A week had scarcely passed since our triumphant victory over the Holy Land vanguard when a formidable force arrived at our doorstep. The United Empire Army, numbering some three hundred samurai and nearly five hundred auxiliary skirmishers and slaves, made camp just outside the walls of Crossroads City. Their colorful flags and banners snapped in the breeze, emblazoned with the names and insignias of the various clans that had contributed warriors to this mighty host.

The army was a diverse lot, with representatives from every race this world had to offer. Dragonkin, Bugmen like myself, and even robots marched alongside the human soldiers. They were a sight to behold, clad in intricately colored samurai armor adorned with ornate helmets shaped like insectoid creatures. Plates and mail rings glinted in the sunlight, a testament to the skill of their artisans.

Their arsenal was equally impressive, a collection of exotic and deadly weapons from every era and culture. Yari spears, katana swords, naginata polearms, and wolf brush spears were just a few examples of the lethal tools at their disposal. Warhammers called kanabos and zanmados, similar to the greatsword wielded by Korgan, completed the array. This was an army prepared for any contingency, capable of facing down light armored foes, heavily armored knights, monstrous beasts, or phalanxes of spearmen and sword-wielding warriors alike. Any force foolish enough to challenge them would soon learn the folly of their decision.

Korgan and I mingled with the United Empire soldiers, regaling them with tales of our recent battle against the Holy Land forces. They listened intently, their eyes alight with the thrill of battle. In our honor, they prepared a grand feast, a spread of delicacies that harkened back to the glory days of the Old World. Sushi of every imaginable variety graced the tables - futomaki, temaki, ehomaki, and dragon rolls crafted from

...salmon, avocado, lobster, tuna, and a dizzying array of other fish. Bowls of steaming pork and beef ramen completed the meal, a feast fit for an emperor.

As we dined, I learned that we were in the company of noble samurai warriors, members of the warrior caste that held high status within the United Empire's society. Korgan, ever the keen observer of social hierarchies, noted that these samurai reminded him of the Northlander Wapontanes - elite warriors who served as the guardians of their clans. As such, they were accorded luxuries and privileges not granted to the common folk, including a diet of the finest and most abundant fare.

The evening progressed in a spirit of camaraderie and celebration. Musicians played traditional melodies, while actors performed a lively show, their antics drawing laughter and applause from the assembled warriors. As the hours passed, Korgan and I found ourselves growing more comfortable in the presence of our new allies, the shared bonds of combat and feasting forging a tentative connection between us.

But our respite was not to last. As the night wore on, word reached us that we had been summoned to a meeting between the Crossroads Governor and the United Empire Tribune who commanded this mighty host.

We made our way back into the city, the governor's residence looming ahead. The guards at the entrance recognized us and waved us through without hesitation. They led us through the grand foyer and up a sweeping staircase to the governor's private study.

Inside, we were greeted by the governor himself, resplendent in his finery, along with the captain of the guard and a third man clad in ornate red samurai armor, sipping tea as if he hadn't a care in the world.

"Ah, you must be the famous Bugman sorcerer I've heard so much about," the samurai exclaimed, his Eastern accent thick and his excitement seemingly exaggerated. "And this must be the mighty Korgan! It's an honor to make the acquaintance of such esteemed heroes." He bowed deeply in the Japanese fashion.

The tribune, for that was who the armored man proved to be, fixed me with a curious gaze. "If I may ask, what sort of Bugman are you? You don't seem to fit the mold of a drone, soldier, or even a Bug Lord." His query, while couched in courtesy, came across as somewhat undiplomatic.

"You have a sharp eye," I replied. "I am a thinker, though the queens no longer produce my kind, as there's little use for us in this harsh and cruel world."

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"Fascinating," the tribune breathed, genuine curiosity evident in his tone.

"Dear Tribune," the governor interjected, "perhaps you could recount the details of our alliance agreement and the terms regarding the Bugman sorcerer and Korgan?"

"Of course," the tribune agreed, signaling for servants to bring us glasses of fine wine and a platter of fresh fruit. "The terms are quite simple. Crosroads will remain independent, with no United Empire forces entering the city in groups larger than twenty. In exchange, Crosroads will pay a nominal tax as a token of respect to the Emperor."

He continued, "The United Empire will construct a fort outside the city, near the ruins where our last battle was fought. This will serve to secure the strategic corridor and border territory that connects the Holy Land and the Dragon Kin to United Empire territory, while also protecting the sovereignty and independence of Crosroads City."

