Hekate and Daniel join everyone else for breakfast, and almost immediately, Erimaya rushes over, taking Hekate’s hands. “Hekate! I had no idea! I’m so sorry! If I had known, I would have prepared! Please forgive me! I don’t want to lose my only friend!”

Hekate blushes, quickly easing the princess’s concerns. “R-Relax, Eri! Please! You’re my best friend in the whole world! It was… kinda decided not long ago that my birthday is today… S-So, there’s no way you could have known.”

Erimaya hugs Hekate’s hands to her own chest, blushing as she is embarrassed by the ‘faux pas’, even though Hekate is correct. “Still, though. I should have had something prepared, just in case. Or, no; rather, I should have asked sooner. It never crossed my mind, and for that I am ashamed.”

Hekate still tries to ease her concerns, chuckling gently. “Please, pay it no mind at all. I don’t expect anything, and I only ask for your continued friendship. Besides, Daniel already gave me more than I could ever dream of.”

Erimaya finally takes a moment to look at Hekate. She’s wearing a rather elegant dress for once, rather than her usual light-weight and mobile attire that easily suits the light armor she wears in battle. This dress would be modest, but certainly welcome at even the Imperial Court of the Grand Zenkon Empire, adorned with frills and lace patterns, as well as an intricate stitching of blue flame-like patterns around her collar. Additionally, she is wearing a lightweight, but ornate crown embellished with beautiful gems of various colors, including red, purple, and blue, in addition to the more numerous clear diamonds. Chains circle the outside of her triangular fox-like ears, also endowed with gemstones.

Everyone is speechless as they look upon the stunningly royal-looking Hekate, who before, looked and behaved like a mere spoiled commoner.

Wenlianna stammers, “D-D-Daniel… A-Are those… diamonds?”

Hekate nods proudly, saying warmly, “Yep! Every one.”

“Th-The colors…”

“They’re truly remarkable,” murmurs Erimaya, admiring Hekate’s full adornments. She also notices the plush doll, which looks similar to a miniature version of Hekate, though with a simple dress and wings.

Hekate looks up at Daniel, asking, “You didn’t say, yet. Did… Did you make these ones?”

“Most of them, yes. The red and purple diamonds were mined by the ogres during digging in the mountains for… a certain project. I vaguely recall the basics of looking up how they’re made synthetically, but radiation is a big part of it for the reds, and it’s not the same as natural, if I remember correctly.”

Hekate adds with a little disappointment, “We agreed that I’ll only wear this in trusted company, and a simpler crown of steel and stained glass for audiences. I don’t want to flaunt wealth and attract the wrong kind of attention.”

“You look beautiful,” states Erimaya, returning to the topic at hand; Hekate. “I truly regret not having a gift for you now.”

Hekate smiles, holding Erimaya’s hands firmly. “Your presence is plenty gift for me, Eri. It’s a coincidence, but I’m truly happy you could be here to celebrate my birthday. Everyone I could rightfully ask to attend is here.”

Erimaya coos warmly, and she hugs Hekate, with Hekate warmly returning the hug. After, Erimaya asks to hold the doll, and while she does, Ryuogriar stands up. “As the second empress of the Fievegal, allow me to wish you a happy birthday, Hekate. We have all worked hard on various confections to go with breakfast, as well as to be enjoyed throughout the day. Please enjoy them to your heart’s content.”

Hekate smiles, resisting the urge to cry. She got most of it out with Daniel, and her eyes are a little red, but she keeps finding a higher and higher bar for where she believes she couldn’t be happier would land, only to be proven wrong.

The group enjoys breakfast, and Hekate asks, “Ryuo… Do you still celebrate your birthday?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” asks the senior-most of the dragons. “Is it because I’ve had over four hundred, that you think-...” She halts with a sudden gasp, glancing at Daniel. She’s never told Daniel her age, though everyone knows that, following Vaergraes, Xyreko, Choul, and Illianna, Ryuogriar is the fifth oldest person in the Fievegal by centuries. Even Thymeria is little more than 100 years old, though she looks and acts like a human in their twenties -if rather introverted and modest-.

Daniel replies playfully, “Really? You don’t look a day over three hundred.”

Ryuogriar blushes, retorting passionately, “You don’t understand, Mukori! I-It’s not about my age, but… But about…” She trails off, not wanting to say whatever it is.

