“We’re back!” Calo cheered. The next breath she shuddered and pulled her arms to her chest.

The chill wind of Atros was a pleasant, albeit brisk change to the unending heat of Frindal. However, it symbolised something else. Their adventures through Frindal had ended. For now at least. It would be a few days before the Lamia’s reached their destination and, for the first time in ages, there was little that Anton had to do. It was an odd feeling. So odd that Cetina leant forward and frowned.

“It is good to be back.” Anton gave Cetina’s rear a little pat. “Though it does seem a little strange.”

Cetina gave a curt nod. Her hand instinctively reached for the small hessian bag that usually contained the portal stones. She patted her back nervously, but she quickly realised where they were.

“Normally they’re there.” Cetina smiled. “Almost panicked a little bit.”

Zuhura stood in the centre of the portal room, alongside Mezot and Axia. While Mezot and Axia had removed their head scarfs Zuhura kept hers up. Anton did not know if she felt more secure with it on, though it was very cold outside. Doubly so after coming from such a hot land.

“What…” Cetina bit her lip. “What do we do now?”

“Bebbezzar?” Sheso offered as they stepped out of the smaller room. Zuhura and Axia stopped speaking and took a step back. “There’s that letter that your Aunt received.”

“I don’t think we’re in a position to do much.” Cetina sighed despondently. “I mean…”

Anton took her hand. “At least with Qaiviel we were just support. If it’s as bad as it sounds, the Royals hiring every mercenary they can get their hands on, then we might not be able to turn the tide. But I think we should still look into it.”

“That ship of yours,” Calo pulled her clothes tighter against her slim body. “It’s heading towards the Holy Kingsland at the moment. So...It’ll be a long time before it can get there anyway. And I don’t know if any ships are going to be heading there from Alcanares. I mean we could ask but we’d need to leave someone on the ship and have to explain why we aren’t there.”

“True. Cetina? What do you think?”

Cetina slowly shook her head. “Maybe we should have a look. But I think that you, Anton, have to stay here for a few days. At the very least.”

“Any reason in particular?” Anton asked flatly, knowing the reason already.

“Because…” Cetina stifled a laugh. “Because you have two pregnant women here that you haven’t seen for some time. Not to mention Rasha. And…” Cetina leant close to his ear. “I’d very much like to be the only one dealing with you. I would like to be able to move in the morning without have to stretch my legs.”

Anton slapped her rear again. “That’s a nice way of putting it. But, we do have someone that doesn’t even have a place to sleep.”

Zuhura slightly straightened her back. Her hands remained collapsed in front of her but she was not tense or apprehensive in any way.

“I think that Cetina’s old house is currently free.” Anton glanced to Cetina, who gave a quick nod. “It’s not massive, but it’s more than large enough for one person.”

Anton glanced to his right. He expected Verona to say something, about how the last two people that lived there he was now bedding. Zuhura did not understand his glance but Cetina did, and so did Axia, strangely.

“We’ll definitely get you something to keep you warm. The nights are much worse than the days. And sometimes a whole bunch of layers just isn’t enough.”

“I understand.” Zuhura nodded. “As I stated before, I do not know how to fight, nor have any intention of learning.”

“Is that so that Anton can always fight your battles?” Axia smiled wickedly, dramatically hiding behind her mother. “So that you can call him brave and-”

Mezot gently slapped Axia’s head and ushered her back to where she was previously standing. “That is very rude.”

“I…” Axia stood utterly dumbstruck. Slowly she turned her head towards Anton. “What did you really do to my mother? There’s no way she would have done something like that before we met.”

Mezot remained emotionless as Axia shrugged.

“Regardless.” Zuhura frowned at Axia. “I am highly skilled at domestic tasks. However, in order to do that…” The barest hint of a smile crept over her lips. “I need to know where you live.”

“Of course we’ll show you.” Anton smiled. “I think Verona and Kal will be there. Do you think that Rasha’s moved her stuff in yet?”

“I believe so.” Cetina smiled. “She could carry her bed over one shoulder. She’s ridiculously strong.”

Anton rubbed his back. “Tell me about it.”

“Anton?” Sheso weakly waved her hand. “Since we’re back we’d like to return to the Dark Elf Quarters. Our family would like to know that we’re back and safe.”

“Not to mention we have a lot of stories to tell.” Calo laughed. “Obviously we’ll only tell them the good stuff. Not, you know, the stuff with those fanatics.”

Zuhura’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

“See if your grandfather knows anything about the Desert Elves. They might know something, given their past disposition as pirates.”

“There might be something.” Calo sighed. “Though I don’t think there’s going to be much to learn from raiding Frindal ships many winters after they disappeared. Maybe, maybe their parents knew something.”

“Generations of pirates.” Anton muttered.

Sheso lightly punched his arm. “It’s our way of life. At least it was. But we should go. Unless you’re about to need us again?”

“It was nice to get some actual experience.” Calo nodded. She leant backwards and rubbed her calves. “Something that doesn’t involve being on a ship or riding a horse. Even walking up that mountain was a little difficult. Any chance for some practice later?”

“Sure.” Anton received another nod from Cetina. “I’m sure that my bodyguard will be more than happy to out you two through your paces.”

“So long as it’s not part of our morning run.” Cetina said flatly. Only he understood why she would not want that precious time interrupted.

