Chapter 110 Pt.1:

The mighty gates of Atros rumbled and slammed closed behind Anton. They were home. After so long, after so long roaming through foreign lands and fighting through monster-infested lands, they were finally home. Verona and Kal, still holding his hands tight, released their grip so they could properly steer their horses. Atros looked far better than when he left; streets and buildings were more ordered and regimented, the roads paved with flat stones and the people brighter and happier. Doubly so now that they had returned and the imminent threat was abolished. No goblin horde, baring one a hundred thousand strong, could threaten them now.

"It's so good to be back," Anton said aloud. "Back home. Oh, I've forgotten what it actually feels like to say that."

"Constantly moving does make you long for home." Kal smiled at him, quite a sly smile for her. "And a comfy bed."

"Just some privacy would have been nice." Verona laughed, throwing her hair back. "Not much you can do with almost a thousand people watching you."

"You're barely back and your thoughts are only about that?" A voice came from above the gate. Jeff, the tall and strong bald man, effectively the leader of all armed forces in Atros, strode confidently down the stone stairs adjacent to the gate. "For someone that wants to do great things your minds can get easily distracted."

Jeff smiled as he reached the bottom and jogged to Anton's side. Verona moved her horse away and Jeff slipped into the gap to shake Anton's hand.

"All kidding aside it's great to have you back. It was getting a little dangerous back there." All four looked to the still smouldering remains of the Goblin assault. "We'd have been fine but every bit of help is appreciated."

"It did look a little dicey back there." Jeff gently patted Anton's horse and backed off, allowing Verona to move back. "Dana made it sound like you wanted to ride out and meet them head-on."

"No." Jeff bobbed his head. "Not exactly. You have no idea how frustrating it is to be stuck inside these walls while they wander about outside, trashing everything we've worked to accomplish. They completely trampled a whole new crop field to the north, just walked over it and crushed the stalks…"

Anton nodded to the stream of people, Beastkin and Seocurian, approaching the next gate. "With this many more people I don't think the Goblins will be a problem anymore. Maybe something like the army that came from Mount Aspire but something like this shouldn’t be even a threat. But…I hate to ask this but are you actually ready to take this many people?"

Jeff scratched his head. "Truthfully, I don't think so. Zac was shocked when dad told him how many were coming with you. It was already going to be pretty tight but now...A lot of them are going to have to sleep together until we get things sorted out."

"With all the new hands that shouldn't be a problem. And we’ve been essentially all sleeping together anyway." Anton bobbed his head about. "Where is Dana taking everyone anyway?"

"They central plaza. I thought that would be the best place. Since I'm sure that you're going to have to say something first. Gotta’ have them understand what’s happening here before we start to send them on their way."

Jeff looked to the side streets. The Atros villagers looked on in confusion, Anton could hear them talking about the new arrivals. They didn't appear to have a clear idea on either group. Anton wanted to give them one before they came to their own conclusion.

"Yes...We'll ride ahead and make sure things don't get out of hand. Hopefully, things will go smoother with us at the front."

Jeff gave a small wave as they whipped their reins and picked up speed. They travelled to the side of the column. While the Seocurians looked at Atros slightly impressed the Beastkin were not so happy. Not regarding the quality of the city but by some of the looks they were receiving.

Kal was almost shot when she arrived here. And she's a half breed that looks mostly human...

Anton glanced at a reptile and turtle Beastkin, holding each other’s hands for reassurance.

And some of you look more like true beasts than civilized creatures. This is going to be tricky.

Anton reached the front of the column as they passed the last building and entered the plaza proper. Dana instructed everyone to keep moving to the centre. The Beastkin looked even more distressed as Atros villagers gathered like a ring around them at the perimeter of the buildings, pointing and chatting in hushed whispers. Anton moved to the centre of the plaza and waited for everyone to gather. When the last Seocurian had entered Anton guessed that well over three-quarters of Atros had gathered as well. He spied some children on the thatch rooves, pointing and laughing at the newcomers. At least he knew that their words would be light-hearted banter at worst. It was the adults he was more concerned with.

"Any idea what you're going to say?" Verona asked. "You don't have long before they're all here."

"Something short and to the point. People don't want to hear me waffling on. And it'll only hurt my credibility for the future."

"You made it so people accepted me." Kal gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "I know you'll do the same again."

"Hopefully without having to make a little lightning storm."

Kal giggled as the rear of the column reached the central group. Jeff ran along the outside as some of the villagers moved forward. The Beastkin bunched together but the Seocurians stood their ground. A few nervous words were exchanged by the brave of either side that quickly made them relax. The villagers saw them as human, and therefore relatable, except for the stark difference in colour. Anton was more than a little glad they treated it like a severe tan rather than something more profound. No one was willing to talk with the Beastkin and it quickly began to show on their faces. They were outsiders and, even it wasn't put into words, they weren't welcome here.

"Time to put a stop to this," Anton mumbled.

Jeff stopped in front of him, turned and cleared his throat. "Everyone! Listen up! Before anyone does or says anything further there are some things that need to be said."

Jeff nodded at Anton and moved to one side. Now everyone's attention lay firmly on him.

Here goes nothing...

"People of Atros! Most of you know me as Anton. Perhaps even the Grand Mage. We have travelled long and far and faced many trials to return to this city. The people who stand before you now, Beastkin and Seocurian, have suffered through terrible ordeals. But those days are over for them as they are now living with us. I ask each and every one of you to welcome them to our city. I know that it may seem difficult for some but they are good people. I beg you to give them a chance."

Anton paused and surveyed the crowds. He didn't know if there was a way to make the people excited by the idea of Beastkin living with them but they appeared nonplussed by the notion. It would have to do. At least it wasn't outright hatred, though that could easily be lurking behind a facade.

"I will not tolerate any violence between anyone, be they human or Beastkin. That goes both ways. And punishment will be metered out without discrimination. Remember that everyone."