Hekate replies gently, “I didn’t mean to offend, Ryuo. Daniel said I’d appreciate my birthdays less over the years, s-so I was curious…”

The four dragons in the room, including Choul, share glances. However, it’s Vaergraes who actually answers Hekate’s concern. “Hekate, you have not even lived a blink of what your life will be, and you are already thrust into a position of maturity. That said, your birthday is a celebration of your life. And, while it’s more of a short-lived race’s tradition, such as the humans, goblins, and dattakoriens, who all celebrate one’s survival for each year, it is up to you whether or not you still enjoy it. We no longer throw extravagant celebrations for mine, but I am always happy to sit down with my cherished loved ones and celebrate another year in this world. Even if I have had more birthdays than there are days in a year, each one is a time of joy. And, likewise, I enjoy celebrating the birthdays of Illianna, Thymeria, and now, all of you, if I am to be so lucky as to participate.”

Hekate smiles, and Ryuogriar adds gently, “I didn’t understand. Sorry. As Lady Vaergraes says, dragons don’t usually celebrate the day of one’s annual survival, but rather, celebrate milestones in one’s life. First fire breath, first flight, first hunt, first egg, first spell, first conquest, first mate. And, there are many additional celebrations, including additional eggs, achievements in magic, enlightenment… It’s… more ambiguous, since… surviving another year is expected of the str-... second strongest race in the world.”

Hekate nods respectfully. “Thank you both. Um… W-Would… Would you like to celebrate? I-It’s… It’s made me so happy, just from the beginning…”

Ryuogriar smiles. She declares proudly without any thought, and she receives no objection; “We are members of the recently-founded Fievegal. If it is tradition for its citizens to celebrate the day of their birth, then I would say it would be my pleasure to celebrate my own, your adorable Greatness.” She bows reverently, and the others smile and bow as well. Hekate blushes and smiles. “Th-Then, so shall it be!” declares the young feldrok Empress. She glances up at Daniel, and he nods at her with a smile.

After breakfast is finished, Ryuogriar once again takes the lead. Shek and Skloe bring out a cake they worked together on, complete with candles, as Daniel instructed, and Ryuogriar stands up as Aoloan lights the candles with fire magic. “Now then, I am far from an expert on this tradition, but I would like to invite all of us to sing together. Ready?”

Everyone nods, and together, they sing a birthday song just for Hekate.

Daniel thought about using the birthday song so popularized on Earth, but Kera’tai had a surprising talent for writing lyrics, and wrote a simple song incorporating some of Hekate’s achievements throughout the year -which was a busy year-, truly celebrating Hekate’s 16th year of life.

With watery eyes and sniffles, Hekate blows out her candles, making her wish and telling no one, as the sacred rules of wishes goes.

Of course, she can’t have predicted that one person present can not only hear her wish, but make it come true.

Daniel shares a glance with the goddess Ryukana, who smiles and nods subtly. He smiles and bows his head while Hekate is distracted by everyone clapping for her.

“Now then,” starts Ryuogriar as she stands up. “Though the day is still only just beginning, I would like to take this time to provide the birthday offerings to our beloved little Hekate.” Daniel whispers, “Gifts…”

Ryuogriar quickly corrects, “Pardon, the ‘gifts’ for her birthday. As second empress, I shall go first.” She approaches Hekate with a small box, not wrapped like the ones Daniel made, since the box itself is nicely designed. She smiles and presents the gift. “Hekate, may you live a long and happy life, and may our rivalry and friendship always stem from love.”

Hekate opens the box, and she whimpers happily.

It’s a beautiful seashell like nothing any of them have seen before. Ryuogriar explains softly, “I found this a long time ago, and thought you might appreciate it more than I do. It’s from a species of whelk that resides in the deepest part of the ocean, which is why its shell sparkles. Gemstone-like pearls form on the outside of its shell naturally, and this one had to have been very old. Please accept it.”

“I-I do. Th-Thank you, Ryuo.” Hekate hugs Ryuogriar, surprising the dragon, but she hugs Hekate in return.

Next, Reignleif steps up. She isn’t quite as formal as Ryuogriar, quietly and daintily presenting a book. “I copied this book from my collection. It has many wonderful stories, including romance. I… I would love to talk about them when you read it.”

Hekate hugs the book, nodding. “Thank you. I’ll cherish it and read it as soon as possible.”

