Chapter 19 - The Reunion - Aela

After they had first returned from the dungeon, Markus's adopted daughter, Arlee, had energetically reminded him of his promise of a present from the day before. Although he was quite tired, Markus patiently explained that Arlee would need to wait until that evening, and despite her protests, he stayed firm in his decision.

After stripping his armour, Markus invited Aela into his room to show her the gift he intended for his adopted daughter. “What do you think?” Markus asked as he laid it out carefully on his desk.

Aela had been momentarily taken aback as her brain tried to process what she was seeing. It looked like the severed arm of a child. But once she had overcome her initial shock Aela realized it was just expertly shaped to look like a child’s arm. Now understanding Markus’s intent, Aela looked closer and noticed the joints, joins and seams that were unnoticeable from a distance. In addition, the arm appeared to be attached to a robust yet delicate leather vest with buckles and straps down its front.

“This...” Aela struggled to find the words. This gift seemed enormously expensive. The level of craftsmanship alone would have required a peerless artisan. Markus’s limited materials for testing his experiments in the dungeon now made a great deal more sense. It made her happy to see how far he was willing to go for those he cared about. “It is a generous gift,” Aela replied. As someone who was ostracised for being different, she had little trouble imagining what such a gift would mean for the girl at such an impressionable age.

Markus had grown anxious during her lengthy pause and now seemed quite relieved. “I ordered it from the tinker, Mr Fabien. Unlike the golems, it has a better aesthetic, as well as a compartment to keep the gem hidden and safe.” He pointed to the shoulder and delicately pried a small section of the skin up like a hatch which revealed a tiny compartment with an emerald inside. “The gem isn’t very big, but it should be fine for everyday use. Holding enough mana to allow it to function as a prosthetic and ward off the occasional accident here and there for at least a month at a time before the performance begins to decline."

Even though she did not truly understand the logic behind his assertions, Aela saw that Markus was quite proud of himself and nodded in agreement, if only to show appreciation of his intentions and effort.

“I don’t have much mana left though, so Arlee will probably have to wait until tomorrow before she can use it properly,” Markus sounded a little disappointed but shrugged and shook his head.

“Why not have the golem do it?” Aela asked, although she quickly wished she hadn’t.

Markus raised an eyebrow at her quizzically and was going to say something, stopped, became lost in thought for a moment, shook his head and made as if to speak again, then with a surprised look on his face stopped again and pulled the ruby pendant out from his shirt. “You know Aela, that isn’t a bad idea at all,” he grinned and pulled out his tablet, “Hector, come to my room."

The tablet chimed in reply and a few moments later the golem entered the room.

“Curious: What assistance can I provide Creator?” The golem asked, although it was already looking pointedly at the prosthetic on the desk.

“I want you to drain most of the mana from this ruby, then transfer enough to fill the emerald inside this prosthetic. Keep the remainder.” Markus pointed to each subject in turn and stepped aside.

“Obedient: As you command Creator,” the golem rumbled as it took the ruby in one hand and touched the small emerald with a finger from the other.

The ruby was a little larger than the emerald, so Aela assumed it must hold more mana but she couldn’t be sure since she could not see the mana like Markus could.

While watching the golem at its task, Markus’s eyes transitioned to black and silver. Shortly afterwards, his brow furrowed and he became lost in thought again. “Definitely need to add that command...” Markus muttered to himself.

Aela waited for him to elaborate, but Markus hadn’t seemed to notice her interest. Not offended in the least, she understood that sometimes he became lost in his own thoughts and didn’t notice things going on around him. But Aela was genuinely curious to know what realization had unsettled Markus so she asked him directly, “What command? What’s wrong?” She asked.

Like before, Markus didn’t seem to have noticed, but as she was building the nerve to ask again he replied.

“It appears Hector could have been making more golems this entire time without my realizing it,” Markus looked quite uncomfortable with the idea, “The ability to enchant its equipment seems to have farther reaching potential than I had initially expected. I had thought that the many-layered and delicate balance of enchantments required for enchanting a proper golem would be beyond what it was capable of, but I was obviously wrong."

Not being able to see what Markus could see, Aela knew she couldn’t fully appreciate what was bothering him, but she had a guess anyway, “You are worried the golem will make more of its kind?” She asked.

Markus shrugged, “Something like that. But I am more worried by what evil the golems could be tricked, coerced or convinced to perform without the guiding commands I have provided for those made by myself."

Aela recalled all too vividly what each of the golems were capable of when given the correct motivation, so she had to agree that Markus had justifiable cause for concern. “So what will you do?"

