As they disembarked the carriage, Rex observed the house in front of them. Built from dark red wood, with nice and large windows decorating each of the buildings walls and a rather large garden around it, filled with medicinal herbs and all manner of edible plants, it felt as if they stepped inside the territory of some sort of an alchemist, his prized and valuable herbs growing in plain sight, yet untouched by greedy hands in fear of the man's retaliation.

"It is a nice garden." Rex said as they closed in on the entrance of the relatively large, two story building, his eyes moving from tree to tree. Apples, pears and plums hand in their branches, indicating a rather bountiful season.

"Mom's particularly proud of it." Danica replied, a light smile on her face.

"Is she perhaps and alchemist?" Rex asked, noticing a few herbs he was sure could be used wit hgreat effect in some of the alchemical recipes he knew and had adopted to this world.

"Herbalist. She does not mess around with those alchemical transmutations and stuff others do. She focuses on healing tonics and other natural extracts." Igdan chimed in, the group having reached the door. With a couple of knocks, he opened the door, exclaiming in a loud voice. "Mom, pops. We are back!" And moments later, he was damn near knocked down, as another, blonde blur shot out of the door, tackling Reika and hugging her. Unlike reika though, this blond hair was of the same tone as Igdan and Danica, marking the woman as their sister. With tears streaming down the older woman's face, a while later she finally released her daughter from the tight hug, getting them both back to feet and quickly and almost frantically examining the youngest wolfkin present.

The immediate response to her hug was a promising start, and now that she examined her daughter closer, she could finally sigh a breath of relief. No visible wounds or signs of torture, though she would not know more until her sweet girl would speak of it more, no doubt something she would do reluctantly.

"Calm down Astrid." in light, gentle voice spoke Danica, her hand landing on her sisters shoulder with comforting squeeze. "She is fine. Some light bruises here and there, but nothing worse. Wirsha was not so lucky though. She might never be the same. Not after what she went through." Danica added, clear bitterness and helplessness in her voice.

"What of the ones responsible?" Astrid asked, her voice slightly trembling, but slowly calming down.

"Most of the ones taking part in the kidnapping- dead. And they suffered appropriately too." Igdan added.

"And what of the ones organizing? We all know a mission of such scale cannot be formed without appropriate funding and connections."

"Pride and politics of another nation got in the way, though the bait is out there, and they will bite. And once that happens, a monster will be released upon them, much like it was with their subordinates. And unlike this time, it will not let go of it's quarry." Rex spoke for the first time, earning the full attention of Astrid.

"I suppose you are Rex? The one who helped my siblings?" she asked, evaluating him with a careful and skeptic gaze, her hands still wrapped around her daughter in a hug.

"Among other things." Rex replied. Whether Danica's family knew of their relationship, or not, was not something he cared. She was his, no matter what. Nor was it his job to break it in case they did not know. He would learn of the state of things soon enough. It was now that another two people walked out from the home. A couple of wolfkin. A man and a woman, their age in the latter forties to early fifties, judging by human standards. Though from what Rex knew, they were closer to hundred, and something. Wolfkin aged differently from humans after all. They reached adulthood in a similar time frame but then, their aging slowed down considerably, allowing them to live for hundreds of years. From what danica had told them, in some of the larger tribes, there were some individuals nearing the age of eight or nine hundred years.

The two, blonde woman and gray haired man, calmly walked over to the mother daughter pair, enveloping them in another layer of hugs, light smile and relieved expressions on their faces. "You are home dear. It is all right." they whispered in light tones, creating a rather warm atmosphere in the harden. It was a short while after that they ended the hug, both turning towards Rex and their two children, the mother extending her arms, beckoning her two children to embrace her. Something the duo did as well, happy to be home. As the other hug was happening, the father of the family bowed his head towards Rex.

"We thank you for your assistance in the matter. If there is anything you wish to ask, name it and we will do whatever we can do satisfy your desire."

"Its all good. I already have everything I was promised." Rex smiled lightly, not mentioning what he supposed the parents were not yet aware of. Not that Reika was willing to let all that teasing abd messing with her Danica had pulled of on the ship.

"Gran, he is Danica's mate!" she damn near yelled, resulting in three pairs of near bulging eyes. "She relentlessly teased me all the way back here. Scold her!"

It was at this point that Danica slipped out of the hug, very expertly so, and just in a blink of an eye, her hands had grabbed one of Rex's, trapping it between her bountiful breasts.

"Whos the rapidly aging poor and alone sister now?" she asked, a large, shit eating grin on her face, clearly both a long planned revenge move, as well as a way to elicit some laughs and lighten the mood. They had returned, and with mostly good news too, thus laughter was actually not only allowed, but recommended.

