Chapter 068:

Anton had never been so happy to see the city of Atros looming in the distance. The walls were even wider and taller than when he had left, and he could see the beginnings of the third expansion ring. A thin trail of smoke raised out from the center. Thankfully it clearly came from homes and the forge, and not from the smouldering fire of another Kobold attack.

The trip through the forest had been relatively uneventful, except for the very active night time sessions, quite a few of them just between the two girls. Most had been initiated by Verona, not that Kal seemed to mind. Never in his life would he have expected what was currently happening to actually transpire.

Kal had never seemed as happy as she was now. Quite often he caught her smiling as she looked off into the distance, as she looked around his back. Most of the time they had spent travelling she had sat with Anton, much to Verona's consternation. She had swapped often which calmed her a little. Often he heard Verona giggling as Kal hugged her tightly. Seeing that again, and catching Verona's slightly worried eyes, brought up a small potential problem.

What the others would say about this.

“You're thinking away again.” Verona said quietly as they passed through the last remains of the forest.

All along the edge there was obvious signs of logging, quite a bit. He glanced up and saw several carts in the distance returning to Atros filled with freshly cut timber. They were spotted, one small speck of a worker giving them a wave, which Verona and Anton returned. Kal peered around Verona's head and saw the villagers. She was about to wave but she hesitated. During their trip she had not worn her new face mask or quite a few of her cloth wrappings. Her arms, digitigrade feet and tail were left free, through she kept her cloak. Verona found out about the brush for Kal, becoming quite irritated until she could brush her fur. Now Kal's fur looked quite sleek.

“Sorry.” Anton said, both girls frowning at him. “It happens.”

He ran his hand through his beard. Until a few days ago it had been allowed to grow uncontrollably. Verona, and Kal, said that it made kissing him rather annoying, beyond the tickling sensation that Verona liked when they first become a couple. Verona wanted to use one of her blood crystal shards to cut it short against his skin, to like when they first met, but Anton and Kal had talked her out of it. In the end they settled on using Kal's new blade and taking some delicate care. It seemed that Kal's hands were the steadiest, though feeling of her fur and pads on his skin was a little strange. Almost instantly afterwards Kal said that they were going to keep it short. They both liked the way it tickled against their faces.

“Is this about those demons?” Verona asked.

Anton shook his head.

“Right. I think I know what it's about.” Verona glanced back at Kal, patting her hand wrapped around her waist.

“Right...” Kal said quietly.

“They can just deal with it.” Anton said defiantly. Both looked much happier at his words. “I'm not going to give up either of you. Not after all this. If they have a problem they can just leave. Nothing we're doing affects anyone else.”

“Exactly.” Verona nodded furiously.

“I wonder what they're going to say when they see this...” Kal looked at her fur covered hands. They were slightly different to a humans, despite the fur. Her fingers were a little longer than a humans, not to mention the sharp claw at the end and the pads on the inside.

Kal took another deep breath, bringing both her hands into fists. “I'm not backing down anymore! No more hiding in my new home. Or...alongside my new...um, strange family.”

“That's the spirit.” Verona chuckled.

“And definitely no pulling on your tail.” Anton added.

Kal brought out her tail from the confines of her cloak and wrapped it around Verona, the three fanned end resting just below her chin. Verona started giggling like a demented fool as the played with the fur, nearly letting go of the reins of the horse. That tail was a thing of beauty. He played with it every chance he got, and Kal never denied him.

“You need to get that under control.” Anton hummed, reaching over and rubbing Verona's head vigorously.

Verona blushed but refused to let go. Kal withdrew her tail and jumped to Anton's horse. The horse grunted at the sudden burst of extra weight while Kal wrapped her hands around his chest. Verona huffed as Kal hugged Anton tightly, burying her head into Anton's back as the claws lazily massaged at his chest through the leather armour.

They continued in relative silence. Anton was a little thankful that the wood-cutters continued on with their work. That gave them a little more peace before they were bombarded with questions. He was sure that most reactions would be of relief, that they succeeded and the former bondsmen's relations are still alive.

When they were halfway to Atros a horn sounded out. To the south he saw a small group of riders running towards them. He recognised the one at the front.

“Dana!” Verona yelled as they approached.

Dana waved back, not as wildly as Verona's, before sidling beside them. The other riders formed a large circle around them for protection.

“Glad to see that you're back in one piece.” Dana said, a hint of warmth in her otherwise cold voice. “We had no idea when you three were expected back. Or...if it all.”

She seemed very happy to see her horses again. Her brows narrowed as she saw Kal's exposed feet. She glanced at Kal, holding tightly onto Anton, more specifically her exposed feet and hands.

“I see that you're not hiding yourself anymore. I didn't think that would happen. I thought it would be a lot more different, your hands at least...from the stories I've been told about your kind.”

“You don't have a problem with that?” Kal asked quietly. He felt the tips of her claws dig into his armour.

Dana shook her head. “I'll let your actions speak for you. So far, it's been very good.”

Kal smiled and squeezed onto Anton's side. Dana threw up a brow, looking between Verona and himself before settling on him, a strange almost smirk on her face.

“If only everyone else could do that.” Anton mumbled.

Dana nodded. “I had a long time to think about those sort of things. Anyway, it seems that quite a few things have happened. Quite a few things...Did you win against the Orcs and Clansmen?”

“We did.” Anton replied. “We won...relatively well. We've got an agreement with Duchess Belinda and quite a few other things besides that.”

“Yes. Kal's bow seems to have changed.” Dana said. “I don't remember it being that white.”

“Ah.” Verona smiled wildly. “We got it as a gift from a dick in Qaiviel.”

Dana stared in shock at Verona. Verona chuckled as she shook her head. “Not like that. But we did have some fun.”

Again, Dana looked between the three of them. Finally she sighed and shook her head. “We don't know what to expect from you anymore. When you left it was two and now it's three. I'm guessing that you'll want to have one of those council meetings right away?”

“Yeah. We've got a bit to discuss.”

Dana whistled at one of the riders and sent him forward.

“Anything serious happen while we've been gone?”

Dana's face darkened slightly. “We managed to get that goblin that you wanted.” Her whole body shuddered in revulsion. Images of what the Yellow Goblins did to her came flooding back through her eyes. “I...I really, really didn't want to do that.”

“I know. But it's only one. And it'll be the last one that we'll probably have to get.” Anton replied, Dana didn't look entirely convinced. “Is it bound somewhere safe?”

“Yeah. Near the training field. Just in case something happens to it there'll be hundreds of soldiers to kill it. That...that thing was disgusting. Even bound up it looked like it wanted to rape me.”

“Thank you for doing that, Dana. I realise it wasn't easy on you. But now we'll be have a better idea of how long it'll take to wipe out the larger nests.”

Dana hummed and returned her sight towards Atros. Many soldiers, all wearing full plate metal armour, watched them advance. Their faces turned from sceptical, as they squinted at the limits of their vision, to relief when they got close enough. Quite a few of them could be former bondsmen. They certainly would want to know the fate of their friends and family.

The large outer wooden gate, adorned with dark brown fragments of the Obsidian Towers for extra protection, groaned open. Behind that were dozens more soldiers. Some were equipped with the green Bosciycium metal shields. Jeff evidently trusted these people enough to use such valuable pieces of armour. Though, there was little they could do if they wished to sell it. Atros was still effectively cut off from the rest of the world.