“I think the only thing I can do is provide additional commands to both require explicit permission to create more golems, and require that any golems it creates are given commands identical to its own.” Markus seemed tired and unsure of himself

Aela was surprised, “You won’t stop them from making more?” She asked incredulously.

Markus shrugged, “I would need to perform a test to see if there are any specific problems with allowing the golem to create another of itself. But if there are not any problems with the enchantments, then having a designated golem create additional golems as needed would save time and could prove more stable and reliable than making them myself."

“More stable?” Aela initially didn’t understand what he meant by that but remembered again how this golem, in particular, had behaved in coming to their rescue.

Shifting uncomfortably Markus massaged his neck and shoulder as he tried to explain, “Both times I enchanted a golem I used certain shortcuts to save time and make them more efficient. To try and give them creative problem-solving abilities, I accidentally imparted certain memories to the golems. These memories in turn formed the foundation for the golems to adapt and learn. Effectively my memories served as a foundation for the birth of their own concept of self and behaviours." Markus shifted uncomfortably again, “Similar to how even though I am missing most of my memories I am myself and someone else. In a way, each of these two golems are both me but also something else."

As the golem completed its task and stepped aside, Markus made sure to reseal the compartment then lifted the prosthetic arm along with its leather vest and straps. “Could you hand me a pillowcase from the linen chest?” He asked.

Nodding, Aela quickly retrieved a spare fabric sleeve from the linen chest.

“Could you hold it open for me, I want to store this inside so it will be more of a surprise,” Markus grinned mischievously.

Unsure of why specifically it needed to be any more of a surprise than it already was, Aela went along with it out of a sense of curiosity.

With the prosthetic stowed away in the pillowcase, Markus turned his attention to the crystal panes on his desk. “I’ll just be a minute. I want to add these commands while I still remember."

Aela watched as Markus’s fingers danced across the crystal-pane laying flat on the desk and wondered how the words took shape on the larger vertical pane standing at the back of the desk. It was like he was somehow communicating with it by the sense of touch rather than speech.

“Obedient: I understand and will obey.” The golem stated abruptly.

“That should do it,” Markus sighed. “Well, since I don’t have to recharge my mana anymore. How about we surprise Arlee with her present now?” He asked with a tired smile.

“Alright,” Aela agreed. She wondered if the girl would truly appreciate the enormity of the gift.

Aela followed Markus downstairs, with the golem following along a short distance behind them.

Arlee’s voice overbrimming with barely contained excitement carried into the storefront “-can tell me pleaaaaase? I’ll jus act surprised!" There was a quiet pause, perhaps as one of the accompanying adults tried to calm her down. “C’mon Dolly! Tell me!” Arlee pleaded pitiably.

Aela had nearly forgotten about the girl’s little guardian golem. In direct contrast to stoic Hector, the little golem Dolly was often chatting amiably with Arlee in its strange gravelly voice and was just as often in the thick of her mischief.

“Pleaaase?” Arlee was begging melodramatically face down and pleading with her hand outstretched accross the table towards the small golem sitting purposefully just out of reach.

Abigail took note of their sudden appearance but said nothing. She eyed the pillowcase with wary curiosity and waited to see what they were up to. Robert and Lindsay were strangely absent, so it was just the four of them in the dining room, excluding the golems.

Markus smirked and snorted quietly at his adopted daughter's performance before clearing his throat.

Arlee’s back stiffened and she spun about to see who was there. Upon seeing Markus, her expression brightened. Noticing the pillowcase, she very nearly fell off her chair as she scrambled to her feet.

“Arlee! Behave yourself,” Abigail snapped reflexively, flashing a strained smile at Markus as she set aside her meal and made her way around the table to wrangle her daughter.

Split by indecision, Arlee glanced nervously between the pillowcase and her mother, perhaps deciding if it was worth risking Abigail’s ire for its unknown contents. Just as she had seemed to come to a decision and was preparing to dive under the table, Markus spoke up.

“It’s alright Abigail, she is just a little excited.” Markus turned his attention to Arlee, “You are going to behave now right?” He asked pointedly, making it clear it wasn't a suggestion.

“Ahuh,” Arlee nodded with deceptively authentic contrition.

Markus smirked and snorted quietly again. “Well, since you have been diligently studying in your lessons with Mr Robert and helping your mother with her sewing. I thought you deserved to get your present a little early."

Arlee’s cheeks and ears flushed while she looked down guiltily to stare at the floor.

Quietly sweeping up behind her, Abigail rested her hands on her daughter’s shoulders.

Arlee flinched, no doubt expecting her mother to correct Markus and inform him of Arlee’s less than enthusiastic participation in either enterprise. But instead, Abigail’s cheeks flushed slightly in embarrassment, “Arlee, don't be rude. Thank someone when they are giving you a gift.”