What followed was a few minutes of silence, the audacity the youngest of the three siblings had, had clearly caught the rest of her family off guard, Igdan being the only exception, since he had been there all along, witnessing it happen in real time, as well as having spent the most time with Danica, what with the two being the only A rankers in their family. Though he chose to remain quiet, trying his best to stifle his laughter. Whether he wanted to laugh about the action of Danica herself, or the reaction he suspected was going to follow, nobody but him knew.

Rex had to say, they took it better than the initial reaction promised, the older couple inspecting him with a much more thorough gaze. In the ned, they simply nodded and smiled lightly towards him, finding the current him, along with whatever they had heard so far, a decent choice for Danica.

"Come on in. We just finished making supper. There is plenty for all to enjoy. Tell us all about your journey." The father of the family spoke, ushering them all inside, holding Rex behind with himself just slightly.

"What do you think of my daughter?" he asked in a hushed voice, and Rex, without the slightest embarrassment or worry replied, in a similarly quiet voice, showing the older man some respect. He was the reason Danica was as she was, at least partially.

"A damn fine woman and first wife."

"First wife eh?" Danicas father replied in a question.

"Precisely." was all Rex replied, moving ahead of the older man, his stance clear as day.

"Ha." the old man chuckled, having seen the absolute confidence in the other man. And he was damn sure it was not the cockiness of a young and hopeful man. No, what he felt was the confidence of a seasoned warrior, gazing over the approaching horde of mindless beasts, predicting both his sides and the enemies movements, down to a T, like he could see the future. The man himself was not desiring for more women, possibly even Danica was not something he actively strived for, and yet, here he was, with her by his side now, just like other beauties would come to stand by his side.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"A monster indeed." he whispered, remembering the information that had reached their house about the mercenary traveling with their children.

And as the family sat around the dinner table, listening to Igdan, Danica or even Reika talking about what happened during their trip, blissfully unaware of a trouble brewing, a group of three hundred strong, unwanted and unwelcomed guests, closed in on the city gate, banners of a remote and rather notorious tribe held high as they approached.

Rex fit in quite well with the family, the wolfkin having quite the appetite, following the example set by every member of this family, as well as a few encouraging nudges from both Danica and Igdan. Even Reika added a comment that he should not hold back, as healthy appetite was considered a sign of both health and strength. Danica was twice as proud of herself at this moment, the runework inscribed throughout her body, used to temper it and make it stronger, also came with the side effect of enlarging one's need to ingest food, as evidenced by Rex's own large necessity for food. And since the family was expecting their arrival somewhat soon, there had been quite a bit of food prepared.

As for the stories themselves, Rex kept mostly quiet, letting the family members talk, spending most of the time actively eating and sometimes simply nodding his head, agreeing with whatever was said, should his insight was asked. He did say the same regarding the death of the actual kidnappers, noting they had one rather unpleasant experience a day or two before their execution, adding that details for such a craft are best left for other places, not the dining table.

With the dinner finished, nearly an hour later, everyone retired to their respective beds, Rex and Danica obviously disappearing in her room. Yet, as if oten happens, good things get interrupted. And so, as the couple had just barely fallen in the bed, a rather loud sound of a bell resounded throughout the city, causing an annoyed and angry growl, followed by a rather sharp expression taking hold of Danica's face. That was until just moments later she gazed at her, and a rather savage grin replaced that previous expression of hers.

"Tell me, dear husband." she asked with a sultry voice "Would you be willing to help your dear and beautiful wife protect her home from some rather bad, bad men?"

"Well..." Rex drew his words, as his hands were being rather dishonest, continuing to explore Danica's curves. "That depends. Will I be rewarded for my valiant efforts." he asked as a similar grin spread on his face.

"Anything you want." came the reply as Danica whispered in his ear.

"Well then, consider it done, whatever needs doing."

A pleased growl escaped her lips as she drew Rex in one final, deep kiss that lasted for almost a minute. Then, the two left their room, moments later joining Igdan, Astrid and their parents- Torun and Ingela, who were waiting the duo downstairs by the doors.

"They have come, have they not? The Weeping Legion." Danica asked, the same predatory smile on her face that had appeared just moments ago.

"It seems so indeed. I would have to ask mother to be sure, she had experienced it once before, but you should know it. She did often retold the story, warning and educating us after all." replied Ingela. She, just like Torun had none of Danica's excitement, grave faces one and all. And Danica was properly scolded as well, this was not some picnic or entertainment to get excited about. This was a grave matter where some of their most promising talents could be taken. Danica in return just grinned, her gaze locking on Rex as she spoke.

"But mother, we have Rex. What faces do you think we will see as he humiliates them, one and all?"

"He might be strong, true, but the Weeping Legion has never been weak." Torun warned, earning a question from Rex.