“Okay…” Calo shrugged. “We’ll talk about it later, once we’ve said hello to our families.”

“Thank you.” Anton beckoned them closer. “Thank you for coming with us. I know that it wasn’t the most arduous or exciting-”

“What are you saying?” Sheso suppressed a smile as she shook her head. “It was the most fun we’ve had in ages. Even just riding on those Weevils was something that we’d never expected to happen in our lives. Imagine what the others are going to say?”

“Certainly not believe a word that you say.” Anton pulled them into a quick hug. The twins gripped him tight and returned the hold. “Thank you.”

“Make sure you bring us on your next adventure.” Calo said as they took a step back, holding a hand to their chest. “Our entire clan’s going to be so jealous.”

After giving Cetina, Axia and Mezot a hug, a quick nod to Zuhura, the twins left and entered the snow outside. Beyond the door Anton caught sight of Rasha’s form, at least her arm and a leg. He hoped that she had not been waiting for hours for them, in the cold and constant snow.

“Let’s go home. Shall we?”

---[]---

“So Lamia’s are real?” Rasha asked as she walked beside Anton, the opposite side to Cetina, with her halberd resting over her shoulder. “Eider will be so...Actually, what would happen?”

“You think they might get angry?”

Rasha glumly nodded. “I don’t know why, but Cobra’s were made so the Seocurians…”

“It would be incredibly foolish of them to hate Eider, or any Cobra, because of their birth…” Anton sighed loudly. “I think I’ve just asked why people are racist. While they instinctively hate another person for simply being born different, not for something they’ve done. A very difficult and lengthy question.”

Anton smiled and shook his head. “Again, I ramble. But I sincerely hope not. The Lamia’s we spoke with were more curious than hostile. At least those Pakdels seemed nice.”

“They seemed very curious with you.” Axia giggled. “I’m sure they would have kept you to massage them.”

“What?” Rasha frowned lightly.

“Anton had to heal them, so he had to touch them.” Axia continued to laugh. “Apparently he has very skilled hands. Even the man...Male? Male Lamia thought so.”

“He…” Rasha’s ears flicked back. “I won’t deny that.”

“For someone that has such large ambitions and goals you do take things very flippantly.” Zuhura remarked. “I have never heard of Kings or Emperors that would act like you do right now.”

“What about Hazm? He seemed to be pretty laid back.”

Zuhura looked forward, her eyes unfocused for a second. “Perhaps. But how much of that is just a charade?”

“I’m certain that I’m talking to the correct person.”

Zuhura faintly smiled. “Regardless, I do believe that you should not behave like this before foreign dignitaries and representatives. At the very least they will not take you seriously. It may even lead to disastrous situations, where a potential enemy decides to act now because they think you’re weak.”

“I think I did alright with Hazm.” Anton said as they turned into their street. “Since I didn’t know him I tried to keep it as professional as possible.”

“But you also had Wilford with you, who knew Sultan Hazm extremely well.” Zuhura smiled. “But I think you still did well regardless. But you should have more than just two or three people with you in the future. I’m afraid that Axia, even if she is a skilled Mage, is probably detrimental to your cause.”

“I can’t help being young.” Axia pouted. Mezot gently held her daughters hand. “It’ll change. I’m fifteen winters soon...Damn. That’s still a long time away yet, isn’t it?”

“What is?” Zuhura frowned.

Anton pointed forward, unsure if he wanted to continue with this line of discussion, especially when he was already bedding her mother. Their house had several armed guards outside but they weren’t hostile. Eider, and her two bodyguards, stood outside. They were guarding, in the loosest sense of the word, but they were only there to dissuade anyone that tried to break into their house. Not that he was particularly worried with Verona inside.

“Welcome back!” Eider waved her fully gloved hand. Her eyes narrowed, as did the bodyguard’s. “What...What are you wearing? Why are you wearing a dress?”

Zuhura mumbled something but chose not to elaborate.

“Frindal clothing.” Anton said. “Is Verona and Kal inside? It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen them. And I’d like to talk with them regarding our future endeavours. By the way, how are the Hamtaros? I have barely been back to Atros since we rescued them.”

“They’re doing fine.” Eider smiled, her scaled lips curled up into a smile. “I think that soldier one, Midas, has already got a few pregnant.”

“More than a few.” A bodyguard added softly.

“Well, hasn’t he been busy.” Anton smiled. “So are they inside?”

“Actually no.” Eider nodded towards the north. “Right now they’re at Sam’s house. The baby’s fine, but they just wanted to see how they were going.”

“It’ll be one of the first babies since I came here.” Anton smiled. “At least one conceived...It’s really been that long, hasn’t it? That’s actually quite a while.”

Anton looked along the street, to the tall and sturdy buildings, the tall walls while his eyes followed the dozens of thin smoke trails rising into the sky.

Nothing like this when I first arrived. I don’t think there have been many cities have grown this fast, well, not in this world at the least.

“Hopefully we can still catch them there.” Anton said. “So are you three on guard duty until they come back?”

Eider nodded. “There’s a lot more people here, and there’s a lot more that might want to do you harm.” Eider glanced at the two Beast-kin soldiers with her. “There’s some Beast-kin that don’t like humans...Some that really don’t like those that sleep with Humans.”

“And many, many more that don’t like it the other way.” Anton sighed. “But they’re just going to have to deal with it. It’s not like it actually affects them…”

Anton sighed once again. Again he had asked why people were prejudiced against one another despite it not affecting them.

