her head going to the left, and then the right as she struggles to remember if she's heard of the place.

"Oh!" She remembers. "Yeah, they always have good fish to steal there. And a few men, too." Keagan gives no comment on that information.

"Okay, I need one of you harpies to go and deliver my message to the man in charge there. His name is Commander Daegon. Think one of you can manage that?" The harpies look back and forth between themselves, nodding.

"Why should we help you," the leader asks. Keagan points to Sissy, the young harpy still looking back and forth between the soldiers who are still holding her at sword point. The harpy makes a silent 'oh' as she remembers her friend. "You guys are such bullies!" Keagan sighs heavily, wishing he could smack the childish nature out of the girl.

"Okay, then what if I make it worth your while?" The harpy raises a brow at him. Keagan looks back to his men who give him nod in approval, some nodding a little too enthusiastically. Keagan sighs heavily, "If one of you takes my message for me, I will allow you to…'spend time' with my soldiers here at the fort. But only when they aren't working, and no carrying them off whenever you want." Keagan says. The harpy stares at him for a moment before turning back to her group, the Monster Girls whispering amongst themselves. She then turns back around to face Keagan.

"Okay. We like this deal. Now give Sissy back!"

Two hours later…

After finally coming to an agreement with the harpies, Keagan outfitted their chosen messenger, a dark haired harpy named Kilo, in a light tunic with the Legions colors. He made sure to tell her to ask for Commander Daemon at least three times, hoping that she would remember if he annoyed her enough with it. After Kilo flew off towards Point Hollow, the leader harpy, whose name is Terra, was overly excited about their new arrangement to the point she started to strip right in the middle of the courtyard. She was annoyed when Keagan stopped her, but she got over it when he told her to come back in the evening.

After the harpies left, the refugees from the villages arrived, all carrying their personal belongings on their backs. Some brought live stock, no more than one animal per family, which they secured in the front courtyard. Keagan then met with the elders of the villages: Dominic, Harold, and Robert, a hunched over, white bearded man who leads the village of Oakspire. Harold was as pleasant as he always was with Keagan, Dominic served to reign him in which Keagan appreciated. Robert, being the oldest of the three, was the most troublesome as he could hardly stay awake to listen to what they were saying.

In the end, each elder agreed to offer up as many able-bodied men as they could, Dominic even stepped forward and Keagan agreed. In all they managed to bring twenty men from the villages, giving them more than seventy soldiers. Keagan was hoping for more, but he did not expect even that many. Outfitting the extra soldiers proved difficult as their stockpile of armor and weapons grew thin, many of the new recruits were forced to wear armor a few sizes too big and others had to improvise.

After every man was equipped, Conner then began to organize their training. He divided every free soldier into groups, each one practicing combat maneuvers, swordsmanship, or just general physical training. The orcs joined in to the training while, after Conner was done organizing, took Viera to an open space in the training ground and was doing his best to teach her to use a broadsword. It was not going well; Viera was too used to using an axe that she would forget that her sword has a point, not to mention a much longer blade. However, she can send a man flying with a swift pommel strike.

Conner parries another lopsided swing from Viera, still treating the sword like an axe. Before Viera can recover he slams his shoulder into her before taking his sword by the blade, hooking her ankle with the cross guard, and laying her out on the ground.

"Gods damn it!" This is the fourth time she has found herself on her back since she and Conner began, and it has only been half an hour. Keagan shakes his head from the balcony that overlooks the training yard. He makes his way to his two lieutenants as Conner helps the high orc back to her feet.

"Still not getting the hang of swords, huh?" Viera growls as she picks the weapon back up.

"No. I never could get my head around these damned things." Conner gives a laugh at the high orc's frustration.

"You'll get the hang of it," he says and Viera just snorts in response. Keagan thinks for a moment, Viera is a strong warrior, he still remembers her blows from the duel they had. Making her fight with a weapon she's not comfortable with does not make much sense when they have a battle approaching. He thinks for another moment before speaking.

"Conner," Keagan says, "go make sure that everyone is training and not flirting with the orcs. Viera, you come with me, I might be able to help you out." Conner and Viera look at each other and then back to Keagan. Conner goes to attention and solutes before heading off towards the groups of training soldiers.

"You don't have to worry about my girls, sir. They can control themselves when I tell them to." Viera says as she follows Keagan back inside the keep.

"I know but if I didn't give Conner something to do, he would never leave me be. He's a good lieutenant but he's like a lost puppy when he's not engaged in something or other." Viera cannot help but laugh, which makes Keagan pause. He has not heard such a pretty laugh in a long time, and he definitely did not expect it to come from the hardened high orc he dueled not long ago. Keagan pushes those thoughts away as he leads Viera into the lower level of the keep. He opens a door that leads into the armory, which is practically empty. In the very back is a wooden door with a large metal lock. Keagan produces a key and removes it before showing her inside.

The room is small, the inside dominated by two sets of weapon racks and chests. "This is mine and Conner's personal armory. I would have given you a place in here already, if circumstances were different." Keagan leads her over to one of the weapon racks which holds several different items of different origins. Keagan takes the biggest item and hands it to Viera.

"Where did you get this," Viera asks as she eyes the weapon in surprise. It is a dane axe, much like the one she used in their duel, but this one is of much better quality.

"Spoils of war," Keagan says. "Well, not really 'war'. We had some raiders come in from the north back when I first became commander. Just a ship's worth. They fought hard but we managed to beat them. Took that from their leader. They were from the Shieldbreaker clan." Unlike anyone else, Vikings do not take offense to those who kill their brethren in honest battle. Dying in battle is the highest honor a Viking can receive in life and they respect those who can best their own.

