Bonded Summoner

Book 4. Chapter 32: Curse of the Death God

From the mouth of the prismatic stem spewed a large ball of vines. Celtic knots covered an intricate design, golden vines holding boundless vitality that exceeded that of even this dense room, and black vines of horrible death. Both the life and death were heavily tainted with malevolence, the untainted vines woven in a design that seemed to restrain the taint.

From what Jake could tell, over the last thousand years, this was the progress that the beastkin had accomplished. The Death God, or dragon, had tainted a large portion, maybe almost the entire vine ball. But now, it appeared nearly two-thirds of it had been cleared, leaving a third of it tainted in a thick band around the center.

Tanda drew in her Divine Energy, and shouted, “I call upon the God, Cernunnos! Heal the Heart of the World, turning calamity into opportunity!”

Jake did his best to feel with his senses as she did this, a large spark of the Divine Energy shooting into Oran–through Jake. Oran winked at Jake, before he shifted into the Satyr-like god Jake was familiar with.

The implications of this were staggering. Would Jake be able to sort-of summon any of the gods his wives were Champions of? However, he knew it could certainly be different. The circumstances were certainly skewed–Cernunnos was linked to the world they were present on, and Oran was linked to him as well.

Cernunnos spoke, “Be ready, friends. The taint holds its own will–the will of the Death Dragon. Do not shy away with your goddess’ flames, they shall not harm this wreath.”

The room was filled with even more boundless vitality one moment, then the next inescapable death. The wreath raised in to the air as it grew further, and Jake saw an almost spiraling effort of the two sets of vines within, of life and death–greenish gold and black.

The vines formed a dizzying array of knots as well as the two spiraled into the center of the wreath, and eventually joined into the center, making a special pattern there. In the end, it became more of a disk of some kind.

The wreath-disk began to spin, and the spherical ball of vines began to spin in the opposite direction, until the disk crashed into the center of the malevolence.

The taint began to invade the wreath, and it was not slow. Whatever the original vine ball was created out of was a much more powerful material, and it quickly corrupted much of the wreath in mere seconds.

The taint reached the near center, and Jake thought a fair portion of the taint had left the vine ball at this point, at least half. The wreath began to twist and writhe where the taint had taken over, like the taint was taking control of it.

Jake and his girls all prepared their heals, thinking that if it took over the center of the wreath, it would be a bad thing. Ophelia even summoned her [Hearth of Hestia], readying it. But Cernunnos held up his hand in a stopping motion, signaling for them to wait.

The center of the disk was somehow thicker or more powerfully protected, and the taint took longer to overcome that. More taint left the Heart’s ball as the taint nearly arrived in the center, and that was when Cernunnos laughed.

“Now, my friends! Target the center!”

Ophelia released her [Sacrificial Flames: Renewal] as she and Jake slammed their Hearths into it, and Berri used [Divine Intervention]. Tanda used her [Rampant Growth] on the plant, and Jake and Fhesiah worked out a healing spell using her consuming flame, adding her Dao, her will into it.

They pushed all the mana or Auril they could into the spells, past the point they would normally collapse, while infusing their [Purifying Flames] into them. The dense mana in the air and within the [Mana Font] seemed to support the spells well beyond the normal point, and so these spells were heavily empowered.

When all the magic converged in the center, it was like a flame was ignited. A flame that was glimmering gold, and it began snaking up the wreath, consuming the evil taint. But the malevolence fought back, and some even began drifting into the air as a black haze from the large ball of vines and the wreath itself.

It converged into a single area, where it became shaped like the evil dragon from the play. It was massive, probably ten meters tall. Jake wasn’t sure what it was going to do, but it was clear it was up to no good.

Timone and his Auril Hero wives stood, their weapons ready. Jake saw that while Timone and Dahlia both used spears, his avian wives all used bows. Bloodberri took out her maul with a smile.

Berri laughed, as she tapped the haft of the maul against her open hand repeatedly. “It all worked out! So nice of him to show up.”

The taint began snuffing out the consuming flames, them not able to keep up with the thick and powerful taint.

Cernunnos spoke, “Continue adding healing spells and flames to the construct. We must overcome this, if we are to find victory!”

The party within the cage continued adding heals into the construct, their mana continuously being restored, and taking control of the mana near the dense orb of energy above the pedestal. The flame at the center grew denser, and the wreath began to writhe, twist, and shrink, pulling the taint closer to the center to be burned by the purifying flames.josei

Each passing moment, the smoke dragon grew stronger, but Berri began to charge up her attacks. Light and dark runes on her body and maul became blinding, as she surged toward the dragon in a blur.

