Jebidiah's Change Bk. 02 Ch. 08

Welcome back gentle reader

If you have kept up with my bio updates, you will have seen that the economic turmoil and the tariff war cost me my job. It's actually taken up more of my time job hunting than what work did, which is really weird. I should get paid more to search for work. This is going to affect my writing, but it is too early to say how much. But enough about my issues.

Unfortunately for poor Jebidiah, there's still a lot of pain waiting for him in the coming chapters, both physically and emotionally. I've had a couple 'how could you!' feedback about killing off Hiro, but death happens. I'm not going to go all Game of Thrones or Attack on Titan death totals in these books but the deaths will continue. Harry Turtledove has a larger series of books where one of the not quite main characters has a few chapters devoted to her over the series. And then, towards the end of the series, in the very beginning of the book, she dies a rather stupid death. Just out of the blue. I saw him at a convention a few years later and asked him about her death. He told me, 'War is hell. People die in every way imaginable. Her death is the story of life.' That stuck with me.

Standard disclaimer, multiply ages by roughly two to get equivalent Earth ages. Everyone is a consenting adult.

-- Somewhen, Somewhere --

If Comlain were still mortal, he knew he would have been a bundle of raw nerves, on edge to a degree where the slightest provocation aimed anywhere near him would have been met with uncompromising violence. The game was moving too quickly. What normally took years to accomplish was rushing out of his control in a matter of months.

Comlain had nearly lost his player. He had watched the battle with white-knuckled intensity, flinching every time Jebidiah was injured. If not for the early intervention of the displacer beasts, he was certain House Valor would have ended as quickly as it had started. A footnote in the human chronicles. He suspected the beasts were the work of the others, but confirmation would have to wait.

Jebidiah was growing into his potential. That much was clear even to the mortals around him. He was hardening, transforming himself from a potent tool into a formidable weapon. But that transformation was coming at a cost -- not to Jebidiah, but to Comlain himself. Jebidiah had always proved stubborn to his manipulations, but he now sensed open hostility -- antipathy toward Comlain. Young Valor could very well end up being a weapon Comlain could not wield -- one he might well have to defend against.

And now, fresh off an impossible victory, Jebidiah was rushing headlong into what would be the harshest test yet. What was it his young player had said? The harder the stone, the sharper the axe?

This stone might break his blade.

Comlain -- through Aesis and Darido -- had granted Jebidiah a stronger sense of logic, reason, and judgment, all meant to elevate Jebidiah above responding to emergencies with emotion. Comlain primarily intended the changes to help Jebidiah overcome the intrinsic anger that his orcish blood gave him, but a secondary consideration was to make sure that his enemies could not exploit those close to him as a weakness. It would make the young man cold and calculating, but that's what the game demands of its players.

Like most Divine attempts to meddle with humanity, this attempt had backfired spectacularly. Jebidiah had his moments of coldness, especially toward those who had not gained his trust and loyalty. But everything was flipped on edge where love was concerned.

Bora and Avellar's meddling with one of his bondmates, the bard that Bora styled her champion, proved that where love was concerned, Jebidiah's heart led his mind. Comlain could still hear the venom in that one word Jebidiah managed to say: "You." It was equal parts threat, accusation, and disgust, wrapped up in a single syllable, and aimed squarely at Comlain.

If Jebidiah Valor was ready to confront Comlain over one of his wives... what would he unleash when two were threatened?

Comlain shuddered.

-- Chapter 8: Evergrow Woods, West of Fort Mylar --

-- Sixth Tenday of Juntaen 813 AGR --

That which does not kill me has made a tactical error.

- Taylor

Jebidiah seethed. His anger clouded his vision, already dimmed in the dying light of dusk. His horse's hooves thundered against the ground. He knew it because he could feel the impacts against his backside, but none of it reached his ears. His skin felt none of the branches that whipped at his face, his nose ignored the scent of pine that those same branches left embedded in his skin. All he could sense was molten rage, driving him past reason.

The stallion's flanks foamed with exertion. A portion of his mind screamed that he was on the verge of riding the horse to its death, threatening his speed, forcing him to continue on foot. The angry portion of his mind, the majority, told him he would just have to settle for running. Stopping for rest was not an option.

Something was pushing against that rage, fighting him, making him angrier. It was soothing, calming, and it irritated the fuck out of him. He had been fighting that soothing calm for the last hour, and it was exhausting him and his resolve as if dousing the massive walls of flame he'd thrown up around his heart.

He was beyond exhausted. Too many battles, too much magical healing without rest, the emotional cost of it all, it was too much. Only his rage kept him moving; he couldn't afford to stop.

But the calm kept fighting him, wearing him down even more. The fucking calm.

He reared his head back to roar his anger, keep him moving, kicking the stallion's flanks with his feet, urging more speed. He never saw the branch coming.

Jebidiah woke to a world of pain. The thick canopy of leaves made it difficult to determine the time of day. He attempted to rise, but motion brought a fresh searing pain lancing across his chest. He relaxed his muscles and lay still, eyes closed.

"Amazing."

His eyes shot open to find Dana standing over him, a frown on her pretty face. He wanted to ask what was going on, but pulling in breath to speak hurt too much.

"You should be dead, you know." Dana prodded his side with the tip of her foot, eliciting fresh pain. He moved to swat her leg away but failed even that.

She squatted next to him. "Listen, Jeb. Really listen. The last few days you've done an amazing job with everything that's been thrown at us. If things had gone to plan with our family dynamics, I honestly don't think I would have held up if I had been in charge. But then... you go off and do this."

He struggled for breath, finally managing to croak out a whisper. "Crys."

"Oh, we figured out what was going on, Jeb. No thanks to you." Her voice grew quiet. Sad. "I... we all understand that Crystal sits at the top of our food chain. I think deep down we've always known. It used to hurt, you know, that we couldn't compete with her. But after a while the rest of us realized we didn't need to -- well, most of us. And Divines know, after what she went through with her Change, she needed that love you would never admit to before."

He struggled more and she placed a hand on his chest. "Just stay put, damn it. It's probably best that you broke too many ribs to speak." She chuckled. "You've always been stubborn, Jeb, to a fault. We've worked with it over the years, managed it, but what you're doing now... this will end up getting us killed. You suppressed your love forever, along with a lot of other emotions, except the anger -- though I'm not one to talk about anger. You were always the logical one, always reasoning. It's why we used to follow your lead when we were kids."

He stopped struggling against her hand and drew in more breath. "Still are."

She chuckled again, which made him try to chuckle, causing him even more pain.

"Yeah, yeah. Ten-year-olds, running around, fucking up the kingdom." She pumped a fist. "Go team."

She let out an exasperated sigh. "Jeb, we're going to get you patched up, but this has to stop. Talk to us. If you want to be the leader, that means you always lead. All the time. That was stressed over and over again as I grew up and is the one thing I hated about what my position would bring. There is no time available for you to be selfish, to do what you really want to do. That was hammered into my head over and over again on how to be a 'proper ruler'. And that's what you are now, not just a leader, a ruler."

She sighed again, looking off into the distance. Jebidiah took notice that, for once, Dana wasn't in full on angry lecture mode. There was none of the usual bite to her words, no patronizing tone.

"I prefer... this Dana."

She grinned. He wasn't sure if the grin was directed towards his words or his pain. Probably both. Still staring off into the distance, she said, "Not the angry Dana? Well, I guess sometimes we need to grow up and stop being ten-year olds."

