Here we are at the final chapter. Everyone takes some time to discuss the future, and we start to get an idea of what things will look like.

Thank you to everyone for reading this far. I hope you enjoyed this actual novel-length story, and I hope you will also enjoy the start of what I plan to be my next novel-length story that will start posting next month.

On a side note, I am considering putting this novel up on Amazon. That would require me taking the time to format this story properly, and I would have to get permission from all the all the artists to include their illustrations. If I can get over being too lazy to do all that, you might see that happen.

If you would like to read the first two chapters of my next novel, “The Chosen Ones,” they are up on Subcribestar ( https://subscribestar.adult/neopuc-s-fables ) and Patreon ( https://www.patreon.com/Neopuc ).

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Chapter 28

When Iah woke up, she found she was no longer in her armor. It looked like she was in a medical tent. A quick look around showed a few others resting in the tent with her, including Hes. Ryrrg was also sitting on a stool nearby and perked up when he saw she was awake.

“Welcome back to the world of the living, Matriarch,” he said happily.

Iah was about to respond when she noticed that Vel’s taste was no longer in her mouth. She would have shot up if Ryrrg had not restrained her. His ability to do that showed how tired she still was. She struggled weakly against him as she asked, “Where’s Vel? Did I swallow him when I passed out?”

“No, Matriarch,” Ryrrg said with a smile, “I saw you catch him in your mouth. After fighting my way to you, I made sure to get him out safely. It was not easy, though. You had really clamped your jaws shut. It was like you were trying to protect him even while you were unconscious.”

“I did promise him that I was his protector,” Iah said defensively.

Ryrrg chuckled, “If you would calm down, you would see that you are still doing that.”

Iah glared at Ryrrg for a second, not getting why he was so amused. However, once she did as he said and calmed down, she felt a familiar tiny weight on her belly. She looked down to find Vel resting peacefully in her fur. She breathed a sigh of relief and rested a hand protectively over him. Then she turned back to Ryrrg, “How goes the battle?”

“It’s pretty much over,” Ryrrg shrugged. “The cultists sacrificed many of their spell casters going after you and Vel. Once they were all finished off, they did not have enough spell casters left to be a serious threat. We rolled right over the cultists. A handful managed to slip away, but the hunters are out dealing with them now. I doubt those that fled will last to dawn tomorrow.”

“Excellent,” Iah said as she leaned back to relax.

“Hopefully, we’ll get someone to finish healing you and Hes up once they finish mopping things up. They already took care of Vel. Humans are so tiny it barely takes any powder to heal them. Everyone was throwing so much magic around. I don’t know if we’ll have enough mana powder left to grow Hes a new arm until we can get Vel to make us some more,” Ryrrg explained.

“I’m just glad she still lives. She did take a fireball to the back.”

“She almost didn’t,” Ryrrg said, sounding more serious. “Fortunately, Oshiko has some phoenix feathers on her from the time she spent collaborating with them. Even then, it nearly wasn’t enough. Oshiko had to use some of our last gold powder to boost her abilities and the phoenix feathers’ potency to their max to pull it off. If she had been seconds later…things would not have gone so well.”

“Did our clan lose anyone else besides Knah?”

Ryrrg said, “No, our forces suffered remarkably few losses thanks to this strategy suggested by the human generals. We have quite a few injured. Trikk is missing a paw, but that’s what healing magic is for.”

“Speaking of humans, how is Hes’ partner? I hope she didn’t crush him in her fall.”

Ryrrg smiled again, “He’s fine. A little shaken up, but fine. He’s on the other side of Hes’ head now, probably still stroking her cheek. It’s pretty adorable, really.”

Iah returned his smile, “They have grown pretty attached to each other.”

“It is easy to get attached to the humans,” Ryrrg said, looking down at Iah’s hand as it protected Vel from any harm.

Iah shrugged, “I suppose you’re right. Is that causing problems?”

“You could say that,” Lanzui said, surprising Iah as he came striding into the tent. There was still blood on his armor. By the way some of it had yet to dry; she assumed he had just stepped off the battlefield.