Her [Maul of Hestia-Echidna] slammed into the forming dragon, the explosion of holy light and dark large enough to actually blast into the wreath and vine sphere.

Timone howled, sounding the song of battle. He began to command the auril in the room, a pillar of black light surrounding him. His wives then accomplished the same with their shrieks and howls, their own colors establishing pillars around them before a spark of gold appeared in his chest.

Like Tanda, he was beginning [Cyclic Resonance]. He likely already had the ability to use this skill, and now it was only being aided or enhanced by the Framework.

Jake’s [Aura of Heavenly Flames] enveloped the heroes and his party, allowing his flames to influence their auril and aid in protection against the dragon. He quickly added Bolster and Haste to Timone and Dahlia, realizing that they might need the extra aid.

Ravens shot into the tainted dragon like arrows, tearing away and exploding into the dragon construct that was becoming even more powerful by the moment. This was in spite of arrows of white, black and red slamming into it and Berri hammering into it with her Maul, filled with blinding light and dark.

Tanda’s mother Dahlia blitzed into it, swinging her spear coated with dazzling golden light merged with Jake’s flames along with Timone. Bright wolves bit into the creature, the woman’s yellow auril filled with courage and skill cutting into it.

The dragon tried swiping at them, but they moved in a blur, empowered by the powerful auril in the room.

Timone’s mates all began a wordless song, humming and singing notes that Tanda joined. Their power all increased as auril continued to surge into the room, Jake’s [Mana Font] combined with Fhesiah’s powerful formations pulling even more into the room as it was expended by the auril heroes.

Bloodberri was able to continue hitting the dragon with [Maul of Hestia-Echidna] every few seconds. Normally it would take her nearly twenty seconds in between to build up the holy energy after using it, but Jake was sure she was down to under ten with this special environment.

Ravens were created by Timone every second, dozens slamming into the dragon by the moment. They burned into the creature, eating into it like a fiery virus thanks to Jake’s heavenly aura. Dahlia’s golden light burned into the creature as well, chunks being torn off the dragon that needed to be reformed by the evil energies as her spear cut large swathes into the entity.

Like a candle being burned at both ends, the battle against the taint was slow, despite the fighting being furious. As they damaged the dragon, more smoke crept into it, the knotted formations on the sphere slowing down its escape.

Jake wasn’t sure how long this could keep up, but he did think the wreath had grown in strength, and the taint present had been removed more than ten percent since they began.

They continued casting their purification spells in the center of the wreath, the golden spark becoming denser with every casting. Their purifying flames caused the flame to spread up the wreath and consume more malevolence, the flame becoming brighter and more powerful.

Like an ignited star, they kept adding more and more fuel to it, as well as the star consuming the malevolence for more. The heroes and Bloodberri continued their fight for a time, as Jake, Fhesiah and Ophelia commanded the mana within the [Mana Font], and spent their own mana as their [Energy Vortex] and [Energy Hunger] skills inevitably brought it into them.

Tanda had joined her mother and father with their [Cyclic Resonance], sending massive amounts of auril Timone’s way to join the attack.

Jake was starting to feel sick after a while, despite using the external mana as much as he could. They kept up with the energies being drawn for the most part, but there was only so much their bodies could take being within this high-energy environment.

Still, this appeared to be a battle the death dragon was losing. The flame had grown stronger and was now consuming the malevolence much faster, growing even bigger by the moment. Some threshold was reached, and now the taint couldn’t merely snuff out the powerful flame that snaked up the wreath.

The speed in which the flames consumed the malevolence made victory look clear.

Cernunnos laughed. “After all these years, the wicked will be punished. You harmed my people, Death God, causing them to suffer. But you did not weaken us, you have only made us stronger! My people have been reborn, just as this world shall. You should have left us in peace. Now, our conviction to unite and join the Great Battle is stronger than ever.”

The wreath-disk twisted in on itself, folding and becoming thicker. The sphere then unfurled from the opposite end. Like a lotus flower opening, petals spread out in a fan in front of the disk. Of course, the petals were not like that of a flower, and still made of the greenish-gold and blackish-gold vines.

Jake and his party were thoroughly shocked by this maneuver, as within the sphere, there was a woman that was revealed.