"Who did it belong to?" Keagan shrugs at her question.

"Don't know. Found it beside their beached ship. Decided to keep it as a memento." Viera nods, taking the axe in both hands, testing the weight of the head by bouncing it in her free hand.

"Commander," Viera starts as she looks down at the axe.

"Yeah?"

"I was wondering, what did that Dianna woman do?" Keagan's chest draws tight at her question, not wanting to remember it.

"Not something I like to talk about," Keagan says, scratching at his head.

"I can understand that. But I would appreciate knowing." Viera looks at him now, her green eyes digging right down to his soul. Keagan does his best to resist the temptation, afraid of what she will think of him.

"Fine," Keagan sighs. "But once I'm done, you have to tell me how you ended up in my region. Deal?" Viera nods. Keagan takes a seat on his chest and she steps over to Conner's. Keagan's story is a dreary one. He was born in an Order controlled city to a drunkard father and an absent mother, she abandoned him with his father when he was five, he never knew what happened to her. Growing up was hard as he was essentially on his own, his father providing little to no support. Everything he learned he learned on the street, becoming just another poor street rat in a world that did not want him. As he grew older his life as a criminal slowly began, he had been stealing food for years but now he was moving on to pickpocketing and larceny. As he reached maturity and filled out physically, he was recruited by one of the dons of the local mafia. At first, he was just a common thug, but he slowly worked his way up to working as the right hand of the don himself.

By the age of twenty-three he was living the life he always wanted: enough money to keep him comfortable, never wondering whether he would be able to eat, and all the women he could afford. Finally, the don had Keagan start working on his prime business venture: slave running. It was easy work, make sure the wagon got to where it was supposed to go, take the money, and walk away, and for three years that is exactly how it worked. Till he met Dianna.

He met her in a tavern, dressed in a wedding gown of all things, her eyes had been puffy and swollen. When he approached her, she had said her fiancée had eloped with some were-cat girl. They slowly began a relationship, Dianna working her way into his heart for two years. He was even ready to marry her, till he was plucked off the street by a pair of lawbringers. As it turned out, Dianna was a peacekeeper for the Iron Legion working to gain information on the don's slave trafficking. She had only approached Keagan in an attempt to gain information on the don. Heartbroken and angry he was given two choices: say nothing and be executed or snitch and become a conqueror.

After becoming a conqueror, his life became worse than ever before. His past followed him everywhere and marked him within the Legion. No unit wanted anything to do with an ex-slave trafficker. It was not until the former commander of Northpoint accepted him that he found a place of his own.

Keagan watches Viera for a moment, waiting to see her expression, to see if there is any hatred towards him. She looks up at him, her face is plain and calm, not letting him see anything. "So, you hate her because she is doing the exact same thing you did?" Keagan shakes his head.

"No. After they caught me and she told me who she was, she made me feel like I was the vilest creature in the world." What kind of man would sell any being into slavery? To profit from their suffering, I can't even call you a monster because at least when they force a man into slavery, they care for him. People like you should be executed on the spot. Keagan has lived with those words, coming from the woman he was ready to spend the rest of his life with, from the moment he became a conqueror. Every time someone learned of his past and gave him that look, the one filled with bile and disgust towards him, it opens those wounds again.

"Do you regret what you did?" Keagan does not say anything for a long moment.

"Yes," he says. What made it easy was that he never thought of them as people. He always pictured them the same way he pictured his father: just a person there to make his life harder, to keep him down in the mud with the rest of the trash that no one wanted. But now, if he could, he would take it all back. He'd flip the entire Empire on its head if it meant righting his wrongs. He knows it does not make it any better, but it is all he can do.

"Then that is all there is to it." Keagan looks up at Viera's words.

"What do you mean?"

"People do bad things, especially when we grow in harsh places. They don't seem bad at the time because, to us, they are necessary for us to survive. We can't change what we've done, only what we are going to do. You may feel guilt for what you did all those years ago, but you've changed for the better. That's all we can do until the Valkyries call us to the other side." Keagan cannot help but feel shocked at her words. The only other people he has come to know that do not care about his past are Lora and Conner, Conner is his subordinate and Lora has known him since he came to Northpoint.

"Thanks…" he says and Viera nods to him. "So, now you answer my question," Keagan says, wanting to change the topic.

Viera was born in Valkenheim, born the daughter of an ex-slave and raider. Her childhood was hard as she was one of the only Monster children in their village. The other kids would exclude her, saying that she was not a 'true Viking' since her mother was foreign. Her father, however, adored her and her mother, always encouraging her to outshine the bullies. And that is exactly what she did. Being a high orc, she had a natural affinity for battle, the axe being almost a part of her.

When she was old enough to go on raids, though, it became troublesome. Many of her childhood bullies never accepted her, though the reasons changed. She outclassed them all and it infuriated them, she was stronger, faster, and more vicious than any of them and they all knew it. None of them would accept her in their raids till the jarl forced them to.

Once they landed on the beach, they attacked her. They forced her down onto the beach, trying to force themselves on her. They had her outnumbered, but like her father, she was a raider. She threw them off and killed every single one of them. Once her bloodlust wore off, her blood went cold. She killed her entire raiding party. While it was in self defense it would not be excused. The Jarl would call for her death as penance. An honorable Viking would have sailed back and accepted their fate, but not Viera. She would not let them have the last laugh after the lifetime of mockery they forced on her. She set the ship on fire and walked away, knowing she could never return unless she wanted to die.

