The Leader

Ally did too, as her eyes went wide and she started thrashing around. "Ally, bite if you want us to stop," I said, not slowing my pace.

Ally's reaction was to press her tongue into my hand and start licking frantically. I just grinned and pinched the muscle between my fingers. Which turned out to be a mistake, because the moment her mouth was exposed, she started screaming. So with a sigh, I released her tongue again and pressed my hand over her mouth. Her tunnel had been constantly clenching and massaging my length since before Ita started playing with her ass. I could only barely distinguish the feeling of Ita massaging her sister-wife's insides, on the underside of my cock. Gritting my teeth, I exploded a second time. As expected though, Ally's eyes glowed blue as she absorbed the power I filled her with. Her entire body arched for a few seconds, before she collapsed limp on the bed. With a start, I pulled myself free, only to watch in amazement as Ita removed her entire hand from Ally's ass.

"She's fine. Just asleep," Eila said softly. I watched as she bent over and examined Ally's thoroughly fucked holes and sighed. "Seems like it didn't work."

"At least it'll be fun trying," Chit mumbled, making us all laugh.

Well, all except Ally, who was snoring lightly with a grin on her face. She had the right idea of it, so I cuddled up beside her. The others took a moment to get comfortable, before Ita swore and got up to blow out the light. I was already asleep and didn't feel her come back to bed afterwards.

*****

It was early when I got up. Today, Chit wasn't far behind me. She grumbled as she climbed out of the mound of limbs that were our wives. There were a few affectionate touches as she climbed free. I had just enough time to see her smile and wiggle her ass as at me, before I pulled my shirt over my head. I waited for her to dress, before collecting my first kiss of the day, before following her downstairs. With a smile I followed her swaying hips into the kitchen and started getting a pot of tea ready. Right up until we were interrupted.

KNOCKKNOCKKNOCK

"FRELSER!"

I looked at Chit, "Sounds like Captain Baz," I said, heading for the door.

I pulled the door open, just as Captain Baz went to knock a second time. The moment he saw me, he sighed in relief. "Sorry, Frelser. There was an attack on a transport yesterday."

I growled to myself. We'd had occasional issues in the past, but never an attack. "What happened?"

"A rower made it back at sunrise," Baz started. "He was wounded, shot with an arrow. Said they were ambushed half a day downstream. He's stable, but not doing well."

I nodded and gestured for him to wait. Ducking back inside, I rushed up the stairs to spot my wives already getting ready. "Ita, I need you. A transport was attacked, we've an injured rower." Ita and the others gasped, before they made a mad scramble to dress. "Eila, Ally, wait here with Chit. I'll be back when I have news."

Rushing back downstairs with Ita on my heels, Baz smiled grimly and led us to the infirmary. It was somewhere that we were relatively familiar with now. Ita's ability to use healing magic made her a common fixture after the battle. She couldn't heal bones or damaged organs. But stopping bleeding, closing cuts and preventing infection, were well within her abilities. She'd saved dozens alone from infection and was well liked within the town. Nobody even suspected she was the frail woman who lived with Gentar for all those years. Especially when she refused to hide her demonic traits. Though, that hadn't done her many favours with the men's wives. But anyone who spoke to her, knew she was as shy and quiet, as she was completely devoted to me. So she got along fine with or without me.

As we arrived at the infirmary, Baz led us directly inside. The infirmary was a decent size, and thankfully there was only one patient today. The man, middle aged and bald, had a bandage wrapped around his shoulder. Though, he was sweating and breathing rapidly, as a nurse spoke in gentle tones and wiped his forehead.

"Here," Ita said softly and approached, "let's see what I can do."

I watched and tried not to remember the day Ally nearly died in my arms as Ita worked her magic. The man's lips curled into a grimace as she worked, but his breathing evened out very quickly.

"There, I cleared out the infection that was setting in and closed the wound. You should take it easy for a while though, the arrow hit the bone and has done damage," Ita said.

The man groaned and shook his head, "can't take time off."

"Why?" I asked.

The man turned and spotted me for the first time. I was relieved when I saw the flash of recognition and the hope. "Babies coming, need to buy things."

I just nodded, "you've been attacked while in service to the town, others lost their lives. I'll make sure your child has it's needs met."

