A few weeks of travel later, Jack was feeling everything to his bones. Old and new injuries ranged from dull aches to occasionally making him black out due to pain. Along the way, he and S'haar had the various nobles and hangers-on that A'ngles and B'arthon had brought with them brief the new rulers on the current situation of the new fledgling empire before dropping them off with many of the workers and warriors at their various home villages.

Angles had sent the most gifted artisans from the many villages to his village to train them in all the latest techniques taught by Jack back at his camp and had a plan to cycle in the rest as time permitted, turning his village into a hub of education not unlike what Jack had planned for the Dragon's Outpost. Additionally, the villages within the center of the empire had their local guards reduced down to a skeleton crew, or even thinner, due to the warriors he'd taken with him to the north, focusing most of the empire's warriors on its borders wherever they connected with unconquered lands. Many hunters were sent off to villages surrounded by the wilderness, while most farmers were sent to lands with access to plenty of open fields with plenty of water. The traders were coopted into a new transportation profession to ensure all the food, supplies, and people got where they were needed. Angles' village was the center of everything, with an "all roads lead to Rome" mentality. In short, just as B'arthon had said, even if Jack and S'haar wanted to dismantle the empire back into its original component villages, there was no quick or easy way to do so that wouldn't endanger the lives of countless people.

He could see why B'arthon had insisted very few people could walk into this situation and hold everything together with any semblance of success. No one they talked to had any idea of what the bigger picture was, only knowing about their small specialty or corner of the empire. Honestly, Jack didn't think he'd stand a chance of running this monster either, if not for all the parallels he was able to draw to various ancient human societies. Even then, it looked like an uphill battle, at least in the short term.

However, as they crested a hill and saw the familiar shape of S'haar's home village, Jack thought of at least one bright side to this new nightmare they were embroiled in. At least he'd get to take a hot bath and sleep in a properly raised and padded bed again. Admittedly, he might have to design the bath first, but that was an issue for another day.

Turning to look at S'haar, Jack noticed she had a relatively tranquil smile for once. He nudged Grim a little closer before speaking to her. "So, how's it feel to be returning home after all this time?"

S'haar tilted her head in thought for a few moments before replying. "I don't know, conflicted? On the one hand, this never was as much a home as the outpost was. But now, all the threats and challenges that made me feel uneasy here have been removed, so the few fond memories I have seem all the brighter. On the other hand, having to take over this village of villages that A'ngles built sounds like an overwhelming new challenge, and I'm not sure I'm up to the task."

Jack smiled supportively before answering. "I don't know. You ran a coalition of all the hill people and the survivors of our outpost, with people numbering in the thousands. This is basically the same thing, only the scale had changed."

S'haar frowned slightly as she looked at Jack. "I think you've gotten worse at inspiring people. Those words probably aren't as comforting as they sounded in your head!"

Jack grinned back at her. "Oh, relax! You won't have to do it alone. I'll be there, along with Em'brel, To'brel, and even..."

That was when Lon'thul walked up beside them and interjected himself into their discussion. "And me! Admittedly, I might not be much help running things, but I'll keep you fed so you can tackle the rest. All I ask in return is to live a life of comfort, surrounded by all the females I could ask for!"

Jack knew the hunter was joking but glared at him anyway. "As much as we appreciate the help, I don't think we'll be doing you any special favors. You're on your own as far as 'females' are concerned!"

Lon'thul shrugged. "Isn't that what I said?"

Jack rolled his eyes while S'haar glared at the younger male who once had a crush on her until he laughed and slowed his walk enough to distance them. Jack chuckled as he resumed their conversation. "My point stands. We won't be alone. You've already forged relationships with many skilled people who will help you get through this, at least until we can stabilize everything and dump it in someone else's lap!"

This time S'haar rolled her eyes. "And just who do you think will be able and willing to take on a mess like this?"

Jack grinned again as he answered. "Oh, I've got a few ideas..."

-

After many temporary farewells, knowing they'd see many of these people after the day of rest S'haar had ordered for everyone who'd returned to the village; Jack, S'haar, Em'brel, and Lon'thul headed for the inn. None of them had any family to visit, and just walking in and taking over Lord A'ngles' manner seemed like a task best done at the beginning of a day rather than at the end of a long journey, so a hot meal and some soft beads sounded like a better place to start.

Over the din of food and drink being shared in large amounts was a familiar voice Jack hadn't heard in what felt like a lifetime. Sur'ruin, the innkeeper, was doing her usual rounds, teasing and laughing with all her patrons. Jack took some comfort in knowing that despite all the war and chaos they'd been through, some things never seemed to change.

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It only took a moment for the innkeeper to notice them, then work her way over to greet them. "Well, now, ain't that a bunch of familiar faces!" Then seeing Em'brel, "And new one's beside!" Then taking a closer look at Jack's scarred and exhausted face, "Oof, looks like you've seen better days, cutey, but that don't matter, you're always welcome here! From what I understand, the Lord's table is now yours. So go have a seat, and I'll see that we get some fresh food and drink sent your way right quick!"

As the four sat around the table, Lon'thul was all grins. "Well, if service like that is what a Lord gets, maybe I'll try being one someday!"