She roamed for a while on her own, stealing, fighting, and fucking as she needed to. One day she came upon a group of orcs who were being attacked by some men from a near by village. The orcs were docile and did not put up a fight as they were taken advantage of. Viera looked down at the sight and her bloodlust kicked in. She slaughtered the villagers and took command of the orcs, teaching them how to fight and defend themselves. They became a wondering band searching for a place to call home. They traveled north until they found the cave where they later met Keagan and his men.

"I don't get how you feel bad for killing those fucks. They attacked you, they deserved what they got and then some." Viera nods at Keagan's words.

"It's not killing them that I regret. By not going back, by running away, I proved them right. A Viking doesn't run in the face of death, even if they deserve it. They accept their fate with honor and weapon in hand. By running, I dishonored my clan and my family." Keagan watches a single tear flow down her cheek.

"Well fuck them," Keagan says, and Viera looks back up at him in surprise. "Those fucks weren't real Vikings either. Last time I checked you Vikings value community and brotherhood. What those shitbags did was treachery if I've ever heard it before. Hell, they didn't even have the gall to face you in honest combat, so fuck them." Viera cannot help but smile at Keagan's words. Rash and blunt, he is an honorable man regardless of his past deeds. He would make a good Viking. "Alright, I've had my fill of sharing. Let's get back up to the yard before Conner comes searching for us. He's like a bloody hound dog when it comes to that." Viera laughs at Keagan's joke as she follows him out of the armory.

"Yes sir."

That evening…

Keagan is losing his mind. He's never minded giving his men time off, everyone needs time to relax and enjoy themselves, but this is going too far. As the sun started to go down the soldiers quit their training for the day, heading towards the dining hall. Having all the extra help around the fort proved useful as the kitchen has plenty of ready hands to help cook for the soldiers. Many of them couldn't fit in the dining hall but they didn't mind.

The harpies then showed up and demanded that they have the chance to spend time with the soldiers since they were done for the day. Keagan sighed, but allowed it, forbidding any of them from talking to the soldiers that were patrolling the walls, since they were still waiting to be attacked.

Eventually, after some of the villagers broke open some bottles of wine and other liquors, along with the few that brought instruments, the entire fort was in the midst of a party. Soldiers that were off duty were dancing and mingling amongst the villagers and harpies. Every instinct in Keagan's body told him to stop the music, stop the festivities, and get them back to work. But he resists. He promised the harpies some time to with the soldiers and he is a man of his word, though begrudgingly so.

He ate his meal quickly, not wanting to stay around for the festivities, Keagan never could stand being in crowded places. He leaves the dining hall and goes back towards the keep, heading for the training yard. He finds a bench in the lonely yard and sits, letting the cool ocean breeze wash over him. The sky is still filled with clouds but there is just enough break in them to catch a glimpse of the moon. He sits here for what feels like a long time.

He thinks about Viera, of all people, and their conversation from earlier. He never thought about himself the way she did earlier in the day. He always thought himself as the lowest of the low, just like Dianna had said to him all those years ago. He cannot get the thoughts of all the people he sold off out of his mind, all the lives he let be destroyed. But he remembers what Viera said, he cannot change what he's done. She's right, but the sting still marks him. Keagan sits alone for a long time before he finally decides to turn in for the night. He makes a quick round of the walls, making sure that none of his soldiers are sleeping or ignoring their posts. After making sure the fort is secure as it can be, he heads towards the keep.

He makes his way through the stone halls towards the living quarters. As he starts getting closer, he starts to hear the faintest sounds. It sounds like someone moaning. In the time he's spent in the fort they have never had an issue with ghosts or other spirit Monsters, but that does not stop the old, dreary fort from having a creepy atmosphere. Curious about the source of the sound, he follows it through the corridors until he comes to the source. The sounds are louder now, much louder. Keagan cracks the door in front of him just enough so that he can see inside, and his jaw hits the floor. The room he is looking into is the communal barracks that all the soldiers share, which right now is hosting a massive orgy. The room is filled with people, human and Monster, fucking like rabbits in heat. Keagan slowly closes the door, making sure it clicks shut before stepping away.

He stays perfectly still for a full minute before throwing his head back and screaming silently. How can they have an orgy at a time like this. They are waiting for an attack that could happen any moment and they are wasting time in such a manner. Keagan has the right mind to kick the door in and drag every soldier, human or otherwise, and have them run laps around the keep till he gets tired…But he resists. He agreed to let them do as they please in their off time, it is their off time. It does not matter if there is an enemy on their way to kill them all, his soldiers need their rest, not that they are resting, but what they do in their off time is their business, right? Right.

Keagan storms down the corridor, a frenzy going on in his head. He needs something to calm him. He thinks to go see if Lora is awake, as she is often open for conversation, if she's awake. Keagan makes it to her door and opens it, and his jaw hits the floor once again. Lora's room is much like his own: small and cramped, and in the small bed sits Lora, naked as the day she was born, with Saya's face buried between her legs, who is also naked. The two of them are so engrossed in their play that they do not even notice Keagan. He slowly closes the door and steps away. He cups his eyes with one hand, still in shock. He had known Lora preferred women but…Keagan pushes those thoughts away, not wanting to think about it. He then tries to think of something else he can do to clear his head while the rest of the world fucked its own brains out.

He finally decides, begrudgingly, to seek out Conner. The young warden would normally be sharpening his sword or tending to his armor. Or that is what he would be doing if he did not have Terra bouncing on him at the moment. This time Keagan actually took the time to listen before opening the door, the only reason he knows that it is Terra in the room with the warden is because he recognizes her skirt crumpled on the floor just outside the room. Sighing heavily, Keagan goes to his own quarters, content with the idea of whisky being his only comfort tonight.