Iah asked, “They’ve already started arguing about what to do with the humans, haven’t they?”

“Before we had even finished up with the main cultist army,” Lanzui sighed. “Many of our forces have befriended groups of human refugees, including quite a few of my dragons. They are all claiming the right to take those humans under their protection. I’ve never seen winged dragons take a liking to another race so much. They talk like they are defending their hoard when referring to their little companions.”

“Why deny them that right,” Ryrrg asked. Iah could understand why. He had been quite gregarious with the humans. She would have been surprised if he did not ask her to take those humans under their clan’s protection.

“That’s where the unicorns and kirin come into play,” Lanzui said. “While they have been more reluctant to associate with the humans, they don’t want to be left out. Humans are the only gifted race left, and they want their share of the humans to ensure they will continue to have a steady mana powder supply.”

“What about Silvesse? I thought he was getting plenty friendly with the humans,” Iah said.

“He’s the exception to the rule,” Lanzui said dismissively.

Ryrrg smiled, “He’s practically setting up a university for them already. And he does have some eager students among the humans.”

“Masumi has also managed to awe some of the humans despite his best efforts to be prickly,” Lanzui admitted.

Iah raised a brow quizically, “And how has he managed to do that?”

“He’s been going around warning people of disasters about to befall them,” Lanzui said, “His help is usually followed up with insults about their intelligence for getting into those situations, to begin with, but some humans can’t help but be drawn to Masumi after something like that.”

“I would assume they are using the phoenixes and griffins as bargaining tools, too,” Iah said.

“You would be correct,” Lanzui snorted. “We can’t take in all the humans ourselves. If we tried, four of the elder races and their vassals would all come down on us.”

“Four? What are the nines up to,” Iah asked.

Ryrrg laughed at that question, “You know their entire culture is built on subterfuge and seduction. Well, the humans aren’t powerful enough to need subterfuge, so they’ve been trying to seduce every human they come across. You’d better watch out for Vel.”

Iah looked down at her little companion and noticed he was finally stirring. He must have been awake to hear some of that because he patted her belly, “Don’t worry. You’re the only giant force of nature I need.”

“I should hope so,” Iah grinned.

“Does anyone want to stay behind,” Vel asked as he inspected himself. He looked surprised that he was fully healed but shrugged it off. It was good that he was getting used to magic. Considering what he was, it would be a part of his life from now on.

“That’s…not going to be an option,” Lanzui said, a hint of guilt in his voice. “Your people can barely defend themselves from things we consider pests. If we miss any cultists or more sneak into your world, your people will be defenseless. Even if those things weren’t a worry, there are the other elder races to worry about. If we left any of you behind, they would eventually be abducted by someone else.”

Vel sighed, “Well, I’m sure the people who think you’re gods will be overjoyed. I don’t mind having a giant protector either, especially when she makes such a nice soft bed.”

“I’m overjoyed you have discovered my finer qualities,” Iah said flatly.

Vel ignored Iah and continued, “However, I’m sure some people will object. I only hope they don’t get themselves into too much trouble.”

“I’ll try to make sure those people get paired with more patient races,” Lanzui promised.

“I’m sure everyone will get used to it eventually,” Vel said with a tone of resignation. “Gods, all of you in here will probably outlive the worst objectors. A century from now, being born under your protection and rule will be normal. In 200 years, a time before you will be a thing out of mythology. And even Lanzui might still be around by then. It makes my head swim.”

“What do you mean, ‘even Lanzui’” the dragon huffed, “I really do wish you humans would stop talking about me like I’m some ancient fossil.”

Iah and Ryrrg chuckled at that. They were also surprised when Hes joined in with the laughter. She had woken up but quickly groaned. While she had been healed enough that her life was no longer threatened, her injuries were obviously still sore. She soon said, “Since I still ache this much, I’m assuming we all continue to exist and that we won the battle.”

“Yes, sister, and we could not have done it without you,” Iah said happily.