She locked her gaze with Jebidiah's. "All of us need to grow up. I never thought I would say this to someone, but you need to be a man, Jeb."

"Point taken." He closed his eyes and groaned. "You said... patching... up."

Dana didn't answer immediately, and he cracked open an eye in time to witness a disturbed look cross her face.

"You realize we took off like kobolds in heat, right? Without corpswomen or any sort of support? Without supplies? Those sorts of things a leader is supposed to think of?"

He groaned again. "There's... old... Dana."

"Yeah, the Dana you know and love." She looked off into the trees. "Greta's out with a hunting party. When she gets back... you'll just have to deal with her." She patted his chest lightly and rose. "Hang in there, Fearless Leader."

Kelek walked by shortly after Dana departed. She took a look at Jebidiah, sniffed then snorted. "Tree losssssst. Jeb win." She moved off, her laughing hiss fading as it chased after her.

"Nevermind the lizard."

He turned his head, surprised to see Mila crouched beside him. He had not heard her move beside him. "Need to talk, we do. Dana's smart, best do it now. Nothing stupid can you say."

He chuckled, grimacing in pain. "Everyone... comedian."

Mila smiled at his humor. "Good. Humor, you'll be needing for what's to come. Greta needs us."

She didn't elaborate, and Jebidiah wasn't sure if she was thinking of what she wanted to say or stalling. Mila was normally aloof, keeping her thoughts to herself but still participating in the family. "How?"

Mila made a sound like she was answering, then hesitated.

"Ixtar's champion, I am. If I live, a Master Assassin I'll be. Silent Death is my title given by her. My experience of being a champion a price it has. Strong are Ixtar's influence and urgings." She frowned. "'Wants you dead', she does. My refusal angers her, but still she remains."

Jebidiah frowned in confusion. "Why... now?" Kelek's emotional release had floored him, catching him off guard considering how closed off she had always been. And she still was with everyone else. But now here was Mila, exposing her inner self in a way he had never expected. He wasn't sure which was more jarring.

"Why speak now?" Mila snorted with a grin and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Secrets I have." She frowned, her voice softened. "Sorry I am for that. Maybe some day I can remove them. My problems for later must wait."

She glanced around, making sure of their privacy.

"Greta champion named, you heard Bora's words. Champion pull is strong. But Greta does not hear Bora -- not directly." She paused for a moment to let her words sink in. "Not like Ixtar. Something is wrong with Greta -- think all we know. But needs fixed it does."

"I tried... what Bora... said to."

Mila nodded. "Helped it has, but only Bora's part of her is here. The rest of her we need." She looked around again, searching. "Tenner needs."

Jebidiah looked confused, grimacing in pain as he tried to interpret what she just told him.

Mila noticed his confusion. "Thought I was stealing Greta you did? Pushing Tenner out?" She exhaled slowly, pursing her lips, pausing before continuing. "I was. I am. Guidance Greta requires, through this dark, into the light. Champion experience I have, eight summers now, signs I see Tenner will miss. I keep her safe, return her whole to Tenner. Your help we need."

Jebidiah chuckled, knowing it would hurt -- and it did. "Everyone needs... my help."

Mila smirked. "Big girl you want to play. Now see if big girl pants fit. Everyone be requiring your help. Everyone, Jeb. The hard part is which one's need help, deciding you must. To Bora's temple Greta must go -- to pay a price." She frowned. "Always a price..."

The silence that followed wasn't uncomfortable, and Jebidiah was contemplating what she was trying to convey. Mila finally voiced her train of thought, "Up to you it is, find other Greta. Music she needs."

A commotion drew their attention, the hunting party returning. Holone, Greta, Melissa, and Lana entered the clearing where they camped, each with rabbit or badgers thrown over their shoulders. Holone carried another sack, which he dropped by the campfire and motioned for Dana to join him. The two began rooting through the sack's contents, in quiet conversation.

Mila stood. "I'll fetch Greta."

As she moved off, Jeb called out. "Mila."

She stopped and partially turned back to him, eyebrow raised.

"Eight summers... How old?"

Mila laughed. A real laugh, a sound he had not heard for days, her voice light and playful. "Three months. Rescued from prison. Bonded we are. Battles we've fought. And now you ask." She turned from him, without answer, laughing as she walked to Greta.

Jebidiah closed his eyes, considering everything he was learning today. Most of it was chunked into his internal calculator, churning away at everything he fed it. But he focused on the changes in those around him. Dana's reasoned tone, Mila's shocking admissions and concern for Tenner, Kelek's unexpected emotional talk the day before. Things were shifting and he knew with startling clarity that his House -- his family -- was undergoing a transformation. He hoped that whatever it evolved into would be worth the pain and heartache.

A low chanting voice caused his eyes to open, focusing on Greta. Threads engulfed the hands she placed over his chest as her spell took shape, pushing the magic into him. He spasmed as the healing took hold, but once done, his breathing evened out.

With a sigh of relief, he looked into her eyes, searching. "Thank you."

She smiled down at him, her beauty radiating, shining like the midday sun. "Anything for you, husband."

Instinct took hold as he reached to cup her chin in his hand. "Anything, Greta?"

"Whatever you need, you only have to ask."

He gave her a serious look, his gaze locked onto her. "I'm going to hold you to that. We're going to be asked to do things we may not like -- all of us. I'm going to need your support."

"Of course, my love."

He smiled. "Good. Give me a kiss, love."

She leaned forward on her knees and gave him a proper kiss, exploring each other's tongues with a passion that had been missing the last few days. When they parted, she spoke in a lusty voice. "There's no stream nearby, but if you've got any of that freshening up magic left," she wiggled her eyebrows, "maybe we could do more than kiss."

He grinned but shook his head ruefully. "I'm afraid not right now. I would but I need to save the magic for what's to come."

He moved to stand, finding the motions to still be painful. Greta jumped up and moved to help him rise, offering support where he needed until he regained his feet.

He gamely walked toward the fire, where Mila observed Dana and Holone, who were still hovering over the sack. As he approached, he could see they were discussing some roots, vegetables, and plants that Holone had returned with. The pair were speaking quietly in Elvish -- Jebidiah could hear Holone occasionally correct Dana's pronunciation. They broke off their discussion when they noticed his approach, standing to greet him.

"Hello." Jebidiah's step faltered when Holone spoke, allowing Greta to move past him. He nodded his head back to the elf and replied, "Well met, Holone."

Dana frowned. "I haven't taught him that one yet, Jeb."

Jebidiah chuckled. "Well, sorry." He moved the rest of the way to join them, turned to Holone with a small bow, and said, "Hello, Holone."

Dana scowled. "Don't go mixing formalities." She huffed. "Just... ugh. Nevermind. It's good to see you moving again, although pained humility suited you."

"Sorry to disappoint," Jebidiah said with a smirk. "So, what has happened since my... mishap. I still can't contact Crystal."

"Whatever upgrades you gave her bond must be clouding the underlying connection. The rest of us can still sense her. Kelek can tell the exact direction she lies from us. Apparently she's always had that ability with our bonds." She added with a mutter, "among other things."

He reflected inwardly, reaching for the bonds. It took him a moment to move past his now instinctual attempt to telepathically communicate and hunt for his awareness of her, finding her connection when he focused. He quickly checked for Shirely as well, relief flooding him when he sensed her muted presence. "Okay, I have to look differently, but I can find her."

"We have more information as well." Dana looked around her, as if searching the air for something. "You can come out now."

A gaunt, naked, headless male corpse materialized beside Jebidiah, startling him.

