Wenlianna paces her lab back and forth. Daniel spoke of ways to track things over long distances, especially aircraft, in case they got lost or were shot down. She didn’t really realize it, but she wonders if this is what ship owners and large merchants feel about their ships when they send them out to sea.

She glances at a floating magic crystal; a diamond that she was able to create by combining several different spells to create a crystal that defies gravity. She hasn’t figured out the best use for it, yet, but it proved that she can layer rather complex spells onto a diamond and still retain powerful effects.

The magic artisan also has a small generator running off of water pressure from a water crystal. She’s still experimenting with converting the electric energy from the generator to pure mana. If she can, Wenlianna can change the water pressure turbine to a water wheel and continuously charge crystals. But first, she has to figure out how to convert that energy.

The young woman collapses in the otherworldly chair, turning in a slow circle with a sigh. She reads through her notes once more. Wenlianna is juggling too many simultaneous projects in addition to the airship that successfully left a couple weeks ago to join the mission to find Daniel. Aramellianna hasn’t told Wenlianna everything about it, but she knows enough to know that Aramellianna asked for a specialized weapon for a reason. Wenlianna has no idea how the airship’s cannon will work. Can it stop a dragon? Is it lethal or non-lethal? She mainly wanted to only knock dragons out of the sky, but falling from that height could be deadly to even the mightiest beings of the world. Dragons have perished before, after all. However,...

“Why? Why did things have to change? Why did we have to do any of this?” She puts her head down on her desk, fidgeting with a pen.

Before she knows it, she’s asleep.

When she wakes up, Wenlianna stretches with a yawn. Her face is a little sore from sleeping on her arm at her work bench. Fortunately, the chair is immensely soft, so it caused her no discomfort. 

However, as the magic artisan is clearing her brain out of drowsiness, she finds that she’s covered in a blanket. It’s possible Aramellianna came by, or one of the maids. 

Wenlianna folds the blanket as she begins anew after her nap. She yawns and stretches a little, and then puts her glasses on.

Wenlianna checks her generator, which is still running. I should see if I can find a way to quantify mana stored in a crystal. Salt crystals never really mattered, since most applications can last for five years, which is long enough to get their worth, I think. But, if the airship were to be airborne and suddenly lose power.

She ponders it for a moment.

She walks briskly to the secure room of her lab, where she keeps the otherworldly device hidden and powered by Daniel’s charger hooked into a generator he built.

However, when she arrives, she notices something off about the room. She tries to look around, searching for what’s out of place. The lights are normal. The window is covered with a metal plate. There is nothing but silence in the room and the special equipment that she…

Silence…

Wenlianna snaps her gaze to the bench where it should be. Where a generator should be running, powering a strange, small brick with two metal prongs and a strange string that connects to an otherworldly archive of wisdom.

All of it is gone.

Wenlianna staggers forward, her blood pressure dropping as the shock takes hold. She rubs her eyes, still staggering towards the desk that served as a sort of altar to knowledge with how important the device is. Once she arrives at the desk, she can clearly see that the generator, the charger, and the phone have all vanished. All that remains is a single sheet of paper.

She looks around, finally deciding to look at the paper. Horror has seized her mind, and she can barely process.

On the paper are written the words, “[I’m sorry, but I had to do this. Farewell, Wenlianna.]”

She stares at the paper for a long time. The hand that wrote those letters is careful and well-practiced at writing the Imperial Common language. However, they still show the meticulous and ultimately unnatural line formation of an amateur, someone still polishing their writing ability.

Someone from another world.

She murmurs softly, “D-... Daniel? But… Why?” Nearby, she finds a single strand of black hair, faintly glowing.

***

Shortly before, Daniel opens the door to Wenlianna’s lab. Wenlianna isn’t bustling around or studiously poring over a manuscript.

Instead, she’s asleep at one of her many work benches. Daniel gestures for Hekate and Reignleif to remain quiet, and they nod in confirmation.

In addition to her being present, which is only a slight setback, Daniel marvels at the many new devices Wenlianna has managed to build in the brief time that she’s had unlimited access to his phone. He sees an electric generator powering the mana charging device, though it doesn’t seem to be working quite like when Wenlianna did it herself. She must still be working on it. There’s a strange crystal floating on all on its own inside of a special containment system. He sees a few incomplete systems, though they look like they could be some sort of engine in order to drive either pumps or even perhaps carriages. There are also many, many notes scattered around on the chalkboards, paper notes, and even on the desk itself, much of which Daniel recognizes as phonetically translated English words, like when specific English words are translated to Japanese, sounding almost identical to the English word itself, but using the Japanese syllables.

She has been translating what she can from the phone, doing her best to make sense of it, and then developing technologies using the magic equipment she knows to make equivalents for this world.

Daniel smiles reverently, and Hekate glares at him. He gestures with his hands for her to relax, and she resists the urge to growl. She tenses, storming across the room for a moment and pouting in a corner. Daniel rolls his eyes and continues searching. He can hear another generator in the next room, which if he remembers right, is Wenlianna’s locked room. He looks to Reignleif, pointing at the door. He shakes his hands in a motion mimicking trying to open the door but not being successful.

“You wish for me to unlock the door with magic, Mukori?” asks Reignleif’s voice via telepathy.

Daniel nods affirmatively, and she nods in turn. “Leave it to me.”

Reignleif approaches the door, beginning to cast a spell that creates a magic circle.

Daniel watches for a moment, glancing at Wenlianna. She’s still asleep for now, but they’ll need to move quickly if she wakes up. As far as he knows, she doesn’t practice offensive magic, but that doesn’t mean she can’t or won’t put up a fight.

However, as he’s waiting for Reignleif to open the door, Hekate does something surprising.

She silently withdraws a blanket from her magic bag, approaching Wenlianna quietly. Daniel reaches towards her, but he doesn’t want to say anything for fear of waking her up. Hekate’s not especially violent, but he isn’t sure what she’s doing.

Her intentions prove to be completely wholesome, though. She simply covers Wenlianna with the blanket gently, being extra careful not to disturb the magic artisan.

She spots Daniel watching her, and she flinches, walking away with her hands behind her back like she did nothing.

“I’ve got it.” Daniel exhales, being sure not to make noise, and he walks to the door. Reignleif opens it for him, and he nods at her. He moves inside and inspects the room.

Sure enough, there’s the generator, charger, and phone all together. He approaches as he withdraws one of his medium magic bags from storage in a small bag, and he collects all of the items to go with his phone.

I hate doing this, but I guess I could call this my pension, right? He shakes his head at his own dumb rationalization, but he decides to leave a note. He writes a brief note before joining the other two at the door. They close the door and lock it from the inside, and Hekate casts the return spell, instantly returning them to the Citadel.

As soon as they’re safely in the return circle, Hekate pounces on Daniel. “You thought she was pretty, didn’t you!? Huh!?”

Daniel pries the feldrok girl off of himself, retorting, “Hekate, jealousy isn’t a good look on you. Especially when you’ve still yet to win the Hekate game even once.”

She twitches in his arms, crossing her own arms as she looks away with a sassy huff. “That means she is pretty.”

Daniel sighs. “Yes. But, I’m here, aren’t I? I could’ve sabotaged the mission if I wanted to stay.”

She pouts, saying nothing. 

“Those devices,” starts Reignleif. “Are they what you wished to retrieve?”

Daniel nods as he sets Hekate down. “Indeed. Specifically, my phone.” Daniel withdraws the phone, inspecting it. Sure enough, it’s in perfect condition, and he’s able to show the screen to the other two, who marvel at it for a moment.

“It looks like the panels in the Citadel,” remarks Hekate.

“Agreed. Interestingly enough, it works the same basic way.”

Reignleif asks softly, “Do you think the Citadel was built by someone of your world, Mukori?”

Both she and Hekate wait for his answer.

“It’s certainly possible, but highly unlikely. I suspect it’s an avenue of technology that simplifies usage and efficiency, similar to how my world also had bows and arrows, swords and spears just as this world does. However, once firearms became widespread, those weapons became all but obsolete, serving more as collectibles or much more specific tools, such as for hunting. You would be unlikely to hear about any of those weapons used in warfare, save unique cases where firearms are unavailable to the ones using them.”

Daniel shows one of the documents on his phone to the two, and Xyreko arrives in a teleport. “I take it the mission was a success?”

Daniel nods. However, Hekate growls, “Nooooo. Daniel left a love letter for that woman! He’s recruiting another mistress! Can you believe it?”

“Yes,” retorts Xyreko with all of the gentleness of a brick. Hekate can only gasp and stammer as she glares at the golem, and Daniel sighs. “Says the little feldrok girl who covered her with a blanket all on her own.”

Hekate gasps, now turning her betrayed gaze on Daniel.

“I… That’s…” She crosses her arms and looks away. “I’m not a heartless monster. She looked cold.”

Daniel kneels to Hekate’s level, and he holds her head for a moment, kissing her cheek. She instantly turns bright pink, stammering as she sheepishly stares at him. He smiles gently, petting her head. “And, that’s why I’m proud of you, Hekate. Thank you.” Hekate can only stammer and squeak unintelligibly, and she finally whirls away from Daniel, hiding her face with as much of her body as she can, including her big fluffy tail. Daniel chuckles warmly. He then stands up, asking as he does, “How is the siege going?”

“Interesting, Daniel. I decided to try something in the last hour or so. I’ve been having the mud golems go into battle unarmed, and they are simply capturing weapons. It is causing quite the confusion of those wise enough to retreat in order to try to claim a new weapon, while those who stand and fight the mud golems become living shields as they are absorbed into the mud.” Xyreko quickly adds, “I am ensuring they can breathe and doing my best to keep them from being hit by stray bolts. Most of the soldiers are reluctant to attack the golems carrying their own, but they are surprisingly brave about trying to rescue said captives.”

“Sounds good. Keep up the good work, Xyreko. Thank you.”

She bows her head. “Of course, my darling Daniel.” Just before Daniel does anything else, though, she adds, “Oh… Daniel, I should report. There was an anomaly along the northwest perimeter of the castle town.”

“An anomaly?”

She nods. “Intruders were detected, but my golems have found no evidence. It could have been wildlife from the lake, but I can’t say it’s not actual intruders. I simply can’t find them if they are.”

“Continue to operate with the assumption that there are intruders on the grounds. Try not to cause a panic, but see if you can run a quick census on the villagers and search the town. Is there any way they could get into the castle?”

“By force, no. Not without breaking my barrier. However…”

“However?”

“If they captured a hostage…”

“I understand. All the more important to account for everyone. Move everyone in the Citadel to the control room and inform them of what’s going on.”

“It shall be done. And, I shall isolate the intruders once they are found. I apologize that I am unable to detect them.”

“No. I’m glad you mentioned it. I’d rather play it safe. Once we confirm everyone is safe, we’ll sweep the floors one at a time.”

She nods and vanishes in a teleport. 

“Didn’t it take us a couple weeks to navigate this place, Daniel?” asks Hekate. “I can’t imagine intruders could avoid Xyreko’s detection and find whatever they’re looking for. And, if it’s you, you could be anywhere.”

“I can only guess as to their plans. Regardless, they’re likely using stealth magic, same as we were. Xyreko’s good, but her attention is mostly on the siege. The golems need direct control.”

Hekate nods as she cups her chin. Reignleif asks softly, “Are you certain you don’t wish for us to intervene?”

“Not directly. While Xyreko is gathering everyone, let’s take another quick flight to see what the supply situation is. They’ve likely got staging areas set up.”

Reignleif smiles and nods. “Can I blow them up!?” asks Hekate. “Th-The supplies. I want to blow up the supplies.” She adds with a darker tone, “I want them to rue the day they attacked my home and my friends.”

Daniel smirks and nods in agreement. Hekate grins, adding softly, “They have to be alive to rue the day, right?”

“Yes. Very merciful of you, oh great Empress Hekate.”

Reignleif laughs in her soft voice, and the young feldrok girl hums proudly as she stands as tall as her small form allows. “I am merciful, aren’t I?”

“You’d be a saint if you met the height requirements.”

“Mm-hmm-... WAIT A MINUTE!”

Daniel is already walking away when Hekate whirls to glare at him, and she pounces onto his back, biting his armored shoulder. “Gyuu kake gat gack!” growls the little girl as she gnaws on his armor, though Daniel ignores her. Reignleif continues to chuckle, following the two of them to the flyway to surveil the siege from the air.

For now, Xyreko will gather everyone, which grants them time to undertake the surveillance.

Little do they know what lurks in the depths of the Citadel.

***

Muindis and his group follow on either side of the humongous corridors as the comparatively tiny and insignificant little goblin woman nervously walks. She seems to know where she’s going, and the other squads are following at a distance. Stealth magic is keeping them undetected, though they have to be careful to keep track of their path through the Citadel. It’s a humongous castle, and like navigating a city, it could be easy to get lost. Especially because many of the long corridors are almost labyrinthian in design, as if to lure in victims and trap them forever.

Muindis knows that it’s mostly due to their relative size. The castle seems to be meant for dragons, and so, human-kin and their goblin hostage are little more than ants.

The captain stays in striking range of the goblin, just in case she tries to pull any tricks. However, as he walks, he notices that the goblin woman doesn’t seem to have a shifty air about her. She’s simply nervous and afraid, and she only glances back at him to make sure she isn’t doing anything wrong in his eyes.

Finally, after what feels like hours of walking, ascending long stairwells, and crossing catwalk bridges between interior castle sections, the goblin woman approaches a door. She knocks, calling out, “Master? It’s Shek. Shek need speak to Master.”

“What’s the meaning of this?” hisses Darner. “We told you to take us to Daniel.”

Shek whirls and trembles. She stammers, “Sh-Shek… Master… Shek take…”

Darner storms close, kicking the goblin woman, and she slams into the wall, crying out. “You filthy little monster!”

Muindis stops Darner from going further. For now, she hasn’t betrayed them, and they need her to find wherever Daniel is being held. Muindis understands Darner’s anger, though. Goblins are typically aggressive and savage creatures. A horde of them can lay waste to a village, in spite of how relatively weak they are. They fight with abandon, every swing meant to be lethal with nothing held back.

Seeing this ‘Shek’ is quite the contradiction. Muindis would kill her in a heartbeat if needed, but for now, she’s useful.

Shek whimpers, crying from the pain as she clutches her abdomen. “M-M-Master… P-Pwease… help… Shek…”

Muindis crouches, still towering over the small woman. “We’re not looking to meet with Hekate. We’re looking for Daniel. We know he was handed over to you goblins by Hekate and the dragons. But, we also know he’s alive.”

“O-Of course alive…” whimpers Shek. She coughs. “Sh-Shek no eat…” She trails off, unable to continue as her stomach pains her.

“Speak damn you!” Darner kicks her, and Muindis shoves him back. “What the hell are you doing!?”

“I’m tired of treating this disgusting wretch like it’s a person! Do you know what their kind do!? My brother and his family lived near the mountains. These things are a pestilence.”

“Be that as it may, we still don’t know where Daniel is.”

“Sh-Shek… s-s-sorry… Shek try help…” She sniffles and whimpers. 

Suddenly, a thunderous boom startles all of them, and Halbrond cries out as he flops against the wall, his armor caved in over his chest.

Several of the Stalvaltan soldiers were forced to their knees by the painful volume of the attack. It possessed all of the power of thunder, but as if it came from directly next to them.

Out of the shadows steps an unmistakable visage. It is the knight and apparent ‘Darling’ to Hekate. He draws a sword while still holding a strange, short wand made from a square pipe with an angled grip. Smoke is trailing from the end of the wand, and everyone helplessly stares at him, stunned. Thinking quickly, Darner tries to pounce Shek to take her hostage, but a second boom startles everyone, and he cries out as blood sprays. He is thrown to the ground on his back, a flash being the only tell of the terrifying spell.

Or, the otherworldly weapon. Muindis, startled by the flash and the cough of fire and smoke, spots a glint in the dim light of the hallways. It’s a small, tiny, metal canister that pops out of the side of the weapon after the attack. While smaller, it looks just like the canister Wenlianna was brought into inspect, and which she confirmed is a component of Daniel’s otherworldly dragon slaying weapons.

Both Halbrond and Darner seem to be alive, though they are grievously wounded. Perhaps the smaller canisters mean less lethality.

“Shek! Come to me!” calls out the mysterious knight. 

The goblin woman strains, but she manages to get to her feet, ambling as quickly as her injuries will allow, which is quick enough for her to escape Muindis. She cries as she hugs the knight’s waist, her head barely reaching his hips. “M-M-Master! Shek sorry! Sh-Shek…”

He replies surprisingly gently, “It’s alright, Shek. I’m glad you’re alright.”

She nods, still sobbing into his hip. The knight aims Daniel’s weapon at Muindis, growling, “That’s more than I can say for the lot of you.”

***

Shortly before, Daniel and Hekate ride on Reignleif’s back once more, sailing over the siege lines. As expected, mud golems are haplessly marching endlessly into the eastern forces. The golems are akin to robots, but powered by magic, so they have no fear, and they have no qualms about marching fearlessly into death. Because they simply melt into piles of mud upon destruction, they can be shoveled back into the golem making magic device and turned into new ones, but no one on the enemy’s side will try to steal the material for their own purposes. Iron is valuable, and would be relatively desireable to hoard it upon defeating iron golems, even if they are more durable and difficult to defeat. Same goes with even higher-tier golems. Mud golems are completely expendable in the grand scheme of things, and so long as Xyreko can produce them faster than they’re destroyed, the enemy will never gain ground on the Citadel.

Suddenly, a voice rings out in Daniel’s helmet. “Daniel! I can’t believe you returned and didn’t tell me!”

He asks audibly, though he suspects they ‘hear’ him some other way, “Ryuo? We were back for like five minutes.”

“I know! Why didn’t you invite us this time?”

Daniel rolls his eyes. However, before he can answer, Xyreko cuts in. “Daniel, we have a problem. I found the intruders. They have Shek.”

Daniel sits up. “Shek!? Is she alright?”

Both Hekate and Reignleif look back at him. “They have Shek!?” asks Hekate. “Where!?”

“Outside of Daniel’s room.”

“Hekate!”

“I’m on it! Reina, join us as soon as you can!” Hekate stands up, casting teleportation on herself and Daniel. In an instant, they appear in Daniel’s room. 

“Good work. Now, stay here for the beginning. I need to draw out their forces. Once Reina arrives, you two deal with anyone trying to flank me.”

She nods. “B-Be careful.”

“You too. Reina, did you get that?”

“Yes, Mukori. I am returning as quickly as possible.”

“Me too, Daniel! I will aid you in this time of treachery!”

“Thanks Ryuo. You and Geira be careful. Ask the others to hold the control room, please.”

“Your wish is my command, Master!”

Daniel draws his pistol, and he hears Shek cry out. His blood begins to boil.

He quickly jogs to the door, listening to the other side. “Sh-Shek… s-s-sorry… Shek try help…”

Daniel slides the door open, spotting an archer across the hall. He still has ‘non-lethal’ rounds loaded, but he doesn’t care what happens to these guys now. He aims and fires before the archer notices him, and the soldiers all flinch following the thunderous report of the pistol.