Light murmurs broke out in the crowds as they tried to make sense of Anton's words.

"Now, I believe that some food and water was promised." Anton received a nod from Jeff. "Please do not overdo it. I don't want to be spending my afternoon dealing with everyone's stomach ache."

A few chuckles came from the crowd, mostly from the Beastkin.

“Again, welcome to Atros. May you always be happy here.”

Jeff signalled to some guards waiting near a storage barn. They shouted something inside and a steady stream of villagers emerged, carrying large plates of food and mugs of water. They approached the still nervous Beastkin, looking very nervous themselves, and offered up their wares. The Beastkin sniffed at the food, the villagers looked a little apprehensive themselves, before some stepped forward and took the first pieces. Kal's old friends; Eider, Irso, Ulyaa and even Rasha, were the first to step forward. Only when they started eating did the rest start. Some of the villagers laughed, nervously returned by the Beastkin, as they began to exchange a few words. They were mainly about food, what they could or couldn't eat, but it was a start.

I'll have to thank them again later.

The Seocurians didn't have as much trouble. However, Anton did hear one recoil in shock when a very young villager asked if they were very badly sunburned. They were stunned for a moment before they realised the innocence behind the question. Remarkably it also loosened the tension between them.

"Everything seems to be going well," Anton said quietly. "The need to fill hungry stomachs does that."

"What happens now, Anton?" Jeff asked.

"Try breaking them up into small groups, make sure they've had their fill, and start taking them to where they'll be sleeping. We won't have them working today but it'll be good for them to get to settle down for a bit. Relax and take a breather, knowing they aren’t trekking through the wilderness anymore."

"Right...I'll give it a go." Jeff smiled as he looked over the new villagers. "Let's see how they are in the morning."

"They'll be fine."

"No sensible Beastkin is going to destroy their one chance at freedom," Kal stated adamantly.

"I’m not them I'm worried about. There were a few people that had...misgivings, about having the Beastkin here." Kal's ears drooped. Anton held her hand. "Then they can deal with me. Just like last time. And they'll get just as far."

Kal smiled and squeezed his hand back. "Thank you."

"I'll tell my men to keep an eye out, as well as Dennis and his deputies, but I can't guarantee that something won't happen."

"We'll deal with it when it happens. But with a strong presence, it should be enough to deter anything stupid."

Jeff gave a final nod before joining his men. Anton saw a horse and rider approaching. The horse was large, far larger than the old and weary beasts between their legs, and the rider was taller than any of them. Cetina, wearing her yellow, red and blue clothes underneath her simple steel armour, smiled as she approached.

"I didn't expect your city to look this good on the inside." Cetina stopped a meter away from their horses. Cetina's horse moved forward on its own and began sniffing at theirs. They had become good friends and didn't like to be separated for long.

"Not mine, but our city." Anton smiled as he looked around. "It sure has come a long way since the beginning."

"That it has," Verona added.

Jeff's men, and women, began the delicate task of separating the large group into something more manageable. As the first groups were led away Jeff returned.

"I've told everyone what's expected of them and what to do," Jeff smirked devilishly. "And if they don't they'll be running a hundred laps around the city. Wasn't so bad when it was smaller but now...So who's this?" Jeff nodded to Cetina. "She doesn't seem to fit in with the rest of them."

"Cetina was, is, our travelling companion. She went through some pretty tough times in Graterious." Anton spied Cetina reach for her hip. The moment her eye caught his she looked away and scrunched her hand tight. "And instead of just leaving her there we decided to travel together. She's been pretty useful in buying and freeing the Beastkin, as well as some haggling."

"So did you end up rescuing your mother?" Jeff asked.

Kal nodded and pointed at Marion. She and Kristof stood in a group which included Kal's old friends. Jeff raised a hand to his brow.

"Oh. I see the resemblance. Well, to your hair colour at least. That's great that you got her back. I was a little worried that she'd be dead by now."

"She's happy and safe now." Anton smiled bitterly. "Though she's not too keen on our relationship."

Jeff shrugged. "There you go. But, since you’re happy I’m sure she’ll come around to it."

"Um, Anton." Cetina gripped her reins hard. “What…Um. Since I guess you’re going to be staying here for a while what will I do?”

“I’m not sure,” Anton replied. “But…How good do you think you are at teaching?” Cetina cocked her head. “We don’t really have a professional trainer here. And, while I know Jeff is doing his utmost I think someone with some professional training would help greatly.”

Jeff laughed. “That’s one way to put it. I don’t have any fancy training but having someone that knows what they’re doing would help.”

“So what do you think, Cetina?”

Cetina frowned as she scrunched her reigns tight. “I. I don’t know. I do have some training but I don’t know how good I’ll be. I’ll give it a go though.”

“That’s the spirit.” Verona laughed as she leant forward. “You’ll be able to boss around lots of people now.”

“That’s…Not really an issue for me.”

"What about the eyepatch?" Jeff asked.

Cetina scratched at the leather patch. "I can fight even with this, even though it is a bit harder than before. And Anton promised me he would find a way to fix it."

"As soon as we get everyone settled I'll see to that." Cetina's face softened, a faint smile crept onto her face. "But, that reminds me about something."

Anton reached into a pack and found the small chunk of Demon hide he took from Fort Acidava. The sensation of the rough, cold hide brought back memories, of a terrible battle and of deep, everlasting wounds.

"I need you to summon everyone for a council meeting. There is much to discuss beyond our new arrivals."

"Good or bad?" Jeff asked as he summoned a guard.

Anton felt the ring on his finger.

"Both, I suppose. But I want to get it done right away."

Jeff sent the guard on his way. "Shouldn't be too long to get that organised. Most of them are here but they're just lurking at the edges."