He throws the door open and goes straight for the bottle. He starts to grab a glass, but then just drinks it straight, the liquor burning his throat as it goes down. He starts to sit down at his desk just as a knock sounds at his door. Growling, he gets up to answer it. His expression is a bitter scowl until he sees that it is Viera standing outside. She has changed clothes, now in a pair of plain trousers and a shirt that is struggling to contain her breasts.

"Sorry to bother you, commander. I was wondering if you were free to talk?" Keagan immediately notices that her face is red as a beat.

"You walked in on the orgy too, huh?" Viera's expression becomes guilty.

"Yes," she says, hanging her head. Keagan doesn't say anything as he steps aside to let her into the small room. At least he will have someone to drink with.

"Want a drink," he asks, tipping the bottle back and forth. She nods and he goes to retrieve two glasses. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I figured you be getting some tail with the rest of them."

"I'm actually not into the group stuff. My girls would always share men before I came along but I was never for it." Keagan hands her a glass and she takes a drink, moaning low in her throat as it goes down.

"Good stuff, huh?" She nods as she takes another drink.

"Yes," she says as she takes a seat on his bed. Keagan sits in the chair behind his desk as he takes a drink of his own.

"Was I the first person you came looking for?" Her face goes red at his question.

"Well, yes, but your room was just the closest and I was hoping you wouldn't mind keeping me company…is all." Keagan does not react to her nervous stammering as he finishes off his glass.

"Probably a good thing. I stopped by Conner and Lora's rooms. They were both busy," Keagan says as he pours himself another drink.

"Really. Two gold coins says Conner was with a man." Keagan cannot help but laugh at Viera's accusation.

"Pay up then. He was with Terra." Viera's face drops at the news.

"Damn it, I was certain he preferred men. The way he always fixes his hair and keeps himself all primed and proper," Keagan laughs again at her assumptions. He noticed the exact same thing when Conner first arrived.

"Yeah. Truth is, he does that because wardens are supposed to be the 'face of the Legion'," Keagan says in a mocking, proper accent, "or whatever they teach these younger soldiers these days. The boy takes his title too seriously." Viera laughs, taking another sip from her glass.

"That's funny," she says, her face looking more flushed than before.

"You alright?" Viera nods with a sleepy smile on her face.

"Yeah, this whisky's got my eyes swaying a little." Keagan laughs at that. Keagan would expect the high orc to be able to drink him and every other soldier under the table, being that Vikings are known for their love of drinking, among other things. "So, who was Lora with?" Keagan laughs before he says.

"Saya, that anubis girl." Viera's eyes go wide at that.

"Seriously?" she asks and Keagan nods with a devilish grin. "How do you know?"

"I forgot that knocking is polite," he says and Viera howls with laughter, imagining Keagan's reaction to seeing Lora in bed with the anubis.

"I bet you enjoyed that, huh?" Keagan laughs at the high orc.

"Won't lie, it was a pretty sight to see." They both laugh at his words.

"So, what about you?" Keagan takes another sip of his whiskey before answering her.

"What about me?"

"Oh, come on, commander. What kind of woman do you go after?" Keagan looks down into his glass, becoming very fascinated with the dark coloring of the liquid.

"I'm not too picky. Long as she's decent looking and not covered in sores she won't get any complaining." Viera boos at him.

"Don't give me that. Come on, we already shared our life stories, may as well tell what we like in bed, commander." Keagan shakes his head with a smile at her pestering.

"Keagan," he says, taking a sip of his drink.

"Huh?" Viera looks at him with confusion.

"You can call me Keagan. We're not on duty and we're drinking, no point in formalities."

"Says the man still wearing his armor." Keagan looks down, having completely forgotten to take of his armor, which Viera finds hilarious. Keagan laughs as he sits the drink aside before standing up to remove it. When he sits back down, he is wearing just a pair of trousers and a sleeveless shirt.

"Now, Keagan, what kind of woman do you like?" Keagan shakes his head again as he finishes his second glass.

"Well, I guess I like 'em big in the chest," Keagan admits.

"Okay," Viera says, leaning forward as if he's telling her a secret.

"I don't mind a nice ass to grab onto, either. I also prefer dark haired girls. And, I like a girl that I don't have to be gentle with. I don't mind going slow, but I like a girl that can match me stroke for stroke, you know?"

"I understand that," Viera says. "I hate having a man that I'm afraid of breaking." Keagan laughs at that.

"Yeah, I'd say."

"Keagan," he looks at her, her face and voice serious now.

"Yeah," his brow goes up at the sudden suspense.

"Would you fuck me if I wanted you to?" It takes a full minute for those words to sink in. He downs the whole glass at once before sitting it down.

"I don't know." His voice is as serious as hers.

"Why not?" Her expression does not change.

"Last time I let a girl worm her way into my life it was Dianna, and I don't want to be used again." Viera sits her glass on the floor and approaches Keagan slowly. He watches her with surprise as she straddles him, putting her arms around his neck, her breasts pressing against him.

"I don't want to use you, Keagan," she whispers. "I just don't want to be alone tonight. And I don't think you want to be, either." Keagan stares into her eyes for along moment, searching for any form of dishonesty.

"Damn me to hell," he says as he captures her lips with his own. She's shocked by the suddenness of the kiss, but she quickly recovers and returns it. The two of them continue on like this for several moments before Keagan stands up, taking Viera in his arms. She's surprised by his strength but doesn't let that distract her from their kiss. Keagan lays her on the bed before breaking away from her. He strips out of his shirt and trousers, his erections springing from captivity.

