Seen from above, the village’s Dark Night defense was made like a bullseye. A huge pyre in the center with a circular fortification around it standing on stone supports well off the ground. I walked around it a couple of times, noting deep gouges in the stonework. The spiked barricades had seen better days too.

Getting up was by a fold-out ramp, big and wide enough for a cow. I walked around the wide circular fort. I had to stay low with my head ducked, or my horns would hit every beam. The slabs making up the stone floors were neatly put together, almost unnaturally. The roofing above was thick and sturdy without too much care if rain water got through. The odd fort was made with plenty of space to hold the entire village population. The open slots to the outside were big enough to shoot a bow, or poke a spear out.

The village didn’t simply focus on defense. Spiked pit traps dotted the ground all around, and each one was marked by small, obvious flags. They hung many lanterns inside and out. Karl brought out a stack of spears, and with the sun still out spent the rest of the time sharpening swords and spearheads for anyone that asked. Simple bows were laid out, arrows were stacked in barrels, and I saw what looked like small clay pots of flammable oil.

On the way back from the swamp, I had gathered a few branches of oak, and two pockets full of quartz. I figured I could spare three minor power crystals to make three Swift-sized wands for the kids. If anything, I hoped having a weapon in hand would make surviving the Dark Night less frightening for them.

Darya had a workshop in one of the abandoned houses near the abbey. Inside and out, the place needed lots of work. Next to an odd array of shovels against the wall, buckets stood patiently waiting for rain across the floor.

I had wands to make, while Darya was making candles. She melted wax in a large pot. Adding chosen herbs, she stirred the mixture, infusing it with scents that filled the air and clung to the clothing. This explained the scent that always followed her. Prepared wicks, already cut to size, awaited their submersion into the liquid wax. Carefully dipping them, layer by layer, she crafted the base of each candle. With each round of solidification, Darya replicated the method, gradually constructing the candles' structure. Once the desired size was achieved, she meticulously trimmed the wicks, leaving them with just enough height to be lit.

Ivy sat around with a bored look on her face, swishing her tail from side to side like a cat. When Darya wasn’t looking she’d set cobwebs on fire, or try to steal a candle to light it.

I put the final touches on my two new wands made of ivory and beheld their details screens. Both were nearly identical.

* [t1][Lesser][Heavy Ivory Wand][100/100]

* Damage: 48 dmg [Size: 300%, Wandcrafter: +15%]

* Power-up time: 7.65 sec [Size: 300%, Wandcrafter: -15%]

* Cooldown time: 1.5 sec

* Speed: 20 yd/s

* Duration: 1 sec

* Range: 20 yards

* Projectile Burst: 5

These wands were different from the oak ones. The projectile burst line was completely new, and I was eager to see it in action. Sadly, I didn’t get a new schematic because I only made the new Ivory variant two times, and ran out of ivory. I had considered cutting one of the ivory wands down the length, but I didn’t want to do that yet. Afterwards, I made three wands for the kids, and another especially well crafted to trade for some candles.

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“Ooh, is that for me?” Darya asked.

I smiled. “You guessed it.”

“Which scent do you prefer?”

“The fresh ones you just made. Beeswax, right?” They had a very subtle, natural scent, earthy with a sweet aroma of honey.

Ivy pouted. “What about me? Do I also get one?”

“I, uhm … yeah. Here’s one for you.” I handed one of the three I meant for the kids.

Ivy was quick and agile on her feet. She rose up on her toes and gave me a peck on the cheek, smiling. “Thank you.”

Ivy was a very hands on sort of a gal, and especially friendly. Or was that always the case for half dryad, demon hybrids? Did I want to get caught up with demoness sort? It sounded super risky. I liked my internal organs right where they were, thank you very much.

I wasn’t blind .. entirely. I could see what was going on, and this was all uncharted territory for me. Do I feel flattered, or do I run for the hills? Still, I didn’t know what their expectations were. Something was going on between those two, and I felt that I was caught in the middle of it. The two had a history together, that’s for sure. Maybe something to do with Aiden?

Ever since I arrived in this world, I have felt different. Over the three days I had grown more confident than I ever knew myself to be, and it had everything to do with my new body, I was certain of it. Nothing makes you more confident like being the biggest badass around. Despite all the dangers around me, I felt optimistic.

I added the heavy ivory wands to my belt and we went out to check on the situation. Outside, the sun was setting and the atmosphere in the village was electrifying. Everyone looked on the edge. Every able bodied villager was wearing some form of armor, and carried a weapon. A few were running. Amelia arrived with orphans in tow. She was dressed for war like some battle nun, carrying a large shield and a mace. Her demeanor lightened when she saw me.

Everyone moved with a rehearsed precision. They had done this before a few times. The elderly were helped up the ramp, children were herded inside. Livestock too. It took time to get everyone accounted for, and then the reinforced ramp was lifted and closed shut.

Inside the circle, the pyre was doused with a flammable liquid and set on fire. It burst into flames lighting up the night. Sun dipped below the horizon and twilight arrived. A hush fell over the village. Even the children quieted down. Adults looked out anxiously through the slits, out over the lake and toward the cube looming high over the village like a world-ending tsunami.

A distant call of some wild animal echoed from the east, and many more answered it. I felt a chill, and tensed up.

Darya had a serious look on her face. “Are you ready?”

Ivy clapped her hands, her tail fluttering in excitement. “Oh, I can’t wait.”