The tribune leaned forward, his eyes alight with enthusiasm. "In return, Crosroads will be granted colony rights, allowing your merchants to trade freely within the United Empire's borders at the lowest tariffs the law allows. Moreover, Crosroads will be awarded a seat in our Senate, ensuring your voice is heard in the highest echelons of our government."

He paused, taking a sip of his tea before adding, "I would also like to express our desire for you, Governor, to continue ruling over Crosroads. Your leadership has proven invaluable in maintaining stability and prosperity in the region, and even our most ambitious generals acknowledge that your presence is vital to the overall success of the United Empire's endeavors."

The governor's eyes widened in surprise at the tribune's words, a hint of color rising to his cheeks. "I... I am honored by your confidence, Tribune Obakamono," he managed, his voice slightly strained. "Rest assured, I will continue to serve the people of Crosroads and the United Empire to the best of my abilities."

The tribune nodded, a satisfied smile playing across his lips. "Excellent. Then I believe we have an accord." He turned to me and Korgan, his gaze calculating. "And what say you, Bugman sorcerer and Korgan? Do you find these terms acceptable?"

I nodded, considering the tribune's words. The terms seemed fair, perhaps even favorable, given the power and resources of the United Empire. "The terms are agreeable," I said, my voice steady and measured. "The security and prosperity of Crosroads are paramount, and these arrangements safeguard both."

Korgan, ever the pragmatist, gave a curt nod. "Aye, it's a good deal. The United Empire's protection will ensure the city's survival in these tumultuous times."

The governor beamed, his earlier fluster forgotten. "Wonderful! Then it's settled. We shall draw up the official documents and seal the alliance with a feast!" He clapped his hands, summoning servants to prepare for the celebration.

The governor leaned forward, his expression earnest. "There is one more matter we wish to discuss. Both the tribune and I would be greatly appreciative if you and Korgan would agree to remain in Crosroads, to help protect the city should any further threats arise."

I exchanged a glance with Korgan, who nodded in agreement. "I'm afraid that Korgan and I are merely passing through," I said diplomatically. "We prefer not to involve ourselves too deeply in political affairs."

The governor's face fell, but he quickly recovered as I continued: "However, if Crosroads is ever threatened again, I leave you the means of contacting me should the need arise."

The tribune chimed in, his tone pragmatic. "The United Empire has also hired the services of a Dragonkin mercenary company called the Desert Dogs. If the Holy Land were to launch a full-scale invasion, they would require a substantial force to overcome our defenses"

He leaned back, steepling his fingers. "In truth, even if they had managed to establish a foothold here with a small force, it could have been disastrous. They might have been able to control the area and fortify their position, making it exceedingly difficult to dislodge them. it's good you defeated their vanguard".

With that, our business concluded, we took our leave of the governor and the tribune.

A couple of days later, as I sat in the bar, a group of travelers entered the tavern. I caught a glimpse of short raven hair and a lean, athletic physique, and I knew it was her.

"Apple..." I called out, but before she could respond, she had launched herself into Korgan's arms, who spun her around like a little girl. They departed for his room, presumably to be debriefed.

The night wore on, punctuated by muffled shouts, moans, and the occasional crash of overturned furniture. It seemed my plan had worked flawlessly. The sounds emanating from Korgan's room were a testament to the effectiveness of Apple's... assets. I allowed myself a small smile.

As dawn broke, one of Apple's companions approached me. "Elder," he said respectfully, "we have come to escort you and Korgan back to the village."

"Very well," I replied. "But before we depart, I have some business to attend to in town."

I made my way to the thieves' guild, where I had stored additional devices in my vault. This time, I opted for communication equipment rather than explosives. next time I'm at Crossroads ill have to replenish the vault contents as I might need tech when I pass by.

With my new acquisitions secured, I sought out the guild master. "I require some information," I told him cryptically. "Keep your ears open and your eyes peeled. Report back to me if you uncover anything of note."

He nodded, his expression inscrutable. "As you wish, founder. The guild's network is vast and far-reaching. We shall uncover what you seek."

We gathered our belongings and set out for the village, Apple and her companions serving as our guides.

As we walked, I couldn't shake the feeling that our path would lead us back to the Holy Land. The desert winds carried whispers of change, of a shifting balance of power.

But those were concerns for another day. For now, I focused on the journey ahead, the promise of rest and respite in the village, and the knowledge that whatever challenges lay ahead, I would face them with the same cunning and determination that had served me thus far.

The sun climbed higher in the sky as we trudged onward, the desert sands stretching endlessly before us.