The man smiled, "thank you, Sir."

I sighed again. I really didn't like honorifics. "What can you tell me about the attack?"

The man shuddered, "We got to the crossroads half a day from town. That pisspot you kicked out was yelling and making a fuss. He was the first hit. Arrows flew out of the trees, everyone started screaming and trying to hide. I caught the arrow in the shoulder which knocked me overboard." The man sighed and rubbed his face. "The boat exploded, I think they ripped it apart with magic or something. I managed to find a piece to float on and the river carried me away from them. Once around the bend, I crawled out, stopped the bleeding and came back. I didn't see anyone else out there, I think I got lucky."

I nodded with a frown, "Did... Did the banished man bring his family?"

"That's some luck," the man chuckled. "His wife left him at the dock. Said she was going to stay with her sister. Called him a lazy, rude, loudmouth layabout. He tried hittin her, but the guard stepped in and stopped him. With their help, she got her share of the coins and the guards put him on the boat."

I nodded, feeling somewhat better. "Alright, you take it easy. I don't want to see you working until the nurse says otherwise. If something comes up, come find me or one of my wives."

The man nodded as the nurse helped him stand. "Will do, Sir. Thank you."

I nodded and headed for home with Ita beside me. "So what are you going to do?" she asked softly.

I just took her hand and frowned, "two options really. I can wait and send out another transport. Chances are it was a random attack brought on by that idiot yelling. Or... I can take Eila, Ally and a few guards, and make sure it doesn't happen again." I took her hand, knowing she wouldn't have liked those options. "Either way, I need to make an announcement after breakfast."

When we arrived at home, I told my wives everything that had happened. They were as upset as I was. Things had just started doing very well here, and now we had a potential bandit problem... Ones with skills and magic... I dropped my head into my hands and groaned loudly...

"I'm sorry," Eila said as Ally cuddled her. Our wives just looked on in confusion.

"If it is, I'll kill him," I grumbled.

Eila nodded her head, "I should have known my father wouldn't just abandon me..."

... Chapter Three...

"No, burning down millions of trees around the rivers just isn't possible. Even if it were and we could keep the fires contained. It would take armed guards, patrols and months, if not years to burn all the way to the plains." I called loudly as the man sat back down.

I looked out over the members of the town that could fit inside the meeting hall. There was even more outside and someone at the door was repeating my words so they could hear. It stirred up quite the fuss originally. I've always had a first in, best dressed policy. All the nearby shopkeepers and workers got here first, so they were the ones seated comfortably. Those who dawdled or thought themselves important enough to be seated where they pleased, but took their time getting here, were left outside. There had been a lot of muttering at that.

"So, all those in favour of waiting and sending a second transport?" I looked around the room as arms came up in ones or twos. It wasn't the most popular solution as it prevented us from conducting business outside the town. But it would potentially spare lives and injuries if I was wrong about my hunch. "All those in favour of a surprise attack?" Yeah... Just about everyone. I should be offended by the townsfolk's lack of concern over my welfare, but it was probably more likely they couldn't see a situation I couldn't handle. "Right, we'll set off tomorrow with the morning transport. That will be all."

I watched with a grim look as everyone began to depart. The only ones who remained were my wives, Captain Baz and the two guards that remained by the front doors when it was closed. I waited in silence as the room emptied itself and people went about their day. Then I turned to the guards.

"Make sure nobody comes within earshot." The two guards nodded slightly and moved to the door. Pulling it closed as they exited, I sighed. "We leave in an hour. Eilla, Ally, Ita, you're with me. Baz, however many men you can recommend bringing. We also need some volunteers to actually sail. Leave that till last, if there's a spy in town, I want the word to go out first."

"I'm coming too," Chit snarled.

"Chit-"

"NO! I'm not being left behind," she snapped. "Do you know what it's like when you went to fight?" She demanded as tears rolled down her eyes. "I pace around the kitchen, drinking tea and going out of my mind with worry. I cried every time you left, even the first time when you left Darry behind."

"Chit, you're not a fighter. You don't even have a weapon or armour," I sighed, not wanting this conversation.

"I've been practicing with your mace. Besides, Ita doesn't wear armour," Chit mumbled.