"How droll. There's no call for violence." The corpse gestured at Jebidiah.

Jebidiah blinked, his mind not comprehending what was going on, then realized he held a dagger in his hand. He shook his head with a scowl as he returned the blade to its secret sheath at his side. "Git, you're fucking lucky I didn't resort to magic."

The corpse sniffed -- impressive for a headless corpse -- and continued in its haughty voice, "As if you could cause me harm. Are we going to discuss the situation with my pupil or continue in useless banter?"

Jebidiah heard a muttered "Asshole" from behind him, warning of Tenner's approach. He ignored her remark, ignored the arrogant spirit before him, ignored everything -- except Greta. Greta was tensed, coiled like spring at its breaking point, her entire focus on the walking corpse. She hissed -- a hiss that Kelek would have found worthy -- and held up her hand, fingers curling into a pattern Jebidiah didn't recognize.

"Foul beast, spawn of evil, begone! In Lady Bora's name I command you to return from where you came!"

Git let out a hearty laugh -- another impressive feat for a headless ghost. "Oh, this is too much amusement. A fledgling paladin, how... cute." He waved Greta away with a dismissive gesture. "Shoo little girl, before something happens to you."

Greta drew her sword and sprung only to find Jebidiah suddenly before her, catching her sword arm with a vice-like grip. She struggled against his hold, releasing a string of invectives aimed at the spirit.

"Greta!" Jebidiah's voice was stern enough to draw her attention to him, they locked gazes, engaging in a battle of wills. "Let. It. Go."

"It is anti-life. Evil. It cannot be allowed to exist, to taint life itself."

"Damn it all Greta, you have to compromise here! Do you love Crystal!"

Greta struggled harder, her gaze again locked onto Git.

"GRETA!" The force of his yell drew her gaze back to Jebidiah.

"DO YOU LOVE CRYSTAL!"

She stopped struggling and regarded Jebidiah. "Yes. Of course I do. Which is even more of a reason," she locked her gaze back on Git and began squirming even harder, "to destroy this THING before it can corrupt her any more than it already has!"

Jebidiah shook her. "Greta, listen to me, I hate this thing as much as you do, I really do, but if it can help us save Crystal and Shirely, I need you to trust me. Leave it be. Fuck! Reach inside yourself, look for Bora, ask her for guidance."

His words struck a chord within her and Greta searched his eyes, looking for something he wasn't sure of. Just when he thought he was getting through, she pushed off against him, nearly breaking his hold on her arm as she spit toward the spirit.

"Bora, you fucking cunt!"

His oath froze Greta, her eyes growing wide in disbelief. Desperation drove Jebidiah as he went with instinct, pulled Greta against him -- and kissed her. Her eyes grew wider; at first she fought, but then she responded, kissing him back, until she dropped her sword and embraced him, increasing the passion as if fighting for control of the kiss.

When she was calm, he broke off the kiss, staring into Greta's eyes. "Bora, I need this. You tell her, Greta. I need this. No agreement, no tasks, no doing her bidding, unless it is on my terms."

She didn't respond, just kept her gaze locked onto his.

"Tell her, Greta."

Greta's eyes lost focus, pupils dilating, as if she was staring off into the distance instead of directly into Jebidiah's eyes. Her face looked serene, but her bond was an emotional torrent as Greta struggled with something inside of her. The silence stretched out until she shuddered, taking a deep breath. It wasn't until he took his own deep breath that he realized neither of them had been breathing.

Her eyes refocused on him and she smiled. She stood on her toes, still tight in his embrace, and rubbed her nose against his then gave him a quick peck on the lips.

"For you, love, she will grant this."

He sighed in relief, letting her go, but still held his tension in case she tried to fake him out. Instead, she bent down to retrieve her sword, whistling as she turned and resheathed it, walking off.

Like nothing had just happened.

"In all these centuries, I don't think I have ever encountered the like. What an interesting House you have."

Jebidiah whirled around, glaring at the apparition. "Fuck off, Git. Tell me what I need to know before I let Greta off her leash."

"My, my. Testy, aren't we?"

"I just had to refuse my wife from what she desired. Do. Not. Push. Me. Ever."

Git let out an exaggerated sigh, holding his hand up as if he was examining his fingernails--if he had eyes. The gesture was as insulting as it was creepy.

"Fine. If family theater is finished for the day, then let's get down to business. Crystal and the rest of her party were captured with Hold spells, then subjected to a magnified Sleep. They should be out for a few more hours unless the spells are renewed. Her captors were unsure of what to do with Crystal. Most of them think she is a captive herself, and want her released to the other goblins, who just want to violate her." Jebidiah stiffened at the callous way he threw out the suggestion, and out of the corner of his eye he caught Dana tightening her fist.

"Their leader wants to interrogate her, but there's too much arguing for them to decide. If you hurry, you may reach them before a decision is made."

"Were any of them harmed?" The concern in Dana's voice was evident, but considering it was Git they were talking to, she radiated hostility.

The spirit didn't directly answer, frustrating everyone. "They are still in the Fort, held near other captives."

"How many guards are in the Fort?" It was a good question, one Jebidiah should have asked, but Michelle beat him to the punch as she joined their discussion.

"It fluctuates, but somewhere between twenty and thirty. A mixture of races, a few humans, orcs, goblins, kobolds, that sort of thing. I'm sure they would enjoy your company."

Tenner snorted. "I'm sure they make better company than you."

"Now, now, little magelette, manners are important."

Tenner's eyes narrowed into slits. "If our wives' lives weren't at stake, Greta and Jebidiah would be the least of your concerns."

"Ooooo. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a knife and serve it cold." Git taunted her with a weird hollow sounding laugh.

"ENOUGH! Everyone, that's enough." Jebidiah's yell cut through the arguments. He turned his attention to Git. "Listen, you little shit, the only reason I put up with your continued existence is for Crystal's sake. Don't forget that. You survive at her pleasure. Keep her alive, keep her happy."

"But of course, Your Grace." His words practically dripped with sarcasm.

"Go, do something useful." When the apparition stayed in place, he snapped. "NOW!"

With a bow and flourish of an arm, Git faded from view.

Jebidiah looked around at the others. By the time their conversation had ended, most of the others had gathered around. Only Stern and Greta were missing. "Okay, everyone. You heard what we're looking at. Any questions? Comments?"

"If there's only twenty, the odds are decent." Michelle pointed out. "We count thirteen. Well, with Stern and Greta we might even out at sixteen."

"Where is Stern?" Jebidiah asked, curious.

As if his question had cast a summoning spell, a roar of anger sounded from the other side of the camp, answering his question.

Jebidiah drew steel, a sound mimicked by the rest of his party, as he muttered, "What else can fucking go wrong."

Their line of horses startled in front, rearing and pawing the ground as a black blur shot from beneath their hooves, colliding with Dana, bowling her over.

"Mother's breath!" Dana yelled as she shoved against the furry black mass attached to her breastplate. "Get off of me, fur ball!"

Stern made his way around the frightened horses, making calming noises as he went past. Even a man of his size would feel a kick. He moved to stand in front of Dana, arms crossed, as he looked down at her struggle. "Your little friend is going to end up in the stew pot."

The little displacer beast hissed at Stern, the sound muffled by the rabbit firmly wedged in its mouth.

Jebidiah let out a lengthy sigh as he sheathed his sword. He regarded Dana, who had managed to sit upright and was maneuvering the displacer behind her, shielding the beast from Stern.

He raised an eyebrow. "Mother's breath? That's a new one."