“And I could not have done it without this little guy,” Hes said, turning her attention to her human partner right next to her face. She brought a hand down next to him and scooped him up as she sat up in her bed. It was not long before she was lavishing him with affectionate licks, the human struggling to fend off her tongue. When Iah noticed Vel laughing at the other human, she adopted a mischievous grin of her own.

Vel yelped as he was scooped out of Iah’s fur, and she brought him in front of her face, “I could not agree more, Hes.”

By the time the gnolls were done with their human companions, there was not a dry spot on them. Vel tried to wipe his face clean but had nothing dry to do it with. He eventually spluttered, “I have a disturbing feeling that I and your saliva have a close destiny in my future.”

“It doesn’t take a kirin to figure that out,” Lanzui interrupted. “But now for what I really came here for. Your reward for killing the leader of the cultist forces, which I’m afraid will have to be put off for now.”

“Oh, and what were we supposed to get. We’ve never killed a unicorn that high-ranking before,” Iah said.

Lanzui looked at her questioningly, “We?”

“That was Vel’s rock storm spell that hit Lunaria. I told him we would…split the credit for that one.”

Lanzui smirked, and Ryrrg laughed. Vel was looking around quizzically, causing Iah to smile as well. When he looked at Hes, she only shrugged her shoulders and said, “I was unconscious at the time. Don’t have any more idea about what is happening than you do.”

After calming down, Ryrrg helped explain things, “That rock storm spell of yours shredded Lunaria’s midriff. There wasn’t much left holding her together. Then Iah finished the job. Tore her torso right off and tossed it aside. Nearly hit Qandryd in the face with it.”

“I hope he didn’t take that personally,” Iah winced, not realizing that had happened. “It was hard to aim while I was in that condition.”

Lanzui chuckled, “No need to worry. He thought it was funny, too. The only thing he is annoyed about is that he did not get to finish off the cultist leader himself.”

“We split her,” Vel muttered, “Predator humor, I suppose. So, what were we supposed to get.”

“100 full managlasses,” Lanzui said, almost making Iah do a double take. That would make her clan one of the wealthiest ones in the Daghia Federation. “Unfortunately, we don’t have that many full managlasses after that battle. And we still have to heal our injured and preserve the meat to ensure we can feed everyone until we can return home. Unless we recover some from the cultists, you will have to wait to receive your rightful payment.”

“I can live with that,” Iah said, looking down at Vel in her hand as he looked back up at her. “My…partner will be able to keep my clan well supplied with mana powder anyway.”

“Excellent, with that handled, I will take my leave,” Lanzui said. However, before he could depart the tent, Archmagus Silvesse burst into it. There were a few others in tow. Masumi, Oshikos, Qahndryd, the Grand Minster of the Sacred Gifts, and a few other important personages among the elder races and the Federation were with him. The tent had practically filled up. Iah held Vel a little more protectively, as did Hes with her partner. He stroked the fur along one of her fingers to show he appreciated the concern.

Lanzui seemed as surprised at all this as Iah was. He asked, “What’s this all about, Qandryd?”

“No clue,” Qandryd remarked, “This is that annoying unicorn’s idea. He said he had something he wanted to share with all of us, including Vel and the Splithallow matriarch.”

All eyes turned to Silvesse, who looked ready to burst. With everyone gathered, the words practically came spilling out of his mouth, “I had a theory I wished to share with you.”

“You gathered everyone for a theory,” Qandryd asked, sounding annoyed. It was strange to Iah, but a look at Masumi said this theory might be worth hearing out. For once, he was not looking annoyed. He seemed thoughtful. Since he was already well ahead of this conversation, Iah found herself curious about what the unicorn could possibly have to say.

“A theory it may be, but the more I think about it, the more likely I think it is to be the truth,” Silvesse sounded increasingly enthusiastic as he grew more confident.

“Well then, spit it out,” Oshiko said, “I was looking forward to taking my human partner back to my tent and showing him how my people celebrate such a momentous victory.”

