Amaro burst from the cabin, much to the surprise of the rest of his family. He sank into the snow up to his waist. He stared at it, and tried to blink the sight away as he got closer.

What had happened? Was he dreaming? He had to be dreaming. And yet no matter how much he tried to blink it away or wake himself up, it remained.

He summoned his magic and carved a trail through the snow, hopping up the trees and landing on the branch above.

“No, no, no. What happened?” He pulled her up by the rope, feeling as if he might vomit. Had they been raided overnight? Maybe a Malaki had gotten to them on their way back?

Maybe Kaara hadn’t been lying about her curse after all?

He hoisted them up into his arms, brushing her hair from her face.

Staring back at him were cold dead eyes.

Which was not surprising considering it was a doll.

Relief washed over him. His entire body was aching from the adrenaline in his veins.

But why was there a doll of Kaara swinging from a tree like it had been hanged? Did someone want to curse her with an effigy?

Looking deeper into the forest, he noticed more figures hanging from the trees. Each one looked rather realistic from afar, complete with hair and clothing similar to their Tibur counterparts.

What was going on?

“Amaro! Come back here, what are you doing?” Sancta called out, “You can’t seriously be so infatuated with that Tibur girl you would jump at a doll of her would you?”

“I thought it was real!”

“The Tibur always hang dolls around the Ingen forest this time of year! Don’t you know that?”

Amaro thought for a moment. He did recall hearing something about that being a tradition, but he had likely blanked out.

“Well the sun blinded me, and I got worried, so… Nevermind, I’m coming back!”

Amaro let the doll go and slinked back into the carriage.

“It completely slipped my mind. I was still shaking off some grogginess,” Amaro said in an attempt to save himself from embarrassment.

By the smug look on everyone’s face, it wasn’t working.

“Acquired a taste for the forest fruits already, my son?” Kadmus jeered.

“I don’t want to hear it from you, father.”

“Oh I’m sure you don’t.”

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The look on his father’s face almost made Amaro want to give up on pursuing Kaara.

Almost.

All he could do now was cross his arms, huff, and stare outside until they arrived. When their carriage finally slowed to a stop, there was a blue skinned xio waiting outside to greet them.

He stood so motionless, it almost looked as if he had frozen in place waiting for them. He looked familiar, but his hair was longer than it was before.

Amaro recalled his name was Tiksu. The overseer of Kaara and her two friends when they had visited Yvian.

He looked tired.

Kadmus exited first.

“Apologies for the delay, the snowstorm slowed our journey a bit.”

Tiksu bowed, “Many thanks for your kind words, Grand Duke.”

“Tikso was it?”

“Tiksu, sire.”

“Ah, that’s right. Children! Come out.”

That was their queue. One by one, each of them exited the carriage. Amaro looked back, seeing Raktus step out with a female Venator Knight and Lorshiir. Raktus shook her hand and regrouped with them.

“I’m sure my children are utterly sick of giving introductions by now, so we will save it for later tonight. I trust they will be safe in your care?”

Tiksu looked over the four of them, “Some look rather young. Are you certain they can withstand the trials?”

“I’m certain. Let them each be suitably challenged.”

“I must advise anyone below the age of twelve to be reconsidered for our trials, Grand Duke.”

“Each has proven themselves worthy of the trials. I’ve made certain of that. Is Tulos here as well? Have you assessed his worthiness?”

“Tulos has proven himself worthy, sire.”

Kadmus nodded, “Then there is hope for him yet. Make no mistake, he was the runt of our litter.”

Amaro wanted to say something. He could see the way Raktus shifted in discomfort. He remembered Syno. Kadmus spoke as if he didn’t exist. Tulos was far from the runt of the litter.

“Then I shall take your word. I will only guarantee their safety from exterior forces, but as for the trial itself, I’m sure you already understand the risk of allowing ones so young to proceed.”

“I do,” Kadmus said coldly.

“How long do you plan to stay with our camp, Grand Duke?”

“I will be gone within the week. It has been quite some time since I’ve seen Septis. There is much to catch up on. Where can I find him?”

“The chief is currently overseeing the defense of the camp.”

“I’m sure he won’t mind a godslayer’s assistance.”

Tiksu bowed his head, “I don’t think he would. However, allow me to show you and your kin to your lodgings before you meet with the chief, Grand Duke.” Tiksu said, beckoning them to follow.”

“You may take our carriage to the stables, Tibur. My children have already gotten plenty of rest on the way here, and their belongings are few. I wish them to be put to work immediately.”

Tiksu raised an eyebrow, “I’m afraid I don’t understand, milord.”

“Then I’ll make it easier to understand…” Kadmus said coldly, stepping forward and looking down on the shorter Tiksu, “My children will earn their keep and assist your chief on their hunt this morning. Please have them equipped and sent out so they may prove themselves useful.”

“That won’t be necessary, Grand Duke.” Someone said from behind them, “I won’t have you speaking down to my subordinates either.”

It was a xio with short jet black hair and silvery gray eyes. He drew such an imposing figure, but it was far more relaxed and inviting than Kadmus’s.

“Septis Tibur,” Kadmus said, turning, “Has becoming the chief made you soft after all these years?”

Septis’s eyes hardened, “Would you care to come over and find out?”

“I think I will.” Kadmus said, stepping forward. Golden lightning arched from his sword as he unsheathed it, a single swipe sending a clap of thunder in Amaro's ears.

“Then come as close as you like,” Septis said, raising his ax.