The look of mischievous amusement in Markus’s eyes made it clear he was well aware of her behaviour already.

Glancing back up at her mother, Arlee seemed a little stunned. Gulping hard, she quickly capitalized on her good fortune. Arlee performed a very stilted and awkward curtsy, “Thank you!" She aqueaked nervously.

Markus smiled and held out the pillowcase for her to take, “You are very welcome Arlee."

Taking the pillowcase, Arlee shook it in a vain attempt to undo the knot Markus had tied on its open end.

Aela could easily tell that it was double knotted and nothing short of a miracle would allow the poor girl to open it with only one hand. It was a rather perverse trick to play on the girl. Aela was about to demand the reason for it from Markus but stopped.

Frustrated and beginning to sniffle, Arlee turned to her mother, “Momma, please?"

Markus folded his arms, the ghost of a smile on his lips. This was what he had wanted.

While Abigail was pulling the knots apart, Aela tried to understand why Markus had done it. As the final knot came undone, she realized why.

Ignoring the now empty pillowcase, Arlee hugged her mother tight around the waist, “Thank you, momma!"

Abigail looked pleasantly surprised and hugged her daughter back as best she could without discarding Arlee’s present.

Aela found it difficult to understand Markus sometimes. However, the bittersweet expression on his face as he watched the mother and daughter share an tender moment together made it obvious why he had orchestrated events to unfold like that.

As best as she could tell, Markus was trying to encourage Arlee to appreciate her family. The lesson would only become more important once Arlee was fitted with the prosthetic. Mundane tasks that had required her mother's assistance would soon be able to be resolved on her own.

“I love you, momma,” Arlee sniffled.

Eyes shimmering with unshed tears, Abigail squeezed Arlee tightly, “I love you too Arlee," Abigail dabbed the tears from her eyes with a small scrap of fabric from her pocket, then kneeling down did the same for her daughter and made sure she blew her dribbling nose. After she had made them both presentable again, Abigail gently held the pillowcase out for Arlee and held it open. “Shall we see what’s inside?"

Arlee sniffled and nodded. No doubt unable to see what was at the bottom because of how her mother was holding the linen sack, Arlee leaned in and fumbled for a handhold. Looking more perplexed and ravenously curious by the second, Arlee began trying to exhume her present in earnest.

Seeing her daughter was becoming upset again, Abigail released her hold on the opening of the pillowcase and took hold of the bottom instead. Deftly pulling it free and clear while Arlee held on to what was inside, Abigail didn't have much time at all to process what she was looking at, nearly causing Abigail to fall backwards off her seat in surprise.

Conversely, Arlee had a somewhat morbid fascination with the lifelike prosthetic and was jiggling it about curiously.

“It’s a prosthetic,” Markus said, clearly for Abigail’s benefit. “Mr Fabien, the tinker, recommended making the arm a little longer. So it could last for a few years without needing to be replaced, although it could be a little short at that point.” He gave an exaggerated shrug, “We will see what happens I suppose."

Dumbfounded, Abigail was staring open-mouthed at the ruinously expensive prosthetic arm her daughter was tentatively slapping against the floor.

Arlee didn't seem to realize that the arm was meant to replace the one she was missing. Seeming a little disappointed that it wasn’t doing anything in response to her poking and prodding, Arlee looked expectantly at Markus to explain himself.

Chuckling a little, Markus moved over and took the prosthetic and harness from her. “Alright, you need to put this on first,” he helped Arlee slip her arm through the short sleeve and buckled the front closed. “Normally, you would wear this over your under dress and over your underclothes, but for today this will be fine."

Arlee curiously looked at the arm now hanging from her right side. “It makes me look normal!” She exclaimed. Wrenching herself around while Markus was trying to secure the last buckle, Arlee pointed excitedly at the limp arm dangling from her shoulder, “Momma look!"

“Arlee, hold still. Once we get this final buckle done up, I can fit the prosthetic to you properly,” Markus grumbled good-naturedly.

Almost certainly not understanding what he had meant, Arlee allowed Markus to finish adjusting the buckles and straps so the harness didn't shift when he moved the arm. “Alright, now I am going to activate it. Arlee, I need you to let me know when you can feel my hand alright?"

Arlee nodded and looked curiously at the limp prosthetic hand held in Markus's own.

Markus’s eyes blackened as he concentrated on the hidden gem compartment of the arm.

Arlee’s fingers began wriggling and squirming almost immediately. She gawked at her new hand in surprise.

“Can you feel the pressure of my thumb Arlee?” Markus asked patiently as he gave her palm a gentle squeeze.