"Could you also make sure that there are seats for Verona and Kal? As well as two extra seats for Marion and Ndale. He's one of the older Seocurians. I want them to join as representatives."

"The room's going to get a little crowded but I'm sure we'll make it work."

"I guess that I'm not invited to this meeting?" Cetina asked. "I understand if I'm not..."

"Not this time, Cetina," Anton replied. "We're going to be talking about some sensitive topics."

"I understand. I just don't know what I'll be doing right now." Cetina's face scrunched up oddly. "I'm kind of lost, since I don’t really fit into either group."

"For now, just follow Irso and Eider and the others. Kal's old house is free so we'll have you live there, for now. It's basically across the street from us and it’s a pretty good house at that."

"Okay." Cetina appeared quite happy. "I guess I'll see you all later...Where is a stable?" Cetina gently rubbed her horse’s neck. "I can't just leave her to wander."

"Go speak to Dana," Anton said. "She'll know what to do."

Cetina bobbed her head about until she spotted Dana speaking to a cluster of her riders. "I see her. Thanks...Thanks for not leaving me to die in Porswea. I'll see you all later then."

Cetina gave a small wave as she headed towards Dana.

"Strong, talented and loyal." Jeff mused. "She'd make a great bodyguard for you."

"A bodyguard?"

Kal reached for his hand again. "I think Jeff has a point. You're going to need more than Verona and myself to look after you and keep you safe. From now on things are only going to get more dangerous. Especially when we're raiding Seocuria. Remember Porswea?"

Anton looked to Verona, but she only gave a seductive wink before turning her attention back to the Beastkin and Seocurians.

"I...I don't know. Maybe. An actual bodyguard would be good. When we become a major player in the world a lot of people would probably want me dead. Having Cetina there would only help. Besides, I can't have my wives being my bodyguards."

"Wives?" Jeff asked, a little astounded.

"Oh..." Anton looked either side. Both girls flushed a tiny amount, they still weren't used to it being said aloud and in a public space at that. He wasn’t either. "Well, that’s one surprise out of the bag."

"There will be a lot to talk about then." Jeff laughed. "I think I owe someone some alcohol."

Jeff laughed again as he moved towards the Main Hall.

"Guess nearly everyone was taking bets on us." Anton smiled. "At least they've still got their sense of humour."

"What...What do we say?" Verona asked. "Just that we're your wives now?"

Anton nodded. "Absolutely. I was adamant about Kal and I am about us. And there won't be a problem, Verona."

Verona still sought out his hand for reassurance. “Just a thought. I wonder what everyone’s going to say when they see our rings.”

---[]---

Anton, Verona and Kal took their seats first in the council chamber, placing their packs at their feet. There wasn’t much room left inside the small room, they would need to move it to a proper building soon, and give Bertram and Sybil some more privacy. Luna, who had been sleeping since arriving at Atros, burst into life when they passed over the horses to Dana’s riders. Anton didn’t want her to dash off, overly excited to be in a new place, so he held her tight and refused to let her escape. He placed her on his lap and gently patted her as he waited for everyone to arrive.

“Am I first?” A voice called through the door. Jonathan, the resident blacksmith of Atros and a very large and strong man, peered his head around the open door. A smile crept over his face. “Nope. I guess not. Good to see you three again.”

He stepped through, his children in tow, and took a seat. “It was starting to get a little dangerous before you arrived.”

“Your children did a good job keeping everyone safe.” Anton smiled as Shawn and Jocelyn's face’s beamed with pride. “Excellent work, you two. I’m very impressed by how you handled yourself.”

“We just did what you told us.” Shawn pumped his fist into the air. “Take it steady and don’t overdo it.”

Jocelyn smirked at her brother. “Shawn’s just saying that. He wanted to use all his magic at once, so he could make those flame pillars that you made, the ones that flew into the sky.”

“That would have been great.” Shawn smiled at his sister. “But I don’t know how to do that. Can you teach us? What about Jocelyn’s magic? Does she get one of those but made from lightning?”

“Kind of. I’ll show you, and the new people, how to use your magic. At least how I understand it. But we’ve got some work to do before we can get to that.”

They appeared a little annoyed but it quickly disappeared when a squeak came from Anton’s lap. All three leaned forward as Luna burst her head through his fingers. Her head twitched towards them as she squeaked and tried to stand up.

“What is that?” Jonathan asked.

“A Peryton,” Anton explained. “We found her on the trip through Graterious. Her mother had been killed by a Griffon but managed to kill him in return, and she was the only one left alive. It felt wrong to just leave her to die with her mother so we took her with us. She’s been very helpful…and we’re pretty sure that she can use magic.”

“Can we pet her?” Jocelyn asked.

“Of course. I think she wants to get a pat from anyone.” Anton gently put her on the table. “Greedy little bugger. Just be gentle with her. She’s not that old.”

Luna glanced at him, her short tail waggling inanely, and ran towards the children. They stood up and raised their hands as Luna jumped towards them. She landed roughly in their hands and began to lick their faces. They moved their chairs closer together and held Luna between them, gently stroking her back and head. Luna loved the attention and settled down, squeaking softly to encourage them further.

“She’s really soft,” Jocelyn said. “But her back legs look like a bird.”

“One day she’ll be able to fly.” Verona rested her elbows on the table. “I don’t know if she’ll be strong enough to carry someone, but it’ll be nice to see her soaring through the skies.”

“Are you going to get any more?” Shawn asked. “I’d like to have one as well.”

“Not anytime soon, I’m afraid.” Shawn was a little disappointed at Anton’s words. “They live far to the south. Beyond the boundaries of the old Kar Kingdom. I think Luna’s mother got lost, maybe her pregnancy made her do some strange things, and she ended up in Graterious.”

“Pregnancy makes you do strange things?” Verona asked, slightly worried.

“Sometimes.” Anton shrugged. “At least that’s what I’ve heard. Eating strange things or behaving oddly, just to name a few things. You do have a baby growing inside of you and it’s going to throw your body off.”

