It was moments like these that Amaro realized just how often his father held back his power around others.

To the chieftain of the Tibur, however, he spared no such courtesy. The two of them moved so fast Amaro couldn’t keep up. A single clash of blades rang out in a violent shockwave of kinetic force that billowed his winter cloak.

It was only after the winds calmed that Amaro noticed the deep trenches which had been dug in the snow around them. It suggested that they had engaged in more than just one exchange of blows during that split second. Amaro had only managed to see their final clash.

Their weapons were locked together at the center of those trenches, violent sparks of magic clashing between them.

“Good to see you again, old friend. I see you’ve not slowed down one bit despite sleeping in silk sheets every night,” Septis said with a grin, extending his hand.

Kadmus let out a laugh, taking it and pulling Septis into a hug, “I try to sleep under the stars every once and a while thanks to you. It has been too long, truly.”

Amaro had never seen his father so informal with anyone, even his mothers, let alone a Tibur.

“Are you certain a Xirxus should be showing me such affection? I may become a target,” He snickered.

“You know as well as I do that the Tibur are free from the petty wars of noble bloodlines and Godslayers. Have you returned from your hunt early?”

“As if I would miss greeting you? What sort of chief would I be if I did not welcome you personally?”

“Right you are! I am glad they’ve put someone like you in charge of the camp. It’s no wonder the Tibur have produced some incredibly potent young warriors already. In fact, one proved to be a fine rival for my own Raktus. It has driven him to new heights meeting his match.”

“Is that right? I had heard there was a match. And if they’ve got your blood then that means they’re certainly itching for a rematch aren’t they?”

“It truly is nostalgic to see. I’ve much to discuss with you, how much time do you have?”

“As much as you need, Kadmus, or should I say Grand Duke?”

“Oh please, we are friends. Kadmus is how you knew me, and that has not changed, Septis.”

Septis grinned, wrapping his arm over Kadmus’s shoulder, “Then Kadmus it is.” He let out a boisterous laugh, “Tiksu! Will you take their sleipnir to the stables? I can show them around camp.”

Tiksu nodded, looking almost as surprised as Amaro, “It will be done, Septis.”

Amaro was not alone either. He looked around to see the rest of his siblings in utter shock at a side of their father they had never seen before.

His usual demeanor returned, “Children. Line up and introduce yourselves to the chief of the Tibur tribe.”

Amaro snapped out of it, reciting his introduction out of habit. What happened to saving introductions for later tonight?

When they had all finished, Septis stepped forward to look over Amaro, “You look just like I thought you would. I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

Amaro almost blushed. Had Kaara been talking about him?

“You look like you’re Romula’s son, are you not?”

“Oh, yes sir, I am.”

He turned to Anitus, “And I would assume you must be Tulos’s older brother, Anitus?”

Anitus nodded.

“Tulos looks up to the both of you quite a bit, but don’t tell him I told you that.” Septis said with a wink and a finger over his lip.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

There was a mischief in his eye that felt familiar to Amaro. He couldn’t quite place it.

“How has Tulos been doing? He’s not been a burden has he?” Anitus asked.

“For whatever mischief he creates, he repays it with good honest work. He’s made good friends with my daughter, and supplied us with equipment and resources that have saved more than a few lives during our hunts.”

“That certainly sounds like him. Has he been on a hunt of his own yet?”

“Not quite, though he has accompanied the hunters to caves when resource extraction is needed. He’s one of three metal magic users in the entire camp, so he has had to venture further from the camp than most other children his age here.”

“I had the pleasure of meeting your wife and her daughter last night as well,” Kadmus said.

“Well she is my daughter as well, you know.” Septis chuckled, knowing a polyamorous noble like Kadmus would not automatically assume the parents of a child.

“So then it is true! I knew I recognized her untameable soul from somewhere.”

“Always one to tease, Kadmus.”

Kadmus waved his hand dismissively, “As if you never valued a good joke here and there.”

It took longer than Amaro wanted to admit to figure out what it meant, “Wait, so you’re Kaara’s father, then?”

“In the flesh!”

Amaro swallowed, suddenly finding himself very self-conscious. Had he said anything arrogant or rude by accident? Did he look strong right now? Better to straighten out his back and puff up his chest just in case.

“The child of an Alveridan and the chief of the Tibur tribe. Truely, a champion in the making.”

“There is no peace for the exceptional, Kadmus. We’ve done our best to raise her as a decent xia.”

“And yet she is exceptional enough to defeat both the emperor’s kin and my own in a match of wit and speed.”

Septis raised a brow, “Did she cause trouble?”

“Quite a bit of humiliation for my own.”

“My apologies, I can talk to her-”

“Not necessary, my friend. It was a necessary lesson that would have been learned eventually. Now it won’t be forgotten. Isn’t that right, Amaro?”

Amaro looked away, “Right…”

“See?”

“I hope you do not hold it against her, young lord,” Septis said, “She is a handful for everyone, especially me and her mother.”

“Oh, I can relate. Me and Tika bonded rather well, speaking about how often we must reign our children in. Such a thankless job!”

“It’s not the worst. Though, I understand your situation is different.”

“How are your other children? I hope you’ve not wasted their potential raising them as ‘decent’ too.”

“Even if I did have other children, I don’t think it would be your business to critique the way I choose to parent.”

“Oh my, I knew the Altix was a cruel place. I am sorry for your loss.”

“What? No, Kaara is my first and last child.”

“With Tika you mean?”

“With anyone.”

“I knew you were a picky one, but you hardly looked at xio either.”

“I am very much still in love with Tika.”

“And she still has…” He paused, “A ‘warm oven’.”

“...yes.”

“And you, everything is alright down there?”

“Is it that difficult to comprehend that I would only want one child, Kadmus?”

“It’s certainly a waste, that’s for sure!”

Septis sighed, “The Altix is rather dangerous these days, having too many children at once is a drain on resources, and could put everyone at risk. You know how Malaki are.”

“So then that’s how it is. I understand now. You’ve truly made a great deal of sacrifices, and it is laudable. Hopefully your daughter can add more branches to your family tree. Why, even my own-”

“We’re done with this conversation, Kadmus.”

Seeing a chance to change the subject, Amaro spoke up, “Chieftain-”

“Please, call me Septis. No need to be formal.”

“Septis, then. What are the dolls for? I know it's a tradition of the Tibur, but I wanted to learn more about it. Why do you hang them from the trees?”

Septis chuckled, “There’s quite a few reasons we do that. The first being that they are good luck for the coming winter season. Another is that they help ward off the deadly winter gales of the Altix.”

“Do they have to look like members of your camp?”

“The dolls are modeled after the children who will be coming of age this year. We’re in the process of making some for you and the rest of the noble children who will be with us this winter.”

Amaro tried to rack his brain to recall why. He looked to Sancta, only to find she looked just as confused as he was, “But why make them for us too? And why do they look so… cursed?”

“Because they are.”

Amaro tilted his head, “What? Why?”

“Because the final reason we put them up…” Septis started his expression darkening, “Is to offer your souls to the Malaki.”