“Right.” Anton looked at Verona and Kal. “Guess they deserve a bit of an explanation. So they don't just make up their own mind from what little they see and hear.”

Both nodded. Kal relinquished her tight grip on his chest and folded her arms underneath her chest as they entered Atros. The soldiers separated and formed a path for them to enter. Almost immediately a growing chorus of questions. Anton coughed loudly, all sound stopping as the soldiers desperately waited for his words. For a moment he felt very...powerful. Not in the sense of his magical abilities, but that nearly a hundred people right here were waiting for him to speak. They would be silent until he said something. Anything.

I guess this is what the Duchess felt, in a sense. Better not get used to it.

Anton coughed again, some even looked around to see if someone else was speaking.

“Our mission to Maxill and the Qaiviel Kingdom was a success. The combined Orc and Deweth Clansmen attack has been thwarted. All those that have friends and family in Maxill, know that they are alive.”

“Thank the Gods!” a soldier at the back shouted, several nearby following.

Anton looked closely at the soldier and saw the flame and lightning markings of his gods had been etched into his armour. Some sort of red and purple colouring had been applied, from what he didn't know. Was this the first convert to the Old Gods?

“In...Indeed.” Anton said. “Thanks should be given to our four gods. Each had a significant role to play in the fighting. But, there are implications from the fighting that we are still working through. I must continue to a council meeting to discuss what has happened. Just know that everyone in Atros and Maxill are safe.”

The soldiers looked quite relieved at his words.

“But,” Anton continued. “It is good to be back.”

He smiled, a few chuckled in response as some yelled at the soldiers to get back to their duty. Those were the ones with the Bosciycium shields, Anton assumed to be higher ranked soldiers that Jeff had assigned to be leaders. The soldiers dispersed and allowed them passage. Dana turned to her riders, telling them to continue with their patrol without her. She was eager to know what happened in Qaiviel, just like everyone else was.

The inside of Atros looked better than it had before. The new buildings were going up at a rapid pace, over half that he could see in the second ring were nearly complete and the rest were well on the way. Stone filled the streets and roads in between the buildings. Everything looked far more ordered and regimented than those on the inner ring. One day that would need to be fixed as well.

The inner wall's gate was already open, quite a few soldiers saluted to them as they passed.

Everything was as he remembered it. Their house had not been touched for better or worse, but something was different in the middle of the central plaza.

Where there used to be a filled-in fire pit was now a large flat granite stone. Ontop of them were four large stone objects. They looked very similar. As they approached it became obvious what they were. The stone idols to their gods had been finished, much faster than Anton thought possible, and had been displayed in the most central and accessible location. Someone had solved the issue of where to put them.

“Huh...” Verona said, cocking her head. “Guess Jira will be happy. I don't see anyone here though.”

“People can offer up there thanks at the idols in the morning or after their work is done.” Dana explained. “Everyone agreed that offering prayers to the gods shouldn't interfere with our livelihood.”

“Also so that people don't try to skip out on work by saying they are going to pray?” Anton asked.

Dana chuckled. “Yeah. Ask Sybil about that. She got quite miffed about that.”

“Huh.”

They reached the front of the Main Hall and dismounted. Out the front a log railing had been built, one which Dana lashed the reins to.

“Feels a bit strange to be back here.” Kal said, keeping close to Anton. He looked down and saw her claws flexing on the stones and dirt. “To be like this. I've never been in a city as I am now, except when I was a slave.”

“Nobody's going to have a problem with it.” Anton said defiantly, giving Kal's head a quick kiss while Verona nodded furiously in agreement. Kal relaxed a little.

Dana cocked her head towards the Main Hall.

“Come on. It'll be a little bit before everyone gets here. Might as well sit down.”

---[]---

It took a few minutes for everyone to assemble. They all received many hugs and handshakes, even a few for Kal, mainly from the women. They seemed less concerned with her Beast-kin traits. Perhaps is was a gender thing. Anton didn't really understand as he didn't find it repulsive in any shape or form.

When they were all gathered they took their seats and looked towards the three of them. Verona took the right side of Anton while Kal took the left. Dana had taken the seat next to Kal.

“Well.” Bertram began, a smile on his weathered and old face. “Let me just say that it's good to see you again. This time we didn't know if you would return. I remember that fighting Clansmen is completely different to fighting Goblins. How many did you end up having to fight?”

“Umm...sixty thousand.” Anton replied.

The room went perfectly silent as they processed his words. Jeff was the first to say anything.

“How many?” he squeaked out.

“You heard right. Sixty thousand.” Verona said, a smirk coming to her face. “Though, we didn't kill them all. Anton probably got about twenty thousand. I think I got a couple of thousand and Kal got a few hundred. With no magic too.”

Everyone seemed quite surprised at hearing Kal's kill count. She was the one without any sort of magical power and yet she had fought very well alongside them. Kal shrunk back for only a second, before pursing her lips and straightened her back, her fingers scratching lightly on the wooden table. She was following her words, she wasn't going to hide any more.

“I did the best I could.” Kal said.

“You did better than that.” Verona added. “You took down an Orc chieftain, and eight of his guards, all by yourself.”

Now everyone's eyes bulged, especially Bertram’s and Sybil's. They caught a flicker of his eye.

“Killing an Orc chieftain is...” Bertram trailed off at the end.

“Oh. And he could use magic.” Anton added that just to see their reactions. “That could easily blow up a giant stone wall.”

“Of course he could.” Jeff said. “It seems that everything you touch just becomes...so weird.”

Kal twitched. They hadn't told them yet about their new relationship, though nobody had brought up their proximity yet.

“But, despite the overwhelming numbers we face we came out on top.” Anton continued. “We have secured a deal with Duchess Belinda, one that will benefit us for many...winters to come.”

“This should be good.” Bertram shuffled in his seat.

“The...” Anton patted his chest. “The pen and paper are still in the packs on the horse. As well as the other thing.”

“I'll get it.” Kal said, rising up from the table and running towards the door. He saw her tail perk up from underneath her cloak and follow her like a trail of smoke.

The moment she was out of earshot everyone's eyes descended upon them.

“I've been meaning to ask.” Jeff began. “But...why isn't she...”

“Covering herself like she used to?” Verona retorted, folding her arms and leaning back into her chair.

“I didn't mean it like that.” Jeff seemed a little embarrassed. Anton knew what he was getting at, and he was sure that Verona did as well, but she was just trying to have a dig to make them uncomfortable.

“Let's just say that things have changed.” Verona said with a wicked smile.

A few looked at Anton who remained as stoic as he could. He didn't want to tell everyone behind her back. They seemed content to wait until she returned.

When Kal returned, with the packs from the horses, she had a noticeable spring in her step. She moved to his side and handed them over. He caught the tiniest hint of a touch from her claws.

“Oh dear.” Sybil said very quietly. She didn't elaborate on her words though he was sure she figured it out. Her eyes darted to Verona, who remained passive, then back to Kal as she took her seat the other side of Verona.

Anton lightly rested his hands on the wooden table.

“Before we go any further, Kal and I...And Verona.” Anton scratched at his short beard. “Well...We're in a relationship now. All three of us.”