“Something to look out for.” Verona looked at Kal and both girls nodded seriously.

“And I don’t think that they would be for sale in Graterious. Nithroel’s probably not that happy that we even have this one. I might need to ask Cetina about if there are any beasts for sale.”

“Nithroel?” Jonathan leant forward. “Was not that the goddess with the Kobolds that attacked us?”

“Yes.”

“Should…Should we even be touching the Peryton then?”

Anton shrugged. “Not much we can do about it now. We’ve been travelling with her for some time now and nothing bad has come from it. But we’ll definitely keep an eye out.”

If we do get any more we’ll need to separate its ties to Nithroel just like Luna. Can’t let her have too many eyes and ears in this city.

“Who is this Cetina?” Jonathan asked.

“It’ll be easier if we explain once everyone’s arrived.” Anton smiled. “There are several more pressing matters.”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Goblins, Demons and liberating and housing Beast-kin slaves…Way too much for us to deal with, and yet we must.

Bertram and Sybil arrived next. They said a simple hello and sat down next to Shawn and Jocelyn. They looked at Luna, her small form writhing in delight as the children continued to pet her, but said nothing. They correctly assumed there would be an explanation. Over the next few minutes everyone else on the council gathered, except for Raston. They took their seats, idly chatting with each other, but each held an expectant look directed at Anton. Luna, thankfully, didn’t leave Shawn or Jocelyn’s side but she did show a lot of interest in everyone new that she saw.

Now only three chairs remained open. At the doorway stood Ndale and Marion, both looking a little nervous. They didn’t know if they were supposed to sit yet. Marion’s tail was tucked between her legs and refused to sway, she was more than a little nervous. Kal looked at Anton and held his leg.

“Everyone,” Anton began. “I’m extremely glad to see you all. I know that you’re probably extremely busy but there are many things that we need to discuss.”

“Glad to have you back,” Zac said loudly. “It was starting to get a little boring without you three here.”

Anton smiled. “We’re all glad to be back. But, before we get too much further I’d like to introduce you to two new people to our council. Ndale, representative of the Seocurians and Marion, representative of the Beast-kin.”

Both gave a tiny wave at the mention of their name.

“If you would please both have a seat. There’s no reason for you to stand for any longer than you already have.”

Marion pulled her chair out, hesitant to let it scrape on the ground, while Ndale struggled slightly to lift it. He wasn’t the strongest or youngest person and the long fortnightly long trek through the wilderness had taken its toll. Marion mumbled and helped Ndale take his seat. Ndale gave an awkward smile and an appreciative nod before Marion took her own.

“I never thought I would see a Beast-kin help a Seocurian,” Bertram said softly.

“They may share their skin but they aren’t those that enslaved us,” Marion replied. “Even though it can be hard sometimes, I can tell the difference. I just hope the others can.”

Anton clapped his hands to draw attention back to himself. “Indeed. The Seocurians that are with us are refugees in more sense than one. They are the descendants of those that fought and lost against the Empire, and after their home was destroyed by Goblins. Though it will be difficult they will be living alongside us and the Beast-kin.”

“I’m not sure how that’s going to work…” Bertram looked at Dennis. “Your Deputies might be very busy over the next little while.”

“Don’t forget what I said earlier.” Anton stopped Dennis as his mouth opened. “That there isn’t going to be any discrimination either way. Judge them on their actions, not who they are.”

Dennis nodded furiously. “Yes, Anton. I haven’t forgotten what you told me before leaving for Graterious.”

“Good. Now, to business. Since you know that we have made it back safely I’d like to know what’s happened in Atros while we’ve been gone. Judging by what we found coming back things haven’t exactly been dull.”

“What do…” Jeff trailed off. “Well. It’s those damn Goblins. They’re up to no good again.”

Zac and Jonathan chuckled but it was nervous at best. Everyone else, barring Ndale and Marion, looked very serious.

“Dana’s tracked them down to a small mountain to the northeast. I’m pretty sure that Dad mentioned to me that you saw some there on the way to Graterious.”

“Yes, we did. No idea how many there were in that mountain, we didn’t exactly go and check, but judging by the number that attacked Atros I’m going to say it’s going to be a thousand or so. Probably more.”

“Oh, not again.” Sybil fell back into her chair. Bertram held her hand, relief immediately coming to her face.

“Now that you three are here that shouldn’t be a problem.” Jeff smiled. “We can take a hundred or so people with us and we can deal with them once and for all…Or, at least until the next lot comes along.”

“So soon?” Marion asked. Everyone turned to her. Compared to those present she was the outsider, the only one with a fur-covered face. She looked at Kal, who gave her a nod and she took a deep breath. “I mean, you’re going to send my daughter in battle right away?”

“I don’t really have that sort of say.” Jeff scratched his chin. “That would be up to her, and Anton.”

Marion looked worryingly at Anton.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to send anyone out to attack the Goblin nest just yet.” Anton began. “By the time we get everyone organised it’ll be late in the afternoon. And I don’t want to be hunting Goblins in the dark. Besides, we’ve got the Seocurian’s and Beast-kin to help settle in and I’m sure that your guards need some time to relax.”

“It’s going to be hard to relax knowing that there are Goblins lurking just outside the wall,” Jeff replied.

“I understand. But with the three of us here there shouldn’t be a problem. And…” Anton glanced at Marion. “I’d like to make the whole thing a bit of a bonding exercise. I know that, from past experience.” Anton patted Kal’s leg. “That fighting a battle together is a fantastic way to overcome your differences. I know that you all thought differently of Kal after she proved herself fighting the Kobolds.”

Many nodded in agreement. Anton knew the reservations about Kal’s presence had run deep but was glad to know that it had changed and so quickly. A battle with the Beast-kin and Seocurians joining in would help to erode the barriers between them.

