I was already jealous of Bones because of his ability to level up, but now I am even more so since he can evolve as well. If only I could gain levels it would be so much easier for me to get stronger! Then again if I had both my rank and levels it would basically be a cheat mode, not that having Bones and Lizzy isn't already basically cheating.

With the two of them following me I walk over to a hilltop where I can see the mines. As expected the soldiers are running around and it looks like an anthill that got kicked over. They are forcing all the slaves into the barracks for them, each of the two buildings looks like it should hold a thousand people.

Watching five thousand people forced into buildings meant for way less makes me want to rush down and start killing the soldiers now. That would endanger the slaves though so I hold in my anger and wait for the heroes to come back. As I watch I see the soldiers taking up defensive positions, looks like the commander isn't dumb enough to send more troops out.

So we will be up against a little under two thousand, eighteen hundred are forming up by the entrance to the pit. About a hundred are spread out through the camp, probably to keep the slaves in line. I will need to deal with those soldiers first so they can't threaten the slaves.

That is where the speed of the wolves will come into play, despite the slight mishap we should still be able to follow the plan. It is almost noon now, the slaves only need to suffer for a few more hours and then they will be free. Besides, the soldiers should be too busy and nervous to do anything more to the slaves before we kill them all.

Bones says "Master?"

As I look around I realize I can hear horses approaching from two directions. I quickly walk to where I can see the road only to see the two hero groups heading towards the mine entrance. I step out into plain view and wave both groups down, once I am sure they have seen me I return to my observation point.

Justin says "What the hell is that thing?"

"That is Bones, he is my summon."

Emelia says "You are a summoner like Isabella? I thought you said you didn't have a class?"

"No, Emmy, I don't have a class. Bones is my only summon, I got him as a special reward from a kind of dungeon. I am not like Isabella, she has many summons."

Justin says "Wait, how do you know about Isabella?"

"Oh, she joined my group, she is with the rebels right now."

Rachel says "Isabella is fine? That's great!"

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Justin says "We were worried about her since we couldn't get in touch with her before we turned against the king."

"Yes, she is safe and sound. You will see her as soon as we reach the rebel camp."

Justin says "Have any other heroes joined you?"

"No, Isabella is the only one."

Emelia says "Wrong! There is us now."

"That's true Emmy. Anyway I wanted you to see Bones so when we are fighting you will know he is friendly."

Rachel says "He's undead isn't he?"

"Yes, is that a problem?"

Rachel says "No, it just means I need to be careful with my spells."

"You shouldn't have to worry too much, he is very tough."

Giles says "Speaking of fighting, what's the plan now?"

"You guys are going to take the bears with you, around sunset I want you to move to the top of the road down and mill around a bit. When the sun drops behind that peak, start down the road, but don't rush."

Justin says "If we are going slow we will be easy targets."

"You won't be in bow range until you pass the first switchback. Before you pass that point I will have hit them from behind, at that point you can charge down and join in."

Giles says "Classic hammer and anvil."

"Yeah."

Justin says "Sounds good, you think it will be that simple?"

"Battles are never simple, but I think it will work."

Emelia says "You are taking the wolves with you?"

"Yes, there are about a hundred soldiers scattered around the camp, the wolves will deal with them."

Emelia says "Then you should take Silveria with you."

"No, she needs to protect you."

Emelia says "I will be staying up on the road shooting arrows, I won't be in any danger. Besides, Silveria is even faster than the wolves, she can lead them."

"Are you sure? And is she okay with this idea?"

Emelia says "Yes, and it was her idea."

"Okay, then I won't argue."

Justin says "Anything else we need to discuss?"

"Nope, I don't think so. We should eat some lunch and then head for our positions."

After we have eaten I mount Lizzy and head for the far side of the mines where the slope down is easier. Silveria leads the twenty-three wolves and follows behind Lizzy. It surprises me a little that Lizzy doesn't seem to care, after all there are two wolf packs behind her.

Lizzy may be a top predator but they still outnumber her, I would expect her to at least keep an eye on them. After a minute Silveria leaves the wolves and moves up next to Lizzy, Lizzy lowers her head to Silveria's level. I can't hear anything but it sure seems to me like they are having a conversation.

Maybe that's why she doesn't worry about the wolves, she must trust Silveria. Now I wish Emmy had come with me, I'd love to know what the two of them are talking about. I wonder just how intelligent Lizzy is, if she can hold a conversation maybe she is close to becoming a sacred being.

That is just the first of many questions I would ask Lizzy if I could understand her. Great Mother Wolf can talk so maybe given time Lizzy will be able to talk as well. I can be patient until then, or if Silveria learns to talk first I can ask her to translate.

My musings are interrupted by our arrival above the slope we will be going down. Taking a look from closer it will be even easier than I thought it was going to be. The slope is gentle enough to ride down but there is a lot of loose gravel so it will be hard to be quiet.

The wolves are arrayed behind me just waiting for Lizzy to lead the way, I can feel Lizzy trembling with excitement beneath me. I am staring up at the mountain waiting for the sun to drop behind it. Once that happens shadows will engulf the mining camp and give us the advantage of darkness.