She hugs Reignleif, which causes the dragon to blush and sink lower to hug Hekate at her level. Afterwards, Reignleif smiles, retreating so Geirahoel can take a turn. “A-As the fourth empress, it’s my duty to give you a gift on this special day,” declares Geirahoel a little bashfully -masked only slightly by a somewhat haughty tone-.

Geirahoel’s gift is a beautifully-sewn mantle, similar to Reignleif’s, but with hand-made fabric flowers adorning the whole surface of the mantle without being too messy. Geirahoel blushes and looks to the side. “I-I like flowers, a-and I’m pretty good at fabric-work, since it’s been a hobby…”

Hekate hugs Geirahoel, and the youngest of the three dragon empresses stammers. She finally extracts herself, saying bashfully, “L-L-Let me put it on you to make sure it fits.”

Daniel cocks his head as he watches, as well as a few others who chuckle, since it’s basically a cape. Other than the length being too long or much too short, there shouldn’t be much sizing needed.

Regardless, it compliments her dress well, and Hekate wears it for the rest of her birthday.

Next, Vaergraes presents a magic dagger, which is said to be able to channel magical spells and increase their efficiency and power. Though Hekate doesn’t need much by way of amplification, she is no less grateful.

Thymeria presents hair ribbons, which she helps Hekate add to her hair. Kera’tai presents a ceremonial trinket that is a bone-carved figurine of a Chi’rinnis spirit said to bring good luck and make wishes come true. Kera’tai also whispers something to Hekate that makes Hekate even more pleased with the gift when she grins at Daniel, leaving him out of the loop. But, he pays it no mind. Next, Aoloan gifts the young feldrok Empress a very elaborate and custom-made confectionary that looks to Daniel like an elephant ear; oil fried bread with cinnamon and sugar, as well as a cute messenger bag for Hekate that goes well with her dress and mantle.

Next up are Shek, Skloe, Tekten, and Jieka, who give Hekate freshly baked cookies, as well as small hand-knit trinkets similar to the good-luck charms Daniel has worn since he received them.

Gwenesphia fidgets as she watches Hekate enjoy one of the cookies and share them with the two goblin princesses.

Daniel approaches the gatonine lieutenant, asking her, “What’s wrong?”

“I… all of these gifts are so… extravagant.” She looks at her own gift box, which is small and simple.

Daniel replies gently, “Hekate has never received personal gifts before. She’ll be happy, I’m sure of it.”

“But, it’s… just… She won’t even need them…”

“Trust me. Don’t lose heart.”

Gwenesphia watches as Treia steps up, kneeling before Hekate. “Your Grace, I don’t have the same talent for making things, so please accept this. I… I searched the area around the Citadel to find something worthwhile…”

Hekate opens the gift. She grins, showing off her present. It’s a set of colorful river stones stacked together and glued in place to look like a simple castle.

“I love it, Treia. And, you don’t have to be so formal. I… would like it if we can be proper friends.” Hekate hugs her, and the gatonine woman blushes, but she smiles and hugs Hekate. “My… younger sister would really get along with you, I think…”

“I hope someday we have the chance to meet. If ever they need a safe place, they are welcome here.”

Treia smiles and nods. Hekate grins during the pause afterwards, appreciating the gifts she has received.

Daniel gently pushes Gwenesphia’s back, and the senior gatonine flinches. But, she steps forward sheepishly. “H-Hekate. Um… is-... Is it okay if I call you so casually as well?”

Hekate smiles and nods. “I’d appreciate it if you did. You’re part of my inner circle, Gwenesphia.”

“I… I know you won’t necessarily need these, but… I made them myself.” She hands over the gift, and Hekate opens it gratefully. “Thank you so much.” She pulls out a pair of hand-knit gloves made with a soft lavender color. Hekate smiles gratefully. “They’re lovely.” She immediately puts them on, admiring them. “You’re right. I shouldn’t get cold, but I remember before Daniel and I met that I felt cold. I’m sure in this form, I’m not quite as impervious to the elements as my true form, so I will gladly accept these.” She hugs Gwenesphia, also whispering to the gatonine lieutenant, making her blush and say tenderly, “Th-Thank you, y-your… H-Hekate.”

Hekate then says, “Thank you all so much. You truly didn’t have to do all of this for me, but…” She sniffles, fighting tears once more. “I… I can’t express in words how happy I am… I feel so blessed to know all of you. Even when I’m not the most agreeable… you are all so kind to me. Thank you.”

