The trip back was much different from the one out in the early hours before dawn. First, they traveled in a large group made up of experienced rebels, plus prisoners, instead of just Pax’s crew, with a few additions. It almost felt like a mini army compared to the small group Pax was used to traveling with.

And he wasn’t in charge. Having officers barking out orders and expecting them to be obeyed was jarring compared to the way Incedis and Eldan had mentored them during their recent trip across the Wilds.

On the other hand, it was relaxing not to have to worry about everything. Someone else sent out scouts to watch their surroundings. Someone else assigned earth mages to clean up the trail behind them to hide their passage. He didn’t have to do much of anything but keep up with everyone else. Easy, and exactly what he needed at the moment.

A glimpse of the prisoners made his tension return. He still hadn’t talked to Captain Langley at all and wasn’t really looking forward to that confrontation. The man had trusted and mentored them for a month, only to end up as prisoners to the rebel side. Pax didn’t doubt he’d already figured out who was involved with the missing messages and other problems they’d left behind when they’d abandoned Salman.

Pax shook his head and pushed that problem aside for later. Now, he just wanted to enjoy the successful Tamings and the return of his brother. He’d lost sight of Titus and his crew who were playing the obedient rebels to the senior fighters directing their group back to their base.

Pax didn’t mind. It gave Pax some time to let his mind wrap itself around everything that had happened. A flood of questions filled his mind. What had Titus been doing all these years? Obviously, he’d survived the destruction of Northvale somehow. But where had he been since then? And how had he made it to the same rebel base as Pax?

Pax shook his head with a rueful sigh. He didn’t really care. He had his brother back. A stab of worry made him stretch up to glance over the heads of the surrounding people until he glimpsed the familiar battered helmet.

He blew out a relieved breath. Alright. Titus is still there. He’s real. The experience still felt surreal to Pax. He wasn’t sure how long it would take for him not to doubt what had happened. When he caught sight of Titus’ profile, another knot of tension inside him relaxed. Pax truly hadn’t imagined it at all.

Another thought occurred to him, making a long-suppressed dream emerge with tentative hope. Did Titus have any news about their parents? He’d obviously been with the rebels for a while. Surely, he would have used whatever resources were available to him to track them down, too.

A sudden flutter of wings next to him and a surprised gasp pulled him out of his thoughts. With a hopeful look, he turned to glance at Rin. She stepped away from the others to give Eris more room as she worked her wings in a frantic flapping until she was upright again.

With relief on her face, Rin lifted Eris up to her padded shoulder, whispering soft reassurance to the large beast as she clambered onto her favorite perch. When she finally settled, tucking her wings in and going still, Rin looked at the others with a huge smile.

“Eris is going to be fine. She wasn’t happy when I told her not to try flying yet, but she understands.” Rin glanced up, her hand giving Eris another stroke before she looked back at her friends. “Next chance, we’re picking up a shield skill or ability for her. And I’m checking in with the crafters when we get back to see if there’s something protective she can wear.”

Tyrodon’s eyes lit up at the idea of designing something new. “It’d have to be something she can wear without restricting her movement and flying. Maybe something enchanted against piercing or magic damage? It wouldn’t have to be super strong, because she’s going to be pretty high in the air and far away. By the time a stray attack reaches her, it should be pretty weak, right?”

“Exactly.” Rin gave Tyrodon an enthusiastic look, and the two began discussing ideas.

Pax gave her shoulder a squeeze, extremely happy that Eris was on the mend. Rin paused in her conversation to give him a grateful look before returning to the brainstorming session.

“You know, we’re all breathing easier to see Eris recover?” Amil had moved up to walk next to him.

Pax gave his friend a questioning look.

“Well, if you can bring Eris back from the brink with your Heal Others, that means you could do the same for our buddies, too, right?” He motioned toward where Horrid had fallen in with Onyx and Warden, patrolling in front of Byrn and Tasar, ears and eyes alert for dangers.

Amil’s words made Pax think. After a moment, he addressed them all. How about everyone bring your companions to me next time they get any minor injuries? I’m guessing that they look quite different on the inside compared to Eris. The more I learn about them, the better chance I have to save them should the worst happen. Even if they can come back after dying, none of us want them to have to lose all their abilities and start over.

A chorus of agreements came back over their Echoes, including one from Eldan that made Pax wonder exactly what he’d find when he looked inside Whisper. Exploring that idea kept him from obsessing about exactly what kind of surprise Titus had waiting for him as they finished their trek back to the ruins.

When the narrow canyon hiding the entrance finally came into sight, the last knot of tension released inside Pax. They’d all returned safely, and he would finally have some time to reconnect with his brother in safety.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“So, is this base everyone’s talking about decent?”

Pax startled and turned to see that Titus had walked up behind him. He realized his exhaustion and the relative safety of a large group had let him drop his guard.

Titus noticed and clapped him on the back. “Don’t worry. Everyone feels that way after a significant battle. And with all the fancy pants running this group, you should be totally safe. Besides, I’m here now, and I owe you a couple of saves, right?”

Pax grinned at the memory of saving his brother, even if he hadn’t known who he was at the time. “So, how does it feel to need your little brother to save your life? Aren’t you supposed to be some kind of powerful warrior?”

Titus raised his brows and gave Pax an incredulous look that was so familiar it stabbed right through him. The punch to his leather pauldron that followed was also familiar.