Dana blushed -- a rare occurrence -- and raised her arms in exasperation. "I don't know! It's something Holone keeps saying and it stuck! Sue me."

"Maybe that can be its name. Stewpot."

Tenner's suggestion broke the tension, bringing out chuckles.

The cat hissed again and began flickering, its image moving from spot to spot.

"That's... disturbing." Unlike Tenner's suggestion, Michelle's statement sobered everyone up.

"Ssssstew... hmmmmmm." The way Kelek hummed out the last part vibrated along Jebidiah's spine.

Dana regained her feet, and gave Kelek an angry glare. "You will not eat her."

Kelek managed to look offended. Something else that was new. "Too young." she shook her head and hissed a laugh. "Need fat."

Dana's voice sharpened, "Kelek, I swear."

Kelek laughed some more as she walked off. "Ssssstewwwww."

After a brief meal of the remaining rabbit, they resumed at a hurried pace, tempered with caution. They had lost several hours after Jebidiah's battle with the tree and the morning light was beginning to brighten. The tree in question was strong, afterwards he was unable to wrap his hand around the branch he collided with, but it had still snapped on impact. The air still smelled of the woods and the lingering odor of campfire wafted off his armor and tunic. Michelle rode at his side as they debated their options.

"What's the game plan when we reach the Fort?" Michelle's question mirrored his own brooding musings.

"That is the question, isn't it?" He raised an eyebrow. "I don't suppose dealing with whatever we find would be a good answer?"

She chuckled in response. "If we want to survive, I think we'll need a better answer."

He looked over his shoulder, spotting Stern several horses behind him. A spike of their bond brought Stern's attention to him and he waved for Stern to join Jebidiah and Michelle.

Stern nosed his horse forward, nodding to Jebidiah in greeting, "Jeb."

"Hey big guy, need your opinion. What do you think we're walking into, and what would you do?"

Stern was startled by the question, stiffening as if slapped. "Me?"

Jebidiah chuckled. "You're the biggest guy around here. Yes, you. You've been getting cozy with the guard this entire trip, so it's time to see what you picked up. I need your help with this."

Stern tried to hide a pleased expression behind serious consideration. "Well... I admit I have been thinking about this. We don't have proper scouts nor any forward elements, like the Captain would use. I suppose for us, Mila or Kelek is the best option to see what is going on, unless you or Tenner have picked up any new magic tricks."

Jebidiah smiled and shook his head. "If only we had."

Stern's face grew somber, and he grimaced slightly. "Greta?"

"She's gained some new... skills, but I don't see stealth as one of them. She's become a bit more blunt lately."

Stern chuckled. "Blunt is a good word. Sort of like Char." Stern scowled at the thought. Of the podmates, Stern had been the closest to Charlene and her betrayal had hurt him the most.

"They have scouts of their own, or some sort of warning system, if the orcs managed to get the upper hand on Jeremiah and Rebecca. They are good Firsts. So whoever we send has to be able to deal with that threat."

Jebidiah and Michelle nodded in approval. "Point taken," Michelle added. "Continue, Stern."

They could see the discomfort of being put on the spot leave his posture as the encouragement of his assessment drove him on. "Git said nothing about the rest of the troops that Crystal was supposed to take with her, so it's fair to assume that she left them somewhere south of the Fort while they went to look?" He raised an eyebrow, phrasing his assessment as a question.

Michelle nodded again, "It's a fair assumption, and I am hoping whoever is in charge is smart enough not to send more people to be captured as well. If Gentry is in charge she should be fortifying her position before making any moves. Crystal would have told her we were coming."

"So, do I get to join the strategy discussion?"

Jebidiah glanced over his shoulder at Dana. "Sorry, Dee, you never seemed interested in this part. The more the merrier though."

"I hate the planning part. Implementation is more my thing, but I'd still like to know what's going on."

Jebidiah smiled. "I'd stop so we could all join in, but we need to keep moving."

He turned his attention back to Stern. "So we have possible resources posted to the south of the Fort with between twenty and thirty defenders inside the Fort itself, guarding all the prisoners. We have thirteen, a tired thirteen. Past sending either Mila or Kelek to see what is going on, what would you do?"

"How likely do you think we can wake up the others?" Stern asked.

The question caught Jebidiah off guard. It was something he hadn't considered. "See, this is why it's best to strategize. I hadn't considered that."

He sighed, coming to a decision he didn't like. He raised his voice and called out. "Firsts! Halt the column! We need a moment!"

Their progress slowed to a halt as Jebidiah motioned for everyone to draw up in a circle, their horses' heads pointed toward the center. Once arranged, he continued.

"I hate to cause more of a delay, but we need to come up with a plan." Everyone nodded in understanding, and he turned his gaze to where Mila and Greta were positioned. Kelek quietly cast her translation spell.

"Mila, from what Git said, someone was watching and snuck up on Crystal's party. How confident are you that you can sneak past their sentries and scout the Fort?"

Mila smirked. "Got myself into Tonstar, nearly got you."

Jebidiah chuckled. "Yes, there is that. Point taken. Can you work with Kelek? The two of you figure out what our enemy is doing?"

Kelek hissed and nodded. "Little one goodsss."

Mila looked shocked, then studied the lizardwoman. "Thank you, Kelek."

"Okay, that's the scouting part. Greta, Tenner, or even you Kelek, from what Git said about how they are keeping Crystal and Shirely captive, can we get them active? Or will we have to carry them out?"

Tenner scrunched up her face. "I don't have those spells, not really my thing, and Shirely hasn't had time to go over them with me."

Greta shrugged. "I'm not a mage, Jeb."

"Short duration are Sleep and Hold," Mila added in. "Git said Held they were then put to sleep. Not knowing of that spell, not even whispers."

Tenner raised an eyebrow. "Do you think it might be the Divines? Like Jeb's sex magic?"

His wives chuckled but the First gave each other uncomfortable glances.

"Matters not." Mila said matter of factly. "Wake them up I will."

This time Jebidiah arched a brow. "You're certain?" She smirked and nodded in reply.

"Okay then, here's the game plan. When you reach the Fort, which should be..." He glanced at Michelle who shrugged.

"I'm guessing an hour before dusk."

"That works. We reach close to the Fort, send out Mila and Kelek to scout. When they return we'll refine our plan based on who is in the Fort. Stern, Olga, you'll ride south to meet up with the guard and coordinate with them. We don't know how close the Darkhunt forces are, but they are coming. They have to be prepared to meet them. We'll handle the Fort." He scanned the faces around him. "Everyone good?"

When no one raised their voice, he nodded to himself. "Let's be about it."

Once they resumed, Jebidiah urged his horse forward until he drew up beside Kelek. "Friend Kelek, are we good?"

The lizard regarded him, expression neutral, unanswering.

"Are we not bad?"

Kelek laughed, and nodded.

"Big not bad?" She laughed even more, shifting her gaze back to where she was riding, and nodded again, obviously amused by his questions.

"Big not hate?" Her laughing stopped, and she regarded him again.

The silence stretched.

Finally she gave one of her attempted shrugs. "Not no." After a beat she added, "Not yessss."

"I'm going to need you, Kelek. I need to trust you and you need to trust me. It's part of big not hate."

Kelek regarded him some more and sighed. "Hard."

Jebidiah added his own sigh. "Trust is the hardest thing to do. If it was not hard, everyone would do it."

Kelek chuckled and nodded. "Jeb trust. Friend."