“Woah!” Arlee exclaimed excitedly.

“Arlee?” Markus squeezed tighter.

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Arlee jumped in surprise, “Ouch!"

“Alright,” Markus shifted his grip to hold each of her fingers in turn, “Can you feel my hand?"

Arlee nodded.

“Good, now try moving your arm, very good,” Markus smiled contentedly as he coached Arlee through some basic movements for the next five minutes or so to make sure the arm was working correctly.

“This is too generous,” Abigail protested after overcoming her initial shock.

Markus shook his head, “It’s fine."

Abigail gnawed at her lip and glanced away. No doubt understanding that arguing with Markus would leave no one happy.

In spite of their differences, Aela could understand her apprehension in accepting such a gift. If it were anyone but Markus, it would certainly come with all manner of obligations as required repayment. But Markus wasn't like that. A gift was given with no expectations of reciprocation.

As depressing a thought as it was, If she was being truly honest with herself, Aela suspected that a substantial aspect of Markus's generosity was an attempt to keep people around.

“You know Arlee, I only finished your present on time because Aela helped. Why don't you give her a hug too?" Markus asked.

“Okay!” Arlee leapt at Aela and gave her a grappling hug, “Fanks Aewa,” her words became muffled in Aela’s shirt.

Taken aback by the girl's complete lack of hesitation, Aela was stunned for a moment before she managed to timidly return the embrace.

After a short while, Arlee let go and waved her arm excitedly at her small golem, “Dolly look! I have one just like you!"

"Amused: That is correct!" Dolly mirrored Arlee and waved back with the opposite arm and hand.

Over the next few days, Arlee acclimated quickly to her new arm and began taking her sewing lessons more seriously. But it wasn't until the fifth day that Aela noticed that Robert and Lindsay had moved out. Markus didn’t seem overly upset when he explained that Robert had received an offer for tutoring a prominent family’s children in one of the nearby estates. They and their child had moved into an inn for temporary lodgings while transport was being arranged.

“It is a big deal for them,” Markus tried to explain. “If Robert does well, his family could do well for generations. The nobility tends to exercise a great deal of nepotism when it comes to hiring staff and servants. So when one family member is employed, and so long as they do a good job, it is very likely that any other members of their family would be offered employment if they want it. It’s not uncommon for servants and staff to be effectively gifted to the noble’s children when they establish estates and households of their own."

Aela nodded to show she understood but was distracted by a familiar scent in the air.

“It’s alright though, Dolly should be able to finish teaching Arlee her letters and numbers. Anabelle is still around to keep Abigail company, so it certainly could be worse," Markus noticed Aela was distracted and cocked an eyebrow inquisitively.

“I think mother and the others have arrived,” It was hard to tell for sure with all the smells of the town distracting her, but there was little else it could be.

“Oh,” Markus said, a little surprised, “Well I guess we should probably get Anabelle so they don't get bothered entering the town."

Aela nodded, remembering Markus's agreement with the Guild Chapter-Master. She really hoped her brothers would behave themselves and not cause Markus too much trouble.

The three of them made good time hurrying to the northern gate. After Anabelle had made a brief exchange with the guard captain on duty and presented her credentials, they had little to do besides wait.

They were not left waiting long. No more than ten minutes had passed, when seven large cloaked figures broke cover from the treeline and began approaching the gate.

Aela recognized all but one of them by scent. Three females and four males, all chimaeras. Besides her mother, there was Svala’s life-mate Magnus, her brothers Beowulf, Bjorn, and Ulf. And her sister Thyra. It left her feeling a little uneasy that Svala had brought the whole of their immediate family as well as a stranger. This was more than Aela had expected and almost certainly far in excess of what Markus or the guild woman anticipated.

Sometimes her mother was far too reckless!

Markus whistled and crossed his arms over his chest, “More than I expected,” he said, then shrugged and unfolded his arms again. “Should be fine though, the house is more than big enough.”

Anabelle gulped and seemed nervous. Besides Aela and an altogether brief exchange with Svala the day they had met Markus, Aela doubted the poor woman had many dealings with chimaeras. Aela did not envy the fact that this would almost certainly become a formative experience.

“Welcome back Svala,” Markus smiled warmly.

Drawing her hood back, Svala had a bemused grin, “You have learned our tongue?” she asked, obviously a little surprised.

Markus shook his head, “No, still learning."

“You are a surprisingly good teacher daughter,” Svala begrudgingly admitted with a note of both surprise and approval..

Markus smiled a little wider, clearly understanding what Svala had said but unwilling to contradict her either.