I was about to reply, when one of the guards knocked and opened the door to the hall.

"I'm sorry, Sir. Marge and Grah are both here. They say it's to do with the attack and it's important."

I nodded my head and waved for them to come in. The guard stepped back as Marge entered hand in hand with Grah. Despite the tension of the situation, I couldn't help the smile that came across my face. For such a contrast, they did make a beautiful couple.

"We come bearing gifts, there's a cart outside," Marge said with a smile.

I turned back to Baz and nodded my head. "Alright, spose you should get on it. I'll see what they've got for us. I'll meet you at the dock in an hour." Baz nodded and quickly left to carry out my instructions. Turning my attention back to Chit, I pulled her into a firm hug. "I don't want to see you hurt. I love you so much, it would kill me and you're the most vulnerable. So we'll talk about this later."

Chit sighed and nodded her head. Releasing the small Orc, we headed out to see what Marge and Grah had in store for us. Sure enough, there was a cart waiting. If I wasn't mistaken, it was the cart I saw Darry dragging around all those months ago. Over the cart, was a series of lumps covered by blankets.

Marge was beaming, while Grah looked stern as we approached. It wasn't surprising that Marge was the first to speak. "Now, it's not quite finished, but your plans have accelerated ours quite a bit. Grah and I were hoping to do this properly in a few more months, but... Here we are..."

Turning around, she grabbed one of the blankets and pulled it off one side of the cart. I positively beamed at what I saw.

"Now, this is what took most of the time. You're very large, Frelser," said Marge. With a small grunt and Grah's help, they picked up a grey bundle and unfurled it. I just grinned, knowing Grah had kept my sizes written down and this chainmail hauberk would fit like a glove. It looked like it would cover my head, to my knees and down to my wrists. I smiled at the memory of the goblins when they managed to overwhelm me. If I had been wearing this, it may have been a different situation.

As the two of them set the chainmail back in the cart, they gestured me over. As I looked over the other items, I couldn't help the grin on my face. Apart from the chainmail, was a steel cuirass and an open faced helmet. The helmet alone was going to be an improvement, but the cuirass... I honestly couldn't wait to try it on.

"Now, I don't know what you plan with my daughter," Grah said, pulling me out of my thoughts. "But..." He pulled off the second blanket, exposing a smaller, full set of plate armour. "Usually I'd have passed this down to my eldest son, but Chit is the closest I have, without hammering this all into one piece for you," Grah chuckled in his gravelly voice.

I felt a sharp elbow in my hip as Chit pushed passed me and into her father's arms. The armour would protect her from head to toe. Unlike mine, it wasn't shiny and smooth, it was darkened and angular. It was a piece designed for war at the exclusion of all else. I just sighed and reached for my chainmail...

***

"I still don't like this," I grumbled as I stepped onto the boat.

They were wide flat bottomed things. They were designed to be slow and steady as they followed the current down stream. While remaining shallow and easy to paddle and push using long poles to get back upstream. This one had a ring of wooden crates stacked around three sides. It would be perfect to keep prying eyes off us as we moved into position and would give the sailors somewhere to hide.

"You're not leaving me!" Chit snarled, spinning towards me.

I couldn't see her face through her full helm, but I could feel her eyes. "You want me off this boat, you'll have to remove me with force."

I considered it a moment, before I spotted her thumbing the head of my mace. She was deadly serious about coming along. I knew without a doubt I could throw her off the boat, but it wouldn't be without injury. Not to mention, she'd probably never forgive me. Her sister-wives hadn't budged on their agreement of neutrality. They were as happy for her to come, as they were for her to stay. So that left only one real option.

Dropping to my knees I stared at a spot between her feet. "Please stay behind, where it's safe."

Chit stepped closer, before unlatching her helmet. I didn't look up until her hand stroked my face, and then I wished I didn't. Her expression was cold and blank, apart from the tears that rolled down her cheeks. "Now you understand how I felt, when you went over that wall," she sniffed, and wiped her eyes with her free hand. "If I say behind, and none of you come back, then what?"

"Chit, if something happened to you... It would kill me..."

Chit smiled sadly and nodded her head, "but at least you would know. You'd never sit there wondering if I was going to come back one day. You'd never have a doubt that I might have escaped."

