As Lady Dreama watched Knight Fortune leave the room, a number of questions in her mind answered themselves and a new name appeared on her list. Fortune had been one of those Knights who had fought for her hand, somehow believing that if he defeated all other challengers she would be overcome and give in to his advances.

The man hadn’t a romantic bone in his body. What he did have were certain delusions and an amount of resources that made him a potential danger to her family. While thus far he’d managed to be subtle in his efforts to undermine her husband, this latest attempt as just the evidence she had been looking for in regards to who had been trying to harm him.

Unfortunately, it still wasn’t enough for her to confront him directly. In the past she would have ignored him as well. Now she needed to enlist some subtle efforts of her own.

The Tadrianus housekeeper, Lilith, had once mentioned that she had a brother who was a Shadow Dancer. Perhaps she would be willing to reach out to her brother and see if he was interested in a private contract. Strictly observation. If there was to be a more physical response, Dreama was more than happy to take care of that part herself.

Dreama listened as Dathan and the Knight Commander finished the meeting, commenting where needed. Soon enough they were on their way home, riding through the city. She noticed her husband giving her meaningful looks and offered him a smile. He could be very direct at times. It was one of the things she loved about him. Not to mention how he managed to capture her attention in the first place.

“What’s on your mind, dear wife?”

Dreama smiled at being able to answer him honestly. “I was thinking about the first time you told me you planned to propose on becoming a Knight.”

A silly smile came to Dathan’s face. He reached over to take her gloved hand, pressing a kiss to it. “Still the best decision I have ever made. You have brought so much joy into my life, driven me to heights I never imagined I would attain.” His smile turned a little sideways as he added, “Helped me bring two monsters into the world.”

Dathan leaned back to dodge as she pulled her hand free to swat at him. Her glare was equally as ineffective.

“Husband. It wasn’t funny the first time. It isn’t funny now.”

“Now you see, that’s where you’re wrong. Our children will be monsters. Think about it. Mathias is learning magic! He still loves sword work and one day he’ll be the first true Arcane Knight of the Jeweled Gate. Mikayla is learning her blade technique from you but we’re also letting her study with Warren and we’ll find her any style teacher she wants. She’ll be able to use any weapon and style.

“One day our children will surpass our abilities. I’m looking forward to the journey.”

Dreama pulled her mount alongside his until the bancrofts were touching flanks. Reaching over, she hooked her hand behind her husband’s neck and pulled him in for a deep, passionate kiss.

A few minutes later when they finally broke the kiss, she leaned her forehead against his. “I love you, Dathan Tadrianus.”

“I love you too, Dreama Tadrianus.”

“Come, let us see what our children have been up to in our absence.I wonder how they have taken to the Guardians.”

***

As they neared the Tadrianus Estate, Dathan could make out a peculiar sound coming from the courtyard. “Is that laughter?” He looked over at Dreama and saw his feelings mirrored. A few moments later they rode through the gates to pandemonium.

It looked like nearly the entire estate was spread around the courtyard. Lilith with her cubs stood with the other housekeeping staff, chattering off to the side. The stablehands and the breeding master were running one of the young bancrofts through its paces. Even Warren was relaxing, leaning on his spear as he watched the goings on.

None of those things were out of place, when taken by themselves. Even the collective was an acceptable arrangement. It was the final activity that was unique and grabbed Dathan’s attention.

The twins were riding the Guardians. They were each seated on of the Irikashi, legs barely able to span the wide backs, hands clutched tightly to parts of the carapace, and they were racing along with the bancroft, back and forth in the courtyard.

Laughter filled the air, giving what could be a terrifying event a more festive feeling. Dathan spent several minutes just watching the children, a smile on his face and awe in his heart. They showed no fear of the hulking Guardians, appearing completely at ease.

What must it have taken to convince the Guardians to do such a thing?

Bringing his mount over to Warren, Dathan leaned over slightly. “How did that happen?” Dreama appeared beside him as if by magic, no doubt wanting to know the same thing.