As Daniel moves out into the hall to close his door, he studies those around him briefly, drawing Nemaisol to act as a sort of magic shield as much as possible. 

Suddenly, movement catches his eye; one of the Stalvaltan soldiers is trying to grab Shek, and Daniel aims on instinct, firing instantly. Blood sprays as the soldier is toppled. Though ‘non-lethal’ to a degree, they’re still bullets, and he hit pure flesh instead of armor, probably in between one of the armor’s joints. 

However, the survival of enemy soldiers is not  his priority. It’s a goal, but far from a priority.

Instead, Daniel cares about one thing right now.

“Shek! Come to me!”

Shek limps, clutching her abdomen as she tries to run, but can move barely quicker than a walk. Still, she is able to escape the immediate proximity of any of the soldiers, and she clings to Daniel’s side as she sobs. She tries apologizing, but Daniel reassures her gently. “It’s alright, Shek. I’m glad you’re alright.”

He can feel Shek nod, though her sobs don’t grow any softer. Daniel growls with anger filling his voice, but his composure still intact, “That’s more than I can say for the lot of you.”

Daniel pivots, dissipating a fireball with Nemaisol as the sword crackles. Thankfully, the glow shifts in the presence of magic. He has virtually none, and Shek has very little magic ability. Whichever way the sword is glowing is a pretty good wind gauge to where magic is coming from with battlemages of the Stalvaltan Guard. Additionally, as long as he can get the sword close, the spell can be disrupted before it reaches him or Shek. Daniel fires his pistol as the fireball is flaring in reaction to Nemaisol, and another soldier cries out. There are several in the direction of the hall where they had Shek, and Daniel pivots again, throwing Nemaisol in a horizontal spin. His newly free left hand finds his second pistol, while one of the swordsmen drops his spell to parry Nemaisol.

Oh, how unprepared he is.

Nemaisol passes through the soldier’s sword with ease, even as he swings it down to bat the sword away. He narrowly dodges, taking a brutal slash on his shoulder that nearly claimed his whole arm as the sword passes the group and startles all of them, clanging across the ground as a solid iron blade clangs in alternation, severed cleanly.

Daniel now has both of his pistols ready, and he opens fire, changing directions to keep all of the Stalvaltan soldiers suppressed.

“Hekate! Can you hear me?”

“She says yes, Daniel. Her helmet is protecting her ears.”

“Good. Hekate, open the door and get Shek to the control room. There’s about fifty of them in total, scattered in the hall and closing in on me.”

Daniel notices the door slide open, and he keeps firing, shoving Shek towards Hekate. Hekate scoops the goblin woman into the room, closing the door just as quickly as Shek cries out in fear and surprise. However, she’s as safe as can be, now.

While Daniel is able to incapacitate some of the Stalvaltan soldiers, he is forced to take cover from ranged spells as the novelty shock factor wears off for the soldiers. They still flinch during some of the shots, but are able to focus enough to fight back. 

As the soldiers close in, three figures appear near the ceiling, flying at great speed. Daniel easily recognizes them, since they’re in they’re human forms, but with their wings extended.

Daniel holds fire as Reignleif swoops in, sliding on  her feet as her mantle flutters around her. She puffs her chest as she takes in a massive breath, and Daniel can see the sparks of magic flickering from behind her high collar that usually hides most of the lower half of her face.

She reveals a hand to pull her collar down, and Daniel ducks. 

Flames roar overhead, filling much of the hall with bright light and burning heat. Many of the soldiers scream and scramble out of the way, while Ryuogriar comes to a hover just ahead of Daniel. “You fools! You enter these sacred grounds and attack our cherished companions?” She waves her hands elegantly, easily intercepting magic spells with barriers as the soldiers try to fight back. She’s simultaneously casting several spells, including the barriers.

Daniel is then pulled away from Ryuogriar, and a magic barrier appears. Reignleif takes another breath, and she begins breathing a fire lance that explodes, pops, and crackles against the barriers along the walls; Xyreko is watching over them. That said, it does keep the soldiers pinned to the floor in fear, while their weapons, pulled from their hands and levitated in the air by the eldest of those present continues chanting spells. 

Daniel looks to find Geirahoel shielding him with her barrier as she keeps herself low. Shrapnel is spraying across her barrier, and any one of the molten pieces of former weapon could be deadly to Daniel, specifically.

A dark aura flickers out from Ryuogriar, and almost at once, even Geirahoel’s barrier vanishes, while Reignleif’s laser beam-like fire lance wavers and becomes little more than a large flamethrower-like swirl of fire. Reignleif and Geirahoel both relax, and Ryuogriar lowers into an exquisitely regal posture. One of the soldiers wearily tries to cast a spell, chanting loudly. Daniel places himself between Geirahoel and the soldier with Nemaisol drawn. However, nothing happens.

Ryuogriar says calmly, “There is no need for that, my beloved Mukori. I have cast a spell that has temporarily created a void of mana here. Since we know that life is not contingent on mana thanks to you, we’ll all be fine without it. After all, if I recall correctly, no one else here can breathe fire.”

The soldiers go on guard.

“AND…” booms a seemingly all-present young female voice. The air seems to distort in on itself in the middle of the hallway, and a portal opens to somewhere else. From it steps a small figure with big, triangular ears and a broad, fluffy black tail. Though she looks like a human with features of a fox, she’s actually one of the most dangerously powerful beings in the world. Hekate announces as she stands as tall and proud as her small frame allows. “Ryuogriar’s spell only works on people present at the time.” Hekate emphasizes her point by summoning a fireball, twirling it just above her index finger like a basketball with an arrogant smirk.

“Now then,” adds Hekate. “If you wanted an audience with me, you needed only to ask my chancellor, Xyreko. Wait…” She approaches one of the soldiers that was with Shek. “I remember you. Moon…dee. Right?”

Now that she mentions it, Daniel does feel like he recognizes the soldier. 

“L-Lady Hekate…” starts the soldier.

“Empress Hekate, if you please. I’ve founded my own empire since you were last here; the Fievegal.”

“O-Of course, Empress Hekate. I can explain.”

“I would hope so. You broke into my castle and took one of my people hostage. Then, you tried to kill my Darling. I imagine there’s a fascinating reason for doing all of that.”

The soldier hesitates for a moment. He glances at Hekate, and then at Daniel, who is still hidden in his armor.

“I’m waiting,” warns Hekate with a predatory smile.

*** 

Captain Muindis observes from a hilltop obscured by brush and trees as the first catapult projectiles are launched. The Citadel’s ruler, a young fox-like girl, has allowed the siege line to set up without confrontation. It becomes quickly clear why.

The jars of flammable oil smash on a barrier that was invisible until the moment the clay containers reached and smashed against its surface. The oil even runs down the curved dome of energy like it’s a solid pane of glass, yet the gossamer energy looks ghastly and ethereal, like solidified magic itself.

Darner murmurs quietly as he studies the same sight from beside Muindis, “A barrier. It wasn’t present when we last arrived.”

“We weren’t attacking. This must be why Hekate hasn’t bothered to send any troops. Look there.” Muindis points towards a high point on the titanic castle. Dwarfed by the castle’s mountainous size rests several full-size dragons, leisurely watching the ineffective siege. Over 20,000 men and women of the Allied Nations marched on the Citadel, and yet, the dragons are barely interested. It’s like an adult watching a child fail at an innocuous task requiring no intervention.

“The dragons… They don’t see us as a threat at all, do they?”

“No, but if Lady Wenlianna’s airship is everything the rumors say, we may yet see fear in their eyes.”

Darner takes a breath and exhales. No one asks the question they’re all thinking. They haven’t even seen how the Citadel’s defensive forces fight yet, which includes multiple dragons, and they haven’t even sparked the interest of the titanic creatures of legend. Many of them are lounging or basking in the sun, not threatened in the least. They are like a final tournament champion waiting for a challenger to earn the right to face them. Few in the Grand Duchy believe they’ll survive the mission. There are doubts they’ll even be able to find Daniel in a castle so large, let alone extract him. There’s no telling what forces are present in the castle, how numerous they are, and how strong they are. Supposedly, the silent knight that stood behind Hekate is the one who defeated the rumored feldrok lording over the Citadel for many centuries, and both he and Hekate had brought all of the dragons into their service, by all appearances.

One of the dragons flew off before the siege began, but they flew west.

Hopefully, the airship can prove its mettle against its first challenger.

Muindis looks at his infiltration team. There are around fifty of them from various specialist squads of Stalvaltan guards. While not all of them are as close knit as their own squads, they are all proud Stalvaltan battlemages. There are no individual soldiers in the allied kingdoms that can face off against them, and this will be the first real trial of the elite soldiers against the nigh-invincible dragons. The Grand Duke himself had hoped that ten Stalvaltan Guards could take down a dragon with his specialized training regimen, and Muindis has fifty at his disposal for this mission.

He gathers his resolve once more. They’ve come this far. “Let’s move. We need to search for side or back entrances while the siege keeps the attention forward. If they aren’t being attacked, all the better.”

The soldiers nod in agreement, and they continue as planned. 

The terrain around the Citadel, much like the Citadel itself, is mountainous, with one of the faces of the castle butting up against a cliff that overlooks the massive lake to the northwest of the castle. There is likely an entrance or exit near the water, since it would be an acceptable escape route for virtually all races, since Dragons can swim, and a boat would be relatively quiet when fleeing under cover of night.

Some of the castle town and wall extends down to the lake as well, meaning they’ll still need to bypass the perimeter of the wall, but it should be less guarded than the siege front for the time being.

The soldiers navigate over the rocky fjord, carefully filing in line and using minimal ground magic to ensure they never lose their footing. Physical enhancement magic strengthens their own muscles, allowing them to climb with much less effort and much greater dexterity. The combination allows them to remain silent and move cautiously, not drawing the attention of any lookouts they may not have seen yet.

As they reach the lake, they regroup, ensuring everyone has made it. With silent, affirmative nods, they quietly enter the water, using wind magic crystals to feed them air as they swim; a device created by Wenlianna during large scale production of the airship parts. Muindis never got to see the airship himself, but the rumors speak of a majestic craft that does in fact sail through the sky, squashing the air superiority of the dragons.

They swim under the surface of the water, staying a little below the surface to avoid noisy swirls on the surface. Those with water magic are bringing up the rear, able to accelerate the group through the water with a magic current to help ease the swim.

Soon enough, they reach the shallows once more, and they cautiously regroup. Once together, they each hold their breath, cautiously peeking above the surface of the water.

As might be expected, Hekate ordered the villagers away from the siege forces; demons and demon kin living in the Citadel’s surrounding town. They are all but living naturally and casually, though.

Muindis makes a few hand gestures, and the group divides up into much smaller groups, going ashore where they can stay out of line of sight and approach the town. Muindis leads a group of five, with Darner right behind him.

As they stalk cautiously through the town in cautious groups, avoiding being spotted by the demon kin, Muindis spots what he’s looking for.

A goblin.

It’s a female goblin, wearing a simple dress with surprisingly frilly adornments as she walks with a basket. It’s a strange sight, since the goblins Muindis has seen and heard about are savages, often clothed in little more than rags and bloodthirsty flesh-eaters.

He grips his dagger, checking his squad. The last information they had was that Daniel was fed to goblins. Assuming that isn’t true, it could still be possible that Hekate has the goblins keeping him prisoner as a threat of torture. Even if not, they can simply kill her and move on.

Muindis signals the other groups, who are watching him from other positions scattered in the shadows of buildings. They’re using a specialized magic that dampens their presence, especially in shadows, while not burning through their mana as quickly as invisibility magic does. The Grand Duke believed it was better to conserve mana for offense and active defense in battle than to burn it on infiltration where skill and lesser magic can suffice.

Muindis stalks the goblin woman until she’s in a secluded enough position, and he swoops out, scooping her up and covering her mouth as he drags her back, led by Darner guiding him with his hand on the captain’s shoulder.

Once in the alley, they pin the goblin to the wall, pressing daggers to her neck. Muindis whispers sharply, “If you don’t want to die, you’ll stay quiet and answer our questions.” Not that I’m promising anything…

The goblin nods in understanding, her eyes watering. Goblins are considered barely sentient in most cases. Their animalistic behavior often leads many to believe they are simply bipedal animals, but scholars still classify them as sentient for two reasons; they can communicate with words, and they can deceive with sympathy. They may not be particularly smart in most cases, but they can be crafty, and won’t hesitate to feign weakness until they have the upper hand.

Thankfully, they’re incredibly weak on their own, relying mostly on numbers and ambush tactics.

Muindis whispers, “We’re looking for a human named Daniel. He should be the only human in this castle.”

Her eyes widen, and to Muindis’s pleasant surprise, she knows exactly who he’s talking about. “So, you’ve heard of him.”

She nods. “Shek meet! Shek see alive!”

“You speak the eastern language?” asks Darner.

“Yes! Shek learn. Master order. Shek talk to Master.” She looks at the group of five soldiers keeping her hostage for the moment. 

“Take us to Daniel. Now.”

“Wh-Why you want?” asks Shek nervously.

Darner hisses, “That’s not for you to know, scum!”

Her eyes water, and she trembles in Muindis’s grip. “Sh-Shek no dangerous! Shek love Master! Shek no want die!”

“Then take us to where Daniel is.”

She hesitates, but nods. Muindis tosses her to the ground, and she hits the ground on her side, sniffling. She cautiously climbs to her feet, looking up at the soldiers. Muindis growls, “If you try anything, our archer will split your skull no matter where you run.” He nods his head at Halbrond, the ranger specialist in their group.

She nods, wiping her face and climbing to her feet. She whimpers, “Th-This way. F-Follow Shek.”

The small goblin woman walks wearily, nervously hugging her arms as she leads. Muindis follows in the open, cautious of those around them, but they don’t give him a second glance. It seems Hekate hasn’t designated the Grand Duchy as enemies yet, or word hasn’t reached the town.

While Halbrond is the primary deterrent for Shek to try anything, Muindis keeps his own firespell ready to cast.

However, goblins are simple creatures. Shek probably doesn’t care about anything but surviving and being with whomever her ‘Master’ is, which is likely Hekate.

Shek leads him into the Citadel itself, and the true scope of the castle once more hits him. He is truly tiny within the massive halls of a castle that could only have been built for the dragons. Even knowing where they’re going, it could take hours to navigate, depending on where they’re walking. And to avoid drawing attention, they have to move slowly.

Strangely, though, the hallways are empty. There are no golems or soldiers. The knight doesn’t appear, nor does Hekate herself. And, the dragons seem to be all on the roof or the turrets of the castle, watching the siege with little to no interest.

For now, the soldiers keep cautious, most of them stalking after Muindis and Shek in the obscuring shadows of the hallway.

***

Daniel feels the airship rattle and shake violently as the dynamite explodes, shredding the hull of the airship and forcing its hull to twist and mangle as the shockwave cannon suffers catastrophic damage. Immediately afterwards, more equipment shears and buckles, and metal structure and wooden planks snap and rumble against each other. Gravity seems to decay into nothing as the airship begins falling, and all of its passengers, crew, and boarders along with it. 

Daniel ponders his options as he makes sure Hekate and Reignleif are alright. In addition to the mangling metal, shrapnel was flung all over. Thankfully, both of them are okay, though they were startled by the attack.

Hekate cries out, “What was that!?” as she floats with Daniel’s right hand holding her close.

“My explosion magic!” jokes Daniel, checking over Reignleif as she drifts with them, watching his face worriedly.

“You’re explaining later, Daniel!” shouts Hekate.

He nods. “Reina, can you fly?”

She nods, her wings sprouting from her back. In her human form, she can still fly with all three of them together, but it’s much more awkward and prevents Daniel and Hekate from effectively being able to maneuver, as well as occupying Reignleif’s hands or legs while she’s trying to balance and fly.

While they are currently enemies, Daniel doesn’t want to kill the Stalvaltan soldiers if he can help it. Even in his worst case scenarios, he doesn’t believe Aramellianna wants him dead. She would have him killed if she believed she couldn’t recapture him, but she doesn’t specifically want to lose his technology. In such a case, she’s not explicitly an enemy, though she’s not truly his ally if that’s the case.

That said, the soldiers are following orders, and they can’t win no matter how hard they try. The opponents they’re up against are far out of their league, though Wenlianna definitely made them a contender with a shockwave cannon that knocked Reignleif out of the sky.

“Reina! If you can, I’d like you to stop the airship from slamming into the ground.”

Both she and Hekate look at him in shock. “They attacked us!” snaps Hekate. “They hurt Reina!”
Reina remains silent, but Daniel replies, “I know! Reina, I won’t hate you if you refuse or lie to me that you can’t. But, I’m asking because I want to minimize casualties. I don’t want us to be killers. I wasn’t cautious enough.”

She looks away briefly, perhaps at someone specific; one of the hapless Stalvaltan soldiers clinging for dear life to the railings or other structure of the airship.

Reignleif finally looks Daniel in the eyes and nods. She flies with Daniel and Hekate out of the hole he entered by, navigating through the smoke coming from the destroyed airship as it plummets. The ground is getting close quickly, and Reignleif calls out, “Hang onto me!”

Daniel and Hekate hug her waist, freeing up Reignleif’s hands as she follows the airship down. She casts a massive wind spell that creates a cyclone with a strong updraft. Daniel has to fight to hang onto Reignleif, but he feels strong hands tighten around his arms. Hekate is using her feldrok strength to keep him in place.

Daniel nods gratefully, and he watches as the airship’s descent finally slows shortly before reaching the ground, and Reignleif specifically softens it to a much lower drop. It still creates a resounding thud, but most if not all of the soldiers should survive, considering Daniel was using low-velocity rounds to try to minimize damage to painful and penetrating, but not shred their bodies to unsurvivable pieces.

Their fates are once again their own, and their airship -specifically its cannon- should be incapacitated for the rest of the siege.

Reignleif ascends, maneuvering in a fancy whirl to position Daniel and Hekate so that they are on her back when she transforms back into her true form. Now, she looms over the wreckage of the downed airship once more. Daniel points, “See those cylinders under the wings?”

“Yes.”

“Those are the engines. Destroy them, and the airship will remain grounded here.”

She nods, swooping down and strafing with her dragon breath at full power once more, lancing through the casings and the magic-crystal-powered jet engines on one side before circling around and doing the same for the others. The disoriented soldiers are only able to muster a couple of attacks, sheltering themselves from the flames as Reignleif swoops by much faster than her casual cruising speed was. As she arcs up through the air, Daniel studies the wreckage. The soldiers are working to rescue the injured and combat the flames with water magic. They don’t have the luxury of retaliating now, lest they be overwhelmed by the flames claiming the wooden hull of the airship. Reignleif cruises at a fair distance, studying the damage, but remaining at a range that will allow her to evade effectively.

“Do you want me to save them, Master?”

“No. You’ve done more than enough. Their fate is their own, now. Thank you.”