Viera blushes at the sight of him, not expecting him to be as large as he is. Keagan then goes back to kissing her, their tongues entangling as Viera pushes herself up so that she can take off her shirt. Keagan breaks the kiss again so that he can see her bare chest, which is almost enough to make him climax on the spot. "Gods," he breathes as he captures one of her nipples in his mouth while taking the other in his hand. She gasps, enjoying the attention. He goes back and forth a few times before tailing back up to her neck and then her lips.

"Keagan…" she breathes, causing him to draw back. She starts to push her trousers down and he helps remove them, exposing her center. She spreads her legs invitingly and Keagan starts to drool at the sight of her. He lays himself over her, kissing her again as he rubs his tip against her folds, surprised by how wet she already is. "Give it to m-AH!" Viera gasps as Keagan suddenly thrusts into her, her body stretching as he hilts himself inside. He gives her a moment to adjust to his shaft before gyrating his hips. Viera gasps and moans as Keagan slams into her, each thrust setting her veins on fire.

The two of them go on like this for a while before changing positions, Viera on her hands and knees as Keagan takes her from behind. Keagan finds himself entranced by the bouncing of her generous backside to the point that he spanks her. She yelps from the sudden pain but starts to bounce against him harder. "Again…again…" she begs, and he accommodates her a few more times, the cheek turning red. As he continues to watch her cheeks bounce against him, his body feeling electrified, an evil grin plays along his lips. Without warning, Keagan spanks her again, only this time his hand stays on her cheek. She moans from it, until she feels his thumb start rubbing against her other hole.

"Keagan, ah, I've never done, oh, that before!" Viera gaps as Keagan massages her sphincter with his thumb.

"Relax, I've got you," he says, not pausing his thrusts as he continues. Viera does not want to admit it but the sensation actually becomes pleasurable. She had heard some of her girls talk about this kind of sex before, but she had never thought to try it. She gets a better understanding as Keagan finally works the first digit of his thumb into the hole, causing her to gasp as he continues to pound himself into her.

"Viera…I'm almost there…" Keagan says as he starts to pound against her harder. She gasps at his strength, feeling her own pleasure coming to a head.

"Don't pull out…don't pull out…" she manages to say as Keagan picks up his speed even more, even starting to work his thumb in and out of her rectum in time with his thrusts. They both climax in unison, a wave of warmth washing over Viera as Keagan pumps his seed into her, his spirit energy being absorbed.

When the euphoria finally passes, they both slump onto the bed, Keagan laying on top of Viera's back, both of them panting from their play. "I… needed that," Keagan says breathlessly, getting a light chuckle from Viera. Keagan has not felt this way in so long, the last time he felt this close to a woman was when he was with Dianna for their last time, but that was ages ago, not to mention a lie. This time, though, it feels real. And it feels nice.

"Keagan," Viera says, turning her head so that she can look at him. "Thanks for that…but…I could go for another." Keagan's face twists into an evil grin as he pulls his still full erection from her.

"I think I can oblige."

The following day…

Keagan was absolutely disgusted with himself, and yet, happier than he had been in a log time. The entire fort woke up late, Keagan included. After waking up, sore from hours of sex, he realized that the sun was already up. Cursing, he got up and dressed and coaxed Viera from bed as well so that she could do the same. When he finally made it outside the entire fort was in a similar state. The soldiers on nightshift were only just being relieved, very irritated about their belayed rest. All of the morning shift soldiers were groggy and sore, the harpies giving their new-found mates words of encouragement before flying off. If Keagan had not been guilty of the same crime, he would have made each of his soldiers regret the day they were born. But he would let it slide this once; though, he makes a mental note of figuring out a better way to manage the shifts.

After making sure that everyone was up and as ready as they could be, the waiting game began. All of the villagers were taken into the lower parts of the keep as the soldiers finished their preparations for the coming attack. They mixed cauldrons of boiling oil, barricades, and flash bombs. Keagan wished they had at least a trebuchet or even some ballistae, but the Legion never saw reason to provide them with any. However, it is not the attacking element that he is worried about.

As a peacekeeper, Dianna is trained to infiltrate and sabotage a fort like this, no matter how tight the security. Peacekeepers are known for their swift and brutal tactics. What's more, he still hasn't heard word from his scouts.

"Commander!" Keagan turns towards the gate house, his adrenaline kicking in as the lookout calls. "The scouts have returned, sir!"

"Are they being followed?"

"No sir."

"Open the gate!" Keagan goes to meet them as the gate opens, the two men riding inside with their horses panting from exhaustion. "What did you find, men?"

"Sir, an imperial galleon sailed in last night. More than hundred men came to shore after they arrived. We don't know how close they are now, but we didn't see any horses. I would say that they should arrive by nightfall." Keagan nods at the information. A galleon would have at least two hundred capable fighters aboard, but it is difficult to move that many men in a short time. More than likely, Dianna is confident that they will be able to seize the fort easily with only half their full force.

"Good job, men. Get your horses to the stable and take a rest. But be ready, it is going to be a long night."

Dusk…

The force could be seen almost a mile away. They didn't seem to care if they were spotted, Keagan would call them smug bastards for underestimating him and his men, but he would rather they learn that too late. The force marched towards the fort, carrying no banners, their soldiers wearing no colors, indistinguishable from common mercenaries. Leading the group was the lawbringer that had accompanied Dianna when they first came to the fort. He gave commands like he had done it plenty of times, no doubt having done so.

The gate of the fort raises high enough for their vanguard to pass under it, the group forming up quickly, forming a semicircle around the gate as the imperial force starts their march.

