Mercy says "A few years' time would be very useful to us, but the fact that Ash has a plan makes me nervous."

Isabella says "I've been with him the shortest time but don't Ash's plans normally end up going totally wrong?"

"Well, maybe not totally wrong, but they do usually involve extreme amounts of danger."

Leyla says "High Priestess, I have a question if I may?"

Black says "Of course."

Leyla says "Why do you have his sword? And why is it wrapped in sealing cord?"

Black says "The sword was left behind when he was abducted. The sealing rope was the only way it could be moved."

"What has Drog said about what happened?"

Black says "He hasn't said a word to us."

I stand up and walk over, at a nod from Black I pick up the sword.

'Drog are you there?'

Drog 'Of course I'm here! Where else would I be?'

'Why didn't you talk to the priestess?'

Drog 'Because while cute she is still technically the enemy.'

'Okay, well you are with us now. Come on out and tell everyone what happened.'

Drog 'I can't.'

'Why not?'

Drog 'I can't manifest without Ash's permission.'

'Oh, alright tell me what happened and I will relay it to the others.'

As Drog tells me exactly what happened when Ash was taken I relay it all to the others. When he is done I sling Blitz across my back and retake my seat. If Ruby were here I would let her carry it but since she isn't it falls to me.

Drog 'No, give me to Isabella to carry! I've missed her boobs!'

'Do you talk to Ash like this?'

Drog 'Of course!'

'No wonder Ash looks so annoyed when you are around.'

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Drog 'He knows I am a pervert, and he knows how useful I am.'

'I bet he tells you to shut up a lot.'

Mercy says "So what are we going to do about all this?"

Isabella says "We go save him before his plan kills him of course."

"I agree, but it will be me who goes."

Mercy says "Why you?"

"One I am the fastest, two I can be spared from the war, and three I am the only one who can cross the beast lands."

Alannis says "Crossing the beast lands isn't the only way to the land bridge."

"Crossing the beast lands is faster, besides the Free Union involves politics."

Mercy says "Myria has some good points, but will you be able to cross the land bridge alone?"

"Even I am not sure of that, the tribes have hunted the land bridge. There are some powerful monsters out there. But I might have a way, I'm just not sure if it will work."

Alexa says "What is your idea?"

"Lizzy, Ash's mount. If I can convince her to help, I think I can cross the land bridge."

Justin says "That's brilliant! I've never seen anything that is as fast as Lizzy."

Emelia says "Um, I think me and Silveria can help you talk to Lizzy if you want?"

"Sure, that would be great!"

Mercy says "Okay, good, but I think you should take one more person."

"Who?"

Mercy says "My sister."

"Mericel? That would work, she can hide so I don't have to explain her to the beastmen. And she is the perfect scout, not to mention she can sense Ash when we get close enough."

Mericel says "Sure, I can do that."

"Okay, then it's settled. I know the rest of you want to go as well but this is the fastest way to get help to him. Besides, he told us to help Mercy with the war so we can't all just leave."

Mercy says "True, I need you all here. I'll admit that at first I didn't think you would be much help, but you have all proven to be very valuable to me and Alexa."

"Isabella, I will leave the backpack with you so you can move the bed if needed."

Isabella says "Okay, but I'd rather go with you."

"I know, but humans traveling through the beast lands would mean negotiating with every tribe we come across."

Black says "Don't the beastmen act hostile towards other tribes in their territory?"

"Yes, but with your help that won't be an issue."

Black says "Whatever I can do to help, just name it."

"Once we get to Illium I need to join the church."

Black says "Easily done, but is this genuine or just a cover?"

"It's genuine, I've been planning to join ever since Ash told me about his interactions with the goddesses."

Black says "Then my sister and I would be happy to help you. But why now? I've never actually had a beastman join the church."

"Beastmen are aware of the goddesses and respect them, they just have no interest in the church. No offense."

Black says "None taken. So how will joining the church help you?"

"As I said beastmen respect the goddesses, they won't interfere with someone wearing the symbol of the church."

Black says "So if you fly the flag of the goddesses the tribes will let you pass without bothering you?"

"Exactly."

Black says "That is easy enough."

Mercy says "Anything else you need?"

"No, but if you don't need me for anything I'd like to leave immediately."

Mercy says "You can leave as soon as you are ready."

Mericel says "I'm good to go."

Black says "I will leave now and make sure things are ready in Illium."

Emelia says "I will go with her to the old camp and start talking to Lizzy."

After Black and Emelia leave I head back to our communal tent to gather my few possessions. Once I have everything I meet the others outside the tent, then I give Isabella the backpack. Everyone hugs me and tells me to be safe, and everyone but Leyla tells me to smack Ash when I see him.

After the goodbyes I head to the portal back to the old camp in the forest. Mericel is waiting there for me and without saying a word I walk through the portal. My stomach does several flips but I've done this a few times now so I don't let it bother me.