“We’ll see you later.” Anton gave a small wave. “Tell you all about our adventures in Frindal.”

“I can’t wait.” Eider smiled, her lips curled up into a smile. “I want to hear how you ended with yet another beauty by your side.”

“You’re doing alright.” Anton received a frown from the three. “Those two Beast-kin don’t look too bad. Not to mention all three of you are soldiers, so you’ve been training together...And I know that fighting alongside one another is a great way to bond. A deep bond...Wouldn’t you agree?”

All three began to stammer, trying to not look one another in the eye. Anton merely waved and turned around. He didn’t care if they were and their reaction all but confirmed it. Besides, he was certainly in no place to complain.

---[]---

“Wasn’t she adorable?” Verona held onto Anton’s arm tight. “Cute little thing.”

“She was.” Anton pulled her closer, along with Kal on his other arm. “But she spent all of her time suckling on Sam’s breasts.”

Rasha made a strange noise, eliciting an odd look from Zuhura.

“Giving birth is going to be far more painful than we first thought.” Kal murmured. “Marion told me…” Kal shook her head. “But I still can’t believe something that big can come out of there.”

“Was it the same for me?” Axia asked her mother. “Was I painful?”

“No…” Mezot looked away. Axia shrugged lightly and resumed her smile.

“Regardless, you could have just used the ring.” Verona said. “But I’m glad that you came to find us. Now...There’s someone that we need to discuss.”

Verona nodded towards Zuhura. She remained perfectly still, hands clasped before her.

“Zuhura? What has Anton told you about living here?”

Zuhura took a deep breath. “While I am not useful in combat, I know much about domestic duties as well as a basic understanding of economics. I was involved with Sultan Hazm’s finances, so I have some experience beyond theories.”

Verona smiled. “Excellent. We need someone to actually look after our home. It’s always a mess.”

“But aren’t you two there all the time now?” Anton asked.

Verona huffed. “Yeah... But soon we’ll have children-”

“I also know how to handle children.” Zuhura spoke slightly louder than normal. “In my Tribe we all had to help, especially when the men were hunting or gathering food.”

“Really?” Kal asked. A hand slowly moved to her stomach. “You’re not just making that up?”

Zuhura kept her face flat. “No. Not only would it be easily be discovered...I would not be forgiven if I were to give poor advice or service that hurt your children.”

“Well…” Kal scratched her long ear, focusing on a tiny tuft at the end. “I suppose that makes sense. And we need all the help that we can get. But, Anton, before we do that, Umikgruid wanted to see you. That special project of yours. It’s finished.”

“Really?” Anton held Kal’s hand. “Already?”

“They actually had it nearly finished just after the Hamtaro’s arrived.” Kal returned the squeeze. “But you were rather busy and they still had a few things to work out.”

Thoughts rushed through Anton’s head, images of Human and Beast-kin soldiers, storming through the streets of Danafra armed with rifles, obliterating the Seocurian defenders. Even the giant Demons falling to a hailstorm of bullets and shells flashed through his head.

“I...I want to see them.” Anton sighed. “Even though I’ve-”

“It’s fine.” Kal held a finger to his lips. “We’ve been waiting for you to come back to us, a little bit longer isn’t going to hurt. Besides, I want to see it too.”

Verona laughed. “I just want to see it work. It made a very large bang last time.”

“That’s kind of the idea.” Anton ruffled her hair. “But probably not by blowing itself up.” He took a slow breath. “However, what I am creating is extremely secret. So...Mezot? Can you, Axia and Zuhura go on to our home? Make yourselves comfortable, not that there’s much there, but I don’t want to leave you outside in the snow.”

“Do you have something to eat?” Axia asked. “We haven’t eaten...Well, since breakfast.”

Anton received a nod from Kal. “Of course. It’s not too much but it should tide you over.”

“Then I shall do my best to prepare something to eat.” Zuhura bowed her head. “We will await your return, Anton.”

Zuhura, Mezot and Axia left after giving them a final wave. Cetina and Rasha moved closer.

“Will these weapons be as powerful as you say?” Cetina asked. “Not that I doubt you.”

“I can’t wait to see them against the Seocurians.” Rasha laughed. “The Empire ones, that is, if what I’ve heard from Cetina is true.”

Anton couldn’t hold back his smile. “Maybe in but a few winters there’ll never be another enslaved Beast-kin thanks to these.”

Verona sighed and shook her head. “More interested in a piece of metal and wood than his women. How typical of you. Right?”

---[]---

A wave of hot air and the overwhelming clanging of struck metal. The Dwarven forges were even larger and more active than before, especially the experimental forge. No longer was it just a small workshop. Now it was almost as impressive as the old Blood Hammer forge, with many Dwarves working over small workstations with dozens of small tools. While Anton immediately wondered at the cost of such items but any such thoughts were dispelled the moment he saw what they were working on. The Dwarven Smiths were constructing the small pieces of a rifle. Anton stepped closer, Rasha and Cetina stepped to the side as Verona and Kal came through, and he could see that they were busy filing loose and rough sections as well as tiny imperfections.

“They’re going this well already?” Anton said aloud.

The Dwarven Smith’s head twitched. His small hands stopped as she turned to Anton. He wore thick glasses, his eyes greatly magnified.