"Stand ready men!" Conner calls. The men bring up their shields, their hearts pounding against their chests. "These dogs think we are weak!" The marching of the Imperials can be felt though the ground. "They think they can take what they want without paying for it!" The men steady their breathing, their swords raised and pointing outwards. "We're going to show them their folly!" The marching grows louder. "We're going to show them the price for showing their faces on our land!" The Imperials start to charge for the fort, letting out battle cries as they surge. "And they will pay it," Conner raises his broadsword, ready to meet the charge. "With their blood," Conner's words spark a war cry from the soldiers as the Imperials clash against them.

Dianna was annoyed that Keagan had not taken her offer. Having to take this run down, crumbling mess of a fort is the last thing she wants to do. The convoy was supposed to go smoothly, just as they had before. Now, because the Imperials are forced to work for their slaves, she is losing a portion of her profit. She would make Keagan pay for that.

She leads a small group of soldiers along the edge of the cliff, the soldiers carrying a siege ladder. Dianna expects that Keagan is with his men at the gate, facing off against Reynold. He find that her lawbringer is more than capable of taking his head and many others. She is almost sad she will not get to see it happen.

As they finally reach the wall, Dianna takes the end of the ladder and goes to the wall, the flexible wood bending as she starts to walk her way up the crumbling outer surface, the soldiers keeping the ladder steady and pushing it forward. She vaults over the top of the wall before securing it and giving the signal for her men to climb. The ten soldiers make their way up and draw their weapons. Dianna leads them down into the court yard, looking to kill the soldiers at the gate house. She would keep the gate closed until the vanguard was dealt with, then open it wide for the Imperials. They make their way towards the gate house, keeping low to not draw attention to themselves.

"Dianna!" The peacekeeper's eyes go wide as she recognizes Keagan's voice. She turns to see him in front of the keeps entrance, his flail drawn. "Time to face your judgment!" Dianna and her men straighten up, their weapons at the ready. Dianna steps past them, her sword and dagger in hand.

"That is laughable, coming from you!" Her voice is loud and obnoxious, and purposely so. Keagan never was able to keep his temper in check. "So, you let your men do all your fighting for you, Keagan? I see you have become a failed commander just as much as you were a thug!"

Keagan does not move, staring down the peacekeeper. He knows she is trying to goad him, and he is prepared for that. "My lieutenant is seeing to your friends. He's more than capable." Dianna laughs at him, pointing her short sword at him.

"I doubt it! But it won't matter. Not even you can take on this many men," she says, indicating the soldiers behind her, "on your own. I think I'll make you watch as your men die so needlessly." Keagan sneers behind his faceguard.

"Who said I was alone?" Keagan's question is answered as two of Dianna's men fall forward, an arrow planted in the back of their skulls. The soldiers react and form a shield wall, seeing Keagan's comrades. Viera and two orcs stand in front of the soldiers as well as three archers on the wall above them. Dianna curses as she realizes that the warriors are Monsters. "You peacekeepers are supposed to be good at gathering information!" Dianna turns back to face Keagan as he makes his way down the stone steps from the keep's door. "But you got cocky. Now, I'm going to fuck you raw." Keagan brings his shield up, his flail raised and ready. Without saying a word, Dianna rushes forward, her blades at her sides. Viera and her comrades charge as well, the archers letting off arrows as the soldiers keep their formation, covering themselves with their shields.

As Dianna and Keagan meet, his flail swings wide in an arc. Dianna ducks low, going for his side with her dagger. Just as her blade would pierce his side, his shield trusts forward to block as he brings his flail up and down onto her. She side steps, bringing her short sword around and followed by her dagger again. Keagan cannot manage to land a single blow as Dianna dodges his attacks only to counter. He manages to keep his shield between him and her dagger, knowing how peacekeepers prefer to land well placed stabs to let their targets bleed out before dealing the killing blow. But he cannot manage this for much longer. Soon he will start to slow, and she will bleed him like a stuck pig.

Changing tactics, Keagan parries a sword stroke before lunging forward with his shield and striking her square in the chest. She cries out from the strike but rolls with the momentum, landing back on her feet. Keagan repeats the attack again, but she is ready for him as she side steps, her dagger finally hitting home. Keagan grits his teeth as he feels pain shoot through his side. He whirls, his flail swinging wide as Dianna rolls and distances herself from him. The wound is not deep, and he knows it will not kill him, but it is painful, and he knows it will sting every time he swings his flail.

"We can still end this, Keagan. It could be just like old times. You and me, making money like we used to." Keagan cannot stand to look at her, glad that her faceguard is hiding her face as he would be disgusted to see her expression.

"What made you do this, Dianna?"

"Money, obviously. After gathering information on you and the don for so long, and see all that money roll in. I thought it would be a waste to let such an opportunity slip by. After the don was executed, I met with his Imperial contact and set up an arrangement. Simple business, really." Keagan does not say anything for a long moment, only staring at her from behind his faceguard. Finally, he starts to laugh, laughing so hard that it causes his side to hurt. Dianna arches a brow at him, confused. "And what, pray tell, is so funny?" Keagan shakes his head as he starts to sober up.

"For all this time, I let what you said to me after I was arrested haunt me. I actually believed what you said, that I was the lowest creature in the world. But truth be told, you are." Dianna's head turns to one side at his words. "I came from nothing. Had to steal and lie just to eat. But you, you took an oath to protect the people from bastards like I was. And now, after everything, I've gone through because of you, I find that your even worse than I ever was." Dianna rolls her shoulder.

"It doesn't matter who is worse or not, Keagan, only who is left standing." Keagan raises his shield.