Aela appreciated the act of solidarity. It was not often that her mother praised her, so even though it was undeserved since Markus was teaching himself, Aela would take it all the same. “Thank you mother,"

“So many of you,” Markus observed conversationally. He raised a hand placatingly, “It is fine. Arrangements have been reached with-” he paused to find the right word, “-authorities?” Markus shrugged before continuing, “We can talk at home."

Svala glanced at Aela and clearly had questions, but she stayed silent and nodded in agreement.

With the guards giving them a wide berth, Markus and Aela led them all home.

After briefly pausing at the door until the golem removed the bar and opened it, Markus ducked in first. “Hector, these chimaeras are guests. Unless one of the people on your protected persons list is threatened, you are not to intervene with violence."

Standing at attention and looking reasonably intimidating in the armour Markus had recently acquired for its use, the golem’s reply sounded more ominous than it actually was, “Obedient: Acknowledged. Violence will be avoided if viable."

The golem was only armoured in cheap second-hand equipment. Prominently featuring Markus’s old gambeson as well as cheap gloves, boots and a battered helmet. It would be difficult to tell the golem apart from a regular human if you were not already aware of it. Which was of course why Markus had done it.

“Please, come in,” Markus waved expansively and invited them in. He stepped back to allow Aela’s family and the stranger to enter. “Aela can you let them know the ground rules while I let Abigail and Arlee know we have guests? I Would ask Anabelle, but she no doubt has a report to write up,” he looked pointedly at Anabelle as she cleared the top step of the stairs.

“Alright,” Aela agreed a little hesitantly. So long as Svala was around, the others would follow her lead. But that, of course, meant assuming that mother wanted to keep them on a tight leash.

“Thanks,” Markus flashed her a thankful smile and disappeared into the dining room.

As the last of them entered, the golem closed, locked and barred the door without saying a word. It then took its guard position by the stairs.

Svala and the others were shedding their cloaks and packs, stacking them in a somewhat orderly pile in the corner.

Beowulf was already sizing the golem up and baring his fangs in a macho attempt to intimidate the golem. On anyone else, there would be no question whether it would work. Beowulf was huge, even by chimaera standards. He was easily a foot taller than Svala, much broader in the shoulders and packed with muscle.

Beowulf, Bjorn and Ulf were all children from Svala’s first life-mate Njal, and their ursine parentage was obvious. Although quite similar to Svala in appearance in many respects, they also had notable differences like their dark brown and black fur, as well as powerfully built chests and thick arms.

Not nearly so large as Beowulf, the twins Bjorn and Ulf were only an inch or two taller than their mother. But what the twins lacked in comparative bulk to Beowulf, they made up for in cunning and coordination. The pair had an uncanny ability to act in concert that defied explanation and neither of them cared to explain how they managed it.

Thyra was Svala’s youngest, hardly eighteen winters old and the one that bore the closest resemblance to her, with only two minor exceptions. Thyra had inherited Magnus mismatched slate-blue and forest-green feline eyes and retractable hooked claws, but was otherwise frequently commented to be the striking resemblance of their mother at her age.

Svala’s second and current life-mate Magnus and the stranger were as different from the others as Aela was. Magnus was descended from a predominantly feline bloodline. Like the rest of them, most of his body was covered in long shaggy fur. Unlike Aela’s family. Magnus’s fur was snow white and his eyes were mismatched slate-blue and forest-green. He was nearly a full head shorter than Svala and had a lean build. Magnus also had comically large fur tufted ears that reliably announced his mood.

As near as Aela had been able to uncover, Magnus was perhaps the opposite in temperament to her mother's first life-mate Njal. He was easy going and went out of his way to make her laugh and smile. Even though he did not extend this attention to Aela, she appreciated the happiness he brought to her mother’s life all the same.

Sizing up the stranger mother had brought, Aela recognized her when she sidled up to Beowulf and nuzzled against him.

Skadi was the firstborn of another prominent family. Similar in height to Magnus, Skadi was powerfully built and fierce. Her lips seemed to be locked in a perpetual snarl exposing her sharp teeth. Skadi’s round fluffy ears were somewhat at odds with her fierce image and she was often squinting her small dark eyes because she couldn't see very well. One of the older youths had once insulted Skadi by claiming she was illiterate. Despite only being half the older child’s size, Skadi had beaten them senseless and would have killed them if her uncle had not intervened.

By the way Beowulf and Skadi were behaving, it was clear who they intended the next dungeon heart to go to.

Aela took her mother aside for a couple of minutes and explained the rules Markus expected them to abide by while in the house and within the town limits. She also took care to explain the nature of Markus's agreement with the guild and the necessity of Anabelle’s presence. Aela was about to explain why Abigail and Arlee lived with them, when Markus abruptly returned from the dining room.

