Strategy Meeting

D was more annoyed than normal as they trudged along with the other soldiers. Once they had left the academy they were joined almost immediately by the first of an ever-growing number of troops. Because of this, there were no opportunities to kill the Royal Ranger. Worse as D considered it was the rationed meal portions and lack of free time to work on his wards. D hadn't realized how comfortable his new life was until things were changed. He wasn't the only one finding their new arrangements worse than they expected.

Larian was mildly annoyed at being under the constant surveillance of not only the Royal Ranger but the half a dozen troops that always seemed to be conveniently nearby. Worse of all for him was just how boring the serious soldiers were, no drama to be found. He'd tried to rile up the troops, the royal ranger, even his companions but everyone just acted like they had a stick up their ass.

Pena was probably in the worst shape, she'd been stretching her feedings already to their limit. Now away from the academy surrounded by only hardened soldiers her situation was growing dire. Her only saving grace was that during the last three days of march she'd been riding in the back of a supply wagon with Jane. Using the excuse that she was a sheltered rich girl for why she was so under the weather.

Of all of the small group to leave the academy with the Royal Ranger, only Jane was doing well. Royal Ranger Dean spoke to her friendly like, a rarity, and so the soldiers immediately treated her well, wanting to stay on his good side. She rode in the supply wagon, not only did she not have to work but things were often done for her. She even got extra rations since as the cook said "You could use some meat on your bones!"

After three days of forced marching, they finally came to the selected site of the battle. They would have a little over a day to set the field. During that time they'd gathered up nearly three hundred troops including a score of mages. D was summoned to the newly raised command tent though it was Larian they actually wanted. When the two entered they found Royal Ranger Dean with three other people already gathered around a table. On it, a spectral image of a huge lizard-like creature trudged along.

"I've got my men starting to dig fortifications with the help of the mages. We brought some ballista we will be assembling as well, though I don't know how much good they will do against a Destroyer." The speaker was a huge burly man pushing six and a half feet. His sandy-colored hair was close chopped like all the other soldiers. While he was wearing a sleeveless shirt that showed huge bulging muscular arms which were only matched by his enormous gut straining his shirt. This was all capped off by the biggest bushiest beard D had ever seen on anyone.

Beside him was a very short man, five foot four and made to look even smaller next to the huge beard man. His copper-tinted hair was short but far from the buzz cut of the soldiers and parted down the middle. Unlike the others in the room, he was pasty pale making the freckles across his face stand out while his green-grey eyes darted around the newcomers. Fat or skinny it was hard to tell since he wore flowing sea-green robes.

The final person was a stocky woman a few inches taller than the robe-wearing man. Her dark brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail. She wore simple clothes consisting of breeches and a tunic while her darkly tanned face gave the impression of someone who spent a lot of time outdoors.

All three of them looked over the newcomers their eyes sliding right past D to take in Larian. "Ahh Arch Mage Larian. I had heard you would be assisting us. I must say it is a pleasure to work with such a legendary man. Your research into…" the robed man practically gushed over Larian but was interrupted by the stocky woman.

"You two can get a room later, Geev. Right now we need to get things settled so I can get my men moving. I don't want my guild scrambling at the last moment and I want to make sure you ain't to be using us just as battle fodder." Crossing her arms she did her best to look properly agitated while hiding her smirk at the flustered mage Geev.

"Let me introduce everyone. This is Geev's head of the Evoker's guild." Dean motioned to the robed man. "Sin head of the capital's Hunter's Guild." He motioned to the stocky woman. "This is Jim, he's a private contractor with the military's logistics department." Motioning to the huge man before turning to gesture at D. "This is D, a licensed monster hunter recruited to assist. He also comes with his teacher, Arch Magus Larian." Dean couldn't help but smirk.