The woman was larger than Bloodberri, but her frame thinner. She floated in the air like a goddess, her long hair flowing and waving as if blown by a breeze. Her hair was green with streaks of black and gold flowing through it, and antlers on top of her head. The tops of the antlers twisted and merged into what looked like the tops of trees.

Her skin was a pale green, with vines and leaves of gold and black covering her modesty. She had long legs, and her frame was like that of a model, similar to Tanda’s dancer-like frame. The woman’s face was like that of an elf with high cheekbones and narrow face, with long ears that looked like that of a deer.

One eye was gold and one eye black. Her eyes narrowed in concentration, as she waved her hand at the intricately woven lotus-like flower made of vines. It now began to close around the disk that had now twisted into its own sphere, the flower capturing all the taint within.

A laughter of derision came from the dragon of smoke.

“You brought the Heart here, and it is no longer protected! You think you’ve won, trapping all the taint? There is much more taint in this world.”

Pulses ran through the dragon like the beats of a heart, and evil taint began to drift to the dragon from all directions into the cave, presumably from all over the world.

The taint within the room became even thicker than before, and Jake wondered if they were actually in a lot of trouble. The dragon had been early to mid-Tier 2 before, but its strength began to rise sharply as energy was drawn in.

Jake was starting to doubt even the armies of beastkin could win against it, but he noticed the resonance within Timone and the rest increasing further. Evil was rising, but the power to inflict justice was rising as well.

The woman, the Heart of the World, seemed to ignore what was happening with the dragon. The orb containing the golden flame and what remained of the malevolence writhed and twisted, the life and death within the sphere being enhanced by her, snuffing out and consuming the malevolence even more rapidly.

Jake was surprised at her power, guessing her well into Tier 2 or beyond, but he thought it was strange.

If she was Tier 2, just how would the world be designated at the first Tier? Though, Jake supposed he may not understand what he was feeling properly. The massive amounts of energy for what would be the core of a world may just be on a completely different level. She had defended herself against the Tier 3 enemys' attack for all this time.

Cernunnos appeared to be aiding her in some way, motioning his hands to something that was happening within the sphere. The two reacted to each other, and Jake knew from Tanda’s senses that they were actually conversing over the song of the world–on a frequency he couldn’t hear.

Jake continued casting his heals in the center of the sphere, sensing this was the best way for him to assist for now. Tanda’s family fought hard, and Bloodberri continued attacking the growing creature.

Timone’s ravens had actually turned a fiery gold color, and the streaks from his attacks had covered nearly the entire dragon.

Still, it continued its attack almost unbothered by its golden affliction. Enough malevolence was pooled from the tainted beastkin and creatures of the world, and the dragon was empowered.

It struck out at Bloodberri with a powerful swipe of its claw, which she blocked with a coiling of her tail. Despite that, it cut deeply into her through her powerful armor, her hissing in pain as she was knocked away.

Jake was going to heal her, but she waved him off. Surging forward, she hit it with [Maul of Hestia-Echidna], healing herself significantly. She added [Between Heaven and Hell], the magics weakening the giant dragon slightly as it was covered in holy darkness, and bathed in holy light.

The dragon roared, and began drawing in even more malevolence in what appeared to be preparations for a breath attack. Jake knew that Fhesiah had no chance of absorbing this one, having no flame prepared to aid her in consuming it. It was beyond their Tier, and she would die if she tried.

Timone landed in between the dragon and the Heart of the World. His cyclic resonance had reached its peak, pillars of gold flowing over to him from his mates and Tanda. Suddenly, Jake heard Aisling cry out, and he felt her connect to the world and become an auril hero as well.

Aisling’s eyes lit ablaze in white, and she looked at Jake. “Jake, you’ll know what to do, follow your instincts. Find resonance with your mate. Protect the Heart of the World!”

Feeling the massive amounts of energies pool up in the room, Fhesiah and Ira both warned Jake that things were still not looking favorable to their side.

He shifted his resonance over to that of the Guardian with Ophelia, their goal to protect their allies and the Heart of the World from what was likely to be a devastating attack. Feeling her love and affection for him, he returned it in kind as they synced the beating of their hearts and their breaths.

She cast her [Hearth of Hestia], an echo of it appearing near Jake, and they both combined them into her shield and floated them between the dragon and Timone.

Fhesiah having expended her dragon’s flames long ago began shifting over to her kitsune form, hoping to add her bloodline flames in the attack. Her shift happened rapidly, her building up foxfires from the powerful environment rapidly.