Surging to my feet I picked the small orc up in my arms. Twirling her around I kissed her like it was the last time. Putting her down gently, I sighed. "You wear your helmet at all times. You follow my orders, even if I tell you to run away and leave me. I want you to stick by Ita, she won't be in direct fighting but her healing and spells will make her a target."

Chit beamed, "yes, husband sir."

I just shook my head and turned to face the others. Eila, Ally and Ita all had smiles. If they were happy with this resolution, how could I argue otherwise?

"Frelser, we're ready to go," Baz said.

"Wait, have we got a spare shield for Chit?" I asked.

Baz turned to the soldier on the dock and pointed, the man must have heard me as he handed the shield over immediately. I nodded my thanks at the man as Baz handed Chit the shield. Orc's, even armoured, usually carried two handed weapons. Shields weren't common amongst their people. But if she thought for a moment I would let her go without, she was sorely mistaken. So I was extremely happy to see her adjusting the straps to fit the shield over her vambrace. With a sigh, I nodded at Baz, who gestured to set off. I just glanced up at the sky and hoped the rain clouds were not a bad omen.

The river itself was rather peaceful. The water flowed at a decent rate and we were making good time. But it wasn't rough or choppy to make the ride uncomfortable. So that was the perfect time to see what Chit could do. Without a word I got up and moved to the centre of the barge. Picking up a spare push pole I snapped off a short length. I took a look at the sharp point and stuck it in my mouth. It wasn't too difficult to chew it off to make it blunt and I spat the remains of the wood overboard. With a stretch and a few swings I couldn't help the grin on my face as I felt how my new armour moved. Unlike my old chestplate, this was actually easier to move in. It was heavier, thicker in places and didn't cover quite so much of me, but it was superior in every way. Turning around, I pointed my stick at Chit, before banging it against my shield.

Chit looked at me through her helmet, before glancing at her sister-wives and back again. She drew her mace and stepped toward me, raising her shield in anticipation. I stared blankly at her as she slowly approached. Once she was within arms reach of me, I simply raised my shield and slammed it into her own. Taken by surprise, she fell flat on her back with a heavy thump. Chit was quick as she scrambled to her feet, but I made no move to attack while she was down. This time she moved a little quicker. When I tried the same move, she slipped around my guard and swung her mace at my chest. It was a good tactic, but I managed to step back out of the way in time to dodge.

Chit took a few steps back, which confused me. But before I could approach her myself, she suddenly darted forward. I tried another shield bash, only for her to use it as cover to move around me. So I changed direction and spun around, bringing my stick around fast enough to show danger, but slow enough I wouldn't kill her. What I wasn't expecting was for her to duck under the blow and come within inches of me. Before I could respond she jabbed the head of the mace into the space where my cuirass met my leg armour. Staggering back, I brought my shield in to grab her. But she rolled between my legs. Before I could spin around, an impact to the back of my knee dropped me on one side and a moment later Chit's mace lightly tapped me on the side of the helmet.

By the time I managed to stand, Chit's helmet hit the deck of the ship and I scooped her into my arms. It seems my little housewife had the heart of a warrior. Her orcish brutality combined with elfin grace would make her a serious hazard on any battlefield. I just hoped she coped when she killed for the first time.

"I love you," I growled, kissing her passionately.

Her beaming smile was her reply as I pulled away. Dropping her to the deck, I shot a few warning glances at some of the men, as Chit went and kissed each of her sister-wives just as passionately. With their little celebration over, I got the same treatment, including a second dose from Chit.

"So, what is the plan?" Baz asked, once we'd all calmed down.

I waited until everyone was paying attention before I started. "We'll pull the barge up to the bank before the sight of the attack. We all disembark and break into groups. I lead a third of the men straight in to where we think the ambush site is. You, Baz, take the rest and flank around the sides and rear. Eila, Ally, I want you two to spread out and pick off stragglers, archers and spellcasters. I don't want you engaged in the main fighting if you can help it. Ita, I want you to hang back and treat any wounded, including enemy soldiers. Chit, you're Ita's bodyguard. You keep her safe and tie up any prisoners she can save. I have questions and I want answers.