Jebidiah nodded. "Good. What we face next, I need you to be working with us, not going off to bring Dana a new pet. We have to work together, okay?"

Kelek sobered up, regarding Jebidiah again. "Save Crysssss."

"Thank you, Friend Kelek."

They rode in comfortable silence for some time before he spoke again.

"When we return to our home, I need you to do something. Something very important."

Kelek regarded him again, waiting for him to continue.

"I need you to get with Master Standing and Sift and find out where this building Seventeen is." His gaze hardened. "When you do, we ride to save our friend. Can you do that for me?"

Kelek froze for a moment, her expression impossible for Jebidiah to read. She finally nodded. "Big not hate."

Her answer was enough.

They rode the rest of the day resuming their relative silence, each lost in their own thoughts -- except the Firsts. Michelle moved from one First to the next, conferring with each for quite some time before moving on to the next. The old Jebidiah would have fretted about what was being discussed. His new self-confidence allowed him to trust that whatever Michelle was up to would work in his favor. It was a strange moment of self-reflection. He was aware of the change, acknowledged it, but had no recollection of when it had happened.

The portion of the Woods they travelled through was further from the old growth than where they had fought the day before. The undergrowth was almost non-existent, leaving an expansive, flat, grassy area, liberally doused with thick trunked trees -- most thicker round than their horses' width. If it weren't for their pace and urgency, he would have found the ride relaxing. Soothing. A stark contrast from the tension coursing through his mind and body.

Stewpot struggled to keep pace, often riding with Dana, clinging to her leather breastplate, displaying its displeasure in a show of hissing with bared teeth and growls with arched fur to any who made eye contact. Dana tried to console the displacer, which amused Jebidiah greatly. Several times he caught Kelek watching the interplay and with a crooked grin.

True to Michelle's estimation, they found signs they were closing in on the Fort around the twentieth bell, about an hour and a half before dusk. Horse prints and cut foliage were clear indications they had found patrol paths. They dismounted and moved from hillock to hillock, looking for a vantage point to observe the keep while keeping their approach hidden.

Finally, the Fort came into sight, slightly obscured by some trees but clear enough to make out the surrounding terrain.

"I suppose this is as good as it's going to get," Jebidiah murmured. "Mila? Do you want to wait for dusk to move forward?"

Mila glanced at Kelek and spoke very carefully. "Can you understand me?"

Kelek curled her lip in an odd way and shrugged.

Mila sighed and motioned, urging them off the hilltop. She grabbed a stick and pulled up several tufts of sod, giving her an area of dirt to draw in. She quickly drew the shape of the Fort, easily discernible because of her attention to detail. Around it she added a couple of hills, and even a few trees. Jebidiah was more than impressed -- he couldn't have recalled half of what she did with such speed and clarity.

Michelle voiced Jebidiah's thoughts. "That's damned impressive."

Mila brushed aside the compliment. "Learn to observe, when killing is your living."

She pointed at Kelek with the stick. "You. Go here." She moved the stick around, weaving between hills and trees. She drew a stick figure in the dirt, pointed the stick back at Kelek, then back to the stick figure. Kelek regarded Mila with her unreadable expression. Mila smiled and drew a line across her neck with a finger, then mimicked dying, tilting her head to the side, eyes closed, tongue hanging out.

Kelek hissed a laugh and nodded in understanding.

Mila smoothed over the dirt and drew again, a straight line with a circle above it. She added a curved line starting from the circle, aimed at the ground, adding an arrow at the end of the arc, signifying the circle going toward the line. She then pointed up at the sun with her stick, then back to the circle in the drawing. "Now?" she asked Kelek then moved the stick along the arc, back to the line representing the ground. "Or now?"

Kelek nodded in understanding. She pointed at the circle where it was in the drawing. "Now."

Mila smiled and looked at Jebidiah. "Good we are. You good?"

Jebidiah nodded. "Find out what it looks like then we regroup and figure out Crystal and Shirely. Hopefully Kelek will just do her thing and eat people."

Tenner grimaced. "Not the best description, Jeb."

The round of chuckles released some of the tension.

"Okay, Mila. The show is yours. If we hear shouting, we're charging."

"Show faith, husband. Reason I'm champion there is. They have no Jebidiah." She stood to go but Jebidiah reached out to catch her wrist.

"Mila, don't get cocky. They do have a 'me'. Or a 'you'. Somewhere. Either in the Fort or the Village, there's another player involved."

Mila regarded him for a moment, looking like she was going to object, but instead she nodded. "Point's fair. Careful I'll be." She surprised him -- and everyone -- by leaning in for a quick kiss. "Your luck I'll be taking," she replied with a coy smile before rising and padding off, making an odd gesture with her hands like she was manipulating something.

She vanished -- except to Jebidiah, who could see the magical threads now encasing her form.

"Well... that's effective."

Jebidiah snorted. "You have a way with words, Dee."

Tenner looked upset. "Damn it, she needs to be teaching us that one."

He shook his head as he turned to ask Kelek if she was joining Mila, only to find the lizard was gone.

"I think they both have a thing or two they could teach us."

Stern frowned, confused. "She was just here."

Olga laughed quietly. "Off she went when everyone watched the little one vanish."

It always shocked Jebidiah when Olga spoke. The length of time between occurrences made him forget she could speak at all.

"Okay, everyone, gear up. If things go south, we need to rush the Fort." He looked at Michelle, giving her a grim smile. "How do you want to handle the worst case?"

Michelle snorted, amused. "We don't. Worst case is they catch us with our pants down and we end up beside Crystal. Or dead. But if you mean if Kelek or Mila raise the alarm, we should mount and charge on horseback. It'll get us there faster and a cavalry charge will unnerve even seasoned warriors."

He nodded. "Sounds like a plan."

They watched in silence, waiting for something to happen. Michelle and Olga stayed with the Valors while the rest of the Firsts, Vera, Melissa, and Lana, kept the horses at the ready at the base of the hill, away from the Fort. Time stretched on as Jebidiah's nerves frayed. Then the minutes stretched even further as the sun slowly set. By the time torches were being set in the Fort, Jebidiah was sure he had the entire edifice committed to memory, every stone, every timber.

When his impatience reached its peak, Stewpot began hissing, highly agitated. Mila's soft, disembodied voice floated from the darkness. Jebidiah turned at the sound, spotting the gray threads wrapped around Mila's body.

"Dumb kitty."

Jebidiah chuckled softly. They weren't speaking in low voices when they had arrived, but in the early evening light, speaking quietly suited the mood. "What did you find, Mila?"

A rolled piece of parchment appeared on the grass before Jebidiah, no longer invisible as she removed her touch. He took it up and unrolled it, revealing a floor plan for the Fort, including some annotations. Jebidiah oriented the drawing to match the actual building, and laid it back down on the ground, holding it flat with the weight of his dagger.

"Michelle, come look at this. Mila, what are we looking at?"

With her invisibility, and only the vague outline provided by the threads, Jebidiah couldn't make out her body language. Her voice was focused, punctuated by Stewpot's low growl.

"The main entrance goes into a large meeting chamber that doubles as a mess. There's several large oak tables and benches lining the space. From the front doors, to the left is the barracks and kitchen. To the right is the armory, officer's quarters, and the cells. The cells are filled to capacity, mostly elves and a few humans, but Shirely, Rebecca, and Jeremiah are in their own cell at the back of the cell block. Crystal is alone, in the very last cell."

Jebidiah tensed. "You can reach her?"

He could hear the smirk in her voice. "Already have."

"Is she... well?"