Wenlianna quietly approaches, and Hekate perks up. “W-Wenlianna?”

“Hekate, I… I made you something as well, and I only just got it working. S-Sorry for the delay.”

“No worries! I need nothing, which is why I’m so touched and thankful for everything! M-May I?”

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Wenlianna nods, and Hekate opens the modest-sized box. Inside is something that causes Gwenesphia and Treia to gasp, as they recognize it the most quickly. Then, Erimaya also gasps, having figured it out as well.

It looks like a jewelry box, but with three gemstones protruding from the top, and buttons on the front. Daniel is familiar with it as well, but he helped Xyreko get the parts Wenlianna couldn’t get very easily.

Hekate looks at the gatonines and Erimaya, asking, “Wh-What is it?”

Erimaya approaches, leaning over to inspect it as she says nervously, “I-It’s a memory crystal. A magic device that can store an image, as well as a voice.”

“I-I have one in my room with my brothers and sister, so I can hear their voices,” replies Treia.

“Because artisans aren’t very common in the east, they’re exceedingly rare.” adds Gwenesphia informatively.

Treia replies gently, “My father did a favor for an artisan in the past, and he let me take it with me.”

Wenlianna nods, explaining gently, “I’ll help you load whatever you want into it, Hekate, since it does require a certain spell. Since I was at it, I made one with three crystals, so you can store three different memories.”

“I… Thank you… Wenlianna, this… This is perfect…” Hekate sniffles and wipes her nose, setting the treasure box down to hug Wenlianna as well. “I won’t forget this. Any of these gifts. Never hesitate to ask me for anything. Regardless of what I’ll say, you are all my cherished friends.”

Everyone smiles together, and as a golem collects Hekate’s new treasures on a cart -those she isn’t wearing-, she asks, “Wenlianna?”

“Yes?”

“I’ve often wondered. Daniel was able to thrive in Mornistae because he can fix magical devices to some extent, but only really because it sounds like artisans and artificers were never around. Why is that?”

Wenlianna smiles gently. “Ironically enough, it’s because magic artisanry and artificers are too valuable. Royal courts tend to scoop up talented artisans, merchant companies will form contracts with the rest of the artisans and most talented artificers, and the rest of the artificers typically get pulled into the military in some form or fashion. The only reason I could be so obstinate when I was Magic Artisan of the Royal Court of Mornistae is because I actually lowered my rank by becoming the court artisan, at least during my service. And, if I inherit Grand Duchess from Mother, then it would have been unacceptable for me to be in a position subservient to the King, as the Grand Duke or Duchess is a position with an important authority in Mornistae.”

“So, that’s why crystals are so expensive?” asks Daniel. “The merchant companies control the supply and demand, even though they’re technically relatively simple to make.”

Wenlianna nods. “It’s true. They’re just salt and a special resin. And, given that the merchants are happy to sell magic devices, it makes customers reliant on them and their prices for repairs and replacements. That’s why it’s not widely advertised that enhanced magic crystals are just diamonds. It’s possible to identify them with magic, but the prices are unknown to most merchants, since the Grand Duchy distributes them only through trusted channels, who then markup their own prices or use them for the military, depending on needs. Merely the fact that enhanced magic crystals reshape the way we can go about warfare logistics has earned Mother even greater loyalty in the Mornistae army, and likely within the Empire.”

Gwenesphia remarks astutely, “A country’s true power lies in its military…”

“Not always,” counters Daniel politely. “A military is only as strong as the people from which it comes. The people, if driven to a corner, are the ones who revolt, the one thing all governing bodies truly fear deep down. It’s why slave armies eventually fail.”

“Which is why extravagance is for fun, but not for showing off,” says Hekate proudly. “I will be this empress when it’s just us, or it’s absolutely necessary for politics. For everything else, including how my people see me, I would rather be the adventurous fox-eared girl.”

Vaergraes chuckles, and Ryuogriar remarks playfully, “Seems like a wasted effort at that point. Most rulers can’t wait to flaunt their status or power.”

“When people want something they don’t have, they do stupid stuff to get it. Like sending slaves to conquer an unconquerable castle. I don’t want anyone sent to slay me. For my sake and their own.”

“I think this is the most mature you’ve ever been,” teases the senior-most dragon.

“I’m always mature!” She then says, “Wenlianna!”