Everyone looked between all three of them. Finally Jeff broke. He smiled and turned to Jonathan and Zac. All three started to chuckle.

“I think that I owe someone a drink.” Zac grumbled happily. “Though, I'm sure we all made the same bet.”

“That something like this would happen?” Verona asked.

Jeff nodded. “Yeah. Sort of. Mum told me how Kal was looking at Anton.”

Kal groaned and shook her head, her tanned face starting to flush lightly. Anton smiled and held her leg. She laid her own hand on top of his.

Sam frowned at Verona. “But...You're fine with this? There's no...”

Verona smiled and shook her head. “This is all...agreed upon. Kal and I had a very long talk before any of this and it's all fine.”

Anton hadn't asked what they had discussed. It really wasn't his business.

“Exactly.” Anton said, getting a nod from Kal. “Now, I agreed to this. If anyone has a problem with this than they can take it up with one of my lightning bombs. What we're doing isn't hurting anyone and I won't give up the happiness I have found with both of them because someone has a problem with it. I'm not letting go of Verona or Kal because of someone else's beliefs, no matter who or what anyone else has to say.”

Everyone else was silent. Anton felt his words might have been a little angry but it was something he needed to get off his chest. He wasn't going to lose either of them.

Finally Bertram spoke. “I...I don't think that anyone here has a problem with it. So long as it is...consensual. Which it looks like it is. Others might have a problem with you sleeping with a Beast-kin, but that's their problem. I'm sure they'll keep it to themselves with both of your magics.”

Verona chuckled. “We thought that would be the answer. But...it needed to be said.”

“Quite a few weird things happen between people here after dark.” Sam looked around the council chamber, but it wasn't clear who she was directing her gaze at. “There shouldn't be any complaints, so long as you aren't doing it just outside your house. Speaking of which, is Kal going to move it with you?”

Anton nodded. “Absolutely.”

Kal smiled and gripped tightly onto his leg, not out of fear or anger but in joy.

“I'm glad to know that you've found some more happiness.” Raston began. “I, for one, don't have a problem with it, and the Church of the Holy Father has no sway here anymore. I can't speak for them all but I'm sure that the former bondsmen won't have a problem with it.”

“That's good to know.” Anton said quietly. The less religious tension they would have to deal with the better.

“But you said before that you had something arranged with the Duchess. What sort of deal did you manage to get out of the her?” Raston asked. “And is it safe to cross that forest now?”

“It's safe.” Anton replied, much to Raston's relief. “I have an agreement from the Duchess, in her own handwriting too, that the next two trips that you take to Maxill we will be getting another two hundred and fifty people with you. Then there will be a gap until autumn where it will become one hundred and fifty people and then rise to two hundred for every trip after the end of winter.”

“She can't keep that up forever though.” Zac said. “Even I know that there's something wrong with that. There's only so many people in Maxill. Eventually she'll run out.”

“Indeed. But as part of winning the invasion we got the Duchess a lot more territory.” Verona replied. “And people. She's even got a really big city. Nonbu'rn, I think they called it.” she looked at Anton too check, a flicker of relief knowing that she got it right. “That place alone's got to have thousands upon thousands of people. And then there's all the new villages and hamlets in between. I don't think it'll be a problem.”

“Also.” Kal spoke up, everyone seemed less surprised at her speaking after the previous revelation. “She made it quite clear that she'll be using her prestige from winning the battle to try and expand her control in Qaiviel. That will make her a good ally for An-Atros. I don't know if she'll come to our aid like we did for her.”

“She bloody well should.” Jeff said in a huff. “Especially after what you three did for her.”

“That moves us onto the next point.” Anton opened one of the packs and brought out the special pen. Everyone, except for Verona and Kal, looked strangely at it.

“I never thought I would see a dip pen again.” Bertram said, Sybil nodding. “When I fled the capital was the last time.” He looked up at them. “It's a fine gift, but...”

“It's not just a dip pen.” Anton replied. “It's a special one. One that allows for anyone to write to the other pen. In this case Duchess Belinda has the other one, so we can write to her and she to us. It uses Earth Mana to work, so it'll keep working even if I'm nowhere near it.”

“That sounds good.” Raston said.

Anton quickly explained the specifics on how the pens worked. They seemed rather impressed.

“So...is this one going to stay here?” Bertram asked. “Or are you going to take it with you?”

“This one will stay with you, here.” Anton replied. “I'll make a new one and take that with me. That way I can talk to the Duchess even if I'm away from Atros by having someone writing it from one paper to another. Do you know if you have any more pens like this lying around?”

“We'll have a look.” Sybil replied. “Would a piece of wrapped charcoal work.”

“It could. But I would prefer a pen. It might make it easier for me to use.”

Verona started squeaking, bouncing on her chair. She smiled. “I've just thought of something that's been swirling around my head for some time. Every time I thought to bring it up I...go distracted. What are we going to call ourselves?”

The question stumped most people present. Verona huffed and folded her arms.

“I mean, we can't always just be Atros. I started thinking about it at the Gravestone, when Conrad didn't think much of us when he first saw us when he saw these clothes.”

Anton was starting to get what she was getting at.

“Everyone else is called an Empire or a Kingdom. But we're just Atros. Not that I'm saying that's a bad thing. But it might make things a bit harder for us to work in the future.” Verona looked down at her clothes. “We also need a uniform so we're not seen just as a villager and peasant army. I don't know what though.”

“I get you.” Anton said, giving her leg a squeeze. “Though I don't know if we should be called an Empire or a Kingdom. We're not going to be like any of them so we shouldn't call ourselves that.”

Bertram looked around. “Any ideas? I think we should still keep Atros in the name...Since it's our only city, right now.”

Everyone went quiet as they thought deeply. After a while it seemed quite obvious that nobody had much of an idea of a name. Bertram sighed as he rested back into the chair.

“Something's that not an Empire or a Kingdom...” he trailed off.

“Something greater than them.” Verona said quietly.

“Somewhere everyone can live equally.” Kal spoke in the tiniest whisper.

The only way you could do that, especially in this sort of world, would be through force. Hatred and prejudice seems to run deep between humans and non-humans. And that probably extends to the Empires and Kingdoms. A name that could inspire hope and fear at the same time. That's going to be tricky to find.

“How about...” Anton shook his head. “Some sort of Imperial name.”

Verona shrugged and chuckled. “There we go. Atros Imperial. No, Imperialum...Imperium. I think that's the way to call it. The Atros Imperium. ” She seemed quite pleased with herself. Everyone else appeared to share her opinion. “I think that settles it. The first good name you come up with is the best. I'm all for it being called the Atros Imperium. Anyone else?”

“I think that's a good name.” Jeff said. “The Atros Imperium rising from the old Kar Kingdom. I'll go for it.”

Everyone else nodded. Anton caught Kal smiling at Verona.

Bertram nodded. “Very well. I think that's the name for us now. Though it might be a little odd to hear since we've only got a few thousand people to our name.”

Anton nodded. “We're going to be working on that. I think we'll also need official colours and a flag for Atros, especially if we're going to be a proper force in this world.”

“We'll have a think about it.” Sybil said. “We'll make it a big event to come up with the design.”

Anton smiled. “I like that idea. But, before we go any further, Jeff?” the large bald man raised his chin towards Anton. “I got you that special something?”