She nods, banking to return to their course eastward. Hekate pivots on Reignleif’s back, unafraid of falling, and she smacks Daniel’s chest repeatedly with tiny fists. “You jerk! How could you leave us!?”

“You were successfully teleporting away. I wanted to destroy that cannon. Which reminds me, Reina, are you alright?”

She nods, glancing back at him for a moment with a small smile. “Yes, Mukori. I was caught off guard, and it did hurt, but I will be fine.”

“Will be?” asks Daniel skeptically.

She sheepishly admits softly, “I’m… still a little sore…”

“We can return to the Citadel. This mission can wait. Or, I can…”

“No.” “No!” Reignleif replied first, but Hekate instantly added her objection. “You can’t go alone! You agreed to let us help.”

Daniel pets her head. “And you have. You guys really did save me there.”

“I am capable of finishing the mission, my beloved Master. Thank you for your concern, though.”

Daniel sighs. “Of course. I don’t want any of you to push yourself past your limits.”

Hekate huffs, crossing her arms. “Speak for yourself, Daniel.” Reignleif nods in agreement, scowling lightly over her shoulder for emphasis as she cruises through the sky.

Daniel chuckles. “You got me.” He leaves out the part about feeling more expendable than everyone else. In the grand scheme of things, he’s much more easily replaceable than anyone else he has come into contact with.

Relaxing offense for a moment, Hekate asks curiously, “So, what was that ‘explosion spell’ you used?”

Daniel grins, though his helmet hides his face. “In simple terms, a simple stick of a type of alchemy powder.”

Hekate cocks her head, and as usual, her big ears emphasize the effect.

“A bomb. We called it ‘dynamite’ on my world. Not as powerful as some other mixtures, but easy enough for me to remember what goes into it. Didn’t think I’d have to use it, though.”

“It brought down that airship… Master, you are ever more impressive.”

With another chuckle, Daniel asks, “You think so? I figured I can’t top the one we used against the Devourer.”

“That you always seem to have a solution for every problem is what remains impressive.”

Hekate nods in agreement with the dragon.

Daniel replies softly, “Not every problem. It’s easy to look impressive when you choose the battles you can win. Without the Citadel, I could do very little against the enemies we’re facing. I likely couldn’t have defeated all of you dragons. I had every intention to take down Big Red, but I figured I’d die trying.”

Hekate and Reignleif are both quiet for a moment. 

“I’m glad you were the victor, Mukori. Even if there are problems you cannot solve alone, I will always dedicate myself to aid you in any way I can. Happily so.” She blushes a little, smiling over her shoulder.

Daniel smiles and nods. “Thank you, Reina”

“Don’t forget me, Daniel!” interjects Hekate. “You’ll always have my support before anyone else’s!”

Daniel chuckles, petting Hekate’s head, which prompts her to hug him. “Yes, yes, Hekate. Thank you very much. I’m glad I can rely on you.”

“Mm-hmm!” She continues hugging him for a little longer, and Daniel studies the ground ahead and far below them. It’s strange compared to flying overhead in an airplane. There are no obvious roads in the way Earth has. There are no points of light drawing the eye, and even large structures are difficult to notice on their own. A few fortresses and their accompanying towns are easy to spot, and Daniel searches carefully.

There. That looks like the river that passes through Mornistae. So, the capital should be… there! Daniel points, saying, “Reina, do you see that river with a castle town a little to the left of our heading? It’s pretty far out.”

Reignleif scans ahead of them. She twitches, “Ah! Yes. Is that our destination?”

“It’s close. We need to head southwest of there.” Daniel follows his own estimated  positioning, but he recalls the heavy foliage and landscaping around Aramellianna’s estate, which now that he thinks about it, will make it difficult to spot from the air.

“Should I fly over the capital and head that direction, then?”

“Yes. I can’t see the mansion from here.”

Reignleif nods, and she closes in her wings, diving to pick up speed and close the distance faster.

“Should we worry about more of those things, Daniel?” asks Hekate.

“The airship?” She nods to confirm his question, and he replies, “We should definitely be cautious, but I don’t know that they would’ve built more without having tested even one against their obvious target. That it can knock a dragon out of the sky is a threat, and I don’t want to see anyone get hurt if we can help it. Hopefully, they’ll get the message.”

“Won’t they just make it stronger, then?”

Daniel is quiet for a moment, and both Hekate and Reignleif look at him. “Of course they will,” he murmurs. “But, we can delay that process by getting my phone back.”

Hekate scoots up against him. “I wasn’t accusing you, Daniel. They made that thing, not you.”

“Agreed, Mukori. Everything you’ve done has been with the best intentions. Your former comrades betrayed those intentions.”

Daniel sighs. “That’s easy enough to say, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions.”

Reignleif spreads her wings again, resuming a more steady glide as she banks around to head southwest of the castle.

Hekate remarks as she looks down, "Wow… You weren't exaggerating about the east standing no chance, were you?"

Daniel remains quiet. He sees exactly what the feldrok girl is getting at. There really never was anything but Vaergraes standing between the seats of power of the eastern alliance and the dragons that could raze them to the ground in an afternoon.

"Wing drakes and wyverns are difficult to tame, and they are loyal to their bonded master. Humankin have neither the patience nor talent in general to tame them, and thus, have no reliable method of reaching the skies, before that vessel…" Reignleif’s telepathic explanation trails off at the end as disappointment seeps in. It was undoubtedly a point of pride for them.

Daniel gently pats her neck. "You’re still the masters of the sky, Reina. And, even if that becomes doubtful, we’ll make something to restore your status.”

She smiles and nods.

Hekate points, “There! Look!” She points down at the ground, and Reignleif and Daniel both scan below them. “What is it?” asks Daniel.

“There’s a lot of mana there! Like…” She thinks for a second, gripping her magic crystals to show Daniel. “Like these! Bright points of it.”

Reignleif studies again, and her head twitches. “Yes, I see it now, looking for mana specifically. There is a massive concentration of mana coming from a large humankin structure.”

Daniel thinks for a moment, looking back at the kingdom’s capital behind them. He estimates the distance as best as he can, wondering if it’s the right distance. He only made the trip a couple of times, so it’s difficult to be sure, and there is still a lot of foliage where Hekate pointed, so he can’t see any of the distinguishing features of the mansion.

Not to mention, if an asset of the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy had an anti-dragon cannon on its airship, even if it wasn’t nearly as lethal as Daniel’s, he doesn’t want to risk Reignleif taking another hit.

“You two remember what I said about shock drop?”

They both nod, and Daniel says, “We’ll jump then. If they spot you coming down, they might have more of those shockwave cannons, or worse, a projectile weapon that can harm you. Are you both ready?”

“Yes. I will catch you, Daniel.”

“Catch me, too, please! I still can’t fly…” admits Hekate bashfully.

“Of course.”

“Thank you,” replies Daniel. “On my mark. Three, two, one, mark! Let’s go!”

Daniel takes Hekate’s hand, and they jump from Reignleif’s back over the castle, holding hands as they freefall during the long drop towards the ground.

“D-Daniel!?”

“Yeah!?” shouts Daniel over the wind.

“I… Is this… I’m afraid… afraid of heights!”

“And you jumped? Wait… You came on this mission at all!?”

“When you’re with me, I’m not afraid! D-Don’t let go!”

“I won’t.” They keep their hands interlocked, and Daniel studies the ground.

“Sh-She’ll really catch us, r-right? Sh-Should I start the teleportation spell in case?”

“Reina won’t let us down. Hold onto me.”

Hekate closes her eyes and grips Daniel’s hands tightly.

Daniel uses the moment to try to glance up, and he notices a quick flash of wings directly over him. Reignleif swoops in along his left side, looking into Daniel’s eyes. Though she can’t see it, he smiles. “Come here often, Reina?”

She smiles, though she doesn’t know how to answer. She knows it’s a joke, so she won’t answer innocently, but otherwise has no idea what to say.

Instead, she simply takes control of Hekate’s right hand and Daniel’s left, using her wings to slow their descent as they approach the ground. She then lowers them at a much safer speed, but still quickly enough to avoid drawing attention.

Hekate refuses to open her eyes, even after her feet are on the ground, and Daniel teases, “Hekate… We’re safe now.”

“Shh. I’m focused on holding your hand.”

Daniel looks at Reignleif, who has yet to let go of his other hand. She blushes, looking away for a moment as she shrinks into the high collar of her dress and mantle.

He sighs, simply relaxing with them for a moment. It doesn’t sound like they’ve been spotted, and so, there’s plenty of time for Hekate to calm down.

After she is able to restore her composure, Hekate opens her eyes. “We’re on the ground.”

“I said that ten minutes ago.”

“Shut up! Don’t bully me. I confessed my fear to you because I trust you.”

Daniel smiles, petting her head gently once he can extract his hand. “I was scared, too.”

“Y-You were?”

“Mm-hmm. But, if I panicked, it’d have been even worse for you, right?”

She blushes, looking down sheepishly. “Y-Yeah…”

“Now then, Reina, how are you feeling?”

Reignleif, now in her humanoid form, cocks her head. “I’m unharmed, Master. I’m not afraid of heights.”

“Are you still sore from the shockwave?”

“Oh… Um… I’m… I’m alright. If I can’t go further, I’ll let you know.”

Daniel hesitates, but he decides to leave it be for now. Reignleif is still a powerful dragon, so she could easily annihilate the entire estate if she wanted to. The problem is whether or not she’ll return unharmed. Unlike the Dragon Lord and his brother, she’s not a bloodthirsty battle-junkie. If anything, she seems like the kind of person that would close herself off in her home and get by on snacks and books.

“Don’t push yourself, Reina. Now that we’re here, Hekate can get me back to safety.”

Hekate nods proudly with her hands on her hips. “Mm-hmm!”

Reignleif nods. “Yes, my beloved Mukori. I won’t allow myself to be harmed.”

He nods, satisfied, and the three begin to sneak towards the mansion.

Once they can see the mansion, Hekate and Reignleif cast stealth spells on themselves and Daniel. They aren’t invisible, but the spell does a good job of deflecting attention away from them, similar to strangers on the street. An extremely attentive guard might notice something out of place, but it should prevent them from being spotted as long as they’re subtle about their movements.

Daniel can’t draw Nemaisol for now, lest he disrupt the spell. It would be handy to have it as a sort of interception shield for any surprise magic attacks, but he might as well start shouting that he’s present if he does draw it.

They sneak through the wall using magic, restoring it before anyone can find the hole. From there, it’s relatively simple to get into the mansion, so long as they avoid the guards.

Daniel leads the way as they stalk through the mansion. 

Footsteps approach, and he silently signals for them to duck into a nearby room. They stand by silently as they wait for the individuals to make their way past. 

Hekate hums softly. “Don’t flirt with them, Daniel.”

“What are you even talking about?”

She points at him sternly with a glare, laying her ears back for emphasis. She shakes her finger to reiterate, cocking her head and widening her eyes suspiciously. 

Daniel sighs. “Must’ve been Yani and Mae.”

She gasps. “So! You do know them!”

She bats on his chest with her fists, and Daniel sighs. “I have no idea who it was. Can we go?”

She frowns up at him, crossing her arms. 

“I won’t flirt with anyone. Not even you.”

She smiles, but then her face resumes her glare just as quickly as Daniel steps past her to investigate the hall once more. Hekate whispers, “H-Hey!”

Reignleif remarks softly, “This mansion is rather elaborate.”

“The Stalvaltan Grand Duchy is one of the wealthiest families in the Kingdom of Mornistae. If they’ve been successfully selling diamonds, they’re likely the wealthiest family in the east, if not the world.”

The other two nod, though Daniel isn’t looking at them. He’s cautiously listening and searching around for anyone else.

It has been a while, but Daniel recalls the path well enough. They reach the wing of the mansion where Wenlianna’s lab is, and he peeks through the door quietly. There isn’t anyone hustling about, so perhaps Wenlianna isn’t present.

He checks behind him, and Reignleif and Hekate both nod. They can each hear far better than he can, so they’re confirming that they’re in the clear.

Daniel quietly opens the door and sneaks inside.

What he finds surprises him.

***

Daniel checks his own magic bag to make sure he has everything he wants for the journey to Fort Peony. It’s supposed to be a short trip, but just in case, they’re making sure they have rations, as well as weapons. It shouldn’t turn into a scuffle, but Daniel won’t hesitate to protect his family. After all, just because Commander Leiwelles shouldn’t prove to be hostile, that doesn’t mean the others will be so accommodating.

Just as they’re preparing to leave, Ryukana approaches Daniel. “Daniel, I will be observing you from here. If there is any trouble, I will remove all of you from the area. Rest assured.”

Daniel nods politely. “Thank you, Ryukana. But, focus on the dragons and Hekate. I don’t think it’ll come to a firefight, but they shouldn’t attack Gwenesphia or Treia, and Aoloan and I will be in disguise.”

Treia speaks up, “Daniel, that reminds me. You… remember about Leiwelles, right?”

Daniel nods. “She can detect lies. That doesn’t mean she can’t lie herself, right?”

“What?”

“I’m reasonably confident she’ll protect my new identity. After all, I’m the lord of the Citadel and have brought the dragons to my side. Even if I won’t serve the eastern alliance, having the dragons eliminated as a threat will be a big relief to the Flower Garden. Ideally, she’ll understand the problem with revealing that to the east.”

Hekate remarks, “I thought you were going to have the dragons intimidate the easterners if they try to invade.”

“Mm-hmm. Still true. And, we’ll let Commander Leiwelles know that. The goal is to de-escalate the war. If they invade during the draw-down, then the war isn’t actually over, and we’ll provide support for the side actively pursuing deescalation. Many things can cripple an army. Destroying supply lines, trapping and altering the terrain, and causing chaotic noise while they’re trying to sleep. The east doesn’t have any mass means of air travel or combat. A dragon flying overhead every couple hours roaring and breathing fire would likely be enough to keep any eastern army from sleeping, even if they believe the dragons won’t hurt them.”

Ryuogriar, Reignleif, and Geirahoel laugh softly together. Hekate instantly puffs up as big as she can get -mostly thanks to her tail-. “What about me!? I can scare people, too!”

She begins chanting and creating a fireball, but she halts when Daniel’s hand lands on her head gently. “I have a better idea for you, Hekate. Something only you can do.”

“R-Really!?”

He nods with a smile. “You can haunt them. Day, night; your ability to turn a corner and vanish and reappear anywhere you want will cause them to be on guard even more.”

Daniel reiterates to everyone, “Remember, though. This is all hypothetical. If the easterners don’t invade, there’s no point, right?”

They all nod together, humming in approval. None of them want to go to war, but they also want to ensure their life can continue.

“Alright, then let’s head out.”

Daniel and his companions, excluding Xyreko herself and Ryukana, who is laying low, depart on a wing drake’s back. Since the dragons had long ago tamed the various species of drakes, it was a trivial matter to send some of them to retrieve the drakes and migrate them to the Citadel. Drakes are useless as beasts of burden for anyone but a dragon, but Ryuogriar, Reignleif, and even Geirahoel are happy to help. The wing drake they’re riding on is about half as big as Ryuogriar in her dragon form, but it’s still plenty large enough to carry Daniel, Hekate, Treia, Gwenesphia, Aoloan, Ryuogriar, Reignleif, and Geirahoel in human forms. The plan is to fly into the controlled zone, remaining out of sight with magic, and then send the wing drake to wait somewhere else to be summoned by Ryuogriar when they’ve finished their business.

Daniel watches the sky for flares. He knows the scouts of Fort Peony are alert, and they’ll be quick to report danger, especially if a possible dragon is flying straight over the recon perimeter and entering Fort Peony’s controlled zone.

Thankfully, Reignleif’s spell seems to work, as there are no flares, and they are able to find a clearing to land in and disembark near enough to the base to walk. Hekate playfully sneaks along, reminding Daniel of a kid playing secret agent, in a sense. Everyone else walks in a cautious group, mindful of avoiding being spotted by free scouting members of the fort.

Gwenesphia remarks gently, "It all still looks the same, so that’s good."

“The former lord’s brother wanted an easy target,” replies Ryuogriar with disappointment in her voice. “He made himself one, instead.”

Geirahoel, surprisingly, is the one to chime in a little bitterly, “Live a life of war, die in battle. They got what they deserved.”

Reina and Ryuo glance at her, but it’s clear that they don’t disagree.

Daniel redirects after a moment. “It’s also good that the rest of the demon armies haven’t invaded either. My own personal philosophy has always been that boring is good. It just means no one I care about is dying.”

The group nod together, including Hekate.

However, Xyreko’s voice reaches Daniel through his helmet, and he slows to a stop. “Daniel, you have a new mistress.”
He sighs. “Do you have to put it that way, Xyreko? Hekate’s right here.”

“What did she say!?” snaps Hekate.

Daniel idly fends her off as she tries to pounce on him and get his helmet, “Who is it?”

Xyreko projects her voice to them, “The lady Vaergraes. Apparently, former Demon Queen.”

Everyone turns serious, including Hekate. Daniel ponders on her words, while Ryuogriar asks, “Does that mean…? Did the other covenant members remove her?”

Xyreko reports, “Lady Vaergraes, Lady Thymeria, and Illianna have arrived with virtually nothing of value, Daniel. Without titles or authority to leverage, I can…”

“Find them rooms, Xyreko. If they prefer a house in the castle town, prepare one for them, please. We’ll hear it from Lady Vaergraes when we return.”

“As you wish. Another matter to report, Daniel.”

“What is it?”

“A handful of goblins arrived with Chi’rinnis villagers, and they are also reporting troubling information. Apparently, a large contingent of eastern forces have gathered at the central fortress along the mountains and begun marching west. Fort Twilight, I believe. Among them appears to be a strike force of Stalvaltan soldiers.”

Daniel continues to think, and Ryuogriar asks gently, “Retaliation for your ‘death’, Master?”

“I don’t know. They can’t possibly think they can win. Even with my phone… Wenlianna won’t be able to make firearms, I think.”

“Phone?” asks Geirahoel.

Daniel is silent when he looks at her, still deep in thoughts of his own. He states to Xyreko, “Xyreko, we’ll need to organize our own stealth mission. If you can, fend off all attackers with non-lethal force. Prisoners are acceptable. Just find a place to house them.”

“Of course, Daniel.”

“Alright. We’ll be back tonight. Keep the status quo if you can.”

“I will.”

After Xyreko confirms, the others are quiet for a moment. Hekate asks, “What does all of this mean? Why would Vae not be Queen anymore?”

Gwenesphia asks, “And, why would imperial forces invade now?”

“Maybe they want Daniel’s weapons,” remarks Treia pointedly. “If it can be used by anyone, then they only need to escape with the weapon.”

“That doesn’t explain Vaergraes, though,” counters Ryuogriar.

Daniel is the one to finally respond, “Isolated, I don’t think either event would mean much. Treia’s probably right. They may be hoping the dragons and Hekate don’t know what they have and will either part with it or have it lying around somewhere easy to steal. They have no concept of how deadly the Citadel would be if they’re uninvited.” He then adds, “Vaergraes being banished suddenly… I hope it’s not what I fear.”