“Y-Yes!?”

Hekate stands up on her chair, declaring like a leader suddenly. “Prepare the memory thingie please. We’re all gathered together, and I want to capture all of us, if possible.”

“O-Oh! Umm, yes!” Wenlianna takes the device and sets it on the table while Hekate ushers everyone else into the open area, including Ryukana and Xyreko. While Ryukana is a little surprised, no one objects or resists, and Ryuogriar, Reignleif, and Geirahoel take a seated position in front with their eggs, alongside Shek, Skloe, Tekten, and Jieka. A golem appears beside Wenlianna, and Xyreko informs Wenlianna that it will start the sequence for her after she shows how to do it.

The set up produces a ring of light, which is obviously larger the further away they are. The golem ensures to capture everyone in the circle, while Wenlianna takes a position alongside Gwenesphia, Erimaya, and Treia, who are in the back row, with Hekate and Daniel in the middle of everyone.

Wenlianna asks, “What should the voice be? It’s usually about a minute long.”

Hekate nods. “There’s a lot of us, so something simple is fine.” She smiles at everyone around her. “I’ll remember everyone’s voices.”

“Then, how about we all say ‘Happy Birthday, Hekate! Love and kisses from all your friends and family.’?” asks Daniel.

Hekate nods happily, and everyone agrees. She then points at the golem, saying warmly, “Make it so, good sir!”

The golem nods in acknowledgement, and everyone watches with smiles as the light begins to swirl. Then, Wenlianna signals, and the golem repeats it.

Together, everyone recites, “Happy Birthday, Hekate! Love and kisses from all your friends and family!” It’s not perfect, but it makes Hekate giggle and laugh giddily, and the recording finishes. Hekate sniffles and wipes happy tears from her eyes once more, and Daniel teases, “I’m surprised you still have any tears left. You’ve been crying all day.”

“Whose fault is that!?” whines Hekate playfully, pouncing onto him. “I love you! I love everyone here! Thank you all so much!”

Without prompting, a large group hug crowds around her, with everyone returning the sentiments of love for Hekate.

And, for the rest of the day, as Hekate and Daniel spend time together and with smaller groups of the others, a smile never leaves Hekate’s face.

And, after a long day of playing, chatting, enjoying treats, dancing, and singing, Daniel has to carry Hekate back to his room, since she will likely be upset if he breaks routine now of all times.

Now that a moment of celebration has been had, the march on Fort Twilight is the next event on the horizon.

***

Daniel walks out onto the stage before his modest army. Of the rather small population belonging to the Fievegal, 1,047 goblins, 552 ogres, 166 dattakoriens, 35 Uhl’tall, 50 oni, 20 Chi’rinnis, and two of the lesser dragons have volunteered for the march on Fort Twilight, and to formally become the army of the Fievegal. They have limited experience functioning as an army, but they are armed and armored by the Citadel. And, the bulk of the work will be carried out by golems, as well as two tanks ready for the invasion. The army is to begin forming solidarity with the citizens of the Fievegal, as well as provide them a means to earn a salary in preparation for the economic shift of the Fievegal.

Ironically, one of the strongest individuals in terms of knowledge of international trade is Erimaya, since it’s part of her royal studies, and she is a passionate student of knowledge, which is how she read about the magic summoning spell leading to Daniel’s and Rikuto’s summoning.

Daniel’s companions are seated on chairs on the stage behind him, present as the leaders.

Xyreko casts the projection spell to make Daniel visible to everyone present, as well as to carry his voice so the whole crowd can understand his words.

“Greetings, my beloved fellow denizens of the Fievegal. As you hopefully know, I am Daniel, the man privileged to be your Emperor.”

The soldiers cheer, which surprises him a little.

“Oh! Uh, thank you! Thank you! You’re too kind.” Daniel clears his throat. “I come to you on the dawn of the most serious request I will have to make. As you know, the Fievegal is small. Because we are small, we are not respected by the other nations of the world. But, we have the luxury of strength. The Citadel is not infinite, however. Our strength must shine through in every one of our citizens, from the most skilled of weavers and farmers, to the most powerful of warriors. And, the empire east of the mountains has attacked our homes for the final time. As Emperor, I have a duty to you, my people, to ensure that you have a place you can call home, a place where your children can grow up and be afforded opportunities to better their lives and achieve the lives they want. I can not do this alone. One thousand eight hundred and seventy two brave souls have volunteered to fight for the Fievegal. It will be your spirit that defines the Fievegal, that brings honor to your homes and families, and lets us live in this world that thinks they can disrespect us. Bring me Fort Twilight, and I will bring you even greater luxuries in your own homes than running water and comfortable warmth or cooling.”