Blood layered her debuffs onto the dragon and attacked it from the side, her massive maul still unable to make the powerful creature more than shift slightly. She added her telekinesis into the blows, still unable to do significant damage to the creature above her Tier.

The dragon released its breath attack, and Jake and Ophelia both cast their [Sacrificial Flames: Barrier] in front of it. Empowered by Jake’s covenant, the two’s barriers were powerful. Jake continued to layer powerful barriers that approached the second Tier using the mana within the Font, and they quickly shattered even as he added more.

As their barrier’s shattered, Timone unleashed his powerful golden spear of light. It pierced deep through the flames, but the dragon’s breath attack continued, starting to gain ground on his attack and push it back. If nothing changed, the attack was going to overwhelm Timone, and likely the Heart of the World.

Jake and Ophelia’s desire to protect was matched by Tanda, Blood, Berri, and Ira, as well as the Auril Heroes. Jake and Ophelia’s souls found resonance with one another, and followed his gut to trigger [Fusion Summon].

His soul made a call-out into the void, calling across the multiverse for something to aid them. A guardian that resonated with Ophelia, that would protect the weak. One that was loyal and selfless, determined and strong. Even Ira did its best to help, enhancing Jake’s call with a roar.

A massive amount of energy was drawn from Jake and his wives and from within the mana font, and a portal was opened behind Timone.

A golden net that Jake understood was the Framework layered itself over the creature as it emerged, and his Summoner’s Bond was attached to the creature as it did– the creature accepting being bound by his contract.

Then, the net appeared to shrink the large creature, making it weaker as it railed against the bindings of it. The golden net then disappeared, and Jake and his family were finally able to get a better look at it.

Cernunnos laughed. “A Garuda? Luck is truly on our side! What abundance. Not bad at all, void child.”

Jake had little time to think about what Cernunnos had called him, but did make note of it. He knew that Garuda was a demigod from Hindu mythology, and this creature seemed to be named after it.

It was a large humanoid figure completely covered in white and green feathers, with four wings coming out of its back in an X shape. Its face was covered with two wings over it, and there were another two wings coming out of its feet to the sides.

In one hand it held a shield of feathers, and in the other a long blade made of what looked like a wing. The creature was androgynous, not having many discernible features other than a vague humanoid shape. The creature was a little taller than Bloodberri, but its lanky frame and long wing blade made its reach substantial.

[Summon Information]

[Type: Monstrous Humanoid]

[Name: ???]

[Race: Garuda]

[Level: 57(25)]

Jake was shocked that this creature was of the 3rd Tier. Of course, it was reduced in level down to the limit of what was allowed on Highlands and to some extent Jake’s strength, but he could still feel the creature’s immense power.

There was some form of divinity, or at least something extra within the summon that put it above anything Jake had met except for the Gods and Goddesses themselves. His special summons of the Heroic Beasts had a little something else too, but this was even different from that.

This creature was rippling with power despite being limited, and the draw on Jake’s energy supplies was drastic, as it seemed to be fulfilling or charging something the creature needed. He wasn’t sure how long he could continue, but Jake didn’t need to keep it summoned long–he could tell.

The death god’s malevolent breath attack surpassed Timone’s golden spear, and Cernunnos pulled him out of the way with some fast-moving vines. The breath attack continued, toward the Heart of the World– The Garuda floating in between.

The Garuda acted on the threat, and swung its blade down in a chopping motion at the impending doom of the death dragon’s breath. A cyclone of holy wind exited the wing-blade, crashing into dragon’s attack.

The cyclone fought back against the malevolent energy, pushing it back. Despite the attack not being completed, the Garuda swung again, another powerful cyclone exiting its blade. It crashed into the breath attack, breaking it up and pushing it back further.

The dragon drew in taint from across the world, its breath attack continuing. It almost looked like the two cyclone attacks would eventually be pushed back, but it would be close.

Jake felt like the Garuda’s energy was already almost expended, but it swung one more time, sending a final cyclone at the death dragon itself. The Summon then dispersed into motes of light, entering the void in a place within Jake’s Hearth-his soul.

He had expended a significant amount of energy just summoning the creature from the void, so it made sense to him that not overly much was available to keep it fighting. It had instinctually done as much as it could with the energy and time it had available, it appeared. It did not seem to have the intelligence of speech, but would at least understand Jake’s desires like Ira.

The three cyclones crushed what remained of the breath attack and crashed into the death dragon, the turbulent winds cutting into the creature like blades. The cyclonic winds shredded large chunks of malevolence off it, the divine winds punishing their evil enemy until they dissipated.