“Wouldn’t it be a little too soon for them?” Bertram asked. “They haven’t even been here a day.”

“We’ll only take volunteers this time. I think I know some that we could persuade to join us. They wouldn’t be doing much in the way of fighting but just having them there would make a lot of difference in the long run.”

“If you say so.” Jeff folded his arms and leant back into his seat. “I’ll have everyone ready in the morning. It shouldn’t take too long then, right?”

“Not at all. So, what else has been happening?”

A moment of silence passed before Zac shuffled in his seat. “I guess I’ll say my bit first. Not that there’s much to say. We weren’t exactly expecting so many people and, with the Goblins coming so close to the city, there was only so much we could do. Jeff’s probably told you but a lot are going to have to sleep under the same roof.”

“That won’t be a problem for us,” Ndale said. “Our homes in Jaka were small, not many large trees grew near the coast, and we are used to sleeping close to one another. Truth be told, we are just glad to be out of the wilderness and a sturdy roof over our heads. I am eternally thankful that it didn’t rain after the first night.”

“I can say the same for the Beast-kin. Almost all of our lives we’ve spent huddled together in cells, so it won’t be a problem.”

“It might actually be a bit difficult to be on your own,” Anton said quietly, Marion and Kal looked oddly at him. “After spending your entire life close to people suddenly switching sleeping on your own, where it’s almost completely silent, might be a bit much for some.”

“I didn’t think of it that way.” Marion scratched the fur on her cheek. “I’ve…No, none of us have really been alone. Nothing good comes of that…”

“I’ll think you’ll be surprised how quickly you will get used to it, mother. When everyone realises they won’t be beaten or raped during the night they’ll sleep easily.” Kal smiled. “But you aren’t alone. In more ways than one.”

Marion’s tail, tipped with a single fan, unlike Kal’s three, rose above her shoulder. “T-True. Kristof will keep me company. I know I won’t have a problem but some others might. Perhaps this won’t be so bad…”

“Who’s Kristof?” Dennis asked.

“Marion’s husband,” Anton replied. “And a Dwarf Minotaur.”

“Or Bull Minotaur.” Marion shrugged. “They’re both the same that.”

“But still, who’s that?”

“He’s one of the bigger Beast-kin.” Verona began. “He’s about as tall as a normal human but he’s got huge muscles. And horns that grow over his ears that swirl into a little coil. Oh, and he has hooves for feet, like Rasha.”

“I…”

“Introductions will have to wait for now.” Anton patted Verona’s leg. “We’ll do that after this meeting.”

“Right.” Verona didn’t appear annoyed or upset.

“But,” Zac continued. “With the Goblins dead and more wood we could easily build houses for everyone.” He shuffled in his chair. “Is there any chance that some of the new people could help us? It would be done a lot quicker if they did.”

“We are just fishermen,” Ndale explained. “But we will help however we can. We aren’t builders or woodcutters though, we just made do in Jaka.”

“Same with the Beast-kin. Though the stronger of us will be able to cut and haul wood. I suppose that’s what many of us were already doing but at least this time we won’t be being whipped.”

Zac laughed. “Every bit helps. Now I can get my people to focus on building instead of having to worry about getting the resources I need. Could I have a look over the people before any are sent my way? I don’t want to have someone that’s too old or too small to do the job. It’ll just hurt them if they try.”

“Sounds like a good idea,” Sybil said. “I’d like to take those that aren’t good for working for you. It doesn’t matter if they’re slow or not very strong. We have crops to plant and harvest soon, a lot more needs to be done after the Goblins wrecked everything outside the city wall, and we’ll need every pair of hands that we can get. Or claws or whatever…”

Marion smiled faintly. “That might be good for the Beast-kin. Even though it might remind them a little bit too much about their lives in Seocuria, most worked in plantations or fields. So at least they’ll know what they’re doing. Just…Promise me one thing.”

“Yes?”

“Just don’t have someone standing around with a weapon, watching everything they do. That’ll only make things worse for them. We always had masters that did that…”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Sybil smiled. “We usually don’t do that sort of thing but there is usually someone that oversees the work. But I’ll make sure to tell them.”

“Thank you.”

“Jeff? And Avery?” Avery perked up at Anton’s words. He had been silent and simply content to watch and listen. “We need the newcomers properly trained. I don’t want them to be trained to be elite soldiers but at the very least they need to be able to defend themselves. I’ve spoken to a few who might be interested in becoming guards and soldiers but most seem hesitant to make such a commitment, at least presently. The Beast-kin, while some are very strong, aren’t fighters and the Seocurians are fishermen…So they know how to thrust a spear but not much else. Can you two handle that?”

“I don’t see a problem with that.” Jeff smiled. “If everyone knows how to defend themselves then it’ll make defending Atros that much easier. Everyone with a spear or sword…The Goblins would be even less of a threat.”

Avery frowned lightly. “We don’t have that many bows or crossbows. And I saw some of the Beast-kin out there…Some of them looked like they might damage them.”

“Do you have a problem with Beast-kin touching your stuff?” Kal asked, her voice far more flat than normal. “I remember that you didn’t want me touching your bows. You gave me one that was really old and almost broken.”

Avery shook his head, but Anton saw his eye twitch. “No. But I am a little concerned about them. Especially with so few of them and being so hard to get more, even with Jonathan working as hard as he can, he can only do so much. Some of the Beast-kin I saw had claws and what looked like really rough skin, which I presume covers their hands as well, and I don’t want it damaging them by accident. And we need all of them we can get.”

Kal grumbled and held his leg tight, so too did Verona. Marion, Jonathan and Zac didn’t look too happy either.