“My Lord Anton.” The Dwarf smiled. He placed down his small tools. “It is a pleasure to see that you are down here. I-”

“Anton!” Umikgruid ran, running being relative for a Dwarf, towards Anton, waving his hand. “Fantastic that you are here!”

The Dwarven Smith gave a shallow nod and returned to his task.

“What...Oh.” Umikgruid slowed as he approached. “You’re wearing Frindal clothes. That’s...That’s an interesting style of clothes. I can’t say that it’s giving me any particularly good memories.”

“I know.” Anton let his arms drop dramatically. “But I haven’t had time to change out of them yet. They’re surprisingly warm...Not that you need anything down here.”

Kal whimpered, covering her ears. “Why is it even louder than before? It was bad enough the first time.”

Umikgruid smiled as he waved towards several large devices, where most of the noise emanated from. They were essentially large glorified hammers, smashing pieces of metal into flat sheets. Five Dwarven Smiths stood around it, rotating the piece of near golden metal so every place was even. One group removed their sheet and ran their hands over the metal sheet.

“Brass.” Umikgruid continued. “We can’t buy them in sheets, too expensive, so… So we had to buy brass ingots. Much cheaper and arouses much less suspicion. A lot less. Not to mention it's very easy for one or two to... Disappear? You'd never notice if a whole crate was a few lighter than usual."

"That might be an awfully big risk if you want to remain out of scrutiny." Anton said. "I'd much rather just pay for it. We have Balefire up and running. Right?"

"Yes. Currently that's being worked in the main forge." Umikgruid pointed out of the doorway. Though it was a little obscured by the faint smoke and the shimmer of the heat Anton could see Dwarves working with silver ore, even some handling silver ingots. "We already have a small pile ready for you, though most traders are not going to accept silver ingots as payment, no matter who they are."

"I have the perfect people in mind to handle that." Anton smiled. "Might even give Qinos and his family a bit of excuse as to why they've suddenly come into so much wealth. Not to mention they'd want to keep a new silver mine a secret." Anton's smiled faded. "But do be careful when stealing things from The Dwarven Isles. I cannot stress that enough."

Umikgruid smiled as he nodded. "It's fairly easy when your clan is the one doing most of the forging. That's hard work, something they would prefer our Holdless clan to do."

The Dwarven Smith almost chuckled but quickly refocused himself on his work.

"But I, I mean all of us, wish to show you the fruits of our labour. Lady's Verona and Kal have already witnessed one of our attempts. Though unsuccessful, it did hint at the power of what we've built here." Umikgruid waved them to follow as he quickly trotted around the forges. "To think the Dark Elves had it for generations. Just sitting there, in a box for no one to look at."

"A part of me is glad." Anton received an odd look from Umikgruid. "If it wasn't we'd have absolutely no advantages whatsoever. I don't think it would ever be possible to free the Beastkin..."

"It would be difficult if the Seocurian Empire had access to these weapons." Umikgruid continued to lead them towards a newly dug section. "Although...That might not be entirely true."

"How so?" Rasha asked.

"Because the Seocurian's wouldn't make it themselves. They'd get you lot to make it. Not all in one piece, but some of the smarter Beastkin would surely be able to put it together, literally and figuratively."

I wonder if there's a word for that.

Umikgruid could barely contain his excitement when they reached the large, long room. Ten Dwarves stood guard, a great deal many more than those guarding the entrance to the forge. Behind them stood the Master Smith's. They too held Umikgruid's excitement, though they were a little more reserved in how they expressed it.

"Are we ready?" Umikgruid clapped and rubbed his hands together. "Today's the big day."

"We've tested it dozens of times." A Master Smith replied. "We're more than ready."

"So long as it goes better than the first I'll be happy."

Verona mimicked the sound of an explosion, her hands the flying debris.

"Please. This way."

The Dwarves entered the room and stood to the side of something covered in a thick sheet of cloth. Anton smiled, these Dwarves truly wished to show off their work in a dramatic way, not that he really minded. This was something that had not been seen in this world for several thousand years.

"After much tinkering and experimentation." A different Master Smith placed his hand on the cloth. "We now have the first, fully tested Battle Rifle, as we have decided to call it based upon your designs. So..."

The Dwarf ripped the cloth free. Anton felt something stir in his chest. For the first time he was truly looking at something that belonged on Earth, yet it was right in front of him. The Battle Rifle was quite long, longer than the original weapon sitting beside it, and made from a dark metal along with the red marbled black wood from The Shadow Isles. Anton stepped forward, throwing a glance to the Dwarves to check it was safe, and laid his hand upon it. The metal was cold, like ice. Perhaps there was something metaphorical about that but Anton did not give it more thought.

"Incredible work."

Anton pulled the slide back. It was a little tight, nothing that a bit of oil couldn't fix, but still truly incredible considering the time given to develop such a weapon.

"I must ask, does it work?"

A small box next to the rifle was opened. Inside lay dozens of bullets, small steel and bronze implements of death.

"We had a slight issue with the explosive powder." A Dwarf began. He received harsh looks from his colleagues but those faded when he nodded to Verona and Kal, the two who were present for the first test. "But we rectified the issue. The small charge at the base slipped during the bullet's assembly. But we’ve fixed it with a ring of glue, so they charge still activates properly.”

“That was a few interesting tests.” The first Master Smith chuckled. “Very scary when it went off a few moments afterwards.”