"And that won't be you." The two of them continue their fight, Keagan's vigor renewed. His flail lashes out like a whip, managing to rip through her light armor as she misjudges a few of his swings. However, it is not enough. The wound she gave him slows his swings, allowing her to close the distance between them and leaving her an opening. She wounds him several more times, striking points on his body that will cause him the most amount of pain. Finally, Keagan can only manage to stand, blood flowing from the multiple wounds.

"Where has that confidence gone, Keagan," Dianna asks as she flicks her dagger, drops of blood flying off it. Keagan grits his teeth, wishing he could cave in that mask of hers. She rushes for him again without warning. Keagan manages to block her sword stroke, raising his flail up to stop her dagger just as it would have pierced his throat. He tries to swing but she catches the chain with her sword and parries. Closing in the distance, she sinks her dagger into his side three times in quick succession. Keagan gasps, too weak to yell as his knees buckle. This wound would bleed him out, and soon. Keagan clutches at the wound, his hand becoming warm with blood. "Well," Keagan looks up to see Dianna standing over him. "It was nice catching up, Keagan." She raises her sword over her head, ready to end their fight.

"Fuck you!" Keagan growls through gritted teeth. Dianna does not have time to react as something large and fast slams into her, carrying her across the courtyard before throwing her onto the stone steps of the keep. Dianna cries out in pain, quickly becoming aware of the axe head descending on her and rolling to avoid it. She regains her fighting stance and faces her attacker: the Monster Girl that had been fighting her soldiers. She glances over to where her soldiers had been fighting, seeing them lying dead as the two other Monster soldiers rush to Keagan.

"So, you're Keagan's knew who-" Dianna cannot finish her insult as Viera lunges, her axe raised as she tries to bash her with the pommel. Dianna manages to dodge, but only barely, surprised by how quickly the large Monster is able to move. Viera lashes out at the peacekeeper, twirling and swinging her axe with every ounce of her strength. This bitch had almost killed Keagan, her commander, and she is not getting away with it. The high orc lets out a battle cry as she continues to rage against the peacekeeper.

Dianna ducks another swing of the axe, sliding in close with her dagger. It finds its mark, digging into her side. Unlike with Keagan, Dianna wants to end this quickly and the stab will bleed nicely. Though, before she can pull the dagger free, Viera clasps her hand around Dianna's wrist and holds it there. Surprised by her reflexes, Dianna tries to bring her sword up but is met with the top of the axe blade as it slams into her faceguard. She stumbles back, her vision blurry for a moment. When it finally returns, she manages to see the Monster Girl pull the dagger from her side before tossing it away. With another battle cry she charges for Dianna, her eyes burning with rage.

Dianna curses as she reaches behind her, pulling the small, collapsible crossbow from the holster on her belt. She pulls the trigger, the arms flicking out and firing the bolt simultaneously. The bolt sinks into Viera's shoulder but her leather pauldron is too thick for it to affect her. Dianna manages to load two more shots, panic making her aim skewed as they both miss the charging Viera. As she draws closer, Dianna discards the weapon, realizing its futility. Viera swings the axe and Dianna dodges again, closing the distance and going in with her sword. Viera uses the axe head to bat the sword away before slamming the pommel into Dianna's faceguard again. The axe comes back around once more and Dianna dodges, only her movement is slow and the axe rips one of her pauldrons off.

Dianna swings her sword, panic taking over as her sword meets the shaft of the axe. Her swings are fast but uncoordinated, Viera having no trouble blocking and countering her attacks. Dianna tries to stab Viera again, only for the high orc to catch her by the wrist. She twists the peacekeeper's wrist, causing her to drop the sword. Viera slams the side of her axe blade against Dianna's head, causing her faceguard to go flying. When Dianna looks back to the Monster Girl, she is holding the axe up in one hand.

Viera wants to bring the axe down with everything she has and split the little weaselly woman down the middle. But Keagan had told her before the battle that he wants to take her alive. Keeping that in mind, and valuing Keagan's wishes above her rage, Viera brings the axe down so that the beard of the axe hooks over her shoulder. With quick, sharp jerks Viera brings Dianna forward so that she can slam Dianna's skull against her own three consecutive times. When Viera lifts her axe off Dianna's shoulder, the peacekeeper falls to the ground in a heap.

The following morning…

Dawn showed a grisly scene in front of Northpoint fort. Bodies lay piled and scattered over the grass, the local seagulls thankful for the unexpected meal. Over a hundred Imperials attacked the fort during the night, and now not a single one is left alive. The Imperials had been fine fighters, but they were not soldiers. They were trained to fight pirates and the occasional sea Monster, not a force of practiced soldiers. The hardest challenge had been the lawbringer, but Conner had managed to run his sword through one of the few kinks in the armor. After seeing their 'commander' die, the Imperials started to retreat, but Conner was not having it. He gave the order to charge and Conner's men slaughtered them.

After finishing off the Imperials, Conner had gone back into the fort to find Keagan being dragged inside the keep by Viera and Lora, covered in blood. The young warden had tried to follow his commander inside but a few of the orcs stopped him. He wanted to be at Keagan's side, but he knew the soldiers would need him to keep order. He had the men retreat into the keep and standby in case a second force appeared. They never did.

"Commander!" Conner shouts as he sees Keagan step out of the keep. He is covered in bandages, his face screwed in pain as Viera helps him walk outside. Conner rushes to meet them, the surrounding soldiers following him to their commander. "Sir, you should not be up in this condition." Keagan waves the warden's worries away as he grits his teeth.