“And, what’s that?”

Daniel asks a little distantly, “Do any of you know what a perpetual war is?”

The others glance at each other, and Treia is the first one to venture, “Is it what it sounds like?” All of them readily accept that Daniel’s world is very different, and in many ways, further ahead in time compared to how Zenkon operates. 

Daniel nods in a partial way, “You would think so, but unlike wars in the typical sense, a perpetual war has no real end. The enemy is chosen in such a way that an ending is virtually impossible for the foreseeable future.”

He looks at Ryuogriar, specifically, because she’s the oldest person present and may more readily see his point. “When both sides can profit in some way, why end the war?”

“But, the covenant banded together because of the Devourer!” retorts Geirahoel. Reina nods in agreement. 

Daniel adds gently, “A perfect enemy. One that can force an army to invade another, but can’t be defeated. And then, when it is, the scapegoats are cleansed while new plans are formulated.”

Again, the others are quiet. Daniel knows that it’s a little paranoid to feel that way, but too many things are foreboding. A strike force is invading shortly after the Devourer was defeated, and Vaergraes is simultaneously removed from being Queen, all while the east refused to hear out diplomatic negotiations with the Demon Queen, assuming Vaergraes is telling the truth. Since Daniel can’t recall any calls for diplomacy from the easterners while he was with them, especially since they knew that if the dragons went on offensive, they didn’t stand a chance… Daniel is suspicious, to say the least.

Knowing this is neither the time or place, though, Daniel says gently, “Let’s get this visit over with and deal with all of that later. We’re here to visit friends, right?”

Reignleif is the one to joke, though keeping quiet, “Two of us are…”

Gwenesphia says softly, “Thank you all for accompanying us.”

“Hmph!” grunts Hekate as she crosses her arms. “You’re a comrade to us, and you were kind to Daniel when no one else was. I need to make sure you’re safe for his sake.”

Gwenesphia smiles, and Treia nods politely. 

They emerge from the forest and approach the gate. Most of the landscape has been restored since Daniel defeated the attack force, though some of the pits from his makeshift landmines remain. Geirahoel remarks a little cynically, “If I didn’t know Daniel, I would be ashamed to consider the red knight a dragon.”

“Or a knight,” adds Reignleif.

Treia asks, “Why’s that?”

“This fortress is tiny. It shouldn’t have lasted five minutes.”

Aoloan adds awkwardly, “If it makes you feel any better,... I think it was over in around five minutes.”

The others look at her, and then at Daniel. He admits, “I wasn’t keeping track of time. I was being attacked by a dragon.”

They share a laugh, and the watchstanders on the wall challenge them as they approach. “Halt! Who goes there?”

Gwenesphia steps forward. “Lieutenant Gwenesphia kos Vendarron, returning from long range reconnaisance with a diplomatic envoy.”

Her words are correct. There is a procedure. But, it’s so rare that anyone arrives to speak in this manner out on the frontier, that she has to chuckle a little when it catches the watchstanders off guard. They glance at each other, discussing it for a long moment.

Finally, the watchstander that spoke, Sergeant Melooenne, calls out, “Name the envoy.”

Gwenesphia looks at Hekate, and the young girl steps forward. They discussed it after the Stalvaltan soldiers visited, and Hekate chose the title she wanted. 

Gwenesphia replies, “Allow me to present, her wise and idealist imperial greatness, Empress Hekate, ruler of the Citadel and the newly founded Fievegal.”

Hekate stands proudly, and the others study her for a moment. While obviously a child in virtually every way, her entourage is dressed the part, and it’s all true. The Fievegal doesn’t have much authority yet, but it is a distinctly different entity from the rest of the demon covenant, which is all the more important now that the demon queen has been usurped, by all appearances.

Several long minutes pass by. It’s highly probable that the watchstanders are informing Leiwelles, and she is coming up with a quick plan on how to handle strange distinguished visitors from the west.

Melooenne appears again, announcing, “The commander will meet with you. Stand by, your Greatness.”

Hekate nods politely, and shouts of rallying organization on the spot can be heard, but are mostly unintelligible. Eventually, after another few minutes, a voice calls out, “Open the gate!”, which is repeated a couple of times.

The gates are opened, and they are met with guards lining up both sides. Daniel finds it a little odd that Leiwelles is inviting them in, but it’s possible Gwenesphia introducing Hekate without being in apparent distress might have factored in. Though, Leiwelles will undoubtedly have contingencies.

They walk in, following Hekate as she walks regally, clearly imitating how Ryuogriar is walking to carry herself like a regal being.

As Hekate walks in, she admires the fortress -as Daniel recommended-, remarking aloud, “Soooo, this is the rumored ‘Flower Garden’, is it? I see why.” She turns to Gwenesphia as they walk, leading into a question. “But, I can’t imagine all of these women here are fully satisfied as soldiers, are they?”

Both Gwen and Treia are quiet for a moment. Leiwelles is one of the few people likely capable of commanding Fort Peony as it is specifically because she has no tolerance for drama and will root it out mercilessly. She’ll do it in a roundabout way, but everyone that sided with Bellstram during the last time Daniel was seen on base was later put on restriction and formally reprimanded. Bellstram was also transferred off of Peony, revealing that, whatever her plan was, Leiwelles really was using Daniel, but had no intent to let him die.

Melooenne meets the group on the ground, escorting them to a conference room in the administrative building where Leiwelles’s office is. 

Leiwelles is already present, standing with a handful of other younger officers who are mentoring under her, as well as a couple of guards.

Melooenne announces the arrival, “Commander, presenting Empress Hekate of the Citadel and the Fievegal and her entourage.”

Leiwelles bows at the waist, saying politely, “Your Majesty, it is a pleasure to meet you. I am Commander Leiwelles, commanding officer of Fort Peony. I apologize for our simplistic accommodations. Please, make yourself comfortable.”

Hekate takes one of the more comfortable chairs prepared in haste for her, and the dragons take seats at other chairs in the conference room while Daniel and Aoloan stand at the back. Gwenesphia and Treia also stand nearby, but make their presences more obvious to Leiwelles, who takes a seat. 

Leiwelles doesn’t ignore them, but for now, she needs to address in order of importance, and she wastes no time at digging into who Hekate is as politely as she can.

“Forgive me for saying so, your Majesty Hekate, but I am only familiar with the Citadel, and rumors at that. To my knowledge, and our current intel so far as I know it, the demon territories have no countries, castles, or families by the name of Fievegal.”

Hekate replies warmly, “That is because it is my territory. I am the ruler of the Fievegal, a newly founded empire, if that makes it easier to understand. I do not serve the demonkin covenant nor your eastern Empire or its kingdoms. I want no part in this endless war. I just want to keep to myself and rule people who wish to be ruled by me.” 

Leiwelles hears her out, and she doesn’t smile or frown. She keeps a stoic expression, pondering the implications of who all she’s looking at. With his helmet on, Daniel is the only one she can’t explicitly identify his race, assuming she knows the dragons can change into a human form, though they preserve their horns and tails.

“I see,” is Leiwelles’s simple and polite reply. “Congratulations on founding your own territory, your Majesty. I would expect that you’ve considered all of the benefits and detriments, and it would be foolish of me to apply what little I know to your situation.”

Hekate smiles brightly, unleashing her pride and bragging. “Why, I wouldn’t call it ‘foolish’ to give me advice. But, I think conquering the Citadel speaks for itself, if you know why it was unaffiliated for so long.”

“I know only that the rumors that have reached me speak of a monster that resided there. I, of course, mean no offense.”

“None taken. A monster did reside there, and my Darling killed it before gifting the Citadel to me.”

This causes Leiwelles to be a little surprised. According to her, she can magically discern lies and truth, making it virtually impossible to lie to her. However, if someone else was able to conquer a supposedly unconquerable castle, it would be surprising to most that said individual would not then become its ruler.

“Your… Darling, you say?”

“Mm-hmm! My husband!”

That causes Leiwelles’s gaze to narrow. Daniel smirks in his helmet. While Hekate may want it to be true, she knows it’s not, and now Leiwelles knows it as well.

However, she doesn’t press the issue yet. “You are very fortunate, your Majesty. If I may, what brings you to my humble corner of the world? If you seek to conquer us, I must inform you that we are required to resist.”

Hekate nods, “Yes, I would assume so. But, as I said, I have no desire to rule anyone who does not wish to be ruled by me. Actually, I only made this visit as a courtesy, so that you know the time of your soldiers was not wasted, and to also ensure that you know they are unharmed.” She gestures at Treia and Gwenesphia, who both bow politely and greet Leiwelles softly. “Commander.” “Commander.”

Leiwelles nods her head, but she asks, “Are these two your prisoners?”

Hekate scoffs. “Pfft! What? No! They’re parasites! They showed up at MY castle looking for someone, and now I can’t get rid of them. Though, I don’t hate them, so I guess it’s okay.”

Leiwelles looks at Treia and Gwenesphia, who try to give nothing away, but they are far from stoic as Leiwelles. Daniel notices the Commander’s gaze move to him, and it lingers for a long moment, before trailing across the dragons and then back to Hekate, all within a short period, but enough that she just sized up everyone a second time, and likely has come to a conclusion.

She suddenly states coldly, “Leave us.”

There’s an awkward silence for a moment, as it’s unclear who she’s speaking to. However, she looks over her shoulder at the guards and mentees, reiterating sternly, “Leave us. Now.”

“C-Commander?” asks one of the mentees.

“I will not repeat myself. Leave this room, or leave the Garden. Final warning.”

The mentees hesitate, but they quickly scoop up their notebooks and make for the door, passing between the conference table and Daniel. Leiwelles then adds, “You as well.”

“Commander, what if…?”

“Everyone in this room from their side can level this entire fort faster than my preparations could accomplish anything. If you genuinely think you can protect me better in here than you could out there, then you can protect me from Fort Twilight. Get out.”

The guards hesitantly make for the door as well, leaving Leiwelles alone in the room with Daniel’s group. She pulls a device out of her messenger bag and places it on the table, turning it on. She remarks, “A friend of mine was able to get his hands on one of these and sent it to me. Ironic, in a way. It came from Wenlianna, of the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy.”

Hekate asks dryly, “Should I be familiar with that territory, Commander?”

“I see. Another lie. You are familiar with them, which just about confirms everything I wanted to know.” She looks pointedly at Daniel, saying without a doubt present in her voice, “It’s good to see you again, Daniel. Before anything else, are you a prisoner?”

Daniel hesitates for a moment, and the others look at him for silent guidance. But he did come to speak to Leiwelles, even if indirectly through the others. “I am not a prisoner.”

Hekate chimes in instantly, “That’s right! He’s my husband!”

Leiwelles points at her, stating, “Lie. Pardon the disrespect, your Majesty, but I know most of what you said is true. That is not.”

Hekate gasps, stammering as she glances at Daniel and then back to Leiwelles. Treia comes to her rescue, stating, “Daniel and Lady Hekate conquered the Citadel together. Lady Hekate is only trying to pressure him into marriage.”

“That’s not…! Well…! He’s mine! I’m going to marry him! That’s final!” She crosses her arms and huffs indignantly, and Daniel walks up to her, petting her head.

Leiwelles cocks her head, starting, “Maybe I have it backwards. Daniel, are these women your prisoners?”

Daniel tries to reply, “No,” as Geirahoel, Reignleif, and Ryuogriar all say playfully, “Yes,” and Aoloan innocently replies, “No.”

Daniel answers, “There are strange circumstances, but they are my friends. And, what Hekate said is true. We wanted to escort Treia and Gwenesphia back here so they could check in.”

Leiwelles sighs, leaning back in her chair. It’s definitely the most relaxed she has been on official business, so far as Daniel has seen. “I’m glad you’re all alright. You included, Daniel. You’re welcome back here at your station, though I’ve also heard rumors that the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy is mobilizing west in search for your weapons.”

Daniel twitches. He suspected it, but he was hoping that wouldn’t be the case. He asks cautiously, “What weapon would that be?”

She smirks at him. “The one that slays dragons.”

“I see. That complicates things more than I hoped.”

She nods, though she stops when Daniel says pointedly, “In any case, I’m not returning. My home is the Citadel, now. I accomplished what I was brought to this world to do, and I’m not going to be involved with the war, except to end it.”

Leiwelles cocks her head. “What you were brought to this world to do? I have it… on rather good authority that your summoning was unintentional.”

Daniel cocks his head in surprise, and he asks quietly, “You met a mutual, amber-eyed aquaintance?”

She nods. “She was looking for you. I assume she found you, then?”

Daniel smiles, replying, “She did. It’s all settled. Even without direct guidance, I found what I was summoned to destroy, and I destroyed it. The war should come to an end soon, though circumstances around that are hazy…”

Leiwelles sighs, “Daniel, you’re a wise man. I’ve never really doubted that. But, I don’t think you know how and why wars are fought.”

“I know you think this war is being fought by blood thirsty demons and the Empire and kingdoms are the righteous defenders.”

She narrows her eyes in anger, but he adds, “I know what a war fought between mutual allies for profit looks like.” Her anger turns more to confusion, and she continues to look at him skeptically.

“My world called it ‘perpetual war’, or ‘endless war’, creatively enough. War is an effective population control in every possible way you might desire. Too many people? Send them to war. People with too much money and free time on their hands? Send them to war. Pesky endangered animals or trees? Send people to war. Political opponents threatening to usurp you? Send them to war. It’s all about control, and it requires cooperation between the most powerful on ‘both sides’.”

Leiwelles doesn’t like what she’s hearing, and she looks at the others with a sour expression for a moment.

Daniel adds, “I know how it sounds, especially from the perspective of a noble, honorable, and loyal soldier. Even if the cause of the war is ambiguous -needfully so-, people are dying on both sides. Expendable people. Fourth, fifth, and sixth sons and daughters. Peasants. Inconvenient fools. Otherworlders who stumble across a political situation they don’t belong in. The very fact that everyone else in the world will deny what I just suggested is because only a tiny handful of people neither of us will likely ever meet are the ones who are manufacturing the war. Everyone else believes the lie, and it’s extremely difficult to prove until long after the fact. I first noticed it when almost no one from the demons’ side knew why they were invading. And, the fact that neither side pursues diplomacy very aggressively. Or why you will allow three dragons to sit in your conference room, knowing what you said is true, but still think the east can win the war. Or, even survive it if it were to truly escalate.”

This has everyone quiet and ponderous. None of them like the idea, least of all Daniel. He knows the outcome is drama, freedoms being taken away, and oppression when it all falls into place. Those in the highest positions, using the war for controlling the world’s population, don’t care about the damage it causes. They manufacture tragedies and new things to fear when real threats don’t exist, and cling desperately to any real threats and ways that it can be used to further the goal of the neverending war.

Daniel doubts Vaergraes was privvy to it, since she got booted out by all appearances. She was the scapegoat if things went wrong, and the next tragedy if she were to be slain; the beloved Queen, killed and…

Daniel decides not to say any further. His mind is going down a dark path, and until he knows for sure, further speculation is going to make it worse.

Leiwelles finally says quietly, “I know you are telling the truth as you know it, Daniel, but I can’t believe it. Especially because no one around you does either.”

“Regardless, you have the option to play a part, Commander. When my companions and I return to the Citadel, you can inform the east that the dragons are no longer a direct threat, or you can go on like none of this ever happened. We’re just old friends catching up. After all, what’s the first thing that’s going to happen when the Imperial commanders learn that the dragons are no longer going to side with either side?”

She sucks her teeth, realizing exactly what he wanted; she’ll find out the hard way if he’s telling the truth if she takes an active role in it.

“Why should I believe the dragons won’t attack?”

Ryuogriar replies for herself, “Mind you, Lady Commander, that we won’t let you destroy what we love. We won’t be invading. There’s a difference. We also won’t defend the west if they won’t back down either. All of us here want the war to end. Those who proliferate it are our enemies.”

“What of the land conquered by the demons? That was land belonging to eastern kingdoms. Some of them no longer exist because of this war and the invasion.”

Daniel replies curtly, “Negotiate for them back.”

“The demons…”

“Won’t negotiate now that they’ve gotten rid of the Queen. I know.”

“What?”

“Demon Queen Vaergraes, the ‘Demon Tyrant’ as she’s referred to in the east, is no longer in charge. She wanted diplomacy, and the east refused. Every serious push eastward by the demons succeeded, and as you likely have heard, they were mobilizing once more, but have stopped. I know you’re just one commander on a base at the far end of the world. Do what you want with the information we’ve given you, but I’d recommend finding a way to avoid becoming just another small piece of a heartless machine.”

Hekate states, “If you do give up, you can live with us. The Citadel is impenetrable and we have Daniel, Dragons, and me. You will be required to praise me occasionally and willingly provide the Citadel with mana. That’s about it.” She climbs off of her chair, pointing at the commander sternly, “But, you’re not allowed to seduce Daniel. He’s mine!”

Leiwelles stares at her for a moment, and then looks at Daniel. She makes eye contact with the others as well, thinking. She finally lets out a sigh, saying softly, “If I decide that’s what’s best for me, then I’ll send word. Thank you.” She looks at Gwenesphia and Treia, stating “Now that you know Daniel is alive and well, I expect that you’ll return to your stations peacefully.”

Gwenesphia and Treia both shake their heads. “No Commander.”

Gwenesphia adds gently, “I’m sorry, Commander, but we’ve already decided that we’ll be returning with Daniel and Lady Hekate.”

Leiwelles narrows her gaze skeptically. “I’m but a humble military commander, but at least one of you would be throwing away the chance for a proper marriage to be… one of many, it looks like.”

Gwenesphia blushes sheepishly, glancing nervously at Hekate, who is lightly glaring at her. “Come what may, Commander, I personally choose to be by Daniel’s side and face whatever obstacles that presents.”

“How very… accomodating of you.” She turns her gaze to Treia, asking, “And you?”

Treia bows her head, “I owe Daniel a personal debt. And,...” She glances at Daniel, doing her best to ignore Hekate, “I am fine with being a mistress. After all, my family has no nobility to be gained or improved by me marrying someone who isn’t worthwhile.”

Hekate makes her presence known by growling impotently, but she remains close to Daniel. Leiwelles sighs, finally saying, “I can’t say I approve, but I’m not your mother. Far be it for me to stand in the way of love or stupidity.” She puts her chin on her hand with her elbow on the table. She looks at Daniel, adding, “Daniel, I trust you’ll take care of my soldiers, since they have so much trust in  you.”

Daniel nods, “I don’t know of anywhere they could be safer in this world. And, I agree with Hekate, if the day ever comes that you wish to move your family to the Citadel, let us know. You’ll be welcome.”

She nods appreciatively. “I’ll keep your survival to myself for now. Until I know whether or not what you said is true, I don’t want to make any rash decisions.”

“I understand completely. With your permission, though, I believe Gwen and Treia are hoping to gather their personal belongings.”

“Granted. Your personal belongings are in crates in the quartermaster’s storehouse. Let me know if anything is missing or damaged.”

They both salute the commander, saying together, “Thank you, Commander.”

