“So where exactly are the Orc and Naga bases located?” Drippy asked.

“Unfortunately we don’t have access to that information. My best guess is that they must be on the sides of the knights road. For now we stick together. We travel along the road and hopefully we will encounter both of them. After that let’s try and figure out where their bases may be.” Luna said.

“Sounds like a plan!” Yadi said with enthusiasm. Drippy felt unsure about this plan.

The three girls traveled along the knight’s road. The road was a dirt road stomped clear by years of horses traveling along the path. It was surrounded by trees as far as the eye can see. Drippy felt at peace there. Yadi and Luna were alert, poised to strike at a moment's notice. It was surprisingly quiet. A shadow ran by alerting Yadi she readied her crossbow. The creature was fast and before she could react Yadi was pinned to the ground. Trying to kick the creature off but it was much larger than her. It looked like a naga. Drippy saw it was trying to coil around Yadi. Luna looked frozen. Drippy had to react.

“Let go of her!” Drippy yelled as she moved behind the creature. She bent her knees and lowered her hips. She wrapped her hands around the creature's waist, locking her fingers together and lifted using her legs and hips. The creature released Yadi as its body lifted. Drippy bridged her back causing the creature to go over her head. The creature hit its head with a loud cracking noise. The creature quickly lost consciousness.

“Way to go Drippy!” Yadi said with approval. Luna looked shocked. “Now let’s tie this thing up before it wakes up.” Once they tied the creature they were able to get a good look at them. The creature from the waist up had the appearance of an orc, however from the waist down they had the body of a snake similar to a naga. What were they?

“How fascinating!” Luna said with excitement. “I had no idea such a combination was possible.” Now that the creature wasn’t being violent we could see them better. They had what looked like a leather vest on, their hands were wrapped in bandages. They had a shock of purple hair similar to a mullet. Two large fangs from the bottom lip. Green skin on the upper body and a red on their lower naga half along with a rattle. She stirred and woke up and began to thrash around trying to free herself. Yadi had tied her tightly, their arms were restrained and so was their tail.

“Let me go!” The creature's words were firm. “You stinking vampires!” The word vampire had much hatred behind it. Yadi and Luna looked taken aback.

“We aren’t vampires. Well atleast I’m not. I didn’t think to ask my two companions. Are you two vampires?” Luna and Yadi were still in shock. “Hello?”

“No, we aren't those horrible creatures.” Luna was the first to snap out of it but she still seemed distant.

“At least we share the same view of vampires. I take it they have negatively impacted your life as well?” The creature said. Yadi briefly glanced at her wooden hand and Luna did the same. “Well the enemy of my enemy is my friend. My name is Oliver, what are your names?” Oliver relaxed somewhat after learning the girls' identities.

“I’m Drippy! The girl you almost killed is Yadi and the other one is Luna. We’re adventurers I think.”  Drippy said.

“I haven’t met many adventurers but then again I’m not that well traveled.” Oliver said.

“Oliver, do you think you can tell me why the war between the orcs and the nagas has escalated?” Luna asked.

“I wish I could tell you but unfortunately I don’t run in either of their circles. Besides they are fools while they are fighting each other, weakening their forces when a new enemy approaches. The Dragon and her vampires.” Oliver said

“What do you know about the dragon?” Drippy asked as she got close to Oliver.

“Not much other than she has her own army of vampires that do her bidding. I get the feeling she won’t be content until she sets the world ablaze.” Oliver said.

“I can’t allow that! The goddess will be very upset with me if that happens.” Drippy said.

“Ah yes, the goddess that created such a monster in the first place. Why can’t she just uncreate her? Or at least create something that will help us combat her.” Oliver said.

“You’re looking at her!” Drippy said proudly as she puffed out her chest. Oliver erupted in laughter.

“Bahaha!” Oliver laughed. Drippy felt her cheeks get hot.

“What’s so funny?” Drippy asked.

“Oh you’re serious?” Oliver laughed harder, getting tears in their eyes. “No offense but what can you do when the strongest warrior I know couldn’t stop her.”

“I’m not going to do it alone. The goddess said I would need help from others. I don’t know Yadi and Luna that well but I’m sure when push comes to shove they’ll stand with me.” Drippy said confidently. The girls gave her reassuring looks. The girls felt an affinity to each other. “Plus it seems like you dislike her as well. Maybe we can count you as an ally.” Drippy extended a friendly hand. Oliver looked moved.

“Yeah sure we can be allies but if you want my help I’ll need your help first.” Oliver said

“Not to be a jerk but it doesn’t really seem like you're in a position to negotiate.” Yadi said

“You’re right. It sounds like we have another common interest. You want the orcs and the nagas to stop fighting. I want that too.” Oliver said.

“How do you suggest we do that Oliver?” Luna asked.

“Simple. We unite them under one leader.”

“Who would that be?” Drippy asked.

“Me.” Oliver said with a grin.