"Asleep she is. Will not wake. Nasty bump, headache she will have."

Relief flooded him, like a heavy weight was lifted from his chest. Michelle asked the question he should have. "The guards?"

"Eating most are, in the main room. Kitchen has three, orc and two goblins. Ask not what they cook. Eating is mixed, orcs, humans, goblins, kobolds. Leader is in quarters, guards posted, two. Cell has guards, four orcs."

Michelle nodded. "And you can wake them? You are certain?"

"Aye." The calm certainty in Mila's voice reassured Jebidiah.

Michelle glanced at Jebidiah. "You have more of those fireballs up your sleeve?"

He grinned at her. "Aye." He glanced at Tenner and raised an eyebrow. She smiled back in understanding. "Aye."

A memory tugged at him. "Can you do that storm cloud lightning strike again? The one you used on the ogre?"

Tenner frowned. "That wasn't me. I thought that was you?"

Jebidiah ran a hand through his hair. If it wasn't Tenner and definitely wasn't him, who could it have been? "We'll have to figure that out later, after this mess." He looked into the night, toward Mila. "Did you see Kelek?"

"Killed four, she has."

Jebidiah nodded. "We'll have to hope she figures out what we're up to." He sighed, looking back at Michelle. "What exactly are we up to?"

"We're going to sneak down this hillside, get into range of your fireballs. Vera and the others will charge on horseback, cause a ruckus, get them to come out and chase. When the doors open, boom!" She cupped her hands and moved them apart, mimicking the explosion. "Then you charge."

Jebidiah frowned. "Mila, is there a door -- hopefully a thick door -- blocking off the cells?"

"Aye."

"We need you to get in there first, secure that door so the fire stays out of the cell block. Then signal us once you are ready. Is that workable?"

"Aye."

Jebidiah chuckled. "I guess the 'Ayes' have it. I should've asked for something harder."

Mila's voice purred through the darkness. "Get you harder later."

Dana chuckled and Tenner let out a long, low whistle. "Damn, that was a good one."

Michelle cleared her throat. "At least we haven't lost our focus. Are we ready to kick this off?"

Jebidiah nodded. "I am the Axe." He meant to say it as a way to fill an awkward silence, but he found he meant it, adding emphasis to the last word.

"We are the shield."

Mila harrumphed. "Off I go."

Unlike the last time Mila was sent off, this time the rest had something to do. Greta and most of the Firsts staked down the horses, then mounted their own as Jebidiah, Michelle, and the rest crouched and moved down the hillside, getting into position.

Something tickled Jebidiah's thoughts. "Stern, Olga, I think we can handle this. Are you two good to go find our troops?"

"Always." His baritone voice made his whisper sound like a rumble. The two set off to gather their horses.

When he felt his group was close enough, Jebidiah stilled, motioning the others to stay put. His adrenaline was pumping, he could feel his heart thudding in his chest. He glanced at Tenner. "You ready, love?"

Dana began humming a little tune. Jebidiah glanced at her, sending a pulse of confidence and love through the bond. She looked back at him and gave him a small smile. She shook the bow in her hand. "We've got this." Stewpot rubbed her head against Dana's thigh. Dana absentmindedly scratched at the displacer's ear as she spoke. "I wonder what Mila's signal will be?"

In answer to her question, the air above the keep began to shimmer and brighten, coming into focus, revealing a large pair of naked breasts hanging over the Fort. They were huge -- probably fifteen feet across -- and... they began to jiggle.

Dana barely kept her voice down. "Bora wept, what the fuck is she doing?"

Tenner laughed. "Now that's what I call a signal."

The thunder of hooves crested the hill behind them as their distraction began their charge, yelling war cries at the top of their lungs. Greta shone in the night, glowing like a beacon. Helmless, her hair waving behind her, she looked like a goddess -- an avenging angel delivering justice.

The sound of bowstrings emanated from the Fort as the defenders began to react. Jebidiah pulled the threads he required, readying his spell, as his concentration nearly broke from an unexpected surprise.

"Jeb, we're ready."

Crystal's voice was the soothing balm his spirit needed. The fatigue, the tension, his worry, all of it evaporated as his hyper focus took hold. "I love you, Crys." His entire being became focused on the double-doored entrance as they began to open. He growled the Words and the bead of fire leapt from his hand, side-by-side with Tenner's.

Only one of the doors had opened, an unfortunate orc who was the first to charge through was met with two arrows -- a gift from Dana and Holone -- when the fireballs went off. Tenner's impacted the closed door, obscuring the Fort, but his shot sailed past the exiting orc, entering the room beyond. The effects of his fireball were masked by Tenner's, but the flames that shot out of the chimney gave him confidence.

Jebidiah and Michelle charged after the spells impacted, just as their cavalry turned to join them. With one of the doors open, he guessed the other wasn't barricaded and slammed his shoulder into it at full speed, nearly ripping it off its hinges. Someone must have been behind it as it rebounded before it hit the wall, only for Jebidiah's momentum to carry him back into it, clearing whatever obstacle it had found. Magical darts rushed past him, piercing an orc who was moving to block his entry. He could feel the movement of the wind as arrows whistled past his head.

The room Jebidiah rushed into was something out of a nightmare. Bodies littered the space, too burnt to tell what they were, but the stronger defenders were leaping into action. The tables and ceiling timbers were on fire, raining embers on the combatants beneath them. Michelle battled an orc, their swords clanging against each other, but that was all the time Jebidiah had to gain his bearings before something struck him from behind.

Whirling in pain, he faced an angry woman, dressed in Crown livery, dagger in her hand, dripping blood -- his blood. His anger flared, consuming him. As he closed on her, he snarled out, "Traitor." She feebly tried to block his strike, but her head hit the floor a moment later. After he separated it from her body.

A cry of pain turned him around, seeing Michelle take a sword strike to her arm. He moved to help when an orc leapt in front of him, snarling. The orc hesitated when Greta, still glowing, charged into the room, crying Bora's name, followed closely by Vera and Lana. Jebidiah took advantage of the distraction, engaging the orc with his sword.

Jebidiah lost all sense of time. His world narrowed to a blur of images, instinctive actions, and reflexive reactions. Blocking blows, taking hits, roaring his rage in a maelstrom of other roars, grunts, cries, and the never ending clash of steel. He stopped counting how many he cut down. It was no longer a cohesive attack, just a fight for survival.

He caught glimpses of the others -- Michelle nursing an arm, swinging her sword with the other, Mila severing limbs with her magical sword, Crystal and Shirely, casting what spells they could, dressed in rags, daggers at the ready. Rebecca, also clad in rags, had managed to arm herself with a sword and shield. For some reason, Jeremiah was completely nude, a recovered sword his only adornment.

Something massive slammed into Jebidiah, spinning him until he collided with a wall, fresh pain from his wounds lancing through his back and side. An oversized orc took a swing at him with a large curved blade, ugly and black. Its ebony blade seemed to absorb the light of the fires while it glowed with the threads of magic.

Jebidiah steadied himself, raised his sword to a guard position and with his other hand, and with a smile beckoned his foe to close with him. The orc smirked then shook its sword as it roared, taking a step toward Jebidiah when it was suddenly encased in fire. Confused, Jebidiah looked for the source to find Kelek, her eyes blazing like coals of fire, arms tensed, fists balled, leaning forward, a cone of fire extending from her gaping mouth. Jebidiah stabbed the orc in the side when the fire died down, only to take a backhand to the face, knocking Jebidiah clear but losing his sword in the process.