"Care to explain this Weeping Legion to me?"

"Right, of course." reacted Ingela, slightly coughing as if to prepare to retell old and venerated story. "Long time ago, some even say that is was at the same time as our ancestors began settling these lands, a very powerful wolfkin by the name of Ozurr came up with this idea, to form a group of mercenaries, who would delve and live inside a dungeon. With his own might and charisma, he drew more and more people to his side, and once his force was large enough, he would bring them along to do just as he had promised. The dungeon chosen was a harsh place, testing the limits and might of the would be Weeping Legion day after day. And while their effort was successful, establishing their city, their loses, both of personnel and recourses were large. It was then that Ozurr came up with the current system. He would take a couple hundred of his finest warriors and ride from tribe to tribe, demanding tribute in both flesh and goods. They would use some sort of magical art, finding the most promising women who could strengthen their bloodlines, allowing for more and more powerfull next generations to be born. Though to be somewhat fair to the people he would effectively rob of their potential, at least in his own mind, he gave them a chance to fight for their people.Some, rare few geniuses managed to free their tribes from the tribute, the threat of the entire legion coming down on them too high, most didn't, forced to pay the demanded tribute in fear of full blown retaliation from the legion. And so, once the need arises, the descendant of Ozurr repeat the same action their descendant started, taking a few hundred of their finest warriors and riding from tribe to tribe, demanding tribute."

"And with Danica's potential, they would no doubt desire her, is that about right?" Rex asked, his eyes slightly closing.

"I believe so."

"Then why did you ask those questions to me before?" Rex's gaze turned towards his woman "You should know by now I am a greedy and extremely possessive man. The mere mention of such a heresy will earn their place on the pointy of of my sword, chain or flaming pyre."

"I know, but don't you think it would be fun to do the reverse? Demand a tribute from them, lest you go after their little venture. Sure,they have grown stronger due to their practices, but one's talent is not tied to bloodline, not directly at least. Why else would they still repeat their expeditions? Still looking for new blood and ways to grow stronger even after thousands of years of the practice? How good can they truly be when standing against you?"

"That does sound like poetic justice indeed." Rex suddenly grinned, evil thoughts crossing his mind. Danica was one hell of a schemer as well it seemed, or her nose for treasures and adventure was just that good.

"Sigh. Regardless, every B rank or higher individual must converge at the colosseum, built in every tribes city for precisely such cases, not that we don't use the place for all manner of tournament as well, but I digress." In an exhausted manner said Torun, already feeling a headache coming. That daughter of his had always been unruly, but it seems that finding a man with a heart similar to hers had only encouraged her more, not mellowed her out. "Stay here and watch over Reika." he then turned to Astrid "as C ranked adventurer, you are not required to come, and your daughter needs you by her side right now."

With that said, the group of five, left, their destination the aforementioned colosseum. They reached it a few minutes later, each and every member of this group at least B rank or higher. With the size of their group, they were led to the first floor of the stands, the closest to the arena in the middle, where a large group of few hundred men stood, even larger group of women and pack animals could be seen further back, leading inside a tunnel that lead towards another gate out of the city. That gate was reinforced many times over, and was built for the exact purpose of allowing the Weeping legion to arrive as they did.

At the front of the foreign group stood a pair of wolfking men. One old and wizened, the other much younger, in this thirties or forties, though there was quite the resemblance between them, most likely father and son, or something similar. As they stood there, exchanging words with each other as more and more people arrived, Rex also was observing the force in the arena. And his mana pulses gave him quite a deep understanding. Annoying, yes, but impossible to overcome? Not a chance in hell. The question would be just how much devastation he would bring the the building, and indeed the city itself, should he go all out against the entirety of the enemy group. The women further back were also unlikely to join the fight, no doubt collected from cities along the way before they reached this place.

Soon, a chime resounded throughout the building, silencing the conversations and bringing the full attention towards the center. Once the arena was entirely silent, the older of the duo from the legion walked a few steps forward, almost grinning with glee.

"The time has come and gone, and the Legion once again calls for its rightful tribute." The tapped the staff he was holding, making a light 'thud' sound, the few baubles at the top trembling due to motion, creating a light sound and flashing a bright light. Then, moments later, dozen or so lights shot from said baubles, finding their way towards women gathered in the spectator stands, like light bulbs lighting above their heads. And, the moment one stopped above Danica, it shone particularly bright, and with a 'poof' extinguished, courtesy of Rex brand, destroying the attempt to mark his woman with such low level skill. His eyes narrowing at the audacity, he placed a quick peck on Danica's lips as he jumped over the railing, landing in the arena just moments later, cold and particularly thick killing intent radiating from him in waves, wiping the lecherous expressions from the father son duo who had locked their eyes on Danica the moment their light tried to mark her.