Warren straightened his stand and grinned up at Dathan. “The Mage brought Mathias out here, muttering something about needing a break. Mikayla was already out here. Before the Mage could leave, the twins put their heads together and asked him to wait a moment. Then those two, bold as you please, walked up to the Guardians and asked for a ride. Still not sure who was more surprised, the Irikashi or the rest of us who were already out here.

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“Well, those two had obviously given things some thought because they asked the Mage to help secure them in place to make sure they didn’t fall. The rest is as you see, more and more of the house coming out to watch as word spread.”

Dathan turned to look from the children to his wife. A smile slowly spread along his lips. “Well my dear, shall we join the children?”

***

“Word of your successes reached me as I gathered those like me. It is good to see the truth of those rumors.”

Tyrant turned from talking with a giant about smoking techniques for some of the whale meat. A small smile graced his lips as he saw Kamala with a good dozen giants behind her. If they were all at least as skilled as her they would have a good core for building the city, though it would still take time. Not to mention the effort of convincing the other giants that a city made more sense than the variety of encampments currently forming outside his cave.

“Kamala! Welcome back! There have been a few changes since you were here last. We’ll have to take a tour for you and your companions, but that’s for later. Let’s go talk.” Tyrant turned for his cave, trusting the giants to follow. The two frost elementals guarding the entrance stepped apart, allowing the group inside.

Tyrant took in the changes he’d made to the cave with a sense of accomplishment every bit as significant to him as the whale hunt. A section of the cave behind where his throne sat had been almost completely walled off, with only a human sized door to allow access behind it. He made his new home behind that wall, though no giant would ever see it.

More ice covered the walls of the cave, giving it a more finished feeling. Giant sized seats sat across from the throne in a semi-circle. The entire place felt more like the throne room of a palace rather than a cave.

Tyrant waved towards the seats before making his way to his throne. He took his seat then raised it so he would be eye level with the sitting giants.

“I have seen some of what Kamala can do. Are you all similarly talented or do your skills lie elsewhere?”

Several of the giants frowned at him, no doubt at his abrupt manner. Others merely nodded, which he took to mean they were Frost Elementalists. One male in heavy leathers spoke up. “Fire.”

Interesting. While fire would not help with building the city, it would be useful for combat and teaching the giants metalworking.

“Excellent! I never imagined there were this many magic uses among you. Even Kamala’s initial confession was beyond what I had hoped to find here. You all will be an important part of the future.”

Kamala leaned forward in her chair. “You speak of building a city before.” She waved at the surroundings. “If this is what we have to look forward to, then I was right about you. No longer will we have to sit in squalor and filth. We will return to the glory that was ours when our people had our own world.”

Most of the giants murmured to each other, their eyes going around the throne room. Tyrant gave them some time to chatter among themselves before taking their attention back.

“Building the city is only the beginning. There are so many gifts that we can bring to the Wastes. You’ve heard of what the Mages do in the Valley. Their secrets can be yours. Your magic will only grow and improve. Together we will discover the limits of your skills and push past them to heights you’ve never imagined!

“More tribes arrive with each week, drawn by the story of our having killed the Frost Whale. We have parties rounding up frost and icy wyrms, for food, leathers, and to farm them. There is more food available than ever before.

“Soon we will begin attacking the Jeweled Gate in earnest. We will protect those forces with Frost Armor. We will find and forge metals for greater weapons.” This was a nod towards the Fire Mage.

Another of the giants spoke up. “You say a lot of things and your cave is pretty. Your elementals are strong. But other than your personal power, what makes you think you can lead a war where so many leaders have failed before?”

Tyrant grinned. “My personal power, as you say, is the greatest in the Wastes, as I proved when I killed Sabor. But you have a point. Power does not necessarily lead to skill leading a war. That is why we will find those among the giants who can lead the war.”

The giants looked at each other again then nodded. Kamala spoke up. “And what of the trolls and ogres?” More murmurs.

“I have not yet approached them. I wanted our city begun and power secured before going to them from a position of strength rather than as supplicants.”

The Fire Mage leaned forward. “I will lend you my power, to see this future come to pass.” The rest of the giants were quick to shout their agreement.

Tyrant grinned. “Then come, let us begin laying the foundations for the future!”