Kelek surged forward to engage the orc, slashing with her hands, hissing and clicking as she did. Despite her size, the orc still outmassed her, and Kelek recoiled when his fist connected with her jaw.

The orc swept his gaze back and forth between them, snarling, exposing bloodstained, sharpened teeth. His red and black eyes blazed with hatred as it finally decided to move against Jebidiah. He scrambled backwards, searching for a weapon as he put more space between him and the orc when it suddenly roared in pain. It arched its back, lifting its head as it roared, then fell to one knee as it reached for its wounded leg with a hand. Mila was there, slashing the extended hand with her backhand swing -- two of the orc's fingers flew off, spinning in the air as they followed the arc of her swing.

A shrill cry filled the room as a green arm snaked its way around the orc's throat. Another green arm appeared, dagger in hand, methodically stabbing the orc in the base of its neck. The orc thrashed back and forth, trying to dislodge Crystal, the goblin clinging to its back. When it fell forward, she pulled her arm from under it and crawled into Jebidiah's arms. He held her as she sobbed, while Mila and Kelek stood guard above them.

There were only three orcs and two humans remaining, engaged against Greta, and the Firsts -- Michelle, Lana, Vera, Jeremiah, Rebecca, though most of the Firsts were wounded. Even Greta was favoring one leg. Shirely was making her way toward where Jebidiah and Crystal lay, pushing herself along the wall, staying away from the fight.

The odds heavily favored the Valors but nothing ever came easily. A side door burst open and a flood of yelling goblins poured into the fray. The tides turned quickly as the Valor women were pushed back, Mila and Kelek rushed to join the fray and Jebidiah rose, shaking off fatigue and pain.

Four goblins broke off from the melee, moving past the still open front doors, making their way to Jebidiah, Crystal, and Shirely. Jebidiah began to ready a spell when one of the goblins fell, its head sprouting two arrows. Another goblin was knocked down as a black blob bowled it over. The goblins froze in place, fear etched on their faces as they turned to the new attack.

Jebidiah unleashed Magic Missile as another casting of the magical darts struck the same goblin he aimed for. The surviving goblin fled into the night. The thrum of bowstrings and a strangled cry marked its fate.

Dana and Holone appeared in the doorway, Tenner close behind. Jebidiah shouted at them, spiking the bond to make sure they noticed his words. "Bar the door! No one can escape!"

Once Holone and Dana entered the fray, the fight ended quickly. Their number put the orcs and goblins back on the defensive, and after a few more fell, the goblins' morale broke. They tried to flee, but finding the doors barred, they made for the kitchen instead.

Jebidiah grew dizzy and he sat heavily on a bench, faintness washing over him. Crystal immediately checked on him, grimacing at his injuries.

"Jeb, your back and shoulder is bleeding. A lot. Your back is coated." He allowed her to help him out of his armor as the others secured the survivors. All the Firsts were injured, Jeremiah was completely down, unmoving.

Dana called out, urgency in her voice. "Greta, do you have any healing left? I don't think Jeremiah's going to make it."

Greta limped over and knelt by Jeremiah's side, but Crystal's movements obscured what followed as she began pulling Jebidiah's tunic over his head.

"Fuck, Crys, that hurts!" Jebidiah said, gritting his teeth.

"I'm sorry, Jeb, but this looks bad. I can see your shoulder bone."

Shirely joined Crystal in poking and prodding at his back. He winced in more pain, the pair were not being gentle.

"Are you two trying to make it worse?"

Shirely clucked her tongue. "I'm pushing your muscle back into place so we can bandage it. You won't be moving this arm until we can find a healer. I don't suppose you brought any corpswomen along? Or did we do the classic Jebidiah move -- rush off without planning?"

"Not like that, it was." Mila had joined them, apparently to watch his suffering. "Fought three hard battles we did -- many of the women were wounded. Corpswomen were needed there."

Jebidiah wasn't used to someone defending his rash actions. "Why thank you, Mila." He groaned in pain again as someone pushed at another injury.

"Crys, who all did you bring along? Please tell me there are forces stationed to the south." His words were becoming slurred, his thoughts hard to process.

"Gentry has what she could muster taking up defensive positions about a thirty minute ride from here. We need to get you there. Now." Her voice was frightened. He could feel the fear in her bond. Shirely's bond echoed that fear, intensifying his own.

"Prinsonsers... prisoners..." His speech was failing.

Crystal ignored his question. "Dana! We need you, now!"

Dana rushed to him, her face filling his vision, becoming twins. He smiled at the sight of two Danas, trying to raise a hand to point. "There's two..."

Jebidiah fell into the black.

-- Somewhen, Somewhere --

Comlain felt something he last felt centuries ago. So long ago, it took him some time to remember what the feeling was. Anxiety.

Jebidiah lay close to death, having answered Comlain's earlier concerns about what lengths he would go to for his wives. His bond was too strong, his loyalty too ingrained, and it promised to be the end of Jebidiah and therefore Comlain's place in the current Game. Comlain had struggled to mold Jebidiah in the image Comlain desired, emotionally isolated, impervious to pressure, demanding and commanding. And yet...

Jebidiah continued to grow stronger, overcoming obstacles that would have stopped more seasoned leaders and warriors. It was obvious his reliance on his bondmates and the others around him gave him a strength and resilience far greater than what he could accomplish on his own. But at what cost to him and those same people he surrounded himself with?

What Jebidiah had become was a merging of opposites, a composite--equal independence and dependence. In a different setting, Comlain would have been fascinated by the changes, needing to study him, how this unique specimen functioned. One thing was certain. Jebidiah represented something Comlain had been missing for too long.

Excitement.

"Damn you, Comlain! Do something!"

Comlain sighed, and answered the curse without turning. "What do you expect me to do, Bora?" He shifted, bringing her into focus. "Healing is not my purview, that is Tsinghai's. Though you do well in it. Don't all these Tonstar corpswomen fawn over you?"

"He's not my player! You have to do something!"

Comlain raised a brow. "Aren't you getting yourself a bit more vested in him than you should be?"

Bora replied with a harrumph.

Comlain's voice grew firm. "Seriously, Bora, what is bringing this on? This is unlike you."

Bora hesitated, as if searching for a reply. "I must find out what happened to my temple."

Comlain considered her, studying her features for any sign of her true intent. Finally he spoke again. "You've been involved long enough to know that the boy is not easily managed, nor is the rest of his family for that matter. The more I interfere the more recalcitrant he becomes. You'd be better off getting Axteus to help, for all the good that fucking gnome would do. I never should have listened to it."

"Fine!" Bora huffed. "I'll figure something out since you won't!"

He chuckled to himself after she departed, then sobered. It was amusing to see other Divines disturbed by events, until he recalled his own growing discomfort with Jebidiah's power.

Yes, excitement. Was it worth it?

--South of Fort Mylar--Sixth Tenday of Juntaen 813 AGR --

Jebidiah woke to a world of pain. Again. Pain seemed to be his constant companion lately, both physically and emotionally. He could tell he lay on the ground, a rock was jutting against his lower back, prodding him to reposition himself, but when he tested his muscles, his shoulder flared with pain, eliciting a groan.

"Jeb? Jeb, are you awake?"

The urgency in her voice made his eyes snap open, to a sight that made all the pain subside into the background -- Crystal, her face lit by the nearby fire. It was still dark -- he had no inclination of what time it was. He lifted his head, which pained his shoulder, and could only smile at her, at a loss for words as his emotional exhaustion took its toll.