“What?” Sam asked incredulously.

Jeff instantly remembered what he had asked Anton to get in Qaiviel. He pushed out his chair, creaking as it moved against the old wood, and hurried towards Anton. Anton reached into the pack and pulled out the small bag. Neither Verona nor Kal knew what was in there but he could see by their faces that they were very interested. Jeff pulled the bag close to his body and looked inside. His face lit up like a child receiving candy for the first time.

“Thank you, Anton.”

Anton gave a light nod. He was about to begin speaking but realised he should keep quiet. Jeff took a deep breath and reached inside the bag, moving slowly to Sam. Sam began to frown and look at the others for support, her hands gripping onto the table. They didn't know what was going to happen. Finally her eyes landed on Anton. It seemed to be asking if this was something terrible, but Anton kept as straight a face as possible.

“What's happening?” Sam asked. She seemed genuinely concerned.

Jeff took another deep breath and pulled out both rings, still concealed in his hands.

“Sam, will you do me the honour...” He pulled out the small rings and took her hand gently, Sam was too stunned to resist. “And be my wife?”

For a moment Anton thought she would say no. Sam just sat there stunned, her face completely unreadable. It began to crack, letting out a weak chuckle before tears started to flow.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

“I thought you'd never ask, you big idiot.”

She pulled him into her and hugged him tight. At the last second, just as they were about to collide, they stopped. That brought some questioning looks from those assembled.

“Ah. You didn't have to wait for a ring, you know?” Sam mumbled as she slipped the ring onto her finger. It looked quite good on her. “We've been meaning to tell you, but it seems that I'm pregnant.”

A few cheers of congratulations carried throughout the chamber. Verona seemed the most surprised but she didn't divulge why.

“How far along are you?” Jonathan asked. His children weren't present this time, so he didn't have to give the explanation of how children were made just yet.

“Not that long.” Sam replied. “I just know that I've missed the past two times. So...”

Jonathan nodded. Bertram and Sybil seemed quite happy as well.

“We haven't had a proper marriage ceremony like this in about twenty years.” Bertram said. “I never thought that I'd get to do this again.”

“I don't know what a wedding ceremony is here.” Anton said. “But it looks like it's going to be quite an event. Something to really turn around what's happened.”

“It will be.” Sam looked over at him, briefly at Jeff who returned her nod. “After we're done here I need to speak with you, Anton.”

“Okay?...”

Sam didn't say anything more and just smiled happily, looking at the ring on her finger. That little band of metal and the small gem was worth more than quite a few things in this village, doubly so when compared to before he arrived.

“It seems that today is filled with revelations.” Bertram mumbled, getting a chuckle from Verona and an awkward smile from Kal. “So what's next for you three? I doubt that you're going to stay in Atros for long.”

“One or two days.” Anton replied. “Enough to get our heads settled then we're heading east to the Graterious Empire.”

Kal stiffened at his words. She started to breath a little more harshly but kept herself together, even though she knew where they would be heading after this.

Anton reached into the other pack and pulled out the maps he received from Duchess Belinda. Bertram looked the most pleased. The maps were laid out on the table so they connected. Together they formed a nearly complete map of the Shattered Kingdoms, bar the Deweth Clans and the Elven Kingdom to the south.

“We'll see what sort of connections we can make there. I was told that this city, Porswea.” Anton pointed at the marker on the map of Graterious. “Will be a good place to start. After that we'll head to Seocuria.”

“More Beast-kin?” Avery asked.

“Yes.” Anton replied flatly.

Avery didn't reply. Was he worried or just wanted confirmation? Anton couldn't tell either way, other than to just make a note to keep an eye on him when more arrived. He turned to Dennis, who had been quiet this whole time.

“Dennis. When we return there's a very good chance that we'll be bringing quite a few Beast-kin back with us. And they won't be like Kal. They'll be full Beast-kin.” He glanced at Kal who nodded. “So some of them won't be that...human. If what I understand is correct. We'll need you to keep the peace on both sides.”

“Right....Both sides?”

“The Beast-kin have spent every waking moment enslaved by humans.” Kal continued. “Even I still remember the feelings that I had in Seocuria towards humans, and I was only a child when escaped. They'll have spent ten, twenty, thirty, forty or even fifty winters having the idea that humans are bad beaten into them. It'll take some time for them to realise that you can be good.”

Kal fidgeted with her claws. “It took me a little bit too.”

“So that's what we'll need you to have to work with.” Anton told Dennis.

Dennis nodded in thought. “I'll do my best. When some Beast-kin settle in I'll see about some becoming Deputies. That....I'll keep thinking on it.”

“Thank you.” Anton and Kal said together.

“Can we go?” Jeff asked. “I want to see beyond Atros. Especially since you'll be travelling so far.”

“We don't know how long it could take.” Anton replied. “And I don't know how well pregnant women can travel.”

“It won't be that bad, I don't think.” Sam replied, taking Jeff's hand. “But I don't want this one to go wrong. And you'll be wanting to travel as fast as you can and not weighed down by a woman with a swollen stomach.”

Jeff pursed his lips as he looked down, a little crestfallen. Sam smiled and looked at Verona.

“Besides, when are you expecting yours?”

Verona perked up. “Um...soon, ish? I think after we've got Seocuria sorted then we'll have a talk about it.”

Anton nodded. If they could get some sort of stream of people, and Beast-kin, from both countries, just like Maxill, then there would be a lot more time to settle down. The Demons had yet to appear, they could be years away, so there could be a bit of free time to try and have a family.

“And what about you, Kal?” Sam asked.

Kal blushed and fidgeted with her ear. “I...I don't know if Half-breeds can actually have children. I think I'm the oldest one to have lived in some time. I still have all the normal...things that a woman has. I don't know if that means I can though.”

“I'm sure you'll work on that.” Sam flashed a wicked smile. Kal flushed a little, trying to cover her reddening face with her hands. Anton felt his own flush a little and so too did Verona's. Everyone else chuckled as they shook their heads.

“Back onto what you were saying before.” Bertram said, his face having a hint of red. They had to delicately tell them that his and Verona's night activities were a little loud, though it only was the one night. “Where in Seocuria will you be heading after Graterious?”

Anton looked at Kal. She hadn't told them yet, they were a little distracted as they travelled through the forest. She took a deep breath and pointed to the largest marker on the map of Seocuria. One near the coast.

“I came from here. Danafra, the capital of Seocuria. That's where we need to go.”

---[]---

The rest of the council meeting delved into smaller, and more administrative tasks. Anton did mention thanks to Zac for getting the idols of the fours gods complete in such a short time. He said he would pass the information on.

Sam explained what he wanted Anton to do for the wedding ceremony. As both her parents were no longer alive, she wanted him to be the one to give her away. It appeared to be somewhat similar to the marriages that he was familiar with, with a few more pagan elements thrown in. Anton accepted it, Verona and Kal were very supportive of it.

After the smaller things were handled most of the attention was directed to the wedding. Since they had just returned Anton, Verona and Kal were told that they could have a break. Especially since they needed to move Kal into her new home.

Anton and Verona stood waiting outside of Kal's house, waiting for Kal to collect her few possessions. She said that she wanted to do this herself. A minute later she emerged with two bags, a weak smile on her face.