Markus raised an eyebrow at Beowulf’s attempts to intimidate Hector, but said nothing. Instead, he turned his focus to Svala, “It is nice to see you again, Svala."

Before Svala could reply, Magnus interjected, “So polite,” he said appreciatively, then abruptly feigned surprise, “Oh but where are my manners? We have not been introduced. I am Magnus Flittensohn, Svala’s life-mate,” he said the last with marked emphasis and sidled up to Svala possessively. This was not uncommon for Magnus. Unlike her first life-mate, Magnus was weaker but far more cunning and manipulative.

Markus did not appear to have noticed Magnus's deliberate maneuvering or had chosen to ignore it. “I suspect you already know my name. I am Markus Farus, but just Markus is fine."

“Hello again Markus. My daughter was just informing me of your arrangements with the guild,” Svala bowed her head slightly before continuing, “You have no need to worry. My family will be on their very best behaviour,” she narrowed her eyes at Beowulf and Thyra in particular.

Markus nodded. “I hadn’t thought you would be returning with so many family members,” he admitted, “I am afraid we do not have enough beds for everyone. So some of you will need to share. I hope that is alright."

“It’s fine,” Svala casually dismissed his concerns. “If you could show me which rooms are set aside for our use, I will assign quarters."

“Sounds like a campaign,” Markus agreed cheerily. Svala and Magnus followed Markus up the stairs and disappeared out of sight.

Aela kept a wary eye on her siblings, but she was still surprised when Thyra approached her.

“Is what mother said true?” She asked determinedly, “Will that human take us into dungeons for the hearts?"

Aela nodded, “‘Markus keeps his word," she made a point of emphasising his name.

Thyra snorted derisively, “The southerners know nothing of honour. He is just using us as we, in turn, use him!"

“You're wrong,” Aela growled, a rumbling hiss of agitation making it very clear to her sister that she was walking a dangerous path. “Don't talk about him like that! Markus isn't like the others."

Obviously surprised that Aela was standing up to her, Thyra was taken aback for a moment.

The others had grown quiet and were now watching them intently. Disputes in the family were almost always settled with violence if one party won't back down or their mother did not force a de-escalation through her own dominance.

“You think you are so strong? Just because you opened your legs to a human for a dungeon heart?” Thyra jibed.

Aela’s cheeks flushed in anger and embarrassment.

“What? You thought no one would notice your scent?” Thyra pinched the bridge of her nose with one hand and waved the other as if warding off a foul odour, “I’ll bet mother is so proud of her little freak now,” she laughed and looked to their siblings to join in but they didn't seem keen on the idea.

“That is enough Thyra,” Beowulf growled ominously.

Both Aela and Thyra looked at him in surprise. Aela never would have expected for Beowulf to stand up for her. Even though he had never been deliberately malicious, Beowulf's indifference had caused her no small amount of suffering either.

Although Aela quickly realised that the cause for his intervention was obvious. Beowulf was probably worried that their sister was jeopardizing Skadi’s opportunity for an easy dungeon heart. After all, Beowulf was many things, but he wasn’t stupid.

“Even if what you are saying is true,” Skadi said quietly in her surprisingly soft velvety voice, “Have you ever thought about the consequences of your actions?” She glared pointedly at Thyra and bared her teeth menacingly, “What it would cost the rest of us?!" Skadi was not known for subtlety.

Bjorn and Ulf were similarly upset but said nothing, content with glaring resentfully at Thyra in silence.

Thyra cast her eyes downward and quietly backed away into a corner.

Aela smiled appreciatively at Beowulf and Skadi. Even if they were only protecting their own interests, she still appreciated it.

Skadi nodded in return then whispered a few quiet words with Beowulf before walking over to speak with her. “We do not know, Mar-kus, as well as you do. Will he truly help us?” She asked earnestly. Like all chimaeras, Skadi needed to destroy a dungeon heart before she could have children. So this was obviously important to her.

“He will,” Aela replied with a certainty Skadi obviously hadn't expected.

“How are you so sure of his intentions?” Skadi asked a little incredulously.

Aela sighed, “About a week ago. Markus and I were out in the woods hunting when a marauding monster appeared. We didn't have any weapons, just hunting knives and the monster was two or three times bigger than Beowulf.”

Beowulf’s ears twitched, making it evident that despite his outward disinterest, he was listening closely to their conversation and no doubt the others were as well.

