Leaving the tent I wonder how long Zamart will sit there stunned. Probably a while since those robes are the most enchanted item he will have ever seen in his life. But they are worthless to me, and everything I have heard about him and his aura makes me think he is worthy of them.

Besides, with him being more powerful the rebels will have a much better chance of winning this war. I want them to be able to win it on their own, I have too many things to get done to sit here babysitting them. Speaking of other things to get done I start looking for Annya.

Myria says "Master! What are you doing here?"

"I'm looking for Annya, do you know where she is?"

Myria says "Of course! This way!"

Myria grabs my hand and happily leads me out of the camp. She takes me through some trees and into another clearing where soldiers are being drilled. To my surprise all the beastwomen are here and it looks like they convinced the humans to teach them how to fight.

Myria says "Annya! Master wants to talk to you!"

Annya says "Okay!"

Annya puts her weapon aside and gives the instructor a respectful bow before walking over to where we are standing. I nod at her and then turn and lead her back into the trees where we won't be overheard. Myria also follows me but I was pretty much expecting that.

"Annya, do you and the other beastwomen want to return to the lands of the beast kingdom?"

Annya says "No, we don't."

"You are all set on not returning?"

Annya says "Yes, everyone is of one mind."

"Alright, then what do you want to do?"

Annya says "We know you don't want a large group following you, so we plan to help the rebels for a while. We will get training and experience, so later we can be of more use to you. Besides, there are more like us still being held as slaves in this rotten kingdom."

"Alright, I can respect that. But why are you worried about being more useful to me? Didn't Myria already take over all the debt owed to me?"

Annya says "Yes, Myria took on the debt for you saving us from slavery. Since then you have earned our loyalty by treating us well and caring about what happens to us. You are unlike anyone I have met in this life, you are worth following."

Myria "Master, I would follow you even if there was no debt, even if I knew it would mean my death."

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"Alright, stop trying to make me blush! I guess there is really no point in trying to argue with you anymore, just do as you wish."

As Myria and Annya celebrate their victory I head back to the rebel camp since it should be about time for dinner. I am curious to see what the princess plans to do next. I figure if I help them win the next battle then use the portal to Illium I won't lose much time.

Considering travel time to Illium without the gate I may even gain some time. I remember someone mentioning that the mage's guild is based in Illium, I wonder if they have someone there capable of repairing artifacts. I will definitely have to stop by the guild and see if there is, I have to get the medallion repaired.

Myria catches up to me as I near the princess' tent, she seems far too pleased with herself, but it is good to see her happy. Alannis, Leyla, and Isabella are waiting for us outside the tent. We all enter together and find a long table laid out with food waiting for us.

There are five seats for us on our side and four on the opposite side. The princess is opposite the middle chair which I'm guessing is meant for me. On one side of her is Zamart, on the other is a red haired woman who I guess is Alannis' older sister Alexa, past her is Ricken.

I pull out the chair meant for me and set it aside, then I crouch in the spot where the chair was. Alannis sits on my left opposite her sister with Leyla next to her, Myria sits on my right with Isabella next to her. The food on the table is plentiful but plain fair, I would be surprised to see rich food here.

Mercy says "I'm sorry Ash, I should have realized our chairs won't be comfortable for you."

"Don't worry about it, I'm not your typical beastman anymore."

Mercy says "You know Zamart and Ricken, this is Alexa our military commander."

Alexa says "It's nice to meet you, and thank you for sparing my sister."

"You are welcome."

As we begin eating I notice Mericel is also in the room although she seems to be staying out of things for now. The main topic of discussion is put off until after dinner, while we are eating it is only casual conversation. I eat sparingly since I could eat everything on the table before feeling full, I don't want to put everyone out.

I catch Zamart several times during the meal, ignoring the conversation to glance at some papers, I am pleased when I recognize the primer. Ricken stays quiet unless asked a question, he is obviously nervous to be here. Alexa is polite but she obviously doesn't like these types of dinners, her sister is almost a mirror of her.

The only one who seems truly at ease on their side is the princess, but she was raised for court dinners so to her this is probably quite relaxing. Myria, leyla, and Isabella are also showing signs of nerves as they eat quietly. My people are not used to being in the presence of a royal I guess.

For myself Mercy doesn't make me nervous, I am just eating and observing everyone. Once most of the food is gone servants come in to clear the table and bring in several bottles of wine. It doesn't look like there is going to be any dessert so we can finally start the real meeting.

Mercy says "Now that we have all met each other and are all caught up on past events I believe it is time to discuss the future."

"I agree."

Mercy says "First, before I tell you the rebellion's plans can I ask what you plan to do?"

"I plan to help with the next battle since it is partly my fault, then I must journey to Korabos the Sacred Giant."

Mercy says "May I ask why you need to go there?"

"There is an ancient temple somewhere on that mountain that I have been tasked to destroy."

Mercy says "Tasked? By whom?"

"The twin goddesses Krenocia and Seronia."

Mercy says "So the rumors are true?"

"Well, I don't know what rumors you may have heard, but I serve the goddesses directly."

Mercy says "Is there another war coming after this one?"

"Yes, a war that will make this one look like a bar brawl."