“This...” she handed one of the cloth bags to Anton. “This is the food that I managed to steal from Atros.”

“How did you manage that?” Verona asked as she looked into the bag. It was filled with dried meat and many long lasting nuts.

Kal scratched at her ear. “I...I can move quietly and quickly enough that the guards didn't see me. So I broke into the stores and got this.”

“Huh.” Anton said, giving Kal's head a rub. “You'll make a great thief.”

“Please don't.” Kal whimpered, Verona laughing at her state. “I don't want to go back to that life.”

“Now you won't.” Verona gave Kal a deep hug, which she returned. “Come on. Let's get you settled in.”

Anton opened the door, relieved to be back to his new home. Some dust had settled everywhere, they would need to spend some time cleaning, but otherwise it was fine and untouched. They would need to get some things to spruce up their home, especially if they were going to have children sometime in the future.

“Nobody's tried anything.” Verona mumbled. “Though I doubt anyone would try and take this house.”

“Not with a Grand Mage, and a Blood Berserker.” Kal added, eliciting a smile from Anton.

“Alright. Where's a good room for you?” Anton said aloud. “There's one near our bedroom...”

“Are you going to be sleeping with us each night?” Verona asked.

Kal flushed but nodded. “Yes. I...I would still like a separate room. I want some privacy to practice a few things.”

“Of course.” Anton replied, opening the door next to their bedroom. “We all need some privacy from time to time.”

Kal gasped as she looked inside. It was completely barren, only a small wooden slat window on the far side for light. She seemed utterly entranced by this empty room.

“It's...It's wonderful.”

Verona looked up at Anton, a strange look on her face.

“I know I said this before in Nonbu'rn, but you did have a house to yourself.”

Kal smiled back at them, an honest smile. “I don't need big spaces like that to be happy.”

She placed her bag down gently in the middle of the empty room.

“That looks a little lonely.” Anton said.

“It does.” Verona added. “We'll need to get you a few things when we head to Graterious.”

“So, what do you have?” Kal asked. “I haven't seen you bedroom.”

As she walked past Anton grabbed underneath her legs and lifted her up. Kal squeaked in surprise, her claws digging into his skin as she looked up at him. Her face was filled with a playful anger.

“Warn me before you do something like that. If someone grabs me-”

“Grabs you?” Verona chuckled. “When one person, in particular, does that?”

Kal grumbled as she rolled her eyes. “So, what are you doing?”

Anton gave Kal a kiss, much to her continued feigned annoyance. “Well, what did you think that we'd be doing when you, Kal, asked to see our bedroom?”

Her face started to grow red again. Both her hands started to nervously play with each other.

“I thought that there would be things that we would need to do for Sam and Jeff's wedding. I was thinking that it might be tonight. Then we'd have lots of time...for us.” Kal stammered out as Verona moved past and opened the door to their bedroom. Already she was taking off her jewellery and her armour.

“You seemed so much more enthusiastic in the forest.” Anton moved her towards the bedroom.

“It's...Now that I'm here.” Kal buried her head into his chest. “It feels like the first time again.”

Anton kissed her deeply again. He lowered her so she was standing on her feet, while she melted into his body, her hands desperately gripping onto his shirt. When they parted Kal was completely flushed while Verona was grinning wildly. She had already taken off her armour and was waiting for Anton. He moved to her and began to kiss and undress her, Verona doing the same for him while Kal began to undress as well.

Verona leaned back with all her weight and pulled them both onto the bed, this time Anton squeaking in surprise as he nearly landed his whole weight onto Verona. She laughed and wormed out from under him. Kal was almost undressed as Verona waved Kal over. There was very little hesitation as she walked towards the bed. Anton gently took her hand and pulled her down, Kal landing in between them.

“We've only got a day or two here.” Verona started to kiss Kal's neck, getting excited gasps from the writhing Beast-kin. “So we should definitely not waste our time. It'll probably be the last time we can do it on a bed for some time, not that being outside wasn't fun.”

“Ahh...Okay.” Kal whimpered out, her eyes misty as she reached out for Anton and pulled him in for a kiss.

---[]---

“What are we supposed to wear to this thing?” Verona asked. She stood naked, looking over the meagre selection of clothes. “I didn't ask before we left.”

“Just something good I suppose.” Anton said, giving her a quick kiss as he moved past her to his own clothes.

Kal remained on the bed, the fur covers hiding most of her body, though it left most of her lovely brown thighs on display. She wasn't asleep but she was dozing, her green eyes staring blankly into the wooden ceiling. It had been quite intense afternoon. One they wouldn't forget for some time.

Now only a little light came through the wooden slatted window above them. The wedding ceremony would be starting soon and they couldn't just stay in bed for the next few hours, no matter how tempting that was.

“Is...Is it right that I wear my armour?” Verona asked. She picked up both her breasts and let them drop. “They can get heavy without them.”

“Um...to a wedding, like this...I don't think so.” Anton found his a new shirt and put it on.

“I suppose.” Verona hummed as she found some new clothes.

“Hey Kal.” Anton said quietly.

“Hm...” she mumbled back, rubbing her eyes as her she rose up. She ran her hands through he dark aqua hair as she stretched herself out. “What's happening?”

“We're getting dressed for the wedding.” Verona said, putting on her pants and folding up their scattered clothes.

“Right...What do I wear?” Kal asked as she hopped up, Verona's eyes immediately drawn to her tail swirling in the air. “Is a Beast-kin even allowed at something like this?”

“Absolutely.” Anton said, getting a smile back from her. “Sam and Jeff are good friends of ours, and they don't have a problem with you.”

“But.” Verona held up Kal's shirt. It was tatty and had many holes in it. The only reason it worked was the many layers of cloth wrappings. “You can't go out wearing this.”

“I wear the wrappings underneath them, so it's fine-”

“It's not fine.” Anton said. “No woman of mine should have to wear something like that.”

Kal's face burst into a red flush, while Verona blushed a little herself as she shook her head.

“Looks like you've definitely agreed to this thing then.” Verona chuckled.

“Well...” Anton scratched his head. “Yeah. I'm not going to let either of you go. Ever.”

Kal tried her best to remain calm, though she realised that she was the only one that was still naked.

“Okay. So, what do I wear?”

“Sybil gave me some extra clothes before we left.” Verona said, reaching underneath the bed and pulling out some lightly coloured simple villager clothes. “These will be good for you. We'll get something when we're in Graterious.”

She chucked them at Kal. Kal opened her mouth to object, but clamped it shut. A few short moments later and it was done. Now, apart from the Beast-kin traits, she looked like a normal villager. The long sleeved shirt and pants only left the extremities of her hands and feet exposed, though her tail poked out from the bottom of her shirt and swayed in the air.

“Do...Do I look good in this?” Kal asked, twirling around with the tail following her like a whip. Somehow she instinctively knew how to be seductive.

“Absolutely.” Anton said. He moved in and gave her a kiss, one which she returned. “You look beautiful.”

Kal groaned as her ears pulled back in happiness, her tail started to sway seductively. Verona took a brush and quickly ran it through her hair a few times then doing the same to Kal's head and hands and feet.

“Can...Can I at least wear my cloak?” Kal asked. “I'm still not that ready.”

Verona handed Kal her cloak, one which had been discarded during their tryst. Kal wrapped it around her her neck. When it was secured she seemed much more calm.