Jack looked at Lon'thul with a bemused expression. "Well, given how well you ran the hunters, you might actually be good at it. But as a Village Lord, you don't get to wander off into the wilds whenever you see fit. You've got to constantly be making sure everything is running smoothly, dealing with any disputes as they arise, and ensuring that all your supplies are stocked and ready to handle any unforeseen emergencies, not to mention dealing with said emergencies!"

Lon'thul looked crestfallen. "Has anyone ever told you that you know how to take the fun out of planning for the hunt?"

S'haar looked over at Jack with a sly smirk. "Oh, I don't know. Jack seems to know how to make things fun if you ask me! Did I ever tell you about the first time..."

Lon'thul held up his hands. "You win! I give up! I already know more than I want to about your personal lives! Those tent walls weren't nearly thick enough!"

That was when Sur'ruin showed up with a couple other barmaids, carrying food and drink. She leaned in and smiled as she set down a platter of what looked like the hindquarter of roast churlish. "Did I hear someone talking about their personal lives?" She winked at Jack. "On that note, cutie, I've got something for ya. Come by the bar after the crowd quiets down, and I'll surely give it to ya good!"

Jack turned bright red and answered before S"haar could voice her thoughts on the offer, with Em'brel translating between giggles. "Ah, thank you, that's a very nice offer...but I'm, um, bonded with S'haar."

Sur'ruin seemed utterly oblivious to the glare S'haar was directing her way as she laughed. "Oh, that don't matter! What I've got has nothing to do with your partnership. In fact, it's probably best you bring her along since this'll involve both of you if you're bonded! Just be sure the two of you stop by tonight!"

Jack still wasn't sure exactly what was happening, but S'haar finally spoke up, answering for both of them. "We've just returned from a long and difficult journey and need to get cleaned up after eating. We'll come down after and see whatever this is you're talking about."

Sur'ruin winked and laughed. "Excellent, I'll see you and my cutie then!" With that, the innkeeper faded into the crowd, laughing and moving like she was in her element. Leaving poor Lon'thul staring after, only to get an elbow in his side from Em'brel for his efforts.

-

Feeling somewhat refreshed but wishing he could just lie down in his bed, Jack walked down the slightly oversized stairs with S'haar not far behind. The inn was mostly deserted, Sur'ruin seeing out the last few patrons. She looked over to one of the barmaids and winked. "Be a dear and get S'haar and Jack one last drink, then you're excused for the night. My business with them is of a...private nature."

The barmaid complied, and Sur'ruin chased out the last few drunks before closing and barring the door. As she turned back to Jack and S'haar, she winked. "Now, you two look right exhausted, so I'll be brief. Wait here. I'll be back in just a moment!"

Jack and S'haar looked at each other in confusion before S'haar reached out and grabbed her mug to take a drink. Jack still had no idea what was going on. Sur'ruin had something for them? Did Jack leave something here the last time they visited?

It didn't take long for the innkeeper to reappear, but what she brought out only confused Jack all the more. As Sur'ruin approached, Jack could see her carefully carrying what looked like a bundled-up blanket. Just as she was about to reach their table, a tiny arm poked out of the blanket. It looked like what he would imagine the arm of a baby argu'n to look like.

Sure enough, once she got closer, Sur'ruin tilted the bundle up, and there, looking out at them, was a baby argu'n blinking sleepily in their direction. While Jack wasn't too familiar with argu'n children, he guessed the child couldn't have been more than a few months old, certainly under a year. The human blinked rapidly, trying to think of what to say, when S'haar spoke up instead, a look of surprise quickly fading to one of fondness many people get when looking at such an innocent child. "Congratulations, she's adorable. What's her name?"

Sur'ruin smiled, looking down at the child. "She doesn't have one. When he left, her father refused to name her until he returned. He said if he didn't come back, it would be best for her not to be tied to him in any way."

That confused Jack. "Well, why don't you name her then?"

Sur'ruin shook her head. "Because I'm not the mother. I don't know who the mother is either. I only know the father, and it's my job to forget his name after I give her to you."

That shocked both Jack and S'haar, who stumbled over each other's attempts to talk. "Wait, why us?" "What do you mean?" "I don't know how to raise a child." "I don't know if we can..."

The innkeeper let them talk for a moment when Jack stopped and asked a different question, which S'haar translated. "Who was her father?"

Sur'ruin smiled. "Why, I would have thought you'd have figured that out for yourself! This here is...er was, the daughter of Lord B'arthon. He left her in my care with strict instructions that if he did not return, you two should raise her. He said it was her best chance at a decent life and that if anyone could raise a young female argu'n to be strong enough and smart enough to make a difference in this world, it would be the two of you!"

Jack looked at S'haar, who was looking back. He could see she was as overwhelmed as he. Eventually, they turned back to Sur'ruin and the child, and S'haar spoke on their behalf. "This is...a lot for us to take in right now. We'll have to talk about this... Can you look over the child for another night?"

Sur'ruin nodded. "Yeah, that's kinda what I thought you'd say. Figured I'd drop the rocks on your heads now so you could figure out what you'll do. I'll take care of the little darlin for a little longer, and you two let me know what you think when you can!"

As the innkeeper walked away, Jack looked at S'haar with an expression between confused and overwhelmed. S'haar merely shook her head and took a drink. A long drink.

After a few moments, Jack put a voice to both their thoughts. "That rat bastard! How the hell is he still maneuvering us into a corner after he's dead?"

Finally, the two of them just started laughing. They laughed and cursed B'arthons name as they drank well into the night.