Chapter 40.1

Aoife had taken Eirwen's call for troops extremely serious. Unknown to Eirwen, she had already arranged for Verglas reinforcements just in case, and had continued the mutual training. As a result, she had a total of almost two hundred knights, Verglas, Iceheart, Carraig combined, as well as over a hundred soldiers. Adding in the support staff and what Dubheasa had brought, and Bealach na Caisteal had no room whatsoever, forcing most of the army to set up tents outside.

Fortunately, they had brought enough food to supply even the refugees. It was a good thing both dukedoms had still not torn down their war supplies. While weapons and armour were still at a shortage, Verglas had never faced food shortages, while Duke Flameheart had paid a lot to at least keep the troops fed.

Nevertheless, nobody up in the mountains was comfortable with the size of this invading force. By the time further reinforcements and additional food supplies, led by Vicomte Fiachra Conaire had finished arriving two days later, Eirwen had over half a thousand combatants under her command. With help from the local guides and mercenary leaders, those were distributed across the mountains, to hunt down many a Frost Giant and help clear people's homes.

As for Eirwen, she brought her shield and sword with her. Aoife and Red stayed by her side as she marched back into the mountains, to hunt for snowplums and elder giants. Knowing what they were looking for, their strike force managed to find several camps hidden far into the wild, eliminating the threat so it wouldn't keep looming over her.

They made sure to use the time in the snow to practice. By now, Red had already completely recovered and could turn back into a giant just fine. Only Crimson remained untouched, the blade clearly unable to handle combat. Yet he kept it with him in its original scabbard, alongside a Verglas scabbard holding his latest sword made by Taran himself. They also had found some horribly oversized greatswords, the type made by smiths as a way to show off talent and bought by arrogant people to pretend they too stood larger than life. Those were still usable even in giant shape.

Up in the snow, with plenty of ambient mana at hand, they further refined their techniques. All three of them even fought as giants, though not as large as Red had been in his showdown with the ruler of giants. It allowed Aoife to study the strengths and weaknesses of the technique. Weaponry was an obvious weakness, but another was how it interfered with the Carraig Defence. Despite the increased mana control, the amount of mana drawn into the body interfered with the defensive technique.

Equipment could be handled better, but armour suited for Gigantification combat would cost a fortune. Still, it was worth looking into for the future. The same for new weapons, ones made to handle the growth.

Originally, Eirwen had intended to spend two months in the mountains, to depart before the snow would begin interfering with the main roads. Fortunately, their cleanup progressed well, allowing them to stick to that schedule. With a week to go before her original deadline, she returned to Bealach na Caisteal, gathering her forces and preparing to say her goodbyes.

And so she found herself back in the tavern she had rented before, looking at the local leadership as well as her own commanders. Aoife was on her left, wearing her own colours but with an Iceheart coat of arms added to her own. On her right stood Red. Her own colours didn't suit him, and his old navy still felt awkward. Instead, they had settled for jade green. On top of his heart, where in the war the Flameheart coat of arms had rested, now was emblazoned the Verglas coat of arms. Daring all to come at him, and her, at their own peril.

Dubheasa and Fiachra, the latter having proven himself worth of assuming his full rank of Comte, completed her group of nobles. If one counted Red, this meant she had four of the twelve leaders at her side. Not a single person in the room was foolish enough to not understand exactly how much power was present here.

"I thank you all for coming. As you know, it's been an intensive month. Our troop movements may have been to counter the acts of the invading giants, but we still caused a lot of unrest. I have all of you, wardens and mercenaries, to thank for the acceptance that we faced. It allowed us to focus on striking true at those that posed a threat to you all."

Nods with a few uncertain looks. They had put a lot on the line by aiding the outsiders, and they still weren't sure if she was here to stay.

"You may not have realised, but the mountains form an important pillar of the Iceheart economy. There's a reason the Flameheart Dukes made sure to assist time after time, even if they did not claim jurisdiction. And while the sixth Duke may have neglected this place, I have no interest in following in his footsteps. I will still provide aid, some at a fair price, some simply to help ensure you all stay standing tall. And if another food shortage occurs, I vow on my name that you will be offered a fair price for all you need to buy."

She grabbed a large scroll and pushed it forward. "This here lists the merits of all on your side during my presence here. While it will take time to pay out in full, part of your rewards have already been arranged. You have my gratitude, but also my proper thanks. Twelve copies of this scroll will be spread over the towns here, so that none will forget the role you all played in securing your home."

Her eyes moved towards Blacktree. "Lastly, while I still have no intent of interfering with your politics, right now I see no need to replace the man I forced to take command of Bealach na Caisteal. Only once a year and a day have passed from now, will I allow him to stand down. To properly indicate my mandate over you, Blacktree, I give you permission to call yourself Grand Warden. This rank purely indicates you have my support. It brings no authority or claim over this territory. That all is in your own hands."

She could sense the relief from the other Wardens in the room. On the downside, it meant they still faced the normal power struggles. But it also meant she wouldn't interfere with their rule unless they became a problem. With the rewards added, some might even simply retire soon, allowing for a peaceful transition to their successors.

As for Grand Warden Blacktree, he had a wry smile on his face. He had come here to escape her rule, which Red still disapproved of. Yet he was tied to her for another year, a legacy which his family would always hold.

"There is one more thing you must know. While I cannot make any promises yet, I will endeavour to arrange a communication crystal for Bealach na Caisteal. If we manage to obtain one, it will make communication with Iceheart far easier. If ever comes another giant threat, we will hopefully be able to come to your aid much quicker. Such aid won't be without cost, but it will be aid gladly provided. I thank you all for your time and contributions. I have arranged for a feast for the entire town, which I hope you will enjoy. Tomorrow, you'll finally be rid of me."

A few laughed at that, before they all left to enjoy the party at their own lodgings. Soon, cheers came from outside, while inside dozens and dozens of her own got to enjoy themselves. The knights rotated between feasting and guarding, both inside and outside, with Red and Aoife doing the same. Whichever of the two was next to her, would occasionally sneak in a peck on her cheek, while the other would be leading outside but also keeping their senses covering Eirwen.

The next day, they marched. They spent the night at the same place that Red had rented out before. In a familiar bathtub, Eirwen let Red and Aoife wash her hair and braid it. This time, she let them braid it fully, no longer keeping the loose strands that used to indicate her status as one without partner. They sneaked in a few braids woven in the tighter mountain style, to mix Verglas and Iceheart in her appearance. She returned the favour for Aoife, braiding her mostly Iceheart style, with a few braids of her own. As for Red, he had kept his hair short all his life, so instead they marked him with kisses for now.

As they laid in bed together, Eirwen couldn't help but be glad she had come. Despite all they had gone through, the experience had brought them closer together. Finally, she dared not feel alone any more. Instead, she felt loved.