“Okay. I'm ready.” Kal said, her eyes suddenly blinking at Verona. “Oh. I have an idea to deal with your problem.”

Verona cocked her head, waiting for Kal to explain. Kal reached down into the pile of her discarded cloth wrappings and picked one up. She wrapped one end around her hand and sent the other underneath Verona's shirt.

“I didn't think you'd be this eager.” Verona leered at Kal.

Kal shook her head as she wrapped the cloth around Verona's inordinately large breasts, binding them tight. Verona squeaked as Kal gave another tug at her back. She lifted up her shirt for Anton to see, it looked like a simple band that acted like a bra that kept her breasts close to her body.

“I like it.” Verona said. “It doesn't feel so bad now. I'd still like the armour, but this is pretty good for now. Thanks Kal. We'll be sure that you get one of these when they're made properly.”

Kal smiled and gave a light nod.

“Alright, let's go then.” Verona cheered. “I wonder what the ceremony's going to be. I've never seen one. Have you?”

Anton and Kal shook their heads. Verona hummed in excitement as she led them to the front door. Outside was filled with activity, more so than usual. Everything was filled with an air of excitement. If Bertram was right this was to be the first official wedding in some time. This is something that everyone would want to see.

“Just...follow everyone else?” Verona asked with a shrug.

“I guess so.”

Anton and Verona took the lead, Kal walking behind them. He reached back and grabbed her hand, pulling her to his side. She coughed in embarrassment but held herself steady. He caught Verona nodding in approval. She didn't want Kal to be hiding in their shadows either.

A few gave Kal odd looks as they passed. Very few dared anything more than a glance, not with a Grand Mage and Blood Berserker next to her. With every step they took Kal seemed to grow in confidence. She didn't have to hide who she was, at least in Atros.

Some children, barely ten years old, ran up behind them. He glanced back and saw them looking at Kal's tail sticking out from the side of her cloak.

“Miss? What's that?” one asked, pointing at her tail.

Kal glanced at Anton before stopping and turning around. She brought her tail up to her hands as she looked at the children.

“This...This is my tail.” Kal said unconfidently.

“Mummy says that we're not meant to talk to you.” another said, a few nodding in agreement.

“I..I haven't...” Kal stammered out.

“That's not very nice.” Verona said, squatting down to the children’s level. “Why did they say that?”

The child shrugged. “Said that she wasn't human. And she's a Beast-kin.” He sounded very unsure of himself at the end.

“So?” Verona asked. “Does being different make you good or bad?”

The children were stumped. Anton didn't expect them to figure out a question like that. Especially as it was one that continued to stump people no matter their age.

“I...I don't know.”

“Well.” Verona looked up at Kal. “She's a very kind and caring person. Her being different has nothing to do with that. And she has a tail.”

“Can...” a child at the back spoke up, she shrunk down as everyone looked at her. “Is it soft?”

Kal looked at Anton.

“It's your choice.” He whispered to Kal, giving her hand a squeeze.

Kal took a deep breath as she knelt beside Verona and moved her tail towards the children. They were completely hypnotised by the slightly swaying green limb, especially at the three fanned end with the orange mark in the middle.

“You can touch it.” Verona said. “But only this once. And only if you're gentle. It is a part of her.”

A child frowned at Verona.

“You wouldn't like it if I pulled on your ear.” Verona reached out a lightly twisted the child's ear, eliciting a yelp. “See?”

The child nodded furiously as Kal swayed the tail infront of them. With some hesitation they reached out and touched the fur. Their small hands sunk into the fur as their faces started to turn giddy in joy.

“Seems that everyone here enjoys fluffiness.” Anton said, crouching next to Verona.

“Why shouldn't they?” Verona replied.

The children touched her tail for almost a minute. None tried anything as they were too entranced by it. Anton patted Verona and Kal on the shoulder, both rising up as Kal withdrew her tail. The children groaned in disappointment as the furry tail left their hands.

“There you go kids.” Anton said, giving Kal a kiss on the side of her head. “That's all you're going to get.”

“Aww.” they said. So too did Verona.

“Not you.” Verona chuckled as Anton ruffled her hair. “But, as you can see Beast-kin are perfectly fine. Now, are you lot heading to the wedding?”

The children nodded in unison. “Our parents are already there.”

“Well run along then.” Anton said.

The children smiled and ran towards the central plaza, throwing back a hearty wave.

“Bye fluffy miss!”

“Fluffy miss?” Kal repeated, stunned by their words.

“Got a new name for you to us tonight.” Verona laughed and stuck out her tongue teasingly.

Verona took Anton's right arm while Kal, gingerly took his left. They walked in silence to the central plaza.

The large open area was filling with smartly dressed villagers, as smartly as they could be. Quite a few were soldiers dressed in their full military gear. Anton didn't expect any disturbances tonight but they should be always be careful.

A large circle had been formed at the center, around the idols of the gods. Around the center he could see the other members of the council. Most had already assembled, all looking quite good. Their hair had been cut, some women had their braided and straightened as best they could. The men had their beards trimmed and cleaned up as best they could. There wasn't much in the way of jewellery present in Atros but what little there was had been brought for tonight.

“You're not last.” Zac said, waving a path through the crowd of villagers. “We were wondering if you three would be.”

“I'm sure they've spent their time well.” Jeff slyly added.

Anton smiled, feeling a hint of heat rising to his face. “We did. Very well.” That caused everyone around him to flush a little at his honesty. “But who are we waiting on?”

“Jonathan and his kids, as well as Avery.”

“I'm here.” Anton recognised the calm voice of Avery.

As he turned to look back Verona let out a squeak of surprise. He saw Avery, looking rather good, and a person to his side. Specifically, a man. Avery caught his eye and frowned, pursing his lips and looking away.

“Well, since everything seems to be out in the open now.” He looked between Verona and Kal. “I thought it was time I was as well. Everyone, meet my...partner...Mark.”

Anton studied Mark. He was a plain man, a little bit shorter than Avery with thick dark hair. Anton was sure that he has seen him before in the archery training fields.

Huh. Didn't think that was going to happen.

“How you going Mark?” Jeff thrust out his hand for the new man to shake. He seemed a little nervous.

“Very good Jeff.”

“'bout time you brought him out.” Jeff chuckled.

Avery frowned. “You...knew?”

“Of course. Most people did.” Avery closed his eyes and groaned at Jeff's words. “Doesn't matter to us.”

Everyone nodded. It seemed to be a poorly kept and open secret.

Avery looked at Anton. “What about you?”

Anton shrugged. “It doesn't matter at all to me. But, let me ask you a question. Are you and Mark happy?”

Avery and Mark glanced at each other and nodded.

“Then there you go.”

“Huh.” Avery looked quite happy. “Well, when you put it that way.”

“Sorry I'm late.” another voice shouted through the growing crowds. Jonathan, both his children infront of him, came through. He too had dressed himself up, so much as a blacksmith could. His children, on the other hand, looked a little pale. They clearly had tried their best to look their best for the occasion but still didn't look well. Jonathan saw his concern.

“They've been like this since I got back from the meeting.” Jonathan said, his face full of worry. “I got them to have a sleep but they don't seem to be getting any better.”