“True.” Umikgruid nodded. “So, let’s fire off a few bullets and show them what we’ve managed to make.”

A younger Dwarf, wearing similar clothes to the Masters but not as ornate, moved to the Battle Rifle. The others ushered them out of the room.

“In the unlikely event that something does happen, none of you should be nearby. Especially those carrying babies.”

“We have no intention of having something like that happen.” Verona nervously laughed as she and Kal moved behind the thick stone wall. “We’ve already seen what that thing can do.”

“Only to itself.” A Master Smith laughed. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

The ten guards shuffled out of the way for them. While, ostensibly they were just guards they were clearly very interested in what was about to happen.

“Tell me when you want me to begin.” The younger Dwarf yelled out.

Anton peered his head around the corner. Though the Dwarves said it might be dangerous, he still wanted to see it with his own eyes. Just hearing and seeing the aftermath was not sufficient to satisfy his curiosity. None of his women were willing to watch with him, not that he really minded.

“Alright.” The younger Dwarf said loudly. “I’ll start then.”

The Dwarf gently took a bullet from the box and loaded it into the rifle, exactly like Anton remembered it. He brought it to his shoulder and aimed it towards a target pot. Anton felt his blood rush as the Dwarf pulled the trigger. A crack echoed throughout the room, followed immediately by a smashing of pottery onto the ground. A small plume of blue smoke floated out of the barrel.

“It worked.” Anton whispered. He found his fingers trembling in excitement. “It actually worked.”

“Keep going.” Umikgruid said. “Keep going until all of the pots are destroyed.”

The young Dwarf nodded and pulled the lever back, the spent casing flew out and landed on the floor. A dark blue stain covered the slightly buckled edge. While it couldn’t be used again it could definitely be melted back down and reforged, Anton’s mind raced about how to properly collect the spent casings in the middle of battle and the work that would be needed but it was cut short by another gunshot. The young Dwarf continued to fire shot after shot, Anton counted only six seconds between each. While it was nothing compared to some of the more advanced weapons from Earth it was still utterly incredible. Cetina peered around him, Rasha over, and both gasped at what they were witnessing. When all of the pottery targets lay in ruins the young Dwarf placed the Battle Rifle down and stepped back. Anton smiled as he saw that the Dwarves' hands were shaking.

“Incredible.” Anton started to clap. “Absolutely incredible.”

The young Dwarf nodded as he looked at the rifle. “It was… Something else.”

Umikgruid double checked the rifle was empty before waving them forward. Cetina frowned as she tapped the rifle.

“With this you won’t need normal weapons anymore.” She looked at Rasha. “We won’t be needed, at least our training won’t mean much.”

“I remember having this conversation once before.” Verona muttered to Kal. “And what I remember him saying…”

“Of course not.” Anton gave Verona’s cheek a squeeze. “But even I remember us having this before. But I would never not need either of you.”

“I…” Rasha coughed, realising that her face was starting to turn red.

“One day we’ll all be using these.” Anton rested his hand on the rifle. “Which also means my bodyguards will need to have their own...Probably a really big one for Rasha. One that could probably take out a small Dragon in one hit.”

Rasha placed her hand next to Anton’s on the Rifle. “Hmm...I can’t even fit my finger into there. And I suppose I would look a little odd with something so small.”

“Definitely a sniper rifle for Kal.” Anton mused. “Something that benefits her incredible vision.”

Kal merely raised her aqua brow. While he had explained some of Earths’ weapons he simply had yet to go over everything.

“Regardless. This is fantastic work.” Anton patted the rifle again. “How many of these, and the bullets, do you think you can make?”

“The Battle Rifle’s are relatively complicated.” Umikgruid began. “But with everyone working on individual components rather than the whole thing, we can safely make about four or five a day. We use moulds for everything, and file down the components to fit when they’re done. It’s not perfect, you see. Not to mention we need the larger forges to continue making normal weapons and mining equipment.”

Umikgruid received solemn nods from the other Master Smiths. “Digging through this stone is not easy. And the equipment is simply being ground down and broken...Unless you wish to switch everything to making these?”

Anton looked to the broken pots. “No. Keep it as it is. These weapons are far too dangerous to be in the hands of everyone.” He glanced to Kal and Rasha. “Especially with so many Humans and Beast-kin that would love to see the other dead. And these would be the perfect way to do that.”

“So who’s going to use these?” Cetina asked.

“And where.” Kal added. “It might be too dangerous to use these...Anywhere outside of our lands. I don’t think the Old Gods would be able to help us if Seocuria actually got one of these, if a raid failed…”

Verona shuddered. “Imagine if Leo managed to make these? No Centaurs, that’s for sure.”

“For now we’ll use them for defence and with the Lamias.” Anton said. “They lack any significant industry-”

“They did have those metal spears.” Cetina frowned lightly.

“True. But I’m sure that making a metal shaft is much easier than building as something as complicated and precise as this. Surely.” Anton turned to the Dwarves. “Surely it’s much easier to make a metal shaft than this?”

The Dwarves nodded, unsure if it was some sort of bizarre test.

“And helping the Lamia’s will be a perfect place to test these weapons.” Anton chuckled. “There aren’t many Goblins or Ghlotsm that we can use for practice.”

“Jaka?” Verona offered.

“Surdon.” Cetina said. “That has ten thousands...Though Sally said they have a decent metal industry...For Goblins.”