She smiles, saying softly, “Be careful… All of you.”

The three dragons rise to their feet, bowing respectfully, “Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Commander.”

Leiwelles rises and bows as well, “Thank you for your friendly visit. May your journey be safe and comfortable.”

The group then make their way out, escorted by Leiwelles and a few others, who help Treia and Gwenesphia retrieve their belongings, which they store in a magic bag after confirming everything of value is in good condition.

Leiwelles sees them off as they depart the fort the same way they arrived, and they return to the clearing they were in to summon the wing drake. With a small personal excursion taken care of, it’s time to address the brewing problems of the ongoing war.

********

“Check all wheels on all carts! It’s rough terrain between here and the Citadel.”

“Stock up on feed for the buckrohks and make sure you guard the water tankards. We’ll be appetizing targets for beasts and demonkin alike. They’re not so different from us. Bandits and raiders on the roads.”

Captain Muindis watches as his lieutenants organize and prepare the company for the march on the Citadel. They’re currently overnighting at Fort Twilight. Unlike Peony, which is physically closer, Twilight is much easier to navigate, and it can support a larger force than Peony. 

And, with the discovery of the Grand Duchy’s plan to send a splinter force, many of the generals and colonels looking to find a weakening in the Demon Army’s defenses have been looking for their own chances to seek glory. When questioned, the splinter force, known as Wyrmglare, were told to give the answer that the Citadel is believed to house a weapon capable of defeating dragons, which is why the dragons have taken to guarding it. However, this weapon is meant for humans, or human-sized wielders, meaning they just need to sneak in and take it.

This made the other leaders even more excited to become part of the attack, as a weapon that could defeat dragons would be even more desirable, as it could likely also be used to defeat any enemy.

And, as King Rikuto and the others of Mornistae have come to suspect, the strange phenomenon that washed over everyone seemingly at once all across the known world seems to have originated in the far west, following a flash of light that was visible from the mountains. The true source has still not been identified, but if it is a weapon, it’s all the more reason to push westward and identify the weapon or spell and eradicate it. It poses too much risk to the world as a whole.

Of course, that is a problem for Rikuto and the other kingdoms and the Empire. Captain Muindis is tasked with leading this force to retrieve Daniel at all costs. The other companies and battalions marching with them will be serving their own desires when attacking the Citadel, and Muindis’s orders from the Grand Duchess herself protect him from the authority of those who might otherwise outrank him. When it’s time for Wyrmglare to fall back, it’s up to the other commandants to choose to retreat or continue the siege.

Muindis states to Lieutenant Elkash, who is nearby, “Lieutenant, make sure everyone gets good rest. We’ll be leaving before first light and first bell.”

“As you wish, Captain.”

“It’s a two week march to the Citadel at a fast pace.”

“Of course.”

Muindis heads up to the outer defensive wall of Fort Twilight. It’s much larger and more sturdy than that of the Flower Garden. But, Muindis knows it’ll do little to stop dragon fire. He has never seen dragons in battle, as few who do survive. It’s rumored that the only reason dragons don’t wage war more often is due to their small numbers. Every one of their fallen -even as difficult as that is- is extraordinarily costly to the dragons. Or, so the rumors go. The dragons themselves -what few have been encountered and survived- are said to be extremely proud and arrogant, and they would never divulge such information on their own. It does make sense, since dragons hold enough power to raze castles to the ground, that they would be too few in number to risk grand assaults on every battlefront with the risk that any one castle could prove lethal. 

Something that rarely occurs to most people east of the mountains is how beautiful the west is. In many ways, it’s not very different. The climates are roughly the same, much of the terrain is similar. But, because the demons are less industrious than humans, dwarves, and gatonines, specifically, there are very few fortresses or large cities marking the landscape. Much of the land has a natural beauty to it. 

Of course, this also means that there are very few roads, and the course to the Citadel is one such path. Much of the trek will be off road after leaving the former eastern lands on the west side of the mountains. And, even what roads used to exist have been overgrown and poorly maintained since the demons drove the allied nations back.

“Think we can win?” The voice that asks is Colonel Bryston, of the Kingdom of Brellum.

Muindis replies with a salute, “I don’t know for certain, Colonel. Dragons are not an enemy just anyone can face.”

“True. But, the Grand Duchess must have great faith in your abilities.”

“We’re not meant to defeat the dragons at the battle. We’re meant to find the weapon.”

“I see. Yes, there was mention of that. And, I suppose it is good fortune that we will be providing bait, hmm?”

Muindis turns to face the colonel. “We answered questions, Colonel. You made the choice to join our mission, against our advice. I cannot accept responsibility for your forces.”

“But, you must have some faith in your own ability to succeed.”

“Of course. And, the longer we have to search the Citadel, the better. That’s not something made easier by a large siege, but it won’t be harmed by the notion either. The Citadel is the largest castle on the continent, built for the dragons. I don’t know that a siege could even outlast it if the dragons choose not to fight. And, it’s doubtful that they won’t.”

“Hmm… Yes, I see. But, your plan was to draw them out with a siege, yes? Even with your paltry force.”

“At least long enough to get in the door. As you know, the best we can do is plan.”

The colonel is quiet for a moment. He looks over his shoulders and around them, seemingly verifying that they’re essentially alone -at least as far as immediate earshot-.

“I hear… another rumor.”

“I hear rumors as well, Colonel. I have no way of knowing which one you mean.”

“This one’s about a specific person. The… fiance to your Duchess of Stalvaltan.”

Muindis is quiet for a moment. He replies quietly, “I know of no such person.”

“I hear he’s a commoner.”

“From my men?”

“I told you. Just a rumor.”

“Wyrmglare is here to retrieve a weapon. You’re welcome to invade the Citadel if you think you can find whatever you want. If you jeopardize the Grand Duchy’s mission, you should expect to receive sanctions, Colonel. Please understand.”

Bryston stares at him for a moment, but he smiles. “I see. I suppose that is the nature of rumors; always threatening to stir a pot that doesn’t need stirred.” He looks out over the wilderness beyond the fortress for another moment. “We’ll stay out of your way. But, if we fell a dragon without your help, I trust you will report that accurately, hm?” He nods his head politely and makes his way back down from the wall. 

Muindis watches him go for a moment. There’s a very slim chance that the Wyrmglare mission will succeed with 200 men or 20,000. Numbers aren’t the issue. A great deal of luck will determine whether this particular mission succeeds or fails.

With a sigh, Muindis returns to his own bed for the night. It’s a long march to the Citadel, and they’ll be even slower with this many troops.

*********

Metal clashes on metal as Daniel parries swords with several combat golems being overseen by Xyreko. He is surrounded, swinging a training sword with the skill level one might expect of a maintenance mechanic who has managed to survive in a fantasy world. He can make some fluid swings, but he overextends his posture and his momentum. Daniel makes a few solid parries, before the metal of training sword batters against his back, and he stumbles. He makes a few more parries, before another smack rings his bell, bouncing off of his helmet.

A female voice scoffs, and he looks. This time, it’s Gwenesphia. She teases softly, “Apologies, Daniel. I’ve never seen you fight, so I was wondering how a man who slays dragons fights.”

Daniel catches his breath for a moment, chuckling. “And? Go on. You’re impressed, right?”

She chuckles. “If… I’m being honest, Daniel, I don’t think you did something right if that many people are around you.”

“Ha! You’re probably right. Though, I trust Xyreko enough to know this armor isn’t for show. And, I probably would fight a little differently.”

“Oh? Would you demonstrate for me?” Gwenesphia smiles cutely, folding her ears down to make her eyes look bigger.

Daniel hesitates at first. He has what he needs on his belt, and Xyreko is using disposable golems, just in case. He looks at the golem Caretaker, and he asks, “Xyreko, do you mind?”

“Not at all, Daniel. These golems and their weapons are made of simple iron. Iron can be reforged. Not to mention, you are lord of the Citadel. You may do as you please.”

He sighs, though amusement is in his voice. As the golems start to move again, both of his hands move. He throws the training sword, which the targeted golem bats aside. However, he draws both his revolver and Nemaisol, the magic sword. Instantly, it begins to glow, and it cuts with ease through the iron blade of the closest sword to him as his other hand aims the revolver, blasting a golem in the chest and incapacitating it instantly. He moves in careful motions, while Xyreko protects Gwenesphia and herself with a barrier. Each shot is carefully placed to ensure it at least hits the mass of the golem he fires at. 

With Daniel’s specialized weapons, he doesn’t even need perfect form. As long as he can deflect the blades of his enemies or shear them off, he keeps himself ‘alive’ by not being struck until he defeats all of the golems. He straightens his posture, looking at Gwenesphia. She is surprised, but smiles and claps. 

Daniel takes his helmet off, approaching. Service golems arrive to clean up the training golems. He states, “If it’s up to me, I’ll have technological superiority in my fights. But, I figured it would help to know how to fight a little if I’m going to stay here.”

She smiles. “That makes sense. Though, couldn’t the goddess you just recently picked up give you more power?”

Daniel cocks his head. “Maybe. But, that’s not why Hekate and I went to retrieve her. In fact, it’s almost precisely why she was in trouble. They’re big on balance.”

She sighs. “The gods… Divine Realm… it’s… strange…”

“Maybe think of them more like archangels. According to Ryukana, worship isn’t necessary, and can actually become dangerous in some worlds.”

Gwenesphia nods as she listens. “I’ve never been particularly religious. Just… strange to know that someone was always watching over us.” She smiles.

Daniel smiles and nods as well. “Trust me. It’s almost as strange as suddenly appearing in another world.”

She scoffs and laughs. “I suppose that’s true…”

Daniel reloads his revolver as Gwenesphia watches for a moment. She asks, “Daniel… Can I ask you a question?”

“Always.”

She fidgets, taking a breath. “So… You have a lot of… friends, now…”

Daniel looks at her when she trails off. He remarks cautiously, “True…”

“And, you and Hekate aren’t married…”

“Also true… Don’t say that to her.” He chuckles, and Gwenesphia blushes, fidgeting.

With a sigh, Daniel takes a seat on a bench nearby, asking, “Is this a question I’m going to get asked a lot?”

“I… Well, y-you and I got along pretty well at Fort P-Peony, didn’t we?”

“Better than most. Though, you were in a… uh… certain state for some of it.”

“Right…”

“Same reason I’ve been avoiding Treia today. We don’t have the medicine that the fort does.”

“Right…” Gwenesphia clears her throat, standing in front of him and asking confidently, “Would you consider a marriage… w-with me? I don’t have a lot of family wealth or anything, and… I could probably be considered a deserter, but… I deeply care about you. And, I’m grateful to you for many things.”

Daniel doesn’t sigh, though it is the question he feared it would be. He doesn’t express exasperation or disgust. Truth be told, Gwenesphia is very attractive. And, the war should be over very soon.

He smiles, replying softly, “You really do want Hekate to kill us both.”

“W-Well… I just… I don’t want to regret not asking. A-And… If you’re worried about my virtue…”

“I’m not.”

She squirms with a blush. “W-Well… even so, it’s still intact.”

Daniel takes a deep breath and exhales calmly. “Gwen… If you haven’t noticed, I don’t know my right from my left in… certain situations. Hekate became my partner in all of this because she’s a child, and because she had no one else at all. I… don’t know what I want… in a… romantic partner.”

“I see… Feline ears, perhaps? A modest chest?”

Daniel scoffs. “Don’t make me play the Hekate game on you.”

“Th-The ‘Hekate game’?”

Daniel nods with a smirk, “A game where you lose. Trust me, you don’t want to play the Hekate game. She already knows better.”

Gwenesphia laughs for a moment. She remarks with a warmness in her tone, “I’m curious, though. I assume the Hekate game is an answer to my questions?”

Daniel sighs. “Your hair is a faint violet color. Pretty, but I like auburn hair best, personally. And, I like the feel of dragon scales…”

“Okay! I lose! Say no more.” She pouts, but then cocks her head. “Wait… Doesn’t Lady Geirahoel have auburn hair?”

“Dragons can change their appearance. I’m sure Reina and Ryuo could as well.”

“C-Could I dye my hair?”

Daniel chuckles. “Am I really that desirable?”

“I-... I think so. Or, I’d like to know for certain… And, you’re not married yet, but… I’m behind.”

“Keeping score, are we?”

“N-No… But, I see how you talk to the lady dragons…”

“I killed most of them. I owe them a little softness.”

“I see…”

“Speaking of…” Xyreko’s voice cuts in, and she approaches from behind Daniel. He shifts to look at her. “Speaking of?” he asks curiously, already having some idea.

“Lady Geirahoel is requesting you, Daniel.”

“Me?”

Xyreko confirms with a nod. “Yes. She expressed that you should hurry.”

“Or what?”

“She would be unhappy, I suspect.”

Daniel sighs. “Well, Gwen,... Looks like I have to go check on the lady that hates me most.”

“Is… that so…?”

He nods. “Yep. At best, she wants to gloat about her egg, which should be laid soon.”

Xyreko says nothing, and Daniel adds, “If you need anything, Xyreko can certainly help you. As for your question,...” Daniel thinks for a moment. He says softly, cupping Gwenesphia’s cheek, “On Earth, no one gave me a second glance. Now, Hekate will murder anyone who marries me before her, most likely. So… I don’t know what to do about anyone else.”

“If… I have Hekate’s permission?”

“I have to hear it from her. And,... I’m not arrogant enough to believe myself worthy of a harem. Don’t start a fight.”

Gwenesphia smiles and nods. “I’ll ask her, then. It seems, even if you aren’t married, you are beholden to her.”

Daniel nods sincerely. “Yes. She protected my life when I was too busy stopping the Devourer. Please excuse me, Gwen. I have to go tend to one of my supposed mistresses.”

She scoffs and chuckles, and Daniel makes his way to Geirahoel’s quarters, per Xyreko’s instructions.

Daniel knocks, and he can hear a pained “Enter!” in reply.

Inside, he finds what he feared. Geirahoel is wearing nothing more than her pajamas, a loose fitting robe, as she is curled up on her bed, groaning. 

Daniel asks, “Need something, Geira?”

“I… M-My egg is coming!”

“And? You could be in your true form, and it should-...”
“GAH! Ryuo and Reina both said…!” She goes silent, clutching her bulging belly.

“Geira…”

“HELP ME!” She looks at Daniel with watering eyes. “P-Please…? Th-They said… It’s… important… A-A-And…”

Daniel sighs. “Alright.” He closes the door, and readies himself for a long, sleepless night.

*********

“You have failed us!”

“You do not even know the maker of this new power in the world, and yet you seek to lead us.”

“You have disgraced your bloodlines!”

Vaergraes is barraged by complaints about her inability to defeat the Devourer herself, and her impotence in dealing with the east. She also has lost the loyalty of the dragons, all of whom seem to be loyal to the new ‘Lady’ of the Citadel, known to everyone else as Hekate. While Vaergraes knows the truth, Daniel expressly desired to remain anonymous to the greater world.

However, that isn’t the focus of the current meeting.

“Now isn’t about success or failure! Our only goal should be to de-escalate the war! If we can convince the eastern armies that we are no longer a threat…”

“They are inferior races, shallow in their magic and afraid of their own shadows! This world should be ours. It shouldn’t be wasted on cowards.”

“You’ve already tried diplomacy, and the easterners refused. Let them accept their own refusal in full.”

She sighs. It’s clear that she’s no longer the Demon Queen, and now she’s more of just a Shrine Priestess. The other clan leaders are bickering over how to handle the east, what to do about the Citadel, and trying to come to a consensus about what the mysterious flash and colossal sky mushrooms were. Vaergraes is the only one among them that knows the truth. Of course, she tried explaining the one known only as ‘the Calamity’, who wrought destruction upon the world to stop the Devourer. But, no one knows who the Calamity is. The ‘Harbinger of Calamity’ is known to be the Feldrok sorcerer, which fewer people know to be Daniel, but the Calamity is being sold by Vaergraes as someone else. And, because the Harbinger of Calamity has never demonstrated such power, it’s believable enough.

The problem is; because no one knows either of them personally -except Vaergraes, who is keeping it secret-, the Calamity cannot be controlled.

Vaergraes tries once more. “The Devourer is gone. We should try for diplomacy as many times as it takes.”

“Diplomacy. Hah! You are a weak person. How far the Uhl’tall have fallen. Vaergraes, you should return to your shrine and pray, and stay out of matters of our peoples.”

She always knew this day would come. While she is a powerful demon, she is a shrine priestess first and foremost. And, she ruled a body of people that wanted her to. Or, as Daniel mentioned, to take the blame when things went wrong. Now that there’s no threat from the Devourer, there should be no reason to fight the easterners.

No reason, other than the fact that some individuals have been made extremely powerful thanks to the war.

“Is this the decision of my council? That I relinquish my role as Queen?”

The other demon clan leaders look at each other for a moment. Some of them had decided before she even asked the question. Of course, no one wants to appear too hasty to cast aside the Demon Queen, who kept them all alive -and in power- through the worst of the Devourer and the war with the east. She found a balance between the two, preserving life, but not giving an inch.

“The Demon Queen is no longer a role needed in the absence of the Devourer. Let us resume our clan autonomy from the days before the beast.”

“Agreed!”

“I second the notion!”

She watches as one by one, the demon leaders of every clan slowly agree that she is no longer necessary. She doesn’t mind, terribly. Especially not after Hekate’s proposal for her to live at the Citadel. Vaergraes gave a lot of her strength and dignity trying to maintain that balance. If they no longer desire her, then her role is complete, and she can resume her duties as a shrine priestess, maintaining the stability of the world as a whole.

Vaergraes bows politely after the conclusion. “Very well. I will no longer serve as Demon Queen. I am now simply the Shrine Priestess Vaergraes. May good fortune find you all.”

She bows and exits the council meeting.

However, her trials are not over. She is being followed.

Vaergraes has to make the definitive choice on the way to her home. She will likely not get another chance.

She sighs, pivoting quickly and casting a powerful energy spell that explodes around her. It knocks the follower off her trail for a moment, and she quickly begins running.

At her home, she disturbs Thymeria’s meditations, quickly gathering her, their most precious belongings, and Illianna, and making a break for the wyverns. Just as they’re reaching them, they’re surrounded.

“Vaergraes!”

Vaergraes takes a defensive position. Both Illianna and Thymeria are powerful in magic, but the force that approaches is one that only Vaergraes can likely withstand.

“We’re leaving. Let us go, and there will be no bloodshed.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible.” Guillelmsah is leading the squad of fighters who have cornered Vaergraes and her sister.

“I’m warning you, Guillelmsah…”

“The time for warnings is over, Vaergraes. Your service has been commendable. Don’t let any of them escape.”

As the demons meant to capture Vaergraes start to move in, and she begins chanting spells, the air distorts with waves similar to heat waves and glowing lights. Suddenly, dozens of soldiers appear; soldiers made of iron and wielding strange staves that they hold against their shoulders, strangely angled horizontally, rather than vertically, like normal magic staves.

However, these magical staves did not originate in this world.