The gathered soldiers cheer together.

“Thank you! I have tasked Sir Choul with leading the assault. My goal with this conquest is no casualties. I know this is a mere wish of a dreamer, but you are all soldiers of the Fievegal. Your goal should be to fight to protect what you care about, and that needs to include yourselves. This may be the first of many battles to come. I need you for those battles as well, as your loved ones need you to return home. Do not give up, and trust the warriors next to you.”

Hekate steps up. As promised, she’s wearing a more modest dress, as well as a steel crown with stained glass jewels. “My fellow denizens of the Fievegal! I am Empress Hekate, and I couldn’t agree with Daniel more. You are my precious subjects, my neighbors, my friends, and my warriors. Every life here is important to me, and I will not tolerate casualties. Do not be fools, do not be heroes. Survive the battle, and we will try again if we fail once. We will be sending many of our golems for this battle to ensure victory, but this is costly. To ensure the Citadel and all of our homes and families are safe, I shall dedicate every shred of my power to defending, which is why I am counting on you to take Fort Twilight in retaliation for the Eastern Empire attacking us so many times unprovoked. We didn’t start this fight, but the Fievegal will always finish it!”

Again, the warriors cheer, as well as the other empresses and companions.

Daniel and Hekate then turn to Choul, who approaches and kneels. Hekate declares loudly, “Sir Choul. You have your orders. Lead my beloved warriors to victory, and bring everyone back alive.”

“It is my sincere honor, your Greatness. We shall bring you victory.”

With a civil nod from Hekate, Choul walks down to the ground with the soldiers, and they part to allow him to pass towards the vehicles; a handful of shuttles and trucks to carry the soldiers, while the golems will march, since they do not tire.

Daniel and Hekate watch the soldiers file out as the others approach and watch as well.

Ryuogriar says gently, “That was a fine speech, both of you.”

Hekate scratches her neck. “I don’t know if I said enough. They’re going to risk their lives for us.”

Ryuogriar cups her cheek, saying gently, “You treated them as people who matter, rather than as servants or slaves. I believe that will carry weight in their hearts.”

Daniel nods in agreement. “Addressing them as fellow denizens is a strategy that was used in my home country pretty much since its founding, as far as I know. It needs to be ‘our’ problem in order for soldiers to take it seriously. The alternative used in more strict militaries, as I’ve seen, is ‘serve or die’. The carrot or the stick can be effective, especially depending on the morale of the soldiers.”

Ryuogriar nods in agreement. “That was the method we used in the past, because we had nothing to fear from the other races.”

Erimaya adds astutely, “An advantage is that there are women of various races on stage. Eastern kingdoms are mostly human, and virtually all royal leadership positions are only humans. You have bestowed positions of true royalty upon goblins, which is undoubtedly inspiring.”

Daniel chuckles. “That, or they’re going to murder me out of envy.”

“I will burn them all,” retorts Geirahoel caustically. “My affections can not be bought by violence. And, I will not suffer those who…” She glances at him, suddenly becoming bashful. “Who have no loyalty…” murmurs the youngest dragon.

Hekate asks, “S-So, now what? Do we just wait until Choul reports back?”

“No. We need to be available if the situation is different than we expect, since we’re technically doing everything wrong. We don’t have any intel, which Choul will be handling in the field. We’re also attacking with too few soldiers, assuming Fort Twilight can be manned by over a hundred thousand troops for defense. It’s large, and if they use effective rotations of manning, they could presumably defend against a much larger army, from what I know of siege warfare. Which, admittedly, is limited. Unlike what we did with the golems, they have no reason to leave the fortress.”

“But, we were able to break in fairly easily,” points out Hekate.

“That was with a fraction of the soldiers defending,” points out Ryuogriar. “And, before archoneldwyn assassins made an appearance.” She becomes a little disappointed, adding softly, “Frankly, we were reckless.”

“I allowed it as well,” adds Daniel. “I had no idea there were individuals who posed a threat to you or Hekate, other than me. And, that’s what we need to be most cautious of during this fight. In any case, assassins might ignore Choul for now until we appear, or they may attack here, so we need to be careful.”