“The less that we antagonise them until we’re ready the better. As for who will use these, I think I can trust you four, but we need many, many more...But not just anyway. One pull of the trigger and any of us could be dead.”

“Eider’s forces would be a good start.” Cetina placed a hand on the hilt of her sword. “Since they’re going to be travelling with you and can be properly vetted.”

“Using the Truth Prayer on them would be a good start.” Anton said. “Before they’re accepted. See if they would ever be willing to betray Atros and myself. If they say yes-”

For some reason Verona’s body tensed.

“-Then they’d be denied, and can only join the normal army.”

Rasha lightly stomped her hoof. “Isn’t that...What would the Seocurians call it? Indoc...Indoctrination? I think that’s the word.”

“Where did you learn big words like that?” Anton asked.

Rasha pouted and turn away. “I...I know a few things.”

Anton gently patted her rear, he still found it a little strange that he didn’t have to bend his arm down. “I suppose you might call it that. But I’m not going to tell them how to think, dress or behave. Only that they’re not going to shoot me in the back.”

“It might limit some of our combat potential.” Cetina noted. “But I think it’s a good idea.” She tapped her sword hilt again. “Can they be used in melee? Once all of these bullets have been used then it is a simple piece of metal and wood.”

“We could try putting bayonets on the end.” Anton offered. “Basically a big knife slightly on the end, slightly offset so it doesn’t get hit by the bullets coming out, but I think that still having a sword or a spear would be ideal.”

“I think I would break it if I used it like a club.” Rasha chuckled. “Then Anton would get mad at me for breaking something so precious.”

“I would get very mad.” Anton smiled. “Bullets? What about them?”

“About six hundred, maybe seven hundred on a good day.”

“That’s...That’s even more impressive. Every day… That is very impressive. Make sure that you’re keeping them very well-guarded. I don’t want a single one of these weapons to get out of Atros’s hands.”

“We’re constructing a vault underneath Atros.” Umikgruid began. “Eventually we’ll have a passageway from the centre of Atros, near the Sovereign Palace actually, right into the hold. The...Actually, we’ll have them stored underneath the Sovereign Palace. Since your personal retinue will be living nearby, it’ll be a good place to have it.”

“Excellent idea.” Anton patted Umikgruid’s shoulder. “Keep up the magnificent work. All of you. If you have any further ideas on how to improve production or the quality of these weapons do not hesitate to contact me.”

“Of course.” Umikgruid gave a quick thumbs up to the other Master Smiths. They too looked very happy. “We’ll continue our work with all speed.”

“Excellent… Truly Excellent.” Anton smiled. “I hope to see more things from you. Many more beautiful things. Things that no one in the world has ever seen before.”

---[]---

Anton opened the door to their house. It was still very plain, plain even compared to some of the simple houses of this world, but it still gave him comfort, knowing that he could truly call this place safe.

"It's going to be a lot noisier here soon." Anton said. "Soon there's going to be screaming and the little pitter-patter of tiny baby feet running through these halls."

"I can't wait." Verona giggled. "I definitely want Kal to heal me after I give birth. Sam's looked bad enough-"

"Not to mention your stomach is huge." Kal stopped beside Verona and compared stomach's. "Yours is already twice the size of mine. How many did you put in her?" Kal did not wait and turned to Cetina. "And what about you? You're the only one taking care of him during that whole Frindal journey."

"We didn't have that much privacy." Cetina forced her face to remain calm. "So-"

"Hasn't stopped you before, has it?" Kal stuck out her tongue, Cetina's ears began to turn red, before her ear pricked up.

A hand reached for the dagger on her belt and her head swivelled towards the kitchen.

"Oh. Right." Kal's stance softened. "We told them they could come here."

Verona cleared her throat extremely loudly. She pointed to Kal's boots, specifically the icy mud around the bottom. Kal returned the glare but Verona was already taking hers off, holding onto Anton for support as her stomach was becoming that heavy. Cetina and Anton removed theirs but Rasha stomped nervously. As ever she went barefoot, or barehoof, and couldn't exactly take them off. Thankfully this had already been accounted for. Near the entrance was a small but strong wooden box, beside that a rough brush. Rasha took her seat and began to remove as much as she could. She gave Anton a small smile and a nod, telling him that she would be a few moments. Anton followed Kal as Verona and Cetina began to speak quietly amongst themselves.

"Do you know what they are talking about?" Anton asked Kal. She glanced at his Dragonoid feet, similar yet alien compared to her own, and frowned. "Been a while since I've had these free."

"I honestly have no idea." Kal turned and hugged him tight, sticking her rear out slightly to give her stomach space. "But I'm so glad to have you back. You have no idea how much I missed you."

Anton kissed her, one furiously returned. Neither backed away until they were forced to take a breath.

"You think I'm not lonely? I can't hold my favourite Feline Beastkin."

Kal scoffed, gently running her claws over his face until stopping on his chest. She gave him a light kiss before holding his hand and walking towards their kitchen.

"Like you weren't fucking Cetina and Mezot into oblivion every night."

"Actually there wasn't much privacy-"

"You surely had your morning runs with them though?" Kal squeezed his hand tighter. "I think I'll be joining you two, three actually, once this baby is born."

"I don't think I'd get back until midday if you did."

Kal giggled. "Though I shouldn't intrude on Cetina's territory. For someone that said she was only going to sleep with you every other day or so... Well. That didn't last. Did it?"