With a single, coordinated mercato, the air fills with thunderous blasts, and the demons that came to capture Vaergraes fall as one, spraying blood. The sound forces Vaergraes, Thymeria, and Illianna to flinch and cover their ears. 

The golems pivot and unleash their devastating spells a second time, and any demon soldiers that remained fall quickly. As one, the golems seem to dissolve, leaving the three Uhl’tall in an eerie quiet filled with smoke and blood.

“V-Vaergraes?”

“It’s alright, Sister. I think I know who is responsible.” Vaergraes, Thymeria, and Illianna make for the wyvern stables, boarding wyverns and fleeing from the central city of the demon realm. It’s one of few such places near the temple where Vaergraes and Thymeria have lived for a long time.

She says quickly, “We ride for the Citadel! Don’t let up until we reach them. It’s the only place we’ll be safe!”

“Why were they after you?”

“I don’t know for sure! But, I’ll worry about that once you are safe, dear little Sister!”

The three Uhl’tall women ride their wyverns as quickly as they can, bound for the one place in the demon territories not controlled by a demon.

*********

Daniel slouches in a more comfortable reclining chair as he sips a drink. Hekate skips in happily, finding him and grinning as she jogs over and hops onto his lap. “Daniel! Fancy meeting you here all alone! Heeheehee!”

Daniel pets her head, which earns another gleeful giggle. “Hekate. It’s almost like you were looking for me.”

“Me?... Yep. You got me. I was lonely.” She hugs Daniel from his lap. She growls, “You smell like dragon…”

“Geira laid her egg this morning.”

“Mmm… Are you Geira?”

Daniel chuckles, taking a sip of his drink. “No. I’m not Geira.”

“Rrr… When can I have children? Huh?”

“Come on, Hekate… Not today.”

“Well, when? It’s not fair!” She shifts herself around to be facing him, and she grips his chest gently. “Geira, Reina, and Ryuo all have eggs now. I don’t even know if feldroks lay eggs!” She grips him more firmly, leaning closer, “And, I know those other three want children, too.”

“I’ve been avoiding Treia because she’s experiencing a forced biological desire, not a personal desire. Do you want me to avoid you, too?”

“Nnn… No…”

“Good. Then, let’s play the Hekate game…”

“GAH! No! Why did you have to name that stupid game after me!?” Hekate crosses her arms, looking away as she pouts. “Is it a crime to love you, Daniel?”

Daniel pulls her head close and kisses her forehead, causing her to twitch and her tail to sway from side to side. “Depends on who you ask.”

Hekate hums happily, but she suddenly twitches. “Why does your face smell like Geira!?”

“Ugh… Hekate, I helped her lay her egg. Just like the others. Nothing else happened.” 

“Mrrrr… She kissed you…”

“And, now I kissed you. Can Geira say that?”

“Heh heh heh… No….”

“Don’t rush to grow up, Hekate. You missed out on your childhood, and we’ve got all the time in the world now. Alright?”

She lays her head against his chest, hugging him. “The others don’t have to wait…”

“They already waited. They’re all grown up. You’re not. If you were, I’d have to treat you like a grownup. No more piggy back rides, no more princess carrying, and no more sitting on my lap when others are around.”

She looks up at him, surprised. “Y-... You’ll still do them for me, won’t you?”

Daniel smiles. “I don’t know. How quickly do you want to grow up?”

She stammers, deliberating on the idea.

Daniel pinches her cheek gently, and she puffs her cheeks in irritation. “By the way, I’ll run it by you since you’re here, and you’ll make accusations…”

“Who makes accusations!? I would never! Is… Is it Ryuo? You’re going to sleep with Ryuo!”

Daniel frowns at her with amusement. “May I?”

She blushes, laying her head on his chest. “I-I meant… ‘I’m listening’.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I did! I-I mean, I was! No! I am! I’m listening!” She hugs him tighter. “I’ll listen. Please tell me.”

“I’m going to escort Treia and Gwen back to Fort Peony, where we met, so they can gather their personal belongings and let our Commander know that they’re alright. You’re welcome to come with us. I plan to also travel with Ryuo and Reina.”

“Y-You might as well take the whole harem!”

“Ugh… Yes. And, who will keep them from doing unspeakable things to me while I sleep?”

As she continues to hug him, she grips his shirt at the back, murmuring, “M-Me. I won’t let anyone steal you away.”

“Mm-hmm. I’m counting on it.”

She grins, clinging to him. He holds her so he can stand up, and she refuses to let go, so he walks with her. Her grip only shifts to loop her arms over his shoulders while he walks. She murmurs with her chin on his shoulder, “This is what you’re talking about, huh?”

“About growing up?”

“Yeah…”

“It’s a factor.”

“Mmm…” Hekate ponders it for a moment, but she doesn’t let go. She murmurs, “I’ll… hold off for now… B-But! I’m still your betrothed! No one else is allowed to marry you before me!”

“Alright, Hekate. Whatever you say.”

The two of them gather Treia, Gwenesphia, Ryuogriar, and Reignleif. Xyreko will be sending golems as guards as well, stealthily of course. However, when it’s discovered by Aoloan and Geirahoel, Aoloan simply insists that she’s joining them to travel together.

Geirahoel pulls Daniel aside as the others are getting travel kits ready using magic bags. 

“D-Daniel! I can’t believe you!”

“What is it, Geira? I got interrogated by Hekate thanks to you.” Daniel is joking, since no harm was done.

“H-How is that my fault!” The youngest of the three dragons that decided to remain with Daniel indefinitely huffs, hugging her egg close.

Daniel asks a little dryly, “What did you want, Geira?”

She pouts, looking at him. “I… I heard from Ryuo and Reina that you’re going somewhere.”

“That’s right. Fort Peony, where I met Gwenesphia and Treia.”

Geirahoel fidgets, asking sheepishly, “And Ryuo and Reina are going with you?”

With a nod, Daniel replies simply, “Yep.”

There’s an awkward pause as Geirahoel pets her egg and asks softly, “W-Were you going to invite me?”

“I figured you wouldn’t want to go.”

“W-Well! I… Don’t I at least deserve the chance to refuse?”

“You just laid your egg. I figured you’d…”

“I’ll bring her with me.” Geira hugs her egg to her cheek.

“Wait, you will? So you’re going?”

Geirahoel pouts. “Am I not allowed to go?”

“Why would you even want to? It could be dangerous.”

She narrows her eyes at him, and it really amplifies the vibrant green color of her eyes. “I didn’t know you hate me…”

“What? No. If anything, I’m worried for your safety and for your egg.”

She blushes. “W-Well, I’m a dragon. I don’t need your protection.”

Daniel sighs. “I’ll compromise. If you want to go with us, the egg stays with Xyreko so she can keep it safe with Ryuo’s and Reina’s. We’ll be flying, so we won’t even be gone a day.”

Geirahoel pouts, looking at her egg. She asks softly, “Is… that an order?”

“No. But, I don’t want any of the eggs in any danger. You might be nearly invincible, but I don’t want to find out how fragile eggs are. Alright? If you want to stay with your egg, I totally understand, and the others will, too.”

She hugs her egg to her chest, looking away from him. “I… I’ll leave my egg with Xyreko. B-But, we have to come back tonight!”

“That’s the plan.”

“A-And, it’s not because I want to go with YOU! Just so we’re clear!” She whirls, pointing at him sassily, and Daniel smirks. “Right. Of course.”

“I mean it!”

“I wonder if I could order you to express your true feelings.”

She gasps, turning bright shades of pink as she hugs her egg. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“Oh, I’d dare…”

She quickly jogs away, yelling, “You humans are all the same! Savage and wicked!” She trots a few more steps away, calling back as she turns to face Daniel again, “Don’t leave without me! I’ll never forgive you!”

Daniel salutes sarcastically, and he continues towards the control area, where they’ll be leaving from.

*********

Treia enters the dining hall as Daniel is lounging in a chair, drinking something alone. He sits up when he notices her. “Sar-uh, Treia. Doing alright?”

She smiles, sighing. “Yes. Just… restless.”

Daniel notices her tail swishing back and forth, and he realizes instantly to remain on guard. “Restless, huh?”

She nods as she walks, looking at the high ceilings and decorative lights on the walls and arcades. “Yep. Is it alright if I join you?”

“Sure. Pull up a seat.”

She takes a seat next to him, which he’s conscious of, but doesn’t remark on. Treia is a little bit more fiery about her thoughts and feelings, and she’ll be embarrassed if she doesn’t already realize her state. “What are you drinking?”

“This? Oh! Uh… Well, I was… having my own little celebration drink.” He pours a small amount into a glass for Treia, handing it to her. She seems surprised by the small amount, but she lifts the glass, taking a small sniff. She recoils in surprise, asking, “Is… Is this a potation?”

Daniel cocks his head, a little surprised that’s what she associated it with, but it makes sense. “Not quite. It’s like a potation, but without the magic. Different ingredients, though.”

She cautiously tries it, sipping just a tiny amount. Again, she recoils, and he chuckles. “You don’t have to drink it. I’ll get you something else if you want.”

She sets the glass down, blushing a little. “I… Sorry. But, you… celebrate with this?”

He nods with an amused smile. “Yep. Sometimes. Better than drinking to bury pain.”

She cocks her head, and he puts a glove on to operate a magic panel. “Anything you’re in the mood for, Treia?”

“I… Uh, what are the options?”

“Pretty much anything. A lot of you ladies at Peony drink rose milk, right?”

She confirms with a small nod. “Y-Yes. I like the sweetness…”

He nods in turn. He taps on the panel, and a few moments later, a golem walks in carrying a pitcher with a clean glass for Treia. She smiles, accepting the drink. She nearly coughs, though, murmuring as she covers her mouth to prevent dribbling all over her clothes, “Th-... This isn’t watered down at all…”

Daniel chuckles. “The Citadel isn’t involved in the war on either side, and Xyreko has a large stockpile available for all kinds of things. Hopefully, the war will end soon, and production can return to normal.” He takes a sip of his drink, and she ponders his words for a moment, sipping her own. It’s milk of one of the livestock animals of this world, flavored with berry juices that give it a taste that reminds Daniel of the smell of roses. He’s not actually sure if the word he defines as ‘rose’ is the same, since rose milk was his first experience with anything he could associate with roses.

“What’s your drink called, Daniel?”

“This?” He inspects his dark brown liquor that Xyreko helped him make with the assistance of some willing potation brewers. “It’s a first run of our attempt at a black spiced [rum].”

“Rum?” repeats the gatonine sergeant.

“Yep. A drink from my world made by fermenting and distilling sugarcane juice or molasses. One of the components of potations is alcohol. I don’t know the mechanism, but the process to make them is similar to making drinks like this one.”

She nods as she listens, sipping her milk. “I see… And, you like it?”

“This one’s not my favorite, but it’s a step towards the drink I used to have in my world. In fact, I had enjoyed a solid glass of it before I was summoned in Mornistae. Probably made it a little easier to brush off that I was suddenly exposed to magic and pulled into a completely different world.” He smirks at her, and she chuckles. She swirls her glass a little, murmuring, “What you did… The… Devourer, was it? You really saved the world, didn’t you…?”

“Doesn’t feel like it, does it?”

She hesitates, but she replies softly after a moment, “It… I guess it’s hard to believe… I never knew it existed, and now Xyreko and the others say it’s gone… And the Demon Queen… You’re friends with her, and she wants to end the war now because of what you did. If… If it’s all true… You ended the war… and you saved the world to do it.”

Daniel smirks, staring distantly at his own drink. “In my world, we had fictional stories, where a person would be transported into another world from our own, typically. Often, a god or one of the kingdoms in that world were sending this protagonist to the world to defeat a Demon King or a Demon Lord, or some other evil being or devastating monster. All kinds of reasons for it. A lot of times, they had systems for how the world worked based on, uh, other forms of entertainment that were more interactive. I’ll explain that some other time. Actually, it’s not unlike Hekate; getting stronger when defeating enemies and gaining more power and abilities thanks to this system.” Daniel takes a sip. “The protagonist would be charged with leveling up, defeating increasingly more dangerous enemies, avoiding conspiracies, finding clues and other important items, and then, finally facing off against the final enemy.” He looks at Treia. “In my case, I had to find a reason to want to save the world, not build up my strength to be able to do it. Well, I kinda did, but not in the hero’s journey sense. Made some friends, found some resources to make my abilities possible, and some people I trust to help convince me that it had to be done.” He finishes off his current glass, refilling it with rum. “I bet the demonkin are celebrating. From their perspective, this thing plagued them for years. Once the war ends, the Empire and Mornistae and Bromlund, and all of the eastern allied kingdoms will celebrate as well. To me, it was just a thing. A day that came and went, but meant everyone I came to know and care about can smile for a long time to come without worrying about a bogeyman somewhere far away stalking closer to them.” He offers his glass for a toast, and Treia taps her glass to his. He adds with a smile, “It doesn’t feel like it because those who feel the least weren’t directly impacted by the problem that was solved. Until it sinks in, we’ll just have to quietly celebrate that tomorrow will come.” He takes a drink, and Treia mimics him. She sits contentedly in the peaceful moment with Daniel.

“What do you plan to do tomorrow?” asks the gatonine woman gently.

Daniel nods as he ponders it visibly. “A fair question. Hadn’t thought that far ahead. Didn’t want to waste any brainpower on tomorrow when my biggest enemy was still a threat.” He smiles. “Besides, you know me. I wing it everyday anyways.”

Treia sighs. “Daniel… Are… Do you have any intention… to have a family?”

“What do you mean? I have lots of people I consider…”

“Hekate doesn’t realize it, but you treat her like a daughter, don’t you?”
Daniel chuckles, swirling his glass for amusement. “Maybe a little. She’s still too young for my tastes.”

“I-I see… And, the dragons?”

“Dunno. Haven’t thought about it much. Is there a reason you’re asking, Treia?”

“W-Well… I was curious.”

“Curious, huh?”

“Yes! Curious! What do you think it is?”

“Nothing.” Daniel stares ahead, sipping from his drink.

Treia huffs, and she whines, “You’re thinking something! It’s nothing! I swear!”

“I didn’t say anything…”

“You’re doing that thing you do! Stop it!”

“What are you talking about?”

She grips his shirt chest, pulling him to face her. “I… I just… I was just curious! That’s a-all! S-So don’t ask me anything!”

Daniel sighs. “Fine. I’ll tell you, then. Unless I already knew ahead of time that you wanted it, I’m going to treat you like you’re drunk. You know, that tipsy feeling you get from too many potations. If you’ve ever had any. You’re not in your right state of mind.”

Treia gasps, her cheeks filling with colors as her tail puffs up and her ears perk up as straight as possible. She whispers sharply, “H-H-How di-did you know that!?”

With a chuckle, Daniel teases, “I can smell it on you.”

She gasps and begins smacking him with her fists, whining in embarrassment. He quickly corrects, “Kidding! I’m kidding! Jeez! Relax! It was a joke.”

She grips his shirt suddenly as she calms down a little, sniffling. “Do you think…?”

Before she can finish her thought, her ears fold back, and her expression becomes harsh as her gaze locks onto something beyond Daniel. He looks, finding Ryukana, the goddess that transferred him to this world, entering the room cautiously. “A-Am I interrupting anything?”

Daniel replies, “Nah. Just having a drink. Everything alright?”

“Daniel… I’ve come to ask you an extremely important question.”

“Sure. What is it?”

“This world… or Earth? Which do you want to live in?”

Daniel cocks his head. He was pretty sure he expressed himself, but this seems to be the final question. “I’m happy here. If I don’t have to, I don’t want to leave.”

Treia whispers, “Daniel? Wh-Who is that?”

He replies, “Lady Ryukana. I’ll explain later.”

Ryukana nods, asking, “Are you certain, Daniel? I may not be able to transfer you after today.”

“Is there a reason?”

She looks away from him, saying softly, “Just in case.”

“I see… Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, Lady Ryukana. I’m sorry for the trouble I caused.”

She laughs for a moment before sighing. “Daniel… I am sorry for the trouble I caused you. And, you’ve done a great deed for this world that you had no reason to protect. I hope… that we can meet again…”

Daniel cocks his head, but before he can say anything else, she says tenderly, “Goodbye, Daniel. Thank you.” She fades just as quickly as she appeared, leaving them in a silent dining hall once more.

Daniel glances at Treia. “That… felt final, didn’t it?”

She gives an equally surprised nod, a little confused about the whole exchange. “She… She’s a goddess…”

Daniel ponders the words, finishing his drink. “Yes… But not ‘the’ goddess.”

This confuses Treia a little more, and she asks softly, “What does that mean?”

Daniel corks the bottle of rum, standing up and stretching. “Dunno. If you need anything, one of the golems nearby can hear you. Just ask, and they’ll bring it.” He leaves the room, a little light headed, but he needs to focus on the immediate future. Something isn’t right.

*********

Ryukana stands before the Divine Tribunal; a collection of those gods and goddesses not currently bestowing divine intervention, as well as Chaos and Order themselves. She is to be judged for her mistake, and a fitting punishment carried out. The gods and goddesses of the Divine Realm are charged with the unparalleled duty of maintaining a balance between the chaos of nature and the order of the world. When one threatens to overtake another, systems are in place for the gods to restore the balance. Some of these include methods of direct intervention that provide minimal risk to the Divine Realm. Others include prophecies and godsent angels. And, in some cases, divine summons, either chosen by the gods or requested by the world in trouble, are carried out.

All of these methods are sacred and highly controlled mechanisms set to prevent threats to the Divine Realm as much as to protect the worlds threatened by imbalance. 

In this case, Ryukana was negligent. Somehow, her targeting of Earth captured two individuals from near opposite points on the world. It’s unclear how this should have happened, because the targeting should be singular and focused on a small area. Failing that, she could and should have noticed a second soul in the transfer void, waiting to be modified for transfer to the next world. Failing that, she could have observed the arrival, where she would have seen both Rikuto and Daniel arrive. 

Ryukana doesn’t need any reminder that she failed. She is merely waiting on punishment at this point. She won’t be erased from existence, nor will she be banished to a mortal life -though, that’s not off the table for punishments-. She’ll likely be relegated to the Universal Records of the Divine Realm, responsible for monitoring and categorizing all historical events in the universe. It’s clerical work, and a far step down from being one of the celebrity goddesses choosing heroes to save worlds from destruction, or even worse, from giving rise to threats to the Divine Realm.

“Ryukana, thirty-third goddess of the Divine Realm; you stand before us today having failed the sacred duty of all gods and goddesses to maintain proper positive control over the world balancing doctrines. Have you any excuse or evidence to explain this failure?” Order speaks directly, bluntly, and in a way that could seem almost cruel for its coldness. However, she means nothing by it, save stating the facts. And, the facts are, Ryukana is a failure in this matter.

“No, Lady Order… I have no excuses or alternative explanations.”

Chaos, unlike her sister, does not look at the universe as a set fixture upon which her decorations sit. She looks at the universe as an entity in motion, always changing and always out of control. As she lays across her regal sister’s lap, she starts, “Ryukana,...”

Everyone waits for her to continue, though it takes much longer than most would assume. 