“Hey! Is that any way to treat your savior?” This time, Pax added a quick Bulwark in front of his shoulder in time for Titus’ hand to connect with a solid thunk.

“Hey, yourself.” He shook his hand from the sting of hitting his Bulwark, giving Pax a narrowed look. “No magic between brothers. I’m pretty sure that’s a rule. You have to beat me on your own merits.”

“You weren’t objecting when I used it to save your butt.”

“You’re right.” Titus slowed, and his expression sobered. “And I won’t forget that. As soon as we have time, we’re getting our crews together and figuring out how all of us can get stronger together.”

“Perfect. That’s exactly what we’ve been doing every day since our Awakenings at the end of last summer.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Titus gave the rest of Pax’s crew a once over, his eyes not missing anything, before he turned back to Pax. “The first order of business is to get us some beast friends, like you all have. Please tell me that’s something you can do?”

“I’ll put you all at the head of the line, since we don’t have a list yet.” When Titus looked at him in question, Pax shrugged. “The people in charge back at the base are still a little hesitant to give us free rein to start our Taming program.”

“Idiots.” Titus scoffed. “I bet you have a bunch of people clamoring for it once they see that Whisper beast.” Titus paused as an involuntary shudder ran through him. “Any scout or ranged warrior would love to have that beast by their side, despite its sphincter-clenching appearance.”

“Her,” Pax said with a grin.

Titus laughed and shook his head. “Alright. Her. I don’t know if I can really drape feminine characteristics over that thing, but there’s no way I’m going to risk offending that mage either.”

Pax sobered and nodded in agreement. “I know, right?”

A call from the front of their slow-moving group drew their attention. They’d reached the doors. A wave of relief moved through the people, shoulders relaxing and smiles emerging. Pax felt the same. He was glad to be home. Now it would be even more of one with the return of his brother.

“So, what’s this surprise you said you have for me?” Pax asked, wishing he had a skill that let him peek into someone’s inventory. It couldn’t be anything too specific for him, because Titus hadn’t known he’d run into Pax. Maybe he had an artifact that was helpful to any mage starting out? Or a family memento he’d kept all this time? That reminded Pax of his two pieces in his treasure box. He resolved to show them to Titus when they had a free moment.

“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, then, would it?”

Pax groaned and tamped down on his impatience. On some level, though, he had to admit he enjoyed the banter and teasing. It was something he hadn’t realized he’d missed so much. Amil had stepped in to fill the deficit for so long.

The return to base was much more complicated than leaving had been. Their group was a lot bigger and warranted the opening of one of the larger doors. Once safely inside with the outer door secured, they had to all go through another identification and screening to verify their details.

It didn’t take more than half an hour, though it felt much longer for Pax. Finally he, Titus and their crews emerged into the long entrance hall leading to the main atrium. The area was a lot more crowded than it had been before dawn. Small groups sat around, chatting and occasionally glancing toward the area where the cleared rebels were being readmitted to the base.

Pax wondered if some of them were waiting for friends or crewmates so they could get about their business for the day. After moving further down the spacious hallway, a smattering of youthful voices caught Pax’s attention through the background noise.

Curious why children would be this close to the entrance, Pax turned to look.

At the same moment, Titus stepped in front of him and grabbed his upper arm. “Remember that surprise?”

His attention drawn back on Titus, Pax gave him a surprised look. “Here? Are you sure you don’t want to wait to give it to me until we get to our quarters?”

“I’m sure.” Titus said, a wide grin splitting his face as he then stepped aside to reveal the rest of his crew who had stepped ahead and now stood with a group of . . . children?

Pax didn’t think his heart could take it. Of course, he recognized them. Every one of them. They’d been eating much better. The constant gauntness of their cheeks was gone. They were still filthy, but his Viper littles stood taller, with more confidence as they met his eyes with too many emotions to name.

Jules stood slightly in front of the smallest ones, still protecting them, regardless of where they were. She had a complex mix of emotions in her eyes, but stayed silent.

And then Pax’s eyes fell on the boy he’d left behind to take over his responsibilities as the Viper’s First. He remembered Incedis had mentioned news about Tomis’ indenture being purchased. Of course. Now, it made sense that Titus had done that.

“Hey, Pax.” Tomis lifted one hand and gave Pax a tentative wave. He was taller, stronger and leaner, but still the same boy, if a little more sure about his place in the world.

At a loss for words again, Pax let out a joyous whoop and threw himself at Tomis. That broke the tableau, and Amil joined him in what turned into a boisterous and happy reunion, drawing gazes and smiles from those passing by.

They had just begun to settle down when someone else called out Pax’s name. He turned and another flush of happiness filled him to see Turgan and a bunch of the Team Tribal members making their way over.

A flurry of introductions and smiles prolonged the impromptu celebration. Even Kurt, with a bandaged leg and still looking a bit woozy, managed to put on a brave face and join in.

Tansa trailed along behind the others, gave Pax a discreet wave and sent him a personal message over her Echo. Can we talk? When you’ve got a moment?

A flicker of curiosity ran through him, and he gave her a willing nod. He’d been wondering what exactly had happened with her back in Salman when they’d escaped. He looked forward to catching up with all the rest of his friends and hearing about their adventures getting out of the capital and crossing the Wilds.

As the reunion wound down, everyone agreed to meet up again for a late dinner once Pax and Titus finished getting the littles settled. As Pax led his old crew through the base, he felt his cheeks ache from smiling so much. He’d never imagined having a day as amazing as this one.