Silvesse cleared his throat and continued, “Yes, of course. Well, this concerns the humans and the reasons why the gods created them so small.”

“I thought it was a warning sign,” Iah said.

“And to make us feel more protective of them,” Hes added, gently caressing her partner as she talked.

“Oh, those things are both true,” Silvesse nodded in agreement. “But I believe there is more to it.”

“What more could there be,” Lanzui asked.

Silvesse looked thoughtful momentarily, like he was trying to compose his thoughts. Then he said, “Let me answer your question with a question of my own. Why have our gifts slowly been weakening all this time?”

“I always assumed it was because our races had not produced any truly gifted individuals in a long time,” Qandryd spoke up. “Eventually, I thought our gifts would fade away completely.”

Silvesse nodded, “You might be partially correct. Our gifts are linked to the truly gifted, like our little friend, Vel, here.”

Silvesse motioned toward Vel, and all eyes turned to him. She could feel him wince a little bit under the scrutiny of so many others. Iah ensured her fingers were curled around him protectively to help reassure him. He stroked the fur along a finger in thanks. Then, Silvesse continued like he had not noticed that little exchange, “But our gifts may not be linked to the gifted of our individual races.”

Lanzui asked, “Meaning?”

“Our gifts are linked to the number of gifted there are in all of creation. As the number of races producing gifted individuals have dwindled, so have our abilities,” Silvesse said.

“So, what happens if there are more of us,” Vel asked.

“Now that is the question,” Silvesse beamed. “As it currently stands, there are only enough humans to maintain creation. However, if their numbers increase, there will be enough for, well, more.”

Oshiko sounded interested as she said, “Are you saying the strength of our abilities will return as the human population increases, and they produce more gifted.”

“It’s only a theory, but I believe that to be the case,” Silvesse said enthusiastically.

“Why hasn’t this ever come up before,” Iah asked.

Silvesse shrugged, “It was never a possibility before. The rest of us are close enough in size that we compete with each other for resources. Expanding one population would come at the expense of another population. Not many races willing to do that.”

Iah looked at Vel in her hand, “But we don’t have to worry about that with the humans. They’re so small that they only use a pittance of the same resources we do. Every race could easily afford to look after human settlements.”

“Exactly, the humans could spread to every corner of our world without causing any major issues,” Silvesse said.

“Which means all the elder races may have a strong interest in increasing the human population,” Lanzui said.

“And all the races that resent your position at the top of the hierarchy may want to limit their population,” Iah added.

Silvesse looked slightly surprised, “I had not thought of that.”

Oshiko had a sly smile as she asked, “How do you think the races of your Daghai Federation will react to this theory.”

Iah noticed Vel looking curiously at her. He wanted to know the answer to that question, too. She said, “The humans have a special place in the world, ordained by the gods themselves. Protecting them will be a holy duty, and my people will take that role seriously.”

Vel looked relieved at that, and Iah gave him a gentle smile. Masumi spoke up next, “But not everyone can be expected to react that way. The humans are going to be in an especially vulnerable position.”

“We are going to be stealing them from their homes,” Iah said flatly, “The least we can do is make sure the ones chosen as their protectors are truly interested in the role.”

There was further discussion about Silvesse’s theory and its implications. That had complicated the selection process. And once the giffins and phoenixes heard of it, they would push hard to secure a significant portion of the human population. The humans being so crucial that all of creation depended on them was a huge concept, one that many might have difficulty grasping. However, this new revelation concerned power. It was important, but it was still small enough that people could understand it better.

Plans were devised, a few arguments were made, and some things were settled, though far more was left to discuss. That would have to be done later. This issue would probably take months, if not years, to settle. And anything that was decided now would not stand in the long run. Not when they were not in contact with the rest of their governments or the other elder races. Eventually, they started to file out of the tent to think further on the matter.

Iah, Ryrrg, Hes, and their humans were left alone once more. They all remained quiet in thought before Vel asked, “Do you think they’ll let me stay with you?”