"I'm fine, Conner," Keagan says. He gasps as he tries to take a step and pain shoots up both his sides, which Conner raises a brow at. "How many casualties?" Conner forgoes his worries as he goes to attention.

"Sir! Fifteen wounded, zero deceased. Complete enemy defeat."

Keagan nods, satisfied with the report.

"Sir!" A soldier calls, pushing his way through the small crowd of soldiers that has formed behind Conner. "A force is approaching the gate. They are waving the Legions colors."

"Heeeeeey!" Keagan and the rest of the group look up to see a harpy flying overhead, wearing the Iron Legion's colors.

"Open the gate," Keagan says weakly. Half and hour later a large force of knights on horse back stride into the courtyard, each of them fully armored and carrying weapons. At the front is a warden wearing black iron armor, a symbol of his status as commander.

"Where is Commander D'Arc," the warden calls loudly.

"I'm over here, Daegon." The warden turns to see Keagan, now sitting on the stone steps of the keep. Normally he would rise and solute to the warden but given his current state he decides throw curtesy out the window.

"Where is she?" Keagan points to a wagon that one of the villagers had brought with them, where Dianna now sits with her ankles, wrists and elbows tied to one of the wheels, her head slumped forward in her unconscious state. Commander Daegon approaches her without a word. When he comes within range, he slaps her, shocking her awake. She swings her head back and forth, remembering where she is. She then looks up to see her commander staring down at her from behind his helmet.

"Commander! Commander don't listen to them! They'r-" the warden silences her with a swift kick in the teeth, the peacekeeper crying out as blood fills her throbbing mouth.

"Silence!" Daegon pulls something out of a pouch on his belt: a small leather-bound journal. "This belongs to the captain of an Imperial Galleon that we captured just south of here. It has your name in it, along with all the business you have been doing with them for the past year!" Dianna looks up at the warden, her eyes filled with fear. "I'll see you hanged for this, Dianna. May the Gods have mercy on your soul." Daegon turns to his men. "Get this viper in chains!" He then returns to Keagan as Dianna is cut free and then hauled towards their horses. "Where are the slaves," Daegon asks to Keagan.

"Inside," Keagan answers.

"Any casualties?" Keagan shakes his head, too tired to answer with words. Daegon nods before he finally removes his helmet, showing his well-groomed hair and mustache that Keagan has heard him brag about too many times in the few meetings they have had in the past. "You have done well, Commander Keagan. You've saved many innocent lives and done so without losing a single soldier. Not many commanders could have pulled it off."

Keagan nods in thanks. "I can't take all the credit. Had a little help," Keagan says, pointing up to the harpy who is still flying around, "and I've got some fine soldiers here. Couldn't have done it without them." Commander Daegon nods in agreement.

Three months later…

After the battle, Keagan was decorated with honors for his achievement. He received a new set of armor, black iron as opposed to his old plain iron set, a true sign of his status of commander. He also received a new flail and shield. Conner also received honors, along with a new set of armor and sword. He was offered another position in Point Hollow, but he turned it down, wanting to stay with Keagan and the rest of the soldiers in Northpoint.

After seeing the state of the fort, Commander Daegon had organized improvements to be made to the fort: reinforcement to the walls, a new iron siege gate, even had some ballistae mounted on the walls. Furthermore, they received multiple shipments of building materials; this was per request of Keagan. After the battle, many of the drafted villagers decided that they wanted to stay at Northpoint, which proved troublesome as Keagan did not have the room for all of them full time. Thus, he requested materials to build a new village right in front of Northpoint. Even the current soldiers decided to live outside the fort, being that they are now mated with either an orc or harpy. Now, the three villages are joined as one under the protection of Keagan and his soldiers.

Keagan is in the training yard, swinging his flail around and striking a padded training dummy. His injuries have healed, and he has regained his strength, returning to his strong and grumpy self. "Keagan," the conqueror turns to see Viera, dressed in her casual clothes. "Why are you training? It's your day off." Since Conner got his promotion Keagan decided to give Conner days where he was in charge of the fort, which helped since he was in charge while Keagan recovered from his injuries.

"Still feel a little rusty," Keagan says. His wounds had vanished, but he feels like something is off with his movements. Viera shakes her head at him.

"Well work your rust out later and come eat something." Keagan does not argue as he follows Viera into the keep. After the battle, Viera took turns with Lora and Saya to take care of Keagan while he recovered. During that time, Keagan found himself falling for Viera and she for him. After he made his recovery he proposed. She was so surprised that she start to bawl while hugging him tightly. They decided not to have a ceremony or anything, neither of them wanting any overzealous occasion, but they did announce it to the soldiers of the fort, receiving many good tidings and congratulations. Conner also married Terra shortly after Keagan proposed, their wedding was over a month ago. Lora and Saya are still a couple, both Keagan and Viera having a running bet on which one will propose first.

Inside the keep, Viera has prepared a small lunch for the two of them. Keagan sits his flail and shield by his bed as he sits down. Viera sits at his desk while Keagan takes the bed. "I ran into Terra today," Viera say as she takes a bite of her food.

"Really," Keagan says, focusing more on his own meal.

"Mhm. She wouldn't shut up about wanting chicks. I don't know how Conner puts up with her." Keagan laughs, agreeing with his wife.

"I can imagine Conner while she's in labor, freaking out to the point he faints." They both laugh at the image in their heads.

"Yeah. I can of imagine you doing the same thing." Keagan laughs at that.

"I don't know what I'd do," sobering himself.

"Well, you may want to figure it out." Keagan's eyes go wide as he stares at his wife, an evil grin playing across her lips as she pets her stomach.