The golden affliction worked itself deeper into the dragon, and Bloodberri used [Maul of Hestia-Echidna] once more. Fhesiah’s ruinous kitsune flames slammed into the monster as well, the auril heroes adding their attacks in without stopping.

The integrity of the dragon was deteriorating rapidly, unable to keep drawing further energy from the world fast enough to keep its form and restore itself.

The dragon was furious. “What was that creature? Impossible! I will have my revenge, you will not stop me!”

The death dragon shrunk and became more like a wraith than a dragon, and approached the Heart of the World. Jake was about to raise a barrier, but Cernunnos held his hand up to Jake as he addressed the dragon.

Cernunnos laughed. “You have already lost, this world was ours from the beginning. Now, it’s time for what’s left of you to become fertilizer for our growth. Your soul to be punished for all time.”

The sphere holding the knotted vines and a large amount of malevolence moved in between the wraith at a gesture from the Heart and Cernunnos. As the wraith came close, it opened its lotus-like black and gold petals once more, revealing a brilliant golden light.

The small flame that was created was now like that of a star, held in place by a spiraling stamen. The odd flower was pushed at the wraith, which seemingly tried to escape, but the petals closed around its prey.

The sphere then shrunk and shimmered with life and death, the green and black vines lighting up with a gesture from the Heart of the World. The sphere twisted and contorted as it shrunk, the malevolence fighting and trying to escape.

Cernunnos laughed, giving his signature wide smile. “What abundance! Luck was on our side once more. They thought they set us back a thousand years, but they saved more. Conflict drives progress, the world, and our people are much stronger for it! They have suffered, true. But if they were weak forever, their suffering would be endless.”

The sphere continued to shrink, until it became the size of a seed to the giant woman. It floated in front of her before opening once more, as if showing it to Jake’s party. Fhesiah had long since been looking at it with rapt attention with her [Divine Sense], but now she was in a trance. The seed closed before entering inside the woman, passing through and ending up in her chest.

She smiled a sad smile, looking at Timone.

The woman’s voice was serene, and full of regret. She had a gentle cadence, her eyes sparkling with wisdom. “Thank you. Thank you for all your people, your Tribe, has done to aid me over the years. I know you are ready for the next stage, but please wait until this world has completed its Trial. You can then make your Choice. No matter what you choose, you and your people have certainly earned the right to make it.”

She then turned to Jake and his family. “And thank you, Champion Jake and Hart family. Hestia truly sent the saviors my people needed. There are still many challenges ahead, and now that I am healed, the world must change once more. The areas of death had long-since been repressed, in order to heal the taint. Land will rise from the ocean, deserts, and swamps will spread, the world will grow. I must rest soon, and allow my new core to grow. Is there anything you ask of me?”

Jake thought on what he knew about what she was capable of doing. He did his best to create a managram of the continent they were on, and drew lines of mountains running north, south, east, and west from Cascadia.

“Is it possible to make a clear path? A…highway would allow us to traverse the continent quicker, I guess? It’d also be good if you could connect the undergrounds, allowing Vesuvius’ people to have an easier path to recruiting his brethren.”

She nodded. “I can, but I’m sure you’re aware that just as it might speed up your armies and our people, it can also aid our enemy. Be prepared.”

Jake nodded. He knew that part of the reason the conquest had taken as long as it did was that the plateaus were a natural defense, and slowed the enemy significantly. At the same time, it made it more difficult for Adventurers to traverse and travel, keeping them from spreading their Nodes for recruitment.

By opening up the geography somewhat, it was both a vital resource but a weakness as well. His people would need to keep all of this in mind.

Cernunnos interrupted, “I have little time left, and I must say farewell soon, daughter. It pains me that I brought calamity here to you. With no other choice, I–”

The Heart of the World smiled. “Didn’t you already say it to that jerk dragon? Conflict drives progress? Without your choice, I was destined to be a greenhouse flower, never knowing true struggle. The wicked must be punished, and I appreciate that I was able to learn this without paying the ultimate price. You fought fiercely, and were victorious in the end. I am proud to call you father.”

“And I’m proud to call you daughter. Fare–”

The Heart of the World gave a mischievous smile. “Make sure you tell Mother: Thank you, for bringing such a dashing savior to me. We’ll talk when I awaken from my growth.”

Cernunnos took on a look of surprise, before reverting to Oran and disappearing in motes of light.