I don’t know how much of that is true, perhaps some of it is, but once we’ve got the hand cannons working properly then that won’t be a problem. Then we’ll see how real your concern is…

“I think we’ll hold off on teaching the newcomers how to use those until they’ve got a good handle on basic weapons,” Anton said. “Swords, spears and the like. As you say, we don’t have that many and some of the Beast-kin, like Irso, who have sharp claws, might damage them by accident. And when the string’s broken…”

“That’s exactly what I mean.” Avery shuffled in his chair. “I don’t have anything against them but I just don’t want to have them broken…”

“Well, I suppose that makes some sense.” Jeff mused. “But so long as they don’t have sharp claws or something that could damage the string I don’t see a problem with it.”

Avery nodded.

Maybe it is just concern for the equipment, but it’s coming across the wrong way. Though, what would be a better way of saying it?

“On the subject of weapons,” Anton turned to Shawn and Jocelyn, still enamoured with patting Luna. “Bertram mentioned that you two had some success. Is that true?”

“Yes!” Shawn threw up a hand excitedly. Luna didn’t understand the sudden movement and began squeaking in mild distress. Shawn scratched her head until she calmed down.

“I’ve been meaning to ask.” Dennis began. “But what is that?”

“It’s Luna,” Shawn replied, as if that was enough of an answer.

Anton motioned for them to place her on the table. Both were hesitant to let the little fluff ball go but eventually relented. Luna gently landed on the table. While she had been incredibly excited to see everyone enter, from her safe position between Shawn and Jocelyn, now that she was the true centre of attention, surrounded by people staring at her, she was more than a little nervous. Her tail drooped and tucked between her legs and her ears fell. Anton made a noise, Luna perked up and ran towards him. This time she didn't perform a mad leap of faith and skittered to a stop in front of him. Anton scratched her neck and she sat down, craning her neck so Anton could reach the right place.

"This is Luna. A Peryton. We found her in Graterious and we've brought her with us. As you can see she's very friendly and loves attention and a good scratch."

"What does she eat?"

"Right now she's only having milk but soon she'll have to move onto grass."

"When we're done here we'll need to get her some." Verona lent forward and gave her a little scratch. "None of us have eaten today."

"Thank the gods that we still had water," Kal added quietly.

"Indeed...Now, Shawn, you were going to say something?"

"Yes." Now he was far more subdued. "Jocelyn and I managed to put our mana into some weapons and pieces of armour. You should see how they look. They're rippling and waving with pretty colours all the time."

"They are." Jonathan looked at his children with pride. "They have done an extremely good job. I did not think it was possible but they have made something very interesting."

"Thanks, dad." Jocelyn fought back a tiny flush.

"I was surprised when Bertram told me that you had succeeded so quickly. After we're done here I would like to see them very much. See what our apprentice smiths have managed to conjure up."

Shawn and Jocelyn smiled widely. Anton was very interested in seeing what they had made, his excitement only made them happier.

"Bertram also told me that you both had a vision of some sort. That the Old Gods were sending help of some kind."

"They did." Jocelyn looked at her brother. "But it was like a dream and I can't remember that much."

"Me either."

"They said that help was coming but that was it. There could have been something more but I don't remember anything. It was all hazy…"

"That's a shame." Anton shrugged. "Oh well. These Old Gods can be a bit hard to follow at times. But we'll take any help we can get. The last time they sent Kal and that's only led to good things."

Kal laughed, her mocha tanned skin flushed ever so slightly, while Marion squinted at Anton.

"And the new Glyph users? How are they doing?"

"Better than when they got them." Bertram smiled bitterly.

"We thought they were being murdered," Dennis added. "Everyone came rushing as they screamed into the night."

Jonathan took a deep breath and flexed his fingers. "Just like when it happened to my children. That was one of the worst night of my life."

"We told them not to do anything with it, no matter said how tempting." Bertram continued. "We didn't want the city to burn down or someone to get hurt, especially when you weren't here."

"I can only guess at the feeling of having that sort of power and not being able to use it. I'll see them after we've gone to Jonathan's smithy. At least give them the basic rundown on how to use their powers. With six Glyph mages, I think the Goblins will be even less of a threat now."

"We did the best we could," Shawn said adamantly.

"And both of you did a magnificent job. Without your magic, I'm almost certain that things would have been far, far worse."

Jeff laughed. "That it would have been. Every time one of the Goblin got near the top, and I thought they were about to finally pour over, a ball of lightning or fire would crash into them, knocking them back and killing dozens at a time. Everyone owes you gratitude for saving them."

Shawn and Jocelyn smiled as they flushed beet red. Shawn opened his mouth to speak but Jocelyn lightly bumped his side. They should just enjoy the moment.

"Has anything else of note happened while we were gone?"

"Not really." Bertram looked around, finding no one with anything further to add. "That seems like it from us."

"I do like to hear that everything is calm and quiet." Anton chuckled. "Certainly better than finding out this place is under attack again."

"So tell us about your little adventure." Zac laughed heartily. "Three of you left and almost a thousand came back. There's got to be a good story behind that."

Anton recounted, as best he could, what happened during their time away; the empty lands of the old kingdom, a giant crystal chasm teeming with Goblins, a strange cult and their first contact with the people of Graterious, meeting Cetina and Duran and finally arriving at Porswea.

"Over a hundred thousand people." Bertram leant back in his chair. "It's been so long since we left Surdon...I can't even imagine how big it must be."

"There were definitely more than that many people living there." Kal wrinkled up her nose. "It certainly smelt like there was."

"And they just had all their..." Verona looked at Shawn and Jocelyn. "Their waste was just running down the streets and into the fields."

"And neither of us can smell as well as a Beastkin." Anton squeezed Kal's hand.

"It was pretty bad." Kal laughed. "Not so bad once we got inside though."

"Proper planning." Anton nodded. "That’s what we need now. But we needed to get the attention of the local leader, Lord Cassius."

"Oh, and that bed." Verona bit on her lower lip. "That bed was amazing. Everyone here needs one. It was so good. Especially if your bones and joints are getting old and tired."