The three others looked over D a second time unsure why a child had been recruited but wasn't willing to openly question a Royal Ranger, all three were already having enough trouble just staying in his presence. "As we were saying Jim's men are currently working with the mages to get us some fortifications as well as setting up some siege weapons. For a large-sized Destroyer, the normal plan is to halt their movement then hit them with everything we've got." Dean pointed to the spectral image or more precisely the map under it where notations had been made for locations of trenches, pitfalls, raised hills, and other constructions being built for the fight.

"If we can halt its advance most of the damage will come from Geev's mages assisted by Sin's people." Glancing over to D and Larian. "Where do you two want to assist? I've little detail on your specific abilities, where would you serve best?" Deen was eying Larian mostly, interested to see how he acted. Dean still couldn't get a read on the man and it was pissing him off. 'Give them enough rope to hang themselves. I expect they will try and find a nice safe place in the back. I'll use that as an excuse to move up to the front with me. Then I can see what he is really made of.'

"My expertise is in theoretical applications of magic but I am a decent enough evoker by Del Denote standards, which means I'm probably leagues above what you have. I suggest putting me here." he pointed at the tip of the offensive spear of troops. "I'll be the primary damage dealer so no point in standing in the back. All its attention will of course be on me." Everyone was shocked, well everyone but D who was used to Larian's ego.

"I would expect you to be back behind the troops with my mages. Perhaps that would be…" Geev started to say.

"No, it would be pointless. Besides, it is best if we keep its attention where our defenses are the strongest." Larian sounded positive.

"You're awfully confident in the kingdom's troops. I'd expect you to be less trusting." It was the stocky woman Sin speaking. "I'd not count on them to keep that thing at bay if it were I."

"Trust a bunch of Gelian meatheads? Never! D here will work up a ward to keep the beast in place." When he gestured all eyes moved down to look at the boy.

"Him?" Jim asked incredulously.

"Well, who else would be able to do it?" Larian asked as if it was obvious while D's mind wandered to what was for lunch.

**********

D was aggravated that their planning session had lasted well past lunch and none of those present had wanted to stop to eat. It was bad enough he'd been dragged away from his new comfy life, unable to work on his new passion, and worse the food they did give them was subpar compared to what the academy offered. Still, he was looking forward to getting something to eat. Thus he was extra annoyed when a set of clammy hands gripped his and started tugging him off to the side.

D frowned into Pena's pale sweaty face as she literally dragged him off to the side, at least until he dug his heels in. Although the monster girl was still a bit taller than him and D still looked scrawny his body was many times denser than normal causing her to jerk to a halt the moment he resisted. "What are you up to?" D Rasped annoyed and hungry.

"Please just come with me." D considered simply pulling away but figured it might be faster just to see what she wanted. Arguing with Pena tended to be more drama than it was worth. Reluctantly he let her drag him along to a supply depot where crates of weapons, food, and other resources were stacked. Once they were out of sight Pena turned to him. "Please D, I need to feed. I don't know how much longer I can last. Just a little blood! Please!"

D looked her over, her face was pale and sweaty while her hands were cold and clammy. Her eyes had a feverish look to them and overall she looked horrible. After a short debate, he just shrugged, his ability to regenerate meant the blood loss would be of no concern and the last thing he wanted was her going crazy. Plus as someone who suffered hunger both before and after his change, he sympathized with her. Giving her a shrug he stated "Fine."

Without hesitation, she leaned in her fangs dropping down as she sank into his neck. Hot blood filled her mouth, syrupy sweet and thick it rolled across her tongue tasting divine. With each pulse of his heart more filled her mouth and her body began to burn. Her head felt light as a tingly sensation flowed down into her. She'd felt a similar situation once long ago when she stole a bottle of booze from her master. D had to catch her as she melted against him her legs going weak. When she finally pulled away from his neck she wore a silly drunken smile. "You are amaaaazing! I'm in love!"

At hearing a familiar voice Jane peeked around the stack of crates she'd been just casually inspecting to find Pena in the arms of someone with her face pressed against theirs. "There, is that enough for now?" D rasped out annoyed at her for clinging to him with her forehead pushed against his.