“Markus realized the marauder was after him, so he tried leading it away,” Aela noted the look of surprise on Skadi’s face and couldn't blame her. The overwhelming majority of interactions chimaeras had with humans were contemptuous at best, prone to wanton bigotry and betrayal. “I-I couldn't let it kill him. So I attacked it from behind. I kept stabbing and slashing until it had no choice but to fight me. I was losing, it was too strong for me to fight and...and I was already too far gone..."

Skadi’s expression immediately shifted from surprise to bewilderment, “But how-"

Aela pointed past Beowulf to the golem by the stairs, “Markus had called his golem. While it fought the marauder. I was fading. I could feel myself falling apart...” Aela hugged herself and shivered at the memory of it, “But Markus saved me...Somehow he brought me back."

Skadi stared at Aela, dumbfounded. With her mouth moving but unable to speak, it was over a minute before she managed to find the words. “How did he do it?"

“I don’t know for sure,” Aela admitted, “Markus tried explaining it. But I think he isn’t completely certain either."

“This is amazing,” Skadi said, a little in awe of what she had heard.

Aela winced a little as she psychologically prepared herself for the next part. “What he did brought me back, but...” Aela shivered again ,“Some pieces were already gone,” her hand subconsciously drifted to her abdomen.

Skadi’s eyes softened, “I’m so sorry.” she grimaced a little, “Would you like to be next?” Skadi asked, the act of speaking those words aloud requiring visible effort and evoking a notable shift in Beowulf's demeanour.

“No,” Aela shook her head, “That’s not why I am telling you this. When Markus found out later, he demanded to take me into another dungeon for a new heart."

Skadi was nearly stunned into silence for a second time. “He went into another dungeon, just for you?!"

Aela nodded, “I said it before. Markus isn’t like the others."

“Thank you for telling me this!” Skadi lunged in and hugged Aela tightly. But before she could react, Skadi had released her and ran back over to Beowulf, “We are going to have children!” She declared excitedly.

It was strange but also nice to see the change in her brother. Beowulf was as overjoyed as Skadi, even if he was not nearly so outwardly expressive. It was obvious that he adored her and seeing Skadi happy made him happy as well.

After a short while, Markus came back downstairs. “Svala is giving rooms for you all on the three floor. She said that she wants you all to bring your supplies upstairs so you can all get settlement in.” His pronunciation was a little off, but it was remarkable how quickly Markus was learning their language.

Without complaint, Aela’s siblings gathered up their belongings and moved upstairs. Even in this basic chore, the hierarchy was being rigidly enforced. First was Beowulf and Skadi. Then Thyra tried to go next but was forced to back off when Ulf bared his fangs and snarled menacingly at her.

Aela wasn't sure whether Bjorn was actually stronger than Ulf, but he always seemed to be positioned higher when it came to matters observing hierarchy. But it was Ulf who would fight when their position was contested.

It was only once Bjorn and Ulf had reached the top of the stairs that Thyra grudgingly headed up as well. She cast spiteful glances at Aela as she went.

“Your family is...interesting,” Markus commented conversationally.

Aela smiled nervously, “I hope they won’t be too much trouble."

Markus shifted a little uncomfortably, “Svala and Magnus don't seem to approve of...well...us."

“What?! They said that?!” Aela hissed angrily.

Raising an eyebrow at her sudden animosity, Markus shook his head. “No, not as such. They were asking questions and their body language was hardly encouraging.” He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, “To be truth, I think they would have said something, but they are probably worried I will take offence and back out of this arrangement.” Markus sounded a little depressed.

Aela wasn't sure what to say. He was almost certainly correct in his assumptions about Svala and Magnus's intentions. For a species in constant decline, combined with a historical animosity on both sides, their relationship was not something others would readily accept let alone condone.

But Markus was different. Time and again he made it painfully obvious he wasn't the same as everyone else. Forget about being human, he was the first person who had truly put Aela first. He was open and honest with her, always trying to help, to give her what she needed most.

“It doesn't matter,” Aela took Markus’s hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Markus relaxed and gave her a small appreciative smile. He was about to say something but paused as if lost in thought. A little excited, Markus held up Aela’s hand, “I completely forgot about it!” He muttered excitedly. “Aela, when you used the knife in the dungeon, did you feel anything strange?"

Taken aback for a moment by the sudden tone shift, Aela had to wait for her thoughts to get in order before trying to recall the event in question. “I don’t think so,” she wasn't sure.

“That's great! Do you know what that means?” Markus looked at her expectantly.

Unsure, Aela took a guess, “The enchantment works?” She asked uncertainty.

“That’s right! Which means it should be possible to use it safely after all! Imagine the possibilities. Even the most powerful dungeons could be defeated in a far more timely manner. Allowing fewer monsters to escape and wreak havoc!” Markus said the last with notable anger and Aela wasn’t sure he realized it.