“That might be tough. With you being the only gifted human alive right now, some of the other elder races might push to take possession of you, if only as a status symbol,” Iah said. “Lanzui will support us staying together. He’s honorable like that. Qandryd might support us as well. He won’t want anyone else getting a hold of you, and my Federation is one of the dragon’s vassals. So they would still have some indirect control over you, which the other elders would be fully aware of.”

Ryrrg coughed for attention, getting Iah and Vel to look at him as he said, “The rest of you were unconscious for this, but some of the others partnered up with humans have been talking.”

“About what,” Hes asked.

“No one wants to be parted from their humans,” Ryrrg said. “They’ve been talking about inviting the humans into their clans.”

Hes asked, “How has that been received by their clan leaders?”

Iah responded to that question, “Considering that many of the humans were partnered up with clan leaders, I’m assuming a lot of this talk is coming from them.”

Ryrrg nodded in the affirmative, “You’re right. Trying to take some random humans from us would be one thing, but taking members of our clans would be more difficult.”

“Are the dragons also trying to keep their partners,” Iah asked.

“Yes. It’s like Lanzui said. They’ve grown surprisingly attached to their humans,” Ryrrg said.

“Then we might get some support from them for this, too,” Iah said.

“There might be some other good news,” Ryrrg added.

“Oh?”

“I’ve been hearing some chatter about the unicorn’s crown prince,” Ryrrg said.

“Been spying on the unicorns,” Hes asked.

Ryrrg grinned, “Of course. But the things I’ve heard about him are pretty positive.”

“If only he can take his throne,” Iah said. “If he does, that could work out for us. Masumi is likely to be indifferent, which will greatly affect the opinions of the rest of the kirins. As much as Oshiko does want Vel, I know she’s still mad at the rest of the ruling nines for putting her niece in danger. I would not be surprised if she let us keep Vel to spite them. That still leaves the griffins and phoenixes, but I think we can deal with that.”

“Is that even allowed,” Vel asked, “I mean, I’m not a gnoll.”

“It’s happened before,” Iah waved off the concern. “All I need is your consent. So, would you like to be a Splithallow, Vel?”

Vel looked hesitant, and that caused Iah to look at him with concern. He said, “You could crush me with your thumb. You’re a clan of mighty warriors whose feats are almost god-like to my eyes. Would you really want someone like me as part of your clan?”

The smile Iah flashed at him was genuine as she said, “Vel, the very first time I saw you, you were slaying a creature many times your own size. That is not something to be easily dismissed.”

“But those things are just vermin to you.”

“The feat still stands,” Iah said firmly. “Besides, as much as you keep trying to compare us to gods, yours seems like it is the holy race to my eyes. Plus, we’ve fought and killed together now. We are comrades in arms. And I’ve found that I just enjoy your company. I would be honored if you accepted my invitation.”

Vel took a moment to think before gathering his resolve, “Okay, I accept.”

He yelped in surprise as he was brought to Iah’s lips for another round of licking. When she was done, Vel muttered, “Just when I was starting to dry off.”

Iah laughed before turning to Hes and saying, “Feel free to invite your partner as well. But remember, you’ll be responsible for finding him a mate like I will have to do for Vel.”

“Of course, sister.”

“Excuse me,” exclaimed Vel.

“Apologies, Vel,” Iah said. “I did not mean to confuse you about your place in the clan. Of course, you will have access to me if you want. But I want you to have children. A good matriarch grows her clan, and I want plenty of little nieces and nephews from you.”

Vel’s face turned an alarming shade of red before he looked at Iah with a look of shock and realization, “I…could…with you?”

“Hes and Ryrrg already told you that you were in my league before,” Iah said.

“I thought that was a joke.”

“They were teasing, but it was still true.”

“But…you’d destroy me.”

“That’s what protection spells are for,” Iah said. She chuckled at the look on his face. She brought him close to her face again but spared him another licking. Instead, she held him gently against her cheek. “Your matriarch will always keep you safe.”

Iah could feel Vel stroking her cheek as he said, “Yeah, I believe you will.”