"What would you know about that?" Dana asked.

Verona raised her hand. "Trust me. It helps when you're tired and sore." She bumped his foot but Anton tried his best to keep a flat face. Verona pouted when she didn't get the desired reaction.

"It was good." Anton continued. "Quite a few things happened, most of them good but we'll get to them at the end. We joined a mercenary company that had been tasked with retaking a large fort from a Goblin horde."

"Those damn things cause nothing but trouble," Jeff grumbled.

"So we joined them and fought our way through. There were a couple of those strange puss leaking goblins, sewn into their armour. Turns out they are called Awakened Goblins."

"Whatever for?"

"No idea. But it was able to block some of my magic. Only nearby but I just couldn't kill it."

Everyone looked worryingly at Anton. If their strongest mage could have their magic blocked by a simple Goblin...

"In the end we killed it. And by we I mean Kal. She shot it with a guided arrow, which is another thing we need to discuss." Anton smiled at Kal. "Kal can use the prayer power, same as me. Better in fact."

"You're just saying that." Kal playfully swatted at Anton's arm.

"And your mark doesn’t cover almost all of your body." Verona addled, shrugging lightly. "It can get a bit annoying."

"So...Kal can now heal wounds?" Sybil asked.

"And a great deal more than that." Anton raised a hand. "After killing the Awakened Goblins they fell into chaos. And that's when everything went wrong." Anton reached into the pack by his side and pulled out the small chunk of charcoal like hide. No one said a word when he placed it on the table. Luna sniffed at it before sneezing wildly and kicking the chunk away. "This is a piece of hide from a Demon that we killed."

"So they are real. And they've arrived." Bertram reached for the chunk but his arms weren't long enough. Jeff brought it close enough for him to grab. He held it close as he twirled it in his hands. "I thought you said that they had kingdoms to cross before they could get here. And now they're in Graterious? Is it all gone?"

"No. A small portal opened and six came through. They were massive dog-like creatures, completely covered in that hide. Huge, strong legs with obsidian teeth and claws. Out of their eyes and mouth, they wept this red-hot lava blood, burning everything it touched. They were a terror to behold."

Verona leant closer to Jeff. "And that's why Cetina wears an eye patch. Some of that landed in her eye and nearly burned it out. Turns out their blood has that Ghlyirl stuff in it, so Anton and Kal couldn't heal her eye better."

"How can we possibly kill it?" Jeff asked. "I'm guessing that if we stabbed it with a spear we'd just get a face full of this burning blood. Which you can't fix."

"They can die, just like everything can be. We used our magic to kill them and the normal soldiers used long pikes and crossbows to smash their hide apart and hit the flesh underneath. Thankfully the portal remained open for a few seconds. But...There was something that bothered me. Two things, actually. When they came through they weren't immediately hostile. The goblins freaked out-"

"Gods, wasn't that loud." Verona rubbed her ear. "All of them screaming 'Greka', or something. I bet that was really loud for you, Kal."

"It was. It really was."

"That's how we knew that their blood burned. The Goblins threw themselves at the Demons, hacking and tearing at anything they could get their hands on. And the blood that came out burned them to a crisp."

"Could you control that blood, Verona?" Jeff asked.

"No. Not even when I caused the wounds. I guess it's the wrong sort of blood, or I can't control blood from another world. Though I can control Anton’s…"

"One of the Demons fell to the Goblins before they were all killed. But...The Demons weren't mindless beasts bent on total destruction. They looked sad that one of their own had fallen, one even laid its paw on the dead ones face and closed its eye's. That, to me, doesn't sound like a wild beast."

"So why are they dead then?" Sybil asked.

Anton sighed. "Because one of the soldiers fired a bolt into the Demons eye. The guy was so scared he fired by accident. The Demons charged and we killed them."

"They don't sound much more than a crazed animal to me." Jeff clicked his tongue and rapped a finger on the table. "But at least we know they can be killed."

"I wouldn't say they were that bad." Anton raised a hand to stop Jeff. "Imagine being in a strange world, one of you dying and then you're attacked again. I wouldn't be having much fun either. I'd probably panic and lash out at the first thing I saw. Which was us."

Jeff slowly nodded and offered no counterpoint.

"We had no real warning it was about to happen-"

"That's..." Kal's ears pricked up as she took a deep breath and straightened her back. "That's not entirely true. I felt something just before it happened. Like a thousand knives we're stabbing...well, my Beastkin parts." Kal rubbed her ear. "I knew something bad was coming, just not how bad."

"There were quite a few others there that were doing the same thing." Anton held his chin. "Maybe they were former Beastkin slaves now living as mercenaries."

"I find it hard to believe that a Beastkin would willingly work as a human mercenary." Marion frowned deeply.

Verona laughed as she rested her chin on her hand. "Just like a half breed Beastkin falling in love with a human. Right?"

Marion opened her mouth to retort but after one quick glanced at Kal it fastened shut as she looked down at the table.

"But." Anton continued. "Now that we have more than one Beastkin living in Atros if one of those portals tries to open we'll definitely know about it."

"Any idea when the next one is supposed to happen?" Jonathan asked. "These Demons sound like they will be perfect against your...project, that you have me working on. I have not made much progress since it was pretty dangerous the last time and we will go through that blue powder pretty quickly. Did you find out where it is made?"

"Yes...But that brings up the last and equally troubling topic. And I'm glad that Cetina isn't here for this one."

"Oh..." Verona trailed off.

"After dealing with the Demons we returned to Porswea. We met the lord, very productive meeting I thought since we got a ship out of it."

"A ship?" Bertram asked. "For free?"

"Yep." Verona folded her arms and nodded. "That's my Anton for you. How do you think we got so many Beastkin out of Seocuria so quickly?"

