“Mission accomplished!” Yadi said excitedly as she threw her arms around Luna and Drippy.

“Does that mean we can finally go and see the Knights?” Drippy asked eagerly.

“Yes it does.” Luna answered “Unfortunately I doubt the knights will just take our word for it.” Luna pulled a scroll out. “I prepared two documents for Oliver and the previous leaders to approve.” Luna approached Oliver and the previous leaders. 

“Your first act of diplomacy as a unifier.” Vava said proudly as he clapped his hand against Oliver’s back.

Luna poured hot wax on the document. It had stated that the war between the orcs and the nagas had ended. Vava placed his clawed hand on the wax leaving an imprint that was uniquely his. Oakgu reluctantly did the same. Then finally it was Oliver’s turn he placed his hand and left his mark. Oliver felt his dad’s presence briefly. Luna rolled up the scroll and made another copy with a separate scroll. “One for you and one for us.” Luna said with a smile as she handed them their copy.

“Come on girls, let's start making our way to the Knight’s headquarters so we can get paid.” Luna started to lead the way.

“Goodbye Oliver!” Drippy shouted as she waved. 

“Goodbye Drippy, Yadi and Luna!” Oliver shouted back with a large smile. “You girls are always welcome!”

***

The girls started to traverse the Knight’s road.

“So how long till we get to the Knight’s headquarters?” Drippy asked excitedly.

“A week,” Yadi said nonchalantly.

“A week! But that’s forever! Isn’t there a faster way there?” Drippy complained.

“We could always call a carriage,” Luna offered.

“Yeah! Let’s do that!” Drippy said. 

“Carriages are expensive and we don’t have any money.” Yadi responded. 

“You humans are weird. Can you do anything without money?” Drippy said.

“Sadly not really, We require a decent amount of money for living expenses, equipment, inns, and my research.”  Luna explained.

Drippy pouted.

“Drippy this is the fastest way there and it’s a straight shot plus we got plenty of food from Thralla. So just be patient. Plus this will give you time to explain that you were sent by the goddess to slay the dragon. The knights can be hard to convince.” Luna said.

***

After a long week of Travel the girls finally arrived at the knight’s headquarters. 

“This is it!” Luna announced. 

“This is it?” Drippy asked. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting but this definitely fell short of expectations. The headquarters was simple; it was made of brick and concrete. The headquarters was rectangular in shape and about 3 stories tall.

“Underwhelming isn’t it.” Yadi said sardonically.

“Sorry Drippy but I’d say this reflects the knights perfectly. Strong but rigid.” Luna said.

“At least the moat is cool?” Yadi said

“Moat?” Drippy asked. Yadi motioned toward a deep ditch surrounding the knights quarters. Drippy peered over and saw water filling the ditch. “That’s a fun design decision?”

“You haven’t seen anything yet.” Yadi said as she wound up and threw a piece of meat into the ditch. This only added to Drippy’s confusion. A large set of jaws snapped up the meat. Drippy yelped. “As you can see the knights aren’t the most welcoming bunch.”

“Then how do we get inside?” Drippy asked.

“Like this.” Luna took out something reflective and flashed it towards one of the castle windows.

The draw bridge lowered and the girls were able to enter. Drippy couldn’t believe this was happening. She was one step closer to her goal. They entered a large room and there was knight armor all around them. Drippy looked at them eagerly. She wondered what kind of armor she would wear. Luna led the way as they approached a red haired girl that appeared to be daydreaming. Luna let out a cough to get her attention. This snapped the red haired girl out of her reverie.

“Hail witch.” The red haired girl said with a smile.

“I’ve told you in the past Scarlet I am a scientist.” Luna said unperturbed.

“Whatever you say witch.” Scarlet replied.

“Fine she is a witch now give us the payment for completing the quest or she will curse you with insomnia.” Yadi threatened. Scarlet paled. Yadi reached into Luna’s bag and took out the treaty and the quest paper.

“She wouldn’t dare. Would she?” Scarlet said meekly.

“She might.” Luna said in a serious tone.

Scarlet quickly got their payment. Yadi and Luna felt relieved. They split the reward between the three of them. 

“Thank you. Oh and before I forget my friend here.” Luna motioned to Drippy. “Has an urgent matter to discuss with your top knight.”

Scarlet huffed. “Good luck with that. Little miss Perfect is on a quest.” Drippy deflated. She couldn’t believe they came all this way and she was't here. What would they do now?

“BANG” The door flew open and a large woman entered the room they were in. She was wearing Knights armor and appeared to be a seasoned knight. Drippy couldn’t help but admire her. She seemed larger than life. This must be the top knight.

“We have come to get our payment Scarlet”. The large woman said.She placed a heavy bag on the table. 

“Yes Miss Rowena. I shall collect your payment in one moment.” Scarlet had gone back to her small voice again. Once scarlet had left, Rowena acknowledged the girls. “Oh hello adventurers. I see you have taken care of the issue on the Knights road. It’s thanks to you that we were able to return home quickly. Isn’t that right Lara.” Rowena said and looked off somewhere. Drippy followed her eyes.

“That is correct Miss Rowena.” Lara responded barely audibly. While Miss Rowena appeared larger than life, Lara was more barely noticeable. Lara’s presence was only felt when she spoke. Drippy was surprised she didn’t notice her. Her armor was more magnificent than those on display and her face was covered in what looked to be burn scars. Lara had caught Drippy staring and Drippy’s face flushed.Drippy thought Lara was the most beautiful person she had ever seen. Drippy’s heart raced.

“You’re the top knight aren’t you.” Drippy approached Lara and took her hands in hers.

“Yes I am.” Lara said in a monotone voice. “Do you require something of me?”

“Yes but I would prefer to talk somewhere private.” Drippy said. Drippy wanted one on one time with her.

“Would my chambers suffice? I would very much like to bathe and remove my armor.” Lara said.

Drippy flushed again, her face hot. She couldn’t answer. She could only nod. Lara agreed and walked off. Drippy trailing right behind her.