Anton gave her rear a hard squeeze as they entered their kitchen. Though Anton had not been in his own house much it was surprisingly well furnished and equipped. Metal pots and pans hung from the walls, along with a selection of simple knives, forks and spoons. Despite how proud Anton was of Atros's development they were too well made for their human forges, especially when quantity was needed first and foremost.

Axia, wearing her Principle Mage clothes, stood before an open cabinet, holding a finger to her mouth as she looked between the many preserved meats and hardy vegetables on display. Mezot and Zuhura stood before a kitchen counter. Mezot wore her Mage attire, with an extra coat, while Zuhura continued to wear her bright blue shawl and headscarf. She no longer wore her veil but otherwise she had not changed anything. Mezot stared intently as Zuhura delicately sliced a slab of preserved meat, with some cheese already cut to the side. Though the cutlery was not the best Zuhura had no trouble. Even more remarkable, she was not put off by Mezot silently staring at the food.

"She worked for Sultan Hazm." Anton said, unsure if Kal was thinking the same thing. "So Mezot's nothing compared to a man like him."

"Hazm never touched me." Zuhura spoke as she continued to cut. "Though I think it has less to do with what could happen to him, politically, if he tried to touch me, and far more to do with the sheer number of knives we had around us."

"An incredible deterrent." Anton slowly nodded and pushed Kal inside. Axia turned away from her perusing and he eyes locked onto Anton's hand on Kal's. She sniggered but said nothing else. "I'm sorry if it's not what you are used to-"

"It's quite good." Zuhura moved the cut pieces of meat onto a thin wooden tray, along with an assortment of food. "Considering the state of Atros's wealth...Though I will say I was surprised to see so many things from Bebbezzar here."

Zuhura ran her finger along the handle of the blade. "Do you have one of those portals in every country?"

"Not all of them, but some. And it's growing at an appreciable rate too."

"I see..." Zuhura looked over his shoulder. "Is Cetina going to join us?"

"Right now she's talking with Verona about something." Anton nodded back down the hallway. "She'll be along shortly. Is there something you need?"

Zuhura remained silent for a moment. "During our journey through the Frindal deserts I learned that she has some experience with finance, bartering and haggling."

"Her father was a merchant." Kal said. "But he is no longer..."

"I thought so. When I asked where she had learnt such things... Regardless, I wished to speak to her about your finances. It seems that it is a very urgent matter."

"Mine?"

Zuhura nodded sternly. "You appear to have no monetary system in Atros, everything is distributed as it is available and required, yet you have access to a vast amount of wealth."

"Not that big anymore." Kal sighed, resting her cheek on her hand. "My husband has a tendency to give away money freely."

"A bag of gold coins for Cetina." Anton laughed. “Pretty expensive for what we got, if I’m honest.”

"I heard that!" Cetina yelled down the hallway.

Kal and Axia began to giggle, Mezot had not noticed as her attention lay squarely on the food, while Zuhura appeared decidedly lost and more than a little embarrassed.

"It's fine." Anton tried to wave down her concern. "But that would be something extremely useful to me."

Zuhura faintly smiled. "Then, with your permission, I would like to take stock of what you have in terms of monetary options."

"Umm..."

"How much gold, silver and copper coinage you have. In addition to any more gemstones that you happen to have lying around. And all of your economic records and administration."

"That reminds me..." Anton looked down the hall to Rasha. She had finished cleaning her hooves and slowly walked towards them. Annoyingly she had to duck so her horn did not strike the roof. Once they moved to their new home it shouldn't be an issue. "We need to see about freeing those Oni's and securing what gemstones we can."

"What's that?" Rasha asked as she leant over Anton.

Zuhura's body tensed as she looked up to Rasha. Though she wore metal armour, it was more than obvious just how strong she was.

"Unfortunately." Zuhura rested a hand on her chest. Anton caught Axia staring hateful daggers at just how little the cloth actually moved. "You cannot survive by raiding for supplies and wealth. Eventually it will become simply too much for you to manage. Not to mention that your current system of centralised control and distribution will require an extensive administration just to control your city, which is fraught with dangers and corruption. At a point you must move to a monetary based economy and allow private industry and commerce, otherwise you will be spending most of your time trying to control everything, time and energy that could be better spent elsewhere."

"Where..." Kal glanced at Anton. "Where did you learn that? Because it sounds suspiciously similar to something I’ve heard before."

Anton understood what she implied, as did Kal and Rasha, Mezot was only just joining the conversation, but Zuhura looked confused once again.

"I was thoroughly educated when I was with my Tribe and during my time with Sultan Hazm." Zuhura slightly puffed out her chest in pride. "I believe I did very well in my studies. And I’m sure that if you were to ask Sultan Hazm and the other women of his palace they would say the same thing. Not that I have a great desire to return."

"Tomorrow we'll start looking at those things." Anton heard Verona and Cetina approaching. "But right now it's time for a bit of relaxation."

---[]---

Anton savoured the taste of cold beer on his tongue, a strong aroma of hops followed each drop but it somehow only made it better. Verona and Kal drank water, the thought of drinking alcohol when they were pregnant never entered their thoughts, while Cetina and Mezot drank too. Mezot was not a big drinker and Cetina was still a little wary of finding liquor too enjoyable. Rasha, sitting at the end of the table on her specially reinforced chair, watched on with envy as she drank water and nibbled at some of the food. Anton did not wish to even imagine the pain she would face if she drank something so gaseous.