"After meeting with Lord Cassius we went along with Cetina to try and rescue her father from some very nasty women. Unfortunately," Verona and Kal grumbled. "We were too late. They had butchered and mutilated her father and, unfortunately again, she saw all of it. Nearly broke her there and then. But these weren't just some ordinary bitches. These two were witches. Strega witches."

"I've never heard of them." Bertram shuffled in his chair. "And I was privy to a lot of things I wasn’t supposed to know.

"Never heard of them either." Marion gently rubbed her face.

Ndale shook his head.

"Well, a city watch captain knew what they were just by looking at their magic. And Lord Cassius was equally disturbed to know they had been in the city. They seemed pretty strong but we attacked with everything we had straight away, so I don't know how it would have gone if it was an even fight. Cetina managed to kill one and the other escaped. And I'm all but certain that she wants revenge on us for killing her daughter."

"Seems like you made a strong enemy there, Anton." Zac sighed. "Not that it doesn't sound like we have enough enemies to deal with."

"We spoke with someone on the way that seemed to know them quite well. She said they wouldn't be a problem if we don't go after them. That might be a little hard for Cetina..."

"So what are we looking for?" Dennis asked. "I don't know what a witch looks like and I'm certain that my men don't either."

"Watch out for any sort of green smoke." Verona began, waving her hands like bubbling smoke. "Or flashes of green. That's what they used as their magic. And I think they can use it to control people's minds too."

Verona looked up at him while everyone paled.

"I believe so." Anton sighed. "Worst is that the person might have no idea they are being influenced. A witch tried it on Cetina but it didn't work and another on Lord Cassius, which was more successful."

"If these witches get the drop on our men..." Dennis looked at Jeff. "Then they might be able to take over everything and we wouldn't even know."

"Kal and I will prepare some enchanted bracelets that should ward off their magic. I don't know how effective it will be but something is better than nothing."

"This is all turning into one giant mess." Bertram rubbed his temple. "It was so much easier when it was just the Goblins."

"Witches?" Ndale asked exasperatedly. "Goblins, Kobolds and Demons?" He retreated into himself and shook his head. "It was all so simple but a season ago."

"That would be nice." Anton chuckled. "But a lot of good has come from it. Marion, Kal's mother, has been freed from over fifty winters of slavery and many more Beastkin besides, with many more to come. Ndale and the Seocurians are no longer at the mercy of a horde of Goblins...And...Something good for me personally." Anton shuffled in his seat. He had not felt this nervous when he had proposed but now, telling everyone, was a different matter. "I proposed to Verona and Kal in Graterious. And they said yes."

The room went silent, except for a slight grinding noise from Marion, until Zac broke it with laughter.

"Ha. I told you all that something like that would happen. This is the third time you owe me now."

"You must be cheating." Jonathan cracked a smile. "I do not know how, but..."

"Both of you?" Sybil asked. "Together with Anton?"

"Yes." Both replied simultaneously.

Sybil frowned ever so slightly as she looked at Verona. "And you are okay with this?"

"Absolutely. I wasn't expecting Anton to propose but of course, I'm fine with it. Better than fine, actually. And this just makes it more official."

"I've never been happier." Kal smiled as she shrugged. "I could only dream of having someone before. And..." Kal laughed as she played with her ring finger.

"I don't know how polygamy is handled here, but if anyone has a problem with it they can take a hike. I love them both and I will not give them up."

I feel like I said the same exact thing last time.

"So long as they've agreed to it, I don't think anyone has a problem with it." Bertram smiled. "No one complained when you came back with Kal on your other arm."

"Indeed." Dana agreed. "Most of us expected something like that to happen. This isn't much of a stretch. You three are acting all lovey-dovey when we look at you anyway."

"Perhaps...We've been talking about the ceremony and we aren't sure what we really want. I don't think we want something as big as yours, Jeff."

"Where is Sam, anyway?" Verona looked around the room. "I was going to say something sooner..."

"She's not feeling that well so she's having a rest. This whole Goblin thing we just had to deal with has put a lot of strain on her and her baby."

"After we've gone to the smithy we'll swing by your house and make sure she's alright." Anton raised his hand. "I'm sure a quick healing won't harm her."

"Thanks. I really want to have a kid. And we've had to wait for so long..."

Verona told me Sam's previous pregnancies have resulted in miscarriages. But those times we weren't there.

"I really don't want a big ceremony but something small would be nice," Kal said. "Or we don't really have to have one." Kal rested her tail on Anton's shoulder. "The most important thing is who you are going to spend the rest of your life with."

"That's right." Verona held his other hand.

"See?" Dana leant close to Dennis, brother and sister nodding in agreement.

"Over the next few days we'll organize something. It won't be big." Anton squeezed their hands. "It's who you're with that is."

"Have you got any rings?" Jeff asked. "I know you got mine and Sam's..."

"Yes. Yes, we do." They took off their gloves and showed their wedding rings. A few murmurs came from the group.

"How much did you pay for those?" Jeff leant as close as he could. "They look a lot more expensive than mine."

"A bit," Anton admitted. "But we had come into a bit of money and I wanted to spoil them."

"Those are some impressive gems," Zac said.

"And metal work too," Jonathan added quietly.

Bertram's eyes widened. "I almost forgot. We haven't had any word from Duchess Belinda. Not one thing. I have no idea if everything is alright over there."

"What about Raston?"

"He should be back in the next couple of days." Dana folded her arms. "If anything's gone wrong he will know."

"I have some more of those communication pens to hand over. Where are they kept?"

"In the next room." Bertram looked to the wall. "We check up on them frequently. Usually, I'm there at night, just having a rest and waiting for one to start."

"Right...Anything else that needs discussing?"

"Only one thing." Zac hurriedly rose up and left the room, leaving everyone looking at one another confused. He returned a minute later with a small barrel under one arm, several wooden mugs in the other hand. "That is to say, welcome back!"