She flew up toward the prismatic stem which had released her in the beginning, and it opened for her to enter, then she turned back to Jake. “I must bid you farewell. And…do get stronger, Hero. You were dashing when you promised in front of thousands to protect me for all time. But at this time, you’re not strong enough to bind me, and make me yours. I am patient, but I’ve waited a long time for a mate.”

Giving Jake a flirty smile, she continued, “Don’t make me wait much longer?”

Before he could even answer, she flew inside the stem and disappeared as it wrapped around her. Jake placed the [Mana Font] in his storage bracelet, the four of them now able to stand.

Fhesiah was excited. “I like this one! Blood, you were totally right. Quality over quantity.”

Blood hummed, and Berri nodded. “She’s big. I approve! Jake, you forgot to ask for the castle! She was supposed to make our house.”

Tanda cheered, her tail buzzing. “Wow, the Heart of the World will join our Clan? Jake is amazing!”

Ophelia had a proud smile, as she hugged Jake. “She likes heroes too! I’ll always treasure Jake rescuing Highlands. She’s like the princess that must be rescued from the villain’s castle. Let’s do it!”

Aisling fluttered over. “But how’s that going to work, anyway? Won’t that be like a toothpick in a cave situation?”

Jake groaned, as Fhesiah chuckled. He was sure he’d be hearing more about this later. But Berri seemed to be reminded of something, forgetting it with all the excitement of the battle. She became depressed, and grabbed Ophelia’s shoulders, giving her a cute pout.

“Y-You promised! I was supposed to have the first baby!”

“W-What?” Ophelia sighed. “It’s not a baby at all, and I didn’t have it. ! T-The Garuda is probably a thousand years old. Right, Jake?”

Jake frowned. The information sheet was different from his other summons. “Y-Yeah. Sure.”

Berri narrowed her eyes at Jake’s lackluster reply. “He doesn’t seem so sure!” She gave out a whiny groan, as she let go of Ophelia and approached Jake. “J-Jake, you promised. We need to make a baby right away! We need to be more in sync, right? Let’s, um…”

“It’s not a baby–that I’m sure of. It was summoned from wherever it was. I just didn’t know how old it was. It certainly felt old.” He looked to Fhesiah. “Back me up here?”

Fhesiah smile grew wide. “Hmm, I wonder? As much as I’d like to see Berri’s cute expression as she gets mad and Jake tries to placate her, Ophelia is right. That creature was much older than even me. Jake and Ophelia’s love and resonance might have summoned it, but it did not birth it.”

Blood rolled her eyes. “I told her that, but she just wouldn’t listen.”

Aisling giggled. “You guys are just so cute. Clan-daughter, you’ve joined such a fun Clan!”

Timone was being propped up by Dahlia and his owl mate. He smiled at Jake and Tanda. “That was a hard fought victory. My Tribe has been responsible for healing and protecting the world for a thousand years, and thanks to your efforts, that burden is finally over. Now, there is only one more enemy to defeat, to reclaim our world.”

Dahlia smiled. “We will protect and reclaim the North, allowing you to focus on the attack. Thank you for your aid, we are all proud to call you clan-son. You may have a clan of your own, but you will always be a part of us.”

Timone nodded. “That’s right, clan-son. Know that you are always welcome here, as well as your mates.”

Timone and his mates all looked at Jake’s family with a welcoming smile, despite how tired they were. Jake was a little overwhelmed at being welcomed by Timone and his mates, him being filled with happiness and pride. He didn’t have a family his whole life, but now he had an extended one, through his wife even.

“Thank you, clan-father. It means a lot to me.”

Aisling hugged Fhesiah and Tanda from the sides. “Yeah! Now let’s bond over some drinks and food with a party! Tanda said Jake was the best cook, I can’t wait to try some.”

Dahlia hummed. “That means there are two I must challenge. Ophelia’s spear, and Jake’s cooking.”

Jake and Ophelia chuckled in sync. “You’re on!”

Berri was envious of her sister-wife. “J-Jake, when are we going to be in sync like that. I want to make a baby, too!”

Timone gave Jake a recriminating look. “What’s the matter, clan-son? Your mate desires a child, why aren’t you doing your duty?” He looked Jake up and down. “There isn’t something wrong with you, is there?”

Jake groaned in embarrassment, his new clan-father somehow thinking he was impotent. Fhesiah and Ophelia laughed, as his girls all joined Tanda’s clan-mothers in conversation. Still, Jake was relieved. They had won against a vicious enemy, breaking the curse of the Death God for the beastkin.