“Y-Yes, Lady Chaos?” asks Ryukana nervously. 

“I was thinking! Tell her I was thinking, Sister.” Order simply pets Chaos’s head, saying nothing.

Chaos finishes her original thought, “Ryukana, you lost a Divine Summon. Worse, you took over a year to find him. Is there a reason you never checked in on the world you were operating on?”

“Not a good reason, Lady Chaos.”

“Humor me, then.”

In spite of her immature appearance, Lady Chaos is an existence that transcends time and reality itself. Even the gods and goddesses that serve the Divine Realm cannot comprehend the full truth of Chaos and Order, in spite of their seemingly simple and binary existence.

Ryukana replies softly, “I believed Sir Rikuto was well-prepared enough and competent enough to get off to a good start on his own, Lady Chaos. I did not check in otherwise because I was completely unaware of Daniel’s presence.”

Order, still petting Chaos’s head gently, says with a commanding and sultry voice, “The crime you are guilty of is not one of merely endangering a single life. I hope you understand that. It is the very system that you damaged; the reliability and faith we all and the worlds over which we observe maintain in the system that preserves those worlds and protects the Divine Realm. One mortal life is not why we are here. The system is why we are here.”

“Of course, Lady Order. But, even so, Daniel managed to…”

“A trifle of unexpected good fortune,” retorts Chaos quickly. “Or, bad fortune. Depending on your perspective.” She tugs on Order’s collar for a moment, but gains no reaction out of the more disciplined-seeming goddess, save a simple, content smirk. She finally sits up, facing Ryukana, who stands in a circle formed by the tribunal, which is further surrounded by the audience of gods and goddesses who chose to witness the trial.

“To credit yourself with the actions of your mistaken summon is to credit me with the success of protecting that world. And, I didn’t do anything.” She points at the desk, speaking ‘officially’ and surprisingly maturely, “Since time immemorial, I have gifted life with the treasure of free will, that they might sow disorder and disrupt my sister’s treasures.”

Order smiles, saying tenderly, but still with a sultry and matronly tone, “And, I have restored everything to its proper place since time immemorial in order to provide a foundation for my sister’s treasures to take form.”

Chaos smiles proudly, suddenly shifting tones, “So, why would you try to take credit for Daniel’s success? You did not intend it. You should be thanking me, yes?”

“I… Lady Chaos… Did…? Were…?”

“Spit it out! ‘Thank you, Lady Chaos. I am forever envious of your great wisdom.’”

“Chaos…” warns Order softly, but Chaos simply grins cheekily.

“Thank you… Lady Chaos, for selecting a worthy hero to the world I failed to properly observe.”

“Bah! I didn’t do anything! I told you that. I told her that, didn’t I Sister? I told her.”

Order pets Chaos’s head again, saying gently, “Yes, dear Sister.”

“I…”

Order speaks to Ryukana again, “You allowed the mistake to occur. Your experience should have prevented it. But, in peace, comfort, stability; you became complacent. That is why there is more than just order to the universe. Complacency must be offset by change, or there is no purpose to existence. There would be no challenges to overcome, no triumphs or accomplishments, and no love or hate. Things would just be, and there would be no reason for anything to exist.”

Chaos says rather maturely, seemingly emulating Order, “Order is the mother of existence, and Chaos is the mother of purpose. Complacency is the bastard child of Order, as Megalomania is the bastard child of Chaos. No living thing is immune to succumbing to complacency or megalomania. Not even you gods and goddesses of the Divine Realm.”

Ryukana looks down, bowing her head reverently. “Yes. I understand.”

“Very good, Ryukana. Then, if you have nothing else to say…” A sudden crackle in the air causes Order to stop what she’s saying, and everyone gathered looks. Ryukana has to turn around to find the source of the noise; a small electrical storm hovering in the air near the entrance to the tribunal hall.

And then, a portal opens. This portal is not an elegant and graceful doorway to a world. It is a hole being punched through layers upon layers of defensive energy separating the Divine Realm from any of the worlds over which the gods and goddesses observe. The strange phenomenon causes a nervous murmur to fill the audience, though Order and Chaos are surprisingly calm about it, given the surprising interruption.

What emerges from the distorted and crackling portal are two figures; one very much human and wearing specialized armor that shifts color gradients and a sword in its sheath that can resist the power of the divine. The other figure is a much shorter female with black hair, triangular, black ears that rise high from her head, and a large, bushy black tail. Like the human, her body and head are protected by armor that changes colors with the divine energy around them, swirling in tune with waves of higher concentration. Just given the surge of energy, it’s clear that the girl is the source of the portal, and the human, which Ryukana easily recognizes, is present as a source of wisdom and truth. He is the one most directly affected, but he also witnessed all of the important events himself.

Daniel kneels politely, saying almost sarcastically, “Forgive the intrusion, Lady goddesses. But, we’re here to testify.”

Chaos stands up, retorting indignantly, “‘Testify’? This isn’t a human trial, Daniel of Earth. There is no need for witnesses or for ‘OBJECTION!’.” She snickers, though Order sits with an unamused, but also unperturbed expression. Suddenly, Chaos turns serious, saying, “Or, should I say, Daniel Alexander Lawson, thirty three year old maintenance mechanic from Earth?”

Daniel chuckles as he rises to his feet. “You’re a goddess. I would be more surprised if you didn’t know my full name.”

Chaos gasps, glancing back and forth between Order and Daniel, though he suspects it’s more for show.

Order finally cocks her head. “Daniel, your friend, Hekate, seems to present a threat to the Divine Realm. I don’t know how much was explained to you, but by bringing her here, you have demonstrated that the threat you supposedly defeated is not removed from the equation.”

Hekate states coldly, “Then you should erase all of yourselves from existence as well. Each one of you is powerful enough to threaten this place, yes? Daniel saved my life and gave me purpose. I stole the Devourer’s power so I could save Daniel, who always knew his purpose.”

Order states, “If you were here moments before, you would know, Daniel is not the subject of this tribunal.”

“Aye! But, isn’t he? Aren’t we all? Everything in existence starts with existence. If Daniel was never born, I would have died. If I was never born, the Citadel would never be reclaimed and the world would have ended. If Ryukana wasn’t the goddess who did what she did, Daniel and I would have never met, and all of you would have failed a world with your illusion of doing things right.” She crosses her arms haughtily, saying a little arrogantly, “I could destroy this place. I could put up a fight against all of you. After all, you intervened on my world because you were afraid of the Devourer, but it wasn’t present of mind enough to threaten you in actuality. Now, I have the Devourer’s strength, but I am in control. I have Daniel. I have Ryuogriar and Reignleif and Geirahoel. I have Xyreko. And, I want one more person.”

“You’ve got nerve making demands here, little feldrok girl.” Chaos appears in front of Hekate, and they stand almost the same petite height, facing off against each other like haughty little girls in a rivalry.

Hekate retorts, “I am the only one who can, little goddess girl.”

“You can’t even comprehend my being.”

“And you can’t stop mine.”

“Hekate, that’s enough.” 

“Daniel!?”

Daniel says to the two main goddesses, “Lady Goddesses, Hekate speaks the truth. There is only one more piece we would like to request in order to maintain balance.”

Order cocks her head, smiling softly with amusement. “Balance, you say?”

Daniel nods respectfully. “Yes. I don’t know how the universe works, but it has to have something to do with balance, or Lady Ryukana would have simply dealt with it directly. The universe moved forward, and by your grace or the grace of life you created, I ended up in that world, better equipped to deal with the threat that was beyond your control. Thus, Hekate and I would like to request Ryukana be forgiven for the mistake that led to everything falling into place, as it would have been a much more grave failure if I hadn’t been there, and I would be living alone, drinking myself into an early grave if I had my way.”

This time, Chaos walks over to stand in front of Daniel, looking up at him, and he matches her gaze. “You think a goddess needs your mercy or forgiveness, Daniel Lawson of Earth; mortal human being and but one of trillions on all the worlds that extend beyond your imagining?”

“Mercy and forgiveness, no. Rather, I would like her to watch over myself and Hekate. I’d like her to continue to be our matron goddess and ensure that Hekate, in particular, is safe from the power that she obtained.”

“And, why would we allow her to live? She is no different than the Devourer you destroyed, so far as balance is concerned.” Chaos looks at the feldrok girl, who cocks her head, which is emphasized by her big, fox-like ears.

“And, I killed it.” Both of them snap their gazes back to Daniel. “I used the fabric of the universe to preserve life in a world that was not my own. Hekate will as well. With Ryukana’s help, we will form a trifecta to balance each other, should I or Hekate show bias towards each other.”

Chaos scoffs, and Hekate glares at her, though her helmet does hide her actual expression.

Ryukana finally speaks, “Daniel… Hekate, I… I don’t understand…”

Daniel looks at her, replying sincerely. “That farewell was a little bit too final, for my tastes, Lady Goddess. It didn’t bode well.”

“I… I’m not going to die. This was just a brief analysis of what went wrong.”

“Nothing went wrong. The world’s safe now. Hekate will safeguard the power, and we’ll find a way to safely disperse it back into the world so that another Devourer doesn’t happen again. If possible, your assistance will help us maintain the world.”

She glances at Chaos, and then at Order, who is still seated gracefully at her table.

Daniel adds to Chaos, “Lady Chaos; accidents and mistakes are born of chaos, are they not? Maybe it happened because of Ryukana, but I am glad it happened. I don’t know if I would have agreed the day I was summoned, but I am glad I experienced this life, and I wish to keep living it. Allow me to serve alongside Ryukana on behalf of that world.”

Chaos stares at him, thinking, and Order finally says, “You’re right, Daniel. Though the system utilizes our strengths, it is also susceptible to our weaknesses. Perfection is found in imperfection, after all.” She stands up, walking more calmly and gracefully around the elegant table, approaching the group. She looks at Daniel, and then at Hekate. After sizing them up a bit, she states, “The threat is gone. For now. Just as with all worlds. Threats come. Threats go. We created the Divine Realm to watch over the worlds and ensure these threats are stopped before they can disrupt balance.” She sighs, looking at Daniel. “Your world possesses a dangerous weapon that should be feared. Once upon a time, we thought of purging your world once it was discovered.”

Daniel cocks his head, surprised, and she nods grimly. “Yes. To have such power and wield it against one’s own world is lamentable. However,... ‘Mutually Assured Destruction’. I suspect you are familiar with this term.” Daniel nods in confirmation, and she smirks. “Sleeping titans. That can be a greater deterrent to tragedy than not having the titans at all.” She looks at Hekate. “Do you understand the gravity of your role, Hekate, daughter of Jolell and Kurenphar, last living feldrok?”

Hekate is a little more rattled by hearing the names of her parents than Daniel was by the trick, but she nods confidently. “Yes. With Daniel by my side, I have no reason to use my full power. With Ryukana, she can monitor me, and we can spare Daniel from having to do anything terrible to me if I might become the problem. I want nothing more than Daniel. No power, no enemies, and no riches. Just Daniel. Oh, and Ryukana.”

There’s an awkward quiet. It’s broken by Chaos, who claps her hands together once. “I’m sold. Ryukana, as punishment for your mistake, you’ll serve as advisor and protector of the world Zenkon, watching over and serving alongside Daniel of Earth and Hekate of Zenkon. Right, Sister?”

Order nods with a smile. “Yes. I feel this will serve as a fitting penitence. Ryukana, I trust you will uphold this duty with greater care and focus than allowed us to come to this point?” She looks at Ryukana, who bows. “My Lady Order, My Lady Chaos, you are truly the most gracious and wise. I shall restore my own honor and ensure the world of Zenkon, Hekate, and Daniel all remain safe.”

“Very good. Go with our blessings and divine purpose, Ryukana.”

Chaos grins, and she trots over to Daniel, waving him to lean down. He’s a little surprised, but he does as she bids, and she whispers, though the volume is audible to everyone. “Daniel… When we created all of the gods and goddesses of the Divine Realm, we ensured that they could also feel pleasure.” She whispers even more deviously, “And, have children…”

Daniel sighs. “I have you two to thank, do I?”

She snickers, backing away as Hekate instantly states, “You can’t have him! He’s mine! We’ll be friends, Ryukana, but no cheating with Daniel! I won’t allow it!”

Ryukana bows. “I wouldn’t dream of it, dear Hekate.”

Chaos, throwing kindling on the fire, says jovially, “Let’s not make hasty and final declarations. Life will always progress forward.”

Hekate glares at the small, primordial goddess, who grins deviously at her. Order, seemingly ignoring the conversation, states warmly, “Go forth, Ryukana, Daniel, and Hekate. Protect your world and let us see if feldroks can rise again.”

Daniel bows politely, as well as Ryukana. Hekate returns to Daniel’s side, mimicking his bow. After, the three return through the portal, leaving Order and Chaos with contented and prideful smiles.

**********

Treia stands before the armored knight wearing metal plate that seems to change colors depending on the magical energy around him. In spite of the powerful beings standing all around, she was able to walk directly up to him and punch him in the abdomen, expressing herself in the only way she knows how; lashing out when she’s upset.

She can feel his gaze fall on her after he coughs, and she stares into where his eyes would be. Her own eyes water, and she growls, “You… stupid… idiot…” She sniffles, wiping her eyes.

“Do I… know you, Miss…?”

She bares her teeth a little, but she knows what he’s doing. She knows he hasn’t forgotten her. She whimpers, “I told you… I owe you. I have to repay you… S-... So why didn’t you come back? You could’ve come back… I… I would’ve… I missed… I want…” She leans her forehead against his chest, trying to resist her tears. She whispers, “We finally found you… I don’t know why you’re here, but… I won’t let you go again.”

Hekate is now standing on her throne, facing Treia angrily. “You vile lecher! You would DARE try to seduce my Darling in my own audience chamber!?”

Ryuogriar retorts dryly and coldly, “As if anywhere else is preferable?”

“Shush! You!” Hekate hops down, startling Gwenesphia and Aoloan, who haven’t figured it out yet. The young feldrok girl storms over to Daniel and Treia, shoving her way in between them. “He’s my Darling, and you can’t have him! Go find your Daniel somewhere else!”

Treia replies fearlessly, “He’s right here. Your ‘Darling’ is Daniel, human sorcerer with no magic from another world.”

“And, what makes you think my Darling would be the slayer of dragons? Doesn’t that sound…”

“Two reasons. I’m still alive, and…” She glares into Daniel’s eyes. “I can smell him.” Her tail is swishing back and forth in slight irritation, but also, in such a manner that draws attention to it.

“Smell? Perhaps, my Darling killed your Daniel. Did you think of that?”

Treia ignores Hekate, speaking directly to Daniel. “Daniel, I just want to understand. What did you do? How did you conquer this place? Why are you allied with dragons, now?”

Geirahoel snarls, “I would never be ally to a random, vile human who murders dragons.”

Treia looks at her, and Hekate whines, “Hey! Did you ignore me!?”

Treia adds, “You choose your words rather peculiarly. Especially given that you bother to speak my language. Daniel’s smell is on all of you. Did you all kill him?” She looks at Daniel again. “That spell you unleashed earlier… What were you fighting? Is… Was it the demon queen?”

Daniel looks at Ryuogriar for a moment, and then Gwen and Aoloan, and finally Treia. He finally replies for himself, “No. It’s a somewhat long story, but the quick version is, it was a monster that was devouring this world an acre at a time, and the Demon Queen was forced to weigh losing all of the demonkin against invading eastward. I don’t think she’s the enemy of the east.”

Treia sighs. “I believe you, Daniel. Now, take off that stupid helmet. Armor doesn’t suit you.”

He scoffs. “It wasn’t about appearances…”

“Well, I’m not here to kill you.”

Hekate growls, “You’re not here for anything. I won’t let him leave.”

Daniel puts his hand on her head, and she twitches, waving her big, bushy fox tail back and forth contentedly. He says gently, “It’s alright… Treia figured it out. It was my fault.” He looks at Ryuogriar and Reignleif, saying gently, “They’re friends of mine. Please treat them well.”

Ryuogriar smiles and nods, and Reignleif nods as well.

“Sergeant, this is Hekate, Ryuo-OOF!” She punches him again, growling, “You… You just said we were friends, Daniel…”

He looks at her, confused. He sighs when he figures it out. “Treia; this is Hekate, Ryuogriar, Reignleif, Geirahoel, and Xyreko.”

Geirahoel huffs, “If she is your friend, you should have known better, Daniel.”

Daniel agrees warmly. “You’re right, Geira. Thank you for trying to cover for me.”

“I…” She huffs and circles around to stand with the other two dragons. “I was doing what Ryuo said. Th-that’s all.”

Treia says politely, “It’s my pleasure to meet you all. I’m Treia, and they are Gwenesphia and Aoloan. Gwen and I served with Daniel at Fort Peony, and he saved our lives from the Red Dragon. Aoloan met him after.”

Aoloan and Gwen both stand up, approaching the stairs to the throne platform the rest of them are on. Gwen asks, “Are you… really Daniel?”

Treia sighs, retorting, “It’s obvious, Gwen. You can’t tell?”

Gwen seems to sniff the air a little, and she shakes her head. Treia states, “W-Well, it was obvious to me. M-Maybe you just forgot…” She looks at Daniel, and his helmet is hiding his expression, but she can feel his gaze silently keeping his thoughts to himself.

She whines, “Wh-What!? Why are you staring at me?”

“No reason.” Daniel takes his helmet off, and Aoloan and Gwenesphia gasp. Hekate points at them, saying haughtily, “You stay away from him! He’s my husband, and I won’t share! Not with anyone!”

Treia asks him, “Is that true?”

Daniel chuckles, petting Hekate’s head. “I wouldn’t be here without Hekate. But, we’re not married.”

The betrayed young feldrok gasps, “Daniel!? How could you!?”

“Tell the truth?”

“They don’t need to know that! Didn’t you just say the truthful events are out of order?”

He chuckles. “I did. And, none have taken place yet, have they?”

She huffs, staring at him with her mouth agape, and Ryuogriar and Reignleif chuckle, causing Hekate to glare at them for a moment. 

Treia asks as Gwenesphia and Aoloan cautiously climb the stairs, “Daniel; what is your relationship to these women?”

Geirahoel retorts sharply, “And, what business is it of yours?”

“It’s my business because I am indebted to him, and I intend to protect him in whatever way I can.”

Gwenesphia asks, “Treia… Are you…?”

“Quiet. Daniel, answer me.” Gwenesphia is shocked by Treia’s sharp response to her, and Daniel looks at each of them for a moment. He replies, “I met Hekate when I found the Citadel. We worked together to conquer it.”

Hekate adds proudly, “We slept together, and we fought together. Closer than anyone in the world! And, his staff can kill anything! And if it can’t, then his god-smiter will!” 

Daniel remains fairly humble about it, in spite of things. “I was fortunate enough to be able to defeat the feral feldrok that was residing here with my dragon-slaying staff. Afterwards, the dragons attempted to invade, and I defeated them, reviving as many as I could.”