Perhaps some of Zac's moonshine vodka would be alright? We haven't got around to making that stuff...Perhaps we could sell it in Bebbezzar cheaply? Though it wouldn't compare to Balefire's silver-

"Anton?"

Zuhura's gentle voice brought him out of his mental wanderings.

"Sorry, Zuhura. You were saying?"

Zuhura raised a small plate of cut meat slices, the same that she had been preparing earlier.

"Ah. Thank you." Anton took a slice. "Thank you. My mind can wander at the most inappropriate of times."

"I've noticed." Zuhura said dryly, yet her lips betrayed a faint smile.

"Zuhura?" Verona gently waved her hand. "You don't need to act like a servant, especially with us. You can sit down with us and enjoy something to drink."

Verona eagerly patted an empty chair. Kal, Anton and Cetina shared a knowing look.

"I'm alright." Zuhura smiled. "Unlike... Unlike everyone else here I am no fighter, warrior, Mage or anything even remotely capable in combat. I probably wouldn't even be able to use the knife that you gave me. Thankfully I never had to use it."

Verona nodded. "Right. But it still feels like you're our servant."

"I really don't see-"

"Please have a seat, Zuhura." Anton rested his near empty mug onto the table. "You've been nonstop all day. It's alright just to sit with us for a few moments."

Zuhura glanced at her wooden tray and frowned. It quickly disappeared, replaced with a warm, albeit slightly forced smile.

"Very well." Zuhura swiftly walked to the empty chair. "I guess some of my teachings have stayed with me, even though it is no longer applicable."

Zuhura placed the tray down and took her seat. Verona waited until she was comfortable before sliding a mug of cold beer into her hands.

"I don't-"

"Yes you do. Unless you're pregnant."

"If someone were to get me pregnant they would need to marry into my Tribe. Or beg my father for forgiveness and offer an appropriate recompense."

"If it was the man's weight in gold then I'm sure Hazm would have been terrified." Anton said.

Zuhura giggled, her face contorted as she tried to fight back the smile and laughter. The fact that everyone else merely smiled, even Mezot, made it that much sweeter.

"So." Verona clapped her hands. "A bit of an update on the sleeping arrangements. Mezot. You have a room here now, if you want it, though I think that you may want to stay with your daughter some nights."

"It's fine." Axia smiled at her mother. "It's okay if-"

"But I want to spend time with you." Mezot spoke with a rare amount of determination. "Unless there is an issue with that."

"N-No." Axia blinked hard. "No there isn't. That's... That's fine." She threw Anton a quick smile before returning to her drink.

"I..." Verona smiled. "Right then. In that case, Zuhura, I think it would be best if you took Cetina's old house. It's right across the street and it's quite large."

"For Atros." Cetina quickly added. “Large for Atros.” She smiled and turned to Verona. "You know what's happened to everyone that lived there?"

"What happened?"

"Don't worry about it." Anton smiled. "But it will be a good place for you to live. We can get you thicker blankets if you need them, and even a small fireplace if you want. It won't be too large, as things are rather stretched at the moment."

“That is more than enough.” Zuhura smiled. “The deserts get very cold too, though not as bad as it is here I feel. So I know how to handle it.”

“We’ll still make sure you have something extra.” Anton said. “I mean, the clothes that you wear underneath the shawl are actually pretty warm, if what Mezot and Cetina said was true.”

Zuhura blinked as her face slowly turned into a frown.

“I mean wearing multiple layers...It stops the cold air from seeping through.”

“Yes!” Zuhura blinked, pushing her hand against her shirt. “Yes...That is...Yes.”

Verona threw Anton a raised brow.

Is she...Is she honestly saying that she’s only wearing the shawl? Nothing underneath? She’s been naked during the whole time in Frindal and longer? Surely not...That doesn’t fit her face, but sometimes the most calm and dignified people can hide a secret.

The others at the table were slowly coming to the same conclusion. Zuhura grew increasingly distressed at the stares, only serving to confirm their suspicion.

“Should you need anything,” Anton spoke loudly, to draw attention away from a thankful Zuhura. “Do not hesitate to ask. Though we are poor, as you say, we are not completely destitute, nor are going to make anyone suffer through the cold.”

“Thank you.” Zuhura bowed her head.

“But make sure you don’t turn up straight at dawn.” Verona nudged Zuhura’s side. “Otherwise you might be waiting for a while.”

Zuhura’s eyes narrowed at Anton. “I see. That will not be an issue. Hazm usually did not get out of bed until very late.”

Verona chuckled. “Yes...That’s what I meant.”

Anton raised his hand to stop Verona. “I think it’ll still be a few days before Wilford arrives in the Holy Kingsland. So...We have some time to ourselves. To relax and properly enjoy our time in Atros. Something I’ve been meaning to do for quite some time. Actually spend time in the city that I’m helping to build.”

“Finally.” Kal smiled. She raised her mug, everyone else followed. “And...And let us hope that we have many more winters in Atros like this.” She tenderly held her stomach. “With many more friends and family to come.”

Anton downed all of the drink, wondering what it would be like that many have children running around. Judging by the increasing number of women in his harem it would be many. He just hoped that he would be a good father. He was certain he would be.