Anton squatted down to look at them at eye level. They seemed very tired. Even their attempt to smile looked like it took a great effort. Both looked utterly exhausted.

“So you two, what seems to be wrong?” Anton asked as he put his hands on their head.

“My body hurts.” Joclyn said in her calm voice.

“How so?”

“It's like my...” Shawn looked up at his father. “My bones hurt as I move. I haven't been able to sleep properly.”

“We haven't been able to sleep.” Joclyn corrected her brother.

Verona grumbled. She moved close and took Anton's hands off their heads.

“Where's it coming from? Is it your spine...Along your back?”

They both nodded.

Verona shot Anton a panicked glare. He remembered what she was getting at. When she got her powers something very similar happened. She had been suffering great pains, he had used his prayer power to feel through her body and found something, broke it, and then her blood powers had ripped through her body.

“Can you two make it through this?” Anton asked the children. They both nodded, though Jonathan was looking a little worried. “Well, I'll give you guys a bit of a hit to keep you going.”

He put both his hands upon them and chanted a healing prayer. Shawn and Joclyn's eyes widened and cleared, their breathing and posture became better. He didn't dare to try and investigate through their bodies just yet. They didn't need an activation of another glyph during an important event, if that's what it was. There would be time when they were done.

“Thanks Anton.” Shawn gave Anton a hug around his neck.

Joclyn did the same, though without the intensity of her brother.

Anton ruffled their hair as he stood up. Jonathan didn't look too happy.

“They're fine at the moment.” Anton said. “We'll talk when we're done.”

“They're-”

Anton hesitated to tell Jonathan his theory. He had been present when the red glyph markings had torn through Verona's body, when she had thrashed about and her thin frame had enough strength to nearly throw a full grown smith around a room. Now both his children could be undergoing that transformation.

“They're fine.” Anton cut Jonathan off. “I just gave them a bit healing prayer.”

“O...Okay.” Jonathan didn't look to happy but he nodded.

“So...are we ready now?” Jeff asked. He was looking around to see Sam, but now she was the only one missing.

“Sam shouldn't be too much longer.” Bertram said.

He stood as upright as he could infront of the four god idols. Anton hadn't noticed but all four had been turned so they faced them. It seemed that they were going to use them as part of the ceremony.

In the eyes of the gods, or something?

“Excuse me, Anton?” A new voice called out from towards the Main Hall. A tall black haired woman, flanked by four armoured soldiers, came towards them.

Verona grumbled as she looked closely at her. “That's one of Sam's friends.”

Ah...Bridesmaids?

“Sam's ready for you.” she said.

“Right. I guess we're about to start.”

Kal looked at Verona, who took her hand and pulled her to her side as Anton followed the soldiers. The dark haired woman knocked on the door of the Main Hall.

“Have you got Anton?” Sybil's voice came back.

“Yep. The man's right here.”

The door opened and Sybil greeted him.

“Alright.” Sybil turned her head back and raised her voice. “And she's just about ready.”

“I'm ready!” Anton recognised Sam's voice coming from the distance.

Footsteps came towards him. Sybil opened the door a bit more to reveal Sam. The short hair had been braided with small white and blue flowers, almost a silk dress covered her muscular frame. She looked very lovely, Anton coughed to direct his thoughts away.

“So...Anton.” Sam said teasingly. “How do I look?”

“Lovely.” Anton replied, a faint flush from praise on her face. “Jeff's got a very good catch.”

Sam raised a brow, though she seemed to understand what he was getting at.

“Well, it's about time that he proposed. I was wondering if he ever would.” She held out her arm for Anton to link his own through. Taking another deep breath as Anton took her arm. “Let's go.”

Sybil opened the door fully, much to the cheering crowd. The moment Sam emerged he felt her body tense. He patted her hand as they walked slowly towards the altar. Bertram waved to the council members to move either side, leaving Bertram standing in the middle and Jeff infront of him to one side. It definitely felt like the weddings Anton was familiar with.

The cheers became even louder as they passed by.

“When are you getting married?” Sam asked quietly. “You got Jeff a wedding ring, so where's Verona's? Or Kal's, for that matter.”

“I think I'll get them in Graterious. See what they've got to show for themselves.”

Sam nodded a little, so not to shake loose any of the work done on her hair. “I don't know about you and Kal, but make sure that they're always happy.”

“I will. I always will.”

Sam smiled at him. “Good. Those girls couldn't really ask for more.”

“Good luck.” he whispered as they approached the central pillar.

They moved slowly right up to Jeff. Anton unlinked his arms, recieving a tiny nod from Bertram, and moved between Verona and Kal.

"I'm not sure if that's right." Anton said quietly. "I should have got instructions on what I was supposed to do."

"I think you did alright." Verona whispered back. Kal was completely unreadable as she watched the wedding unfold.

Bertram raised his hand and the crowd began to quieten. He cleared his throat and began. "People of Atros!" his voice carried quite far. "We come together, under the sight of the Old Gods, to witness these two bonded forever in a sacred union."

Verona tugged on his sleeve. "Will...Will we be having one of these?"

Anton nodded and wrapped his arm around her. "Absolutely. But there's something else I need to do before that."

"Put a baby in me?" Verona asked with feigned innocence.

Anton almost coughed at her words. Bertram, still talking, glanced briefly towards them before continuing with his speech.

"I was thinking of the wedding ring. I think there's going to be a big variety of jewellery in Graterious. I'll find a pretty one for the both of you. I wouldn't want either of you to be seen wearing junk."

Verona flushed, so too did Kal. She was listening in as subtly as she could.

"Will we be allowed to have a wedding like this?" Verona asked.

"I don't know." Anton replied. "But it'll be fun no matter what."

Verona chuckled and squeezed his hand. Anton looked back to Bertram.

"Let their union be everlasting and blessed by the gods to bring eternal love and happiness."

Jeff and Sam held hand and exchanged their rings.

Oh, they give each other a ring, and they swap it again. Didn't really think it would be that. But, who am I to judge?

When they finished exchanging their rings the crowd erupted in cheers again.

"Well, that was quick." Kal said, looking at both of them. "Seocurian marriages take nearly a whole day."

"Huh..." Anton said.

"We've got better things to do with our time." Verona started clapping along with everyone else.

The crowds tried to push forward to congratualte the newlyweds as the soldiers tried their best to stop a crush of people. Jeff and Sam were pushed towards the Main Hall escorted by soldiers.

"What happens now?" Verona asked as she moved close to Anton for safety.

"Now we celebrate!" Zac said.

---[]---

A party, such as it was, soon descended upon Atros. Food and drink flowed as Jeff and Sam were offered congratulations and words of support as they sat at a table of honour. Dozens of soldiers made sure it was an organised affair.

Anton, Verona and Kal moved quickly through the crowd and waited their turn until they were at the front of the line.

Jeff and Sam's faces lit up as they saw them approach.

“Congratulations you two.” Anton said as they finally approached.

“Glad to see you both so happy.” Verona added.

“Con...Congratulations.” Kal stammered out.

Jeff rose up and gave Anton a giant hug. It was the type he was expecting, where it seemed he was trying to crush all the air out of Anton's lungs. When he released Anton, Jeff's face was practically beaming.

“Thanks for getting them.” he held up his hand. “I wouldn't have had the courage to do it otherwise.”