His breath hitched as the first tear fell down his cheek. Tears began rolling down her cheeks in response and he laid his head back and closed his eyes. But it was too late -- everything hit him at once. Crystal tried to thumb away the moisture from his cheek, but he quickly replaced it with more tears.

"Oh, Jeb..." her voice broke. "I'm here. Right here."

Sobs tore at him, lancing pain through his body with each motion. Crystal gingerly lay her head on his chest, conflicted by the concern of hurting him against her need to comfort him. They lay like that for some time, Crystal content to let his emotions run their course, unable to keep the concern from her bond. He finally began to collect himself together, picking up the shards of his emotions and dumping them into a box.

"Damn it, this is not what I expected to see."

He opened his eyes, now sore from his tears, the remnant moisture blurring Dana's face. He tried to clear his eyes, but moving his arm brought back the pain, stabbing this time, causing him to hiss then suck in a breath.

"Fuck, that hurts worse than the ribs did."

Crystal used her tunic to wipe at his face and eyes, allowing his vision to return. He refocused on Dana in time to see her wiping her own face on her sleeve, the tear tracks still visible.

"Mother's womb, Jeb, you came really close to biting it this time. Kelek practically flew ahead of us on that huge charger of hers, getting you here as quick as she could. Our horses couldn't keep pace."

Crystal chuckled, despite her own emotional turmoil. "Mother's womb?"

"Just..." Dana sighed in exasperation. "Just, let's not go there right now, okay? I'm... Fucking Holone... I'm... adjusting."

"No."

Jebidiah's command startled both Dana and Crystal.

Dana hesitated, "I mean, I can't explain it. It's not something I can just say no to..."

Jebidiah cut off her response with a new grunt of pain before he spoke. "Not that. Don't just shove the change to the side like it's a non-issue. It's a big thing." He sighed, huffing as he tried to wiggle his back to dislodge the stone. "Everything is changing. It seems each of us is being pushed in a direction, and we need to get our heads around it. We need to take control."

He looked at Crystal. "You, Git, and the necromancy." He turned to Dana. "Holone and that damned displacer are a sign of something, bringing something out in you." Stewpot growled at his mention of the displacer. Jebidiah had not realized it was there, coiled behind Dana's feet. He ignored the growl. "Then there's Greta and how fucked up she is right now."

Crystal shuddered, enough for him to feel where they touched. "You had warned me, but experiencing it first hand was... something."

He nodded. "Something about sums it up. Then there's Kelek."

They both looked at him once again in surprise.

"What's up with Kelek?" Dana asked, growing concerned.

"She's more than I thought she was, going through her own issues. We're the source of a lot of them. It never occurred to me what was happening, but Stern knew right away."

"Stern?" Crystal's confusion was growing, the volume of her voice matching.

"Yes, Stern. We apparently exude love through the bonds. Sometimes an overwhelming amount. I don't think Kelek's people have a word for 'love'. Not even the concept."

"Whoah."

Jebidiah tried to chuckle, but found he couldn't. "Succinct, Dee."

Crystal chuckled, "Nice word drop."

He smiled, but continued. "And speaking of Stern, he's really been sticking to the guard, starting to talk in their lingo."

Dana nodded. "Aye, he hasn't left Gentry's side since we got here. What about Ten?"

"You've seen how much Greta has been having an effect on her. She's lost, looking for an anchor, and I'm not sure how good I've been at easing that loss."

"Mila?" Crystal asked tentatively, uncertain she wanted the answer.

"She might be the most complicated of us all. Being Bora's conduit has changed something. She's latched onto Greta -- at first I thought to push Tenner away, but apparently she's trying to keep Greta stable until we can find out what's going on with her, so Tenner can get her back. Beyond that though, there's the whole Ixtar's champion stuff. 'Silent Death'. We saw a lot more of her capabilities today. They are... formidable."

Crystal sighed in frustration. "Ixtar's champion? Bora wept."

Jebidiah's features hardened. "If I ever get my hands on her, she'll do more than cry."

His outburst stunned the others into silence, mouths hanging open.

"J... Jeb," Crystal hesitated, shocked. "You can't say things like that."

"I can and I mean it. I'm tired of the Divine fucking with us. I'm done with it. When this is over and we get home, I'm going to research everything I can to find a way to stop them. After we fix Sift." He drew in a breath, collecting himself. "At least Shirely just has the Mad Lady aspect to deal with."

"Actually..." Crystal hesitated, drawing out the word.

Jebidiah raised a brow in an unspoken request.

"Something's wrong with her. She hasn't said a word to anyone since you pulled us out of the Fort. She's shut off the bond as well."

He closed his eyes and nodded. "Of course she has. Why should I have expected anything else?" He tested the bond with Shirely, pulsing concern. The bond felt different. Not exactly 'shut down' as Crystal described, but more of a denial of recognition, like Shirely was intentionally giving him a cold shoulder and wanted him to know it.

"Okay, one problem at a time. What else is going on, how are we looking?"

Dana and Crystal exchanged glances, not answering right away.

"Girls, come on, I need to know what's going on."

"Crystal, me, Holone, and Shirely were the only ones not banged up at the Fort. They got you stabilized when Kelek brought you in, but Jeb... the guard are in rough shape."

He tried to sit up again, alarmed, but his shoulder fought him -- and won. "What do you mean by rough shape?"

"There was a probe by the Darkhunt, it caught them while preparations were being made. There were... casualties."

"How bad?" Neither answered again, and he growled in annoyance. "How. Bad?"

"There was only the beginnings of Charlie Company here. None of them are fully trained or integrated yet. All the platoons were at half strength or less, and... they lost a third."

He grimaced. "The company of guards we sent east? Any news from them?"

"They were hit as well, but were in a better position. Casualties were light and the Darkhunt were only probing. They are staging a fighting withdrawal to meet us here. Alpha was notified to come here as well."

"What else? I thought Michelle would be here."

Crystal hesitated again, her voice catching. "She's dealing with... we... we lost Jeremiah."

Jebidiah was emotionally wrung out, his nerves taut like razor wire, there wasn't anything left for him to process yet another loss of one of their First, let alone Crystal's. He could feel the guilt and dismay radiating from her bond, too raw for his own frayed nerves to touch. Instead he closed his eyes and simply said, "Fuck."

"Everyone is still banged up. We have to wait for morning to get any healing back past what bandages can do. Your shoulder's bad, but it will have to wait."

He sighed and nodded in acceptance. There was nothing else he could do. "We'll meet them with Valor." He spoke the words softly -- muttering to himself -- but Dana heard him.

"Valor shall guide us into Uther's light."

He grimaced again as he fought back the chuckle.

Crystal looked between the pair. "I feel like I missed something."

Dana chuckled, "Girl, did you ever." She turned her gaze to Jebidiah. "Well, Fearless Leader, what now?"

He looked at Crystal. "First, I need you to wiggle your hand under my lower left back and find this cursed rock poking me. Then I'm going to get some sleep. And in the morning, we're going to start fixing things."

Dana smiled as Crystal made a small cry in surprise and began to snake her hand under his back. "Sounds like a plan. I'll let the other's know."

"Tell them, Dee," he said, his voice cold, sharp, deadly. "Tell them I am the Axe, and my blade is sharp and thirsty. Make sure they understand."

Dana's smile grew, lighting up her eyes. "Damned straight."

Stars and comments are greatly appreciated. I edit my bio with updates and if you follow me you'll get notifications of changes. This book will stay to a bi-weekly release of chapters instead of weekly.