Geirahoel looks away for a moment, crossing her arms. “You haven’t earned my forgiveness yet, Daniel…”

Ryuogriar teases her as she pets her egg, “Don’t worry, Daniel. The opposite of love is not anger nor hate. She’s just being shy.”

“I… I am not!”

Daniel adds, “With Xyreko’s help, we were able to recover the dragons and cure them of a curse that had drastically reduced their offspring, keeping their population small.”

Treia studies Ryuogriar’s egg for a moment, and Hekate growls, “Don’t get any ideas, kitty lady.”

Treia blushes, looking at her, stammering as she tries to defend herself. “I-Ideas!? What ideas!? I’m… Daniel’s just… We’re…” She growls in frustration, finally saying sternly and confidently, “That is Daniel’s choice, not yours. And, I have much to repay him for.”

Before a fight can begin, Xyreko steps up. “If I may; we recently repelled some soldiers from the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy who came looking for Daniel as well. Peacefully, of course, with the same cover we attempted on you. Why come to retrieve Daniel now? Could it be an interest in the Citadel?” She is a little cold towards the end, clearly implying that she doesn’t trust anyone new.

Aoloan replies, “I never wanted to part from Daniel. Of course, he clearly lied to me when he claimed he was attracted to men.” She grins at him, and he shrugs. “I kept my promise, though. The Dragon Lord is dead. He’s the only dragon I won’t be reviving, even once we have enough potations.”

Aoloan nods softly. Gwenesphia adds, “I didn’t want to leave him either! He tricked me so he could stay behind to defend Fort Peony by himself.”

Treia adds, “That reminds me…” She spears herself into Daniel, pinning him to the ground, shocking the others, including Gwen and Aoloan. She pins his arms to the ground, growling before they can stop her, “You pinned me down and forced me to leave you by force. Don’t think I’ve forgiven that.”

“You’re still alive, aren’t you?”

She frees his hands to hit his chest. “That’s not the point! And, why didn’t you wait for us to return!? Or, why didn’t you come to Northwall!?”

Aoloan replies softly, “I’m glad he didn’t…”

Treia sighs. She lays down on his chest, murmuring gently, “Daniel… I’m staying with you from now on. Don’t object. And, don’t do that to me again…”

Hekate hums in irritation. Daniel replies gently, “Treia… I’m staying here with Hekate and the others. I promised them I would.”

Treia nods in understanding. Without hesitation, she looks up from her position pinning Daniel to the ground at the young feldrok girl, “Lady Hekate; please allow me to live here with you and Daniel. I’ll work, I’ll stand watch, and I’ll cook and clean. Whatever you would have me do.”

Hekate is surprised, looking at Daniel for a moment. It’s clear that she didn’t expect a request. And, given that she was once a slave herself, she has no idea how to actually deal with a polite request from someone other than Daniel.

“I…” She crosses her arms, retorting, “You must think me a fool! You just want to be able to try to sneak off with him.”

Treia shakes her head. “No. I want to be with him. I won’t do anything dishonorable.” She sits back on his waist a little, slumping her posture as she looks at him. “I already did enough of that.”

Daniel smiles at her, and he sympathizes with a nod. “I tried telling you the books are square.”

She sighs in disgust, turning her gaze back to Hekate. “Please, Lady Hekate. I won’t steal Daniel, but I want to be near him.”

Hekate fidgets, squirming as she ponders. She’s not a cruel person by nature. Haughty, a bit selfish, and prideful, but far from cruel. She mumbles, “Fine… You can stay. But, he’s MY husband, and MY Darling! And YOU!” She points at Daniel. “You better be extra grateful to me, Daniel! I don’t have to be nice to all of your mistresses.”

Daniel chuckles. “No one here is my mistress, Hekate.”

Xyreko asks as Daniel sits up, “Daniel, should we prepare for more of your former allies to come here?”

“I don’t know. I’m surprised anyone still thought I was alive.”

Gwenesphia approaches, murmuring, “We knew you had to have defeated the dragon. It’s just… We weren’t sure where you would go afterwards. We got this far because we followed the rumors.”

Aoloan asks softly, “Did… you really befriend the dragons, Daniel?”

Ryuogriar grins, and Reignleif blushes. Geirahoel huffs and is about to answer, but Ryuogriar says warmly, “He enslaved us! We’re his war brides; spoils of war.”

Daniel sighs in disgust as she snickers, and Aoloan frowns. She retorts, “Daniel doesn’t take war brides.”

“He doesn’t need one!” insists Hekate with a fiery tone. “He has me. Why he keeps collecting mistresses, I’ll never know…”

“YOU just accepted Treia’s request.”

“Of course! Mistresses are no threat to me, so long as Daniel spoils me rotten. And now, I could defeat anyone who tries to steal him.”

Treia stands up to confront Aoloan, but Gwenesphia asks, “Lady Hekate; may I also remain here with Daniel? I don’t have much to lose back home, and… If the war is over…”

“DANIEL!” A strong, feminine voice calls out as the audience doors fling open. Everyone turns, and Aoloan gasps. She’s the only one of the three visiting to recognize who is jogging in, panting. Xyreko states, “Daniel, you have a visitor.”

He chuckles. “I see that.” He climbs to his feet, asking as Vaergraes comes to a stop, studying the large group in the audience chamber. “What can I do for you, Your Majesty?”

Treia and Gwenesphia gasp this time, and they do a double-take, no doubt piecing together who they’re looking at.

“You lied to me!” She storms up the stairs, and everyone watches as she confronts Daniel.

“I had a somewhat good reason…”

“I don’t care why! I probably understand!” She drops to her knees as her legs seem to suddenly give out. Daniel reacts too slowly to catch her, and he crouches in front of her, making sure she’s okay.

“It’s… gone. You actually did it…”

“D-Did what?” asks Gwenesphia softly.

Vaergraes glances at her, simply observing the new acquaintance that she doesn’t recognize. Overall, her mind is baffled and exhausted from stress, but finally feeling relief after a long time. “He destroyed the Devourer… A monster consuming the world.”

Daniel asks diplomatically, “You’re sure it’s gone? I was pretty sure myself, but I can’t detect magic.”

She nods with a bewildered expression. “The only traces reside in her.” She points at Hekate, which fits the sequence of events. He smiles, patting her shoulder. “Great! Then, I guess you can begin migrating back west as soon as possible, right?”

Her head nods as her eyes stare with a distant gaze. “It’s… I never thought it would be defeated…”

Ryuogriar, holding her egg, steps closer. She sinks carefully to a kneel. “When Daniel first spoke to me, I noticed several things that gave me faith. He spoke respectfully, even from a position of power. He rejected power for power’s sake. And, he made a promise that he quickly kept.”

Vaergraes listens respectfully and nods along. She says softly, “I… didn’t mean to doubt you…”

He scoffs. “I’d have doubted me, too. And, I have one request;”

She instantly looks into his eyes. “Anything. Name it, and it shall be yours. Wealth, land, my life and soul…”

“Nothing so dramatic. I want you to spread the story that someone fictional defeated the Devourer.”

“Fictional?” she asks. It also surprises the others. He confirms with a nod. “Yes. As it stands, the only ones who know are the people in this room and the other dragons, most of whom don’t really know who I am. I know you’ll need to talk about what happened. Exaggerate it and change the name to something that doesn’t tie to any of us. The kind of attention that ‘spell’ can attract is the wrong kind of attention.”

She nods once more, still bewildered. It’s highly likely that she witnessed some sign of the blast; either the flash, the glow, the mushroom cloud, or the shockwave itself. It could even be the magic interference wave, if the pressure wave was too weak by that time. She offers, “Daniel… If chosen protectors could be taught…”

“No. Never.”

“But…”

“Absolutely not. Don’t ever ask about it again. Forget that it exists. Let it fade into memory. There should never be another threat of that magnitude again. My purpose was fulfilled. Even if it was unintended.”

She looks at him, thinking. It’s true. What they saw was a devastating power that was terrifying. That anyone can wield it to begin with is difficult to believe and easier to write off as illusion or hallucination. Even dragons, as powerful as they are, likely couldn’t cause so much instantaneous destruction. In fact, all of the dragons combined, along with the combined might of the demonkin, were unable to even slow the Devourer meaningfully.

Hekate adds seriously, “Daniel didn’t even want to do it in the first place. He was afraid of how it could hurt the future. The secret will die with him.”

Ryuogriar, Reignleif, and Geirahoel nod in agreement. 

Xyreko adds, “It is quite possible that the Devourer was a feldrok who lost control of its power due to the extermination of the feldroks.”

Ryuogriar nods to that as well. “Yes, I fear that may be the case. As such, it falls on us not to learn Daniel’s secret, but the obvious lesson the past should teach us. Such petty conquests nearly destroyed the world, all for power that would have died when the Devourer came for the Citadel under the dragon lord. We only have a future not filled with evacuation thanks to Daniel. We all should have stopped our former lord.”

Vaergraes adds softly, “Yes… perhaps…” She sighs and nods, unable to refute the idea in any way. “Daniel… I will keep your involvement secret if that is truly what you wish. However, for the act of saving the world, it is insufficient to serve as payment. Surely, there must be something you desire.”

He chuckles. “I got a bunch of friends and family, a cool castle, and the honor of saving the world. To ask for more would be atrociously greedy.”

She sighs. “Very well. I will come up with something myself. Of course, the offer to claim me is-...” Hekate hisses fiercely, clamoring and shouting to over-talk her. “Grah ah ah ah! No! Nope! No! Find your own! Daniel’s mine!” She hugs Daniel, adding, “We don’t need anything else.”

However, Daniel suddenly says, “Ah! Actually, there is one thing. I don’t know how to go about it, but de-escalate the war. That’s what I want. If it becomes impossible, we’ll get involved and try to talk them out of continuing the war, now that you no longer need the east, correct?”

She confirms earnestly. “Yes! Of course! I wouldn’t dream of that being payment for your deeds, as it was my goal all along. But, we have tried diplomacy before.”

“Y-you have?” asks Treia, surprised.

Vaergraes nods grimly. “Yes. Desperately so. But, we were being forced east, and the easterners were refusing to help us. I had no choice but to begin invading. The eastern kingdoms once included much of the land on this side of the mountains, but it was enough to hold us for the last couple of years. Only until recently was the Devourer encroaching on refugee villages in the west, meaning… we were going to have to move again. But, because Daniel and his party destroyed the Devourer before it could destroy those lands… We won’t have to push any further.” She looks at Daniel. “Daniel, I fear my words alone won’t be enough at this point.”

“I don’t think they’ll push west any time soon. But, if words won’t suffice, even with me, then we’ll go the intimidation route. I know people.”

Ryuogriar asks innocently, “Who do you know more frightening than any of us, Master?”

He looks directly at her with a slightly stunned expression. “Should I correct myself to ‘I know some dragons’?”

She blushes, and Reignleif giggles, hiding her own cheeks in the collar of her mantle. Geirahoel becomes indignant, retorting, “Do you think we’re performing fools for your amusement, Daniel?”

“I’d be asking nicely in this hypothetical, Geira. You’d get to flex your power for a good cause; ending a war as peacefully as possible. Ah, but first, your Majesty Vaergraes; we’ll need at least one more revival potation, just in case. I won’t take any chances with anyone under my care."

The demon queen nods in agreement. "I have my best brewers working on more.” She blushes as she looks away. “This… will sound extremely rude, but…”

“You no longer need dragons as desperately as before.” Ryuogriar fills in for the awkward pause. Vaergraes nods hesitantly, ashamed of the truth.

Daniel offers diplomatically, “There are males and females among the lesser dragons, and I think the three greater dragons; the lord, his brother, and the green sage are too aggressive to allow to live. That’s my opinion. With the males of the lesser dragons, the race can continue. If a greater dragon son is born of these three, then strong bloodlines can rise again.”

Ryuogriar and Reignleif both smile affectionately as they hug their eggs close. Geirahoel blushes, looking away as she somewhat sheepishly tries to hide her belly.

Hekate boisterously says, “And, when Daniel and I have children, feldroks will rise even stronger! Hahahahaha!”

Vaergraes seems to realize something. “Daniel, that reminds me. If you haven’t revived any of the three dragons you mentioned… Those eggs…”

“They were laid by the dragons holding them. Your Majesty, I intend to build up the population of people living around the Citadel. Will you object?”

She cocks her head, but sighs, seeing a deflection when one occurs in front of her. “No. As I told you, my title as ‘queen’ is informal. Even if I were a true sovereign, you’ve more than earned your own lordship.”

Hekate cuts in, “And my Ladyship. I’m the Lady of the Citadel. Daniel’s wife.”

“Are you? You’ve never mentioned your relationship to Daniel.” Ryuogriar’s jab at Hekate causes everyone to chuckle, except for Hekate, who scowls lightly at the dragon woman.

Vaergraes clarifies her thought, “I will not object if the Citadel is to become home to honest people, Daniel, Lady Hekate. I’d be even happy to learn they are those admitted by the two of you.” 

Hekate offers, somewhat obliviously, “Maybe you’d like to live here, Queen Vaergraes. Or rather, Shrine Priestess Vaergraes, once the war is over.”

She smiles. “I’ll keep it in mind, Lady Hekate. Thank you for your generous offer.”

Hekate nods with a prideful smile.

Ryuogriar, seeming to never miss an opportunity to tease the young feldrok girl, “For someone who so loathes the idea of Daniel collecting mistresses, you sure are quick to allow them into his proximity, Lady Hekate.”

Hekate once again glares at Ryuogriar. “Ryuo, didn’t the dragons have their own keep? Perhaps you should go check on it.”

“Me? Gracious, no. I intend to stay here with my beloved Mukori, Daniel, and produce lots more eggs, dear Lady Hekate. Life is interesting and noble at his side.”

Daniel sighs. “In any case, thank you, Queen Vaergraes. Now then, I’m hungry. Anyone else want dinner? Xyreko, do you mind?”

“I’ll have it ready at once, Daniel.” Xyreko bows, vanishing in a teleport. Daniel looks at the others, who only share a glance. They agree quickly, and they all head for the dining hall together. There’s still much to talk about, but nothing that is as pressing as defeating the Devourer was.

**********

Aramellianna stands with all five of her daughters on a stage set up to overlook the battalions of Stalvaltan Guards, those contingents that aren’t serving the imperial battlefront at the central line near Fort Twilight, with Bromlund so freshly coming out of a revolt, the Empire has stationed soldiers to ensure it is not swiftly conquered by demons that might push through Fort Twilight, assuming they know of the turmoil.

The Grand Duchess rallies her soldiers, “Brave soldiers of the Stalvaltan Guard! You are the pride and joy of the Grand Duchy, warriors of unparalleled metal.”

The soldiers cheer a jovial exclamation of pride and courage.

“I have for many years dreamt of the day my eldest daughter would marry. Wenlianna, as the eldest, is rightful heiress to the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy. I am confident that any one of my daughters would make a suitable and excellent Grand Duchess. However, there has only been one man who Wenlianna has expressed any interest in making her Grand Duke. I ask you this now; who would see Duchess Wenlianna ascend to Grand Duchess?”

The guards cheer valiantly, and she asks next, “And, who would support her marrying the otherworlder, Daniel?’

Again, the soldiers cheer, though it does seem a little quieter.

Aramellianna frowns. Wenlianna tries to whisper, “Mother, I…”

The Grand Duchess straightens her posture. She states, “I see. Well then, let’s cut to the chase. Daniel is being held prisoner deep in the demon wildlands, at an ancient fortress known as the Citadel. This fortress was derelict until a few months ago, captured by dragons and their fox-beastman leader who calls herself ‘Hekate’. They tried to deceive us and claim Daniel is dead. Until we bury his remains, he is a living member of the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy, and I don’t like living members of the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy being held prisoner.” She looks across the crowd of soldiers, who listen loyally to her every word. “We are already at war with the demons, but the path to the Citadel can be navigated swiftly under the right conditions. You are all battlemages of the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy. I would trust you to storm the Citadel, retrieve Daniel, and retreat with fewer casualties than a mere walk in the park.”

There are a few chuckles, but it’s clear that the enthusiasm to invade the demon wildlands for one man, an otherworldly commoner no less, is not very high.

Aramellianna nods sympathetically. “Yes. I understand. Daniel is no one to you, no one to your families, no one to this world. To those who think they know, he defiled a princess and fled for the far reaches of the world. His imprisonment with the demons is but a pittance for his supposed crimes. So, I will not order his rescue. I will not coerce any man or woman here to go far beyond the front lines and risk life and limb for a man they barely know. I will be taking volunteers.”

The guards glance at each other. A few step forward without hesitation, and Aramellianna nods with a proud smile. But, she pats Wenlianna on the back, startling the young Magic Artisan to step forward. “Ye-Yes! Right! As you all know, I am Wenlianna, Duchess and first daughter of the Grand Duchess. Any man who takes part in Daniel’s retrieval will be contracted an increase in salary, as well as an even split of ten percent of the profits earned by any devices Daniel helps develop upon his return.”

This causes more of a murmur with the soldiers.

Aramellianna proclaims, “You heard correctly. The Grand Duchy will invest directly in Daniel’s return, as well as promise of continued returns on that investment. If he cannot be recovered alive, then the salary will stay. If he is brought home to us, all participants shall benefit for the rest of their lives.”

More of the Stalvaltan Guard steps forward, granting them enough to form a moderately large company of around 200 troops. It’s certainly not enough to defeat even a single dragon, nor would it be enough to lay siege to a castle. However, it would likely be enough to cause a distraction while the infiltration unit sneaks in and finds Daniel. Once the distraction unit retreats and Daniel is secure, the infiltration unit will be extracted by Wenlianna’s airship, captained by the Captain of the Wyrmeyes. 

There will be lots of smoke and alchemical flash bombs to sow discord around the Citadel, and before anyone knows it, Daniel will be found and evacuated.

Or, so the plan will be. 

Aramellianna has never been a soldier herself, not like her late husband. He created the training regimen for the Stalvaltan Guard’s battlemages. However, as Grand Duchess, Aramellianna knows that no plan is foolproof, and no plan survives contact with the enemy. They’ll be up against dragons. She couldn’t hope to concoct a fitting strategy against an enemy she has never laid eyes upon. All they can do is hope two hundred battlemages of the most prestigious military force in the east can fool and evade the most dangerous enemies in the west.

And, the mystery of the global weakness that struck everyone several times a few days ago has still been left unanswered. Wenlianna and Ahok, as well as the other Court Mages were able to compare notes and hypothesize that the strange phenomenon was cancelling all magic briefly. It was a potent enough effect to be felt, and because it was a sudden drop in mana, most people experienced a sudden exhaustion or feeling of vertigo. It also interfered with magic equipment of all shapes and sizes. They’ll have to be careful with the Iron Wyvern, which relies on magic crystals to achieve and maintain flight. Wings will allow it to glide if it loses power, but the controls will be significantly less reactive.

The bulk of the company will march on the Citadel, meaning there’s time to plan and establish a forward operating base once they find a secure landing zone for the flying machine Wenlianna successfully tested recently.

Wenlianna prays softly that Daniel is unharmed as the day draws closer.

**************