“You're the commander of the soldiers of Atros.” Verona said with a wide smirk. “How difficult was it to ask her to marry you.”

Jeff shook his head. “More terrifying than anything I've been through so far.”

“I wish you both luck.” Anton said. “Do you know when you're expecting the baby?”

“Well.” Sam rubbed her chin. “If I missed my last two periods, and it's about the middle of summer, I think about the beginning to middle of spring. So that means that I won't be able to do that much over the winter. Other than try and stay warm.”

“If you need anything you ask.” Verona said. Sam chuckled as she glanced at Anton. If she needed anything, like healing, it would be up to Anton. He didn't have any desire to deny her that.

“May you always be happy.” Kal bowed her head.

Sam and Jeff chuckled. “The same thing goes for the three of you. I want to see some babies running about soon. I think mine and yours will be great friends.”

Verona and Kal smiled, Anton could see the flush rising on their faces. They were fantasising about what that would be like, one that Verona had told him about one night.

“We won't hold you up any longer.” Anton bowed his head. “Good luck to the both of you.”

“You too.” Jeff and Sam said to them.

The three waved as they left the wedded pair. Both linked their arms as they walked back through the crowds.

“Do either of you see Jonathan?” Anton asked.

“What was happening to them?” Kal leant close to them.

Verona held up her free hand for Kal to see, specifically the red tattoos running over her skin. “This might be happening to them. It hurt like crazy, but they're so young.”

Kal stood up on her feet, now taller than Anton, and spun around. She gripped his arm tight and pointed towards the Main Hall. They found Jonathan and his two children at the side of the Main Hall. Shawn and Joclyn looked a little worse for wear, despite the prayer power he used on them, while Jonathan looked increasingly concerned and worried.

“Hello, Anton.” He gave an awkward wave. “You said to wait until after the ceremony was done. So...”

“Right.” Anton looked at Verona. She nodded as Anton placed his hand upon Shawn's head. He started to feel through his mana and into the boy, something he hadn't done since Verona's activation. Slowly he searched throughout the body.

“That, that feels really weird.” Shawn said, a pair of frantic eyes looking over his body.

“Does it feel like there's water running underneath your skin?” Verona asked.

Shawn nodded.

“Don't worry.” Verona said, crouching down and smiling. “Anton's just looking with his magic to make sure nothing's wrong.”

Anton continued his search until he found something. Near the small of his back was a something, a small grain of sand lodged in the spine. It didn't feel like the rest of his body through his mana. With the utmost caution he tried to move it. The speck moved but bounced back after he moved it barely a millimetre. He knew what it was. Before saying anything he checked Joclyn as well. She seemed more calm than her brother but not much more. Once again he found the grain of sand in her back. Somehow this felt different than her brothers, though he couldn't exactly explain how. He didn't even really remember what Verona's was like.

Just for the same of completion he checked Jonathan. He had nothing.

Anton pursed his lips. “I think I know what might be happening.” Anton said.

“Really?” Verona asked. “They've...”

“Yeah.”

Verona grumbled as she scratched her head. Kal and Jonathan looked confused between them. Anton lightly sighed. There was no point in dancing around the issue.

“I think that Shawn and Joclyn have the signs that they are developing glyphs of the Old Gods. Like Verona and myself”

Everyone was silent.

“Like...Verona's?” Jonathan asked.

Anton nodded. Shawn seemed ecstatic while Joclyn was still very happy. Jonathan was terrified.

“Are you sure?” Jonathan weakly asked.

“We're going to have powers!” Shawn threw both arms into the air in joy. “What will I have?”

“I don't know. We didn't know what Verona's powers were for a little while after she got them.”

Jonathan whimpered. “I do not want my children to go through what Verona did. To see them go through that...”

“For Verona, I reached out and crushed it. Then the bad thing happened to her.”

“It...It wasn't fun.” Verona scratched her head.

“So, what do we do?” Jonathan asked, trying to rein in his children's glee at potentially gaining powers. “What if it happens when you are not here?”

“There are a few things that we could do.” Anton said. “We still need to head to Graterious in the next day or so. So...We could take your kids with us and then deal with it as the glyph happens naturally.”

Jonathan didn't look to pleased.

“Or, I forcibly activate it before we leave. Something like Verona.”

“I do not like either of them.” Jonathan looked terrified.

“Well, we're going to be here for the next few days.” Anton said, smiling at both the children. “So we've got a bit of time to figure things out. But, if you two do end up getting the glyphs of power when we're gone I want you to promise me one thing.”

“Okay?” Shawm said quietly.

“Don't try to use it without thinking it through.” Anton received frowns from both of them. “If something bad were to happen to you, or from something you did, and I'm not here...”

They got the idea and nodded.

“Good on you.” Anton ruffled their hair.

“Thank you, Anton.” Jonathan said, still looking very worried.

“Go home and get some sleep. Eat well and stay strong. We'll see how it feels in the morning. If anything goes wrong, don't hesitate to get us. No matter what time of the night it is.”

“I...Thank you.” Jonathan patted his children. “Come on. It's time to go to bed.”

They both seemed quite tired, despite the prayer healing, and simply followed their father after giving a final wave.

“Are you sure they'll be okay?” Verona asked.

“I don't know.” Anton replied. “I don't know anything about how the glyphs are supposed to work normally. I'm pretty sure I forced yours. Maybe it's not that painful.”

“What are you talking about?” Kal asked.

“Right.” Verona nodded. “I had a few problems with something with my back. Anton found something through his mana, something that he said felt like a stone in my spine, and crushed it. Then everything went red as something tore through my body. It really, really, really hurt.”

Verona flexed her wrists to show off the red marks.

“Then I got these.”

“And those two have the same thing.” Anton watched them walking through the crowds. “Though they're not as big as Verona's was. I don't know what that means. I need more information on how this works. I get the feeling that the Deweth Clans might be the only place that know anything about how these work. There was that Clansmen who knew of other Blood Berserkers.”

“Do I have one of those things?” Kal asked.

Anton held his hand on her head and searched through her body. Kal gasped as he searched through her body. Verona chuckled as she watched Kal's surprise. He searched through her whole body but didn't find anything.

“Nothing, Kal.”

Kal's ears drooped.

“Trust me.” Verona said. “It's not all that good when it's tearing through your body.”

Kal started to pout, folding her arms and turning away. “You say that but I've only a got three daggers and a bow to fight with. No magic. I'm not like you two.”

“A very good bow at that.” Anton said, giving her a squeeze from behind. “And if I didn't have magic there's no way that I could even get a hit on you.”

Kal relented and kissed him back, giving Verona one too before she could complain. “I guess.” Kal grumbled, but she did look happy.

Anton looked back at the happy couple. They truly did seem happy.

“I think it's time that we leave them to it.” Verona said. “We've got a lot to do in the morning to get ready. And there's a lot we still need to do tonight.”

Kal flushed and grumbled at the same time, Anton gave Verona a quick kiss. Anton linked his arm with Kal as Verona led them out of the revelling crowd and towards their house. The night was long and passionate, far more than they had before. When they were done, and drifting off to sleep, Anton said a silent prayer to Tethra for help with Shawn and Joclyn. The mana left him but he didn't get an answer as he drifted off to sleep with both girls sleeping soundly in his arms.