Markus had already told her that the enchantment had worked. So why did the gloves matter so much? He was lost in thought again, so she had time to think about it for a little while. Aela hadn't noticed any signs of enchantment on his gloves when he was using the enchanted knives. Had they not been a danger to Markus? Or was he being reckless with his own safety?

Aela recalled how he had reacted after she had tested the first of the knives. Markus had seemed panicked to her when he had warned her not to touch it or the other knives. Even more so when he had confronted the troll pack that had been pressing them from behind in an attempted ambush.

A sudden chill sent shivers down Aela’s spine as she realized why Markus was so excited and the true danger the enchantment had held for her kind. The knife had bled the dungeon’s energy right out of them. A single wound could prove fatal to a chimaera. What would the hatemongers do with such a weapon? Was this what Markus had been afraid of?

“I think that would work,” Markus mumbled absently, “It shouldn’t be all that different right?" He made as if to run his hand through his hair only to realize he was still holding Aela’s hand, “Oh, erm, right,” Markus blushed, “Do you want to come for a walk with me?"

Feeling a sudden rush to her cheeks, Aela nodded, “Of course."

Markus kept hold of her hand as he led her through the busy streets to a jeweller’s store. If Aela was not mistaken, it was the same store he had purchased her brooch from.

A young woman, whose ample chest immediately made Aela feel self-conscious, welcomed them with a polite greeting, “Good afternoon, sir, ma’am. How can I help you this afternoon?"

Thankfully, Markus was not paying particular attention to the woman as he scanned a nearby display case. “Ah, yes. Last time I was here there were small citrine pendants, are they still available?"

“But of course! Over this way, if you please,” the store clerk motioned to a larger case near the back of the shop. “Are these pieces what you had in mind?"

“Perfect,” Markus agreed happily. “The chain and setting are electrum alloy right?"

“Of course!” The store clerk leaned down onto the case in such a way that it would be impossible not to notice her bust.

Yet somehow, Markus remained oblivious. “Right, I think that one there would do nicely. What do you think Aela?"

The pendant he was pointing to was only somewhat larger than the ruby pendant he had at home. But instead of a braided cord, it had fine gold and silver links of chain with an intricate wired setting.

“Um, it’s nice?” Was the best Aela could manage for a reply. It was quite pretty in its own way. But Aela had very little experience with jewellery and wasn’t really sure what to say.

“You have excellent taste, sir. It matches her eyes quite well indeed!” The clerk could see she was on the cusp of making a sale and wasn't going to let it pass her by.

“Do you also sell more simple empty settings of a similar size?” Markus asked politely, “I would like seven of them if that is possible."

The store clerk’s lips pursed firmly together for a moment before she nodded notably less enthusiastically than before, “Ah, we do. But, that is to say, I would need to enquire as to why you want the settings to be empty?"

Aela wasn’t sure what the clerk was becoming agitated over, but Markus seemed to be taking it in stride.

“Oh, no, it’s nothing like that,” Markus replied calmly, “I am an Artificer with the Guild,” he pulled his identification out from his shirt so she could see it. “I am just working on some enchantment’s and in need of some materials is all."

The clerk was visibly relieved, although Aela still wasn't sure what had upset her to begin with. “Oh, then that should be fine!” She had perked right back up again. “Just give me one moment please,” the clerk briefly disappeared into the back and there was a brief muffled exchange with someone before she returned with what Markus had asked for.

“Alright. So including the one with the citrine setting, how much do I owe?” Markus asked while retrieving his coin pouch.

All too happy to please, the clerk smiled brightly as she answered, “The empty settings are one shilling each and the citrine pendant is one crown, my lord."

Markus hesitated at the mention of being a lord and Aela half expected him to correct her as he usually did. But he just quietly sighed and counted out the coins onto the sales desk.

After the clerk counted the coins and locked them away somewhere beneath the counter, she unlocked the display case and retrieved the citrine pendant and deposited it alongside the others. Then she withdrew small portions of fabric and string and bundled each of the articles of jewellery separately before securing them in a small cloth pouch and handing it to Markus. “Thank you for your custom! Please come again!"

“They don’t usually sell components separately,” Markus explained once they were out in the street again. “Thieves have made a great deal of money counterfeiting jewellery with genuine settings and fake jewels."

Aela scrunched her brow in thought for a moment. Wouldn't they make more profit if it was all fake? She wasn't sure if Markus or the thieves had thought their scheme through very well. Then again, many of the things southerners did were inherently strange anyway. Aela just had to assume she would get used to it all in time.