The group members nod in agreement.

“In the meantime,” starts Daniel. “I’ll be working with Wenlianna on the communication devices. I was hoping to have them finished before the battle, but we’re making decent progress.”

“Can I help?” asks Hekate.

“You’re welcome to find out. This project isn’t as secretive, so we can all bounce ideas.”

Vaergraes asks, “Is telepathy an option? Now that you have magic?”

Daniel shakes his head. “Just trying to connect directly to me gives me a splitting headache.”

“It’s draining all of his mana,” replies Reignleif softly. “He has so little…”

Erimaya looks at everyone in surprise, and then at Daniel. “Wait… What are you talking about? You have mana?”

Daniel nods. “Yep. None of us know why, though.”

Erimaya’s eyes light up. “That’s wonderful!” She looks to Wenlianna, asking, “But, you don’t know, Wenlianna?”

The former court artisan shakes her head. “No. If we could replicate the relic in the castle of Mornistae, we might be able to quantify it somewhat, and properly test what increases his mana. The only thing we can verify is likely not the cause is Nemaisol, since it’s becoming more resistive to him drawing.”

Daniel nods in agreement. “The transport circles are a possibility. Though, by that logic, we could leave me in a storage bag and see if I gain more mana.”

Everyone immediately scolds him, “NO!”

He chuckles. “I thought it was a decent idea.”

Thymeria replies thoughtfully, “I think someone would have noticed if magic bags could do it. Livestock are sometimes transported in magic bags, and demonkin are more sensitive to mana.”

“It would likely overload anything else stored in the bags,” adds Wenlianna as she inspects her own, given to her by Daniel. “I’m not sure of all of the specifics, of course, but if storage magic was able to transmute magic upon something, it’d likely drain its own power, as well as make food products that explode.”

Erimaya murmurs to herself as she thinks, “We need to figure out what it is… If we can increase it more before…” She notices everyone listening to her, and she flinches. “Nothing! Just thinking out loud! Hekate! Let’s go do some etiquette lessons. We’ll help Daniel and Wenlianna later.” She takes Hekate’s hand, pulling her away by the wrist as Hekate calls out in surprise, “Wait! Eri!”

Daniel looks at the others. “Anyone else need anything?”

Kera’tai shamelessly teases, “I can think of one or two things, Daniel.” She grins, and she gets several other sighs in response.

“Anyone?” asks Daniel, pretending he didn’t hear her.

“Hey!” whines the Chi’rinnis sorceress.

This causes a few chuckles, and he apologizes warmly, “Sorry, Kera’tai. I couldn’t resist. We’ll talk later.”

Illianna speaks suddenly, “Daniel, Wenlianna, I’m not overly familiar with magic devices, especially those from the East, but I do have a little experience with rune magic, if I can be of help.”

“Actually, that would be a great help,” replies Wenlianna. “Please join us.”

Reignleif raises her hand, “I will help as well, then. I have books about rune magic that might help.”

“It’ll be an honor to work on something with you, Great Aunt Reina.”

Reignleif nods sheepishly, and Geirahoel fidgets. Daniel asks, “Geira-Mukori, would you care to learn?”

The youngest dragon flinches, and she glances at the others. Wenlianna, picking up the cue, adds, “Yes! Extra hands may come in handy anyways, and I always love teaching.”

Daniel looks at her skeptically. She defensively retorts, “Gunther was lazy, and he tried to ride through on his status! I still did everything in my power to teach him!”

Daniel chuckles. “Think you can handle learning from her, Mukori?”

Geirahoel is shocked, but she replies, “Of course! I’ll work hard!”

“As much as I’d like to join you, Mukori,” starts Ryuogriar. “I should see to Hekate and the sweet princess. We have much to discuss after all.”

“Do you?” asks Daniel with a playfully skeptical tone.

“We do,” replies the senior dragon coyly. She pets his cheek once, pulling him gently close to kiss him, and she walks off without another word.

Daniel watches her leave for a moment, returning to task. “Alright, shall we go?”

He gets a few pouting scowls, but otherwise, they head to the lab to continue working on communication devices.

He knows it's a… particular topic, displaying affection when surrounded by so many companions, but he does his best to walk carefully through a minefield.

He's just a human of humble origins along for a ride he never expected.

***