Chapter 27.1

Days came and went, with Eirwen getting used to the new training regime. She had to admit, it really helped her. She felt less unstable, which meant she had more days and energy at hand for training other techniques. And the mana storms did make her touch on madness far better. Though she burned her surroundings and her emotions alongside, allowing her to keep more self-control.

Still, she couldn't fully imagine yet just how he had kept any form of sanity. Not when he had used flame mana every day for over twenty years. Had seen it destroy his siblings. Eventually caught on that his father's mind had succumbed to it. What measures did he take? She wanted to ask, but it felt like a secret that he might still share, but only once needed. 

As for training, visitors came soon. Duchess Ashwood and Duke Beirn intended to continue knight training. Additionally, more reinforcements from Verglas. Replacements for many, allowing them to return if they wanted to. More stayed than she had expected, now joined by even more knights and healers, even smiths as the honourable Taran brought over half his smithy to make Eirwen exactly what she needed.

She felt sorry for the apprentice who had made the weapon master's sword. Finding out its first drawn blood was Eirwen's, had caused the man to faint on the spot.

Taran and Duchess Ashwood arrived at the war room together, looking with shock and disgust at the end wall, which now featured one of the gifts Eirwen had received from the crown. A duelling sword which was far from useful in actual combat, sparkling bright with embedded gemstones, hung for all to see. Ashwood responded to the sight with clear contempt in her voice.

"A feather sword? That's what the crown gifted you? A toy meant for those that never have to defend anything but their honour? I'm not sure whether it's meant to represent the hope you'll never have to wield a weapon again, or pure offensive naivety."

"Oh but it's worse. See, it's a ceremonial sword. So I can't even use it in a duel, because it would get damaged if you so much as look at it wrong. Too fragile to hold any mana as well, meaning its only purpose is decorative. No matter how it's meant, I'm taking offence."

Had they been outside, Taran no doubt would have spit on the ground. Now, he barely held it in, though his eyes were blazing with fury, hot enough to temper blades with. "Your Grace, we will prove the world that our blades are far better than that showpiece. All of you will go to the mountains with multiple spares, all perfectly able of holding an edge. And I will personally make you a greatsword to hang upon this wall."

Eirwen smiled kindly at the man. "I appreciate the offer, but it will have to wait. Our defences come first. We are behind on our weapons production, and the current estimates are that it will be at least half a year before we're fully caught up. Especially since you, my best swordsmith, will be accompanying me to investigate our new resources and help maintain our weapons."

The smith grumbled, while Ashwood pondered the situation. "In that case, Eirwen, I think Duke Beirn currently holds a large supply of spare weapons, as well as shields. He prepared in case Flameheart came knocking at his doorsteps, because the Marquis had sent knights to the border as a deterrent. Maybe you can make a deal with him." Eirwen didn't miss that use of the Marquis title rather than his name, but put that aside. A quick call for Duke Beirn and negotiation later, and their weapons supply issue was resolved for now.

With a big grin, Taran went off to start supervising the creation of multiple greatswords, including two for Eirwen's weapon master. He happily found the weapon master and dragged the man with him, making him swing and evaluate all kinds of weapons. His combat experience helped him explain and even illustrate the balance differences between various weapons.

It was rather interesting how easily all of Verglas seemed to have fallen in line. The reports from home gave Eirwen the impression that even the people no longer frowned upon the weapon master, despite how he had led the armies and caused enough deaths to be remembered in infamy. They seemed to separate him as a person from his father's war, seeing him as a past opponent rather than as an enemy.

It was good to hear, because it gave Eirwen more options for dealing with him in the future. Had the people opposed him serving by her side, rather than rejoice that he had returned to her, that would have been limiting. Even though she wanted to be selfish, that didn't mean she'd want to hurt or insult her people. But it appeared his restraint in the war, and knowing he murdered his father the very instant he had the chance, helped win the people over.

A few days later, it was time for the weapon master to indulge again. Ashwood was far from pleased when she found out, and it took a lengthy private argument for Eirwen to make clear that no, this was her decision, and one she stood by. When Ashwood questioned the weapon master, he simply noted that he had offered but failed to convince Eirwen as well, and as obedient servant had no right to go against her wishes.

Another week passed, with spare weapons arriving, as well as a special order from Eirwen being completed. Mountain silk clothing, somewhat too big for her, but that meant the clothing would stretch enough to serve her in giant shape. And the same for her weapon master, of course.

The next day, she scheduled a special training session, for all those already selected to come with her to the mountains. With them and dozens of other spectators present in the rear courtyard, Eirwen and her hound showed up wearing the bulky mountain silk outfits she had arranged. They let Aoife address the crowd, to properly support her being in charge here.

"Greetings all. The past weeks, you have faced theoretical enemies, received training for all kinds of potential threats. But nothing beats actual experience. As such, today, you will be facing off against an actual giant. Two, to be precise. The weapon master will engage you all, while also showing various techniques he stole from Frost Giants. Meanwhile, her Grace will support him with the occasional attack from the side. This way, you will be prepared for holding the line against a small group."

With a nod, the weapon master stepped forward, a massive greatsword in hand. He took a deep breath, then began pulling in mana. If anyone had wondered how he would play the role of giant, his growth silenced all such questions. And Eirwen saw what was in most of their eyes, both combatants and spectators. A primal fear being suppressed. For some it was a fear of recognition, but for most it was a fear of the unknown. Despite their self-control, Duchess Ashwood and Duke Beirn were both clenching their weapons hard as they saw him grow.

Eirwen looked up at her weapon master, now towering far above all of them. He could easily look into the first floor windows of the estate, while the greatsword he had been holding now looked like a small short sword in comparison. More importantly for her, his clothing was holding fine. She could see it tense around him, stretch without fitting too tightly.

With a deep breath, she began channelling mana, spiralling it all throughout her body, making it settle down within her bones. She wove the threads of mana together within her flesh, flowing through all of her rather than just her pathways. Carefully she absorbed it all, feeling herself grow in size. Slowly walking around, getting used to the feeling, she grew and grew, until she could look him in the eyes again. Normally, she was three digits smaller. With their current hands, she still was. The same relative height, thrice their original.

Using her senses, Eirwen observed her own body closely, verifying that the tailors had done their job well. The fabric stretched around her, but with the extra room they had built in, it hugged her upper body a bit less than it did his. Good. It would have been embarrassing to show off her figure in front of all her subordinates. As her eyes looked down on the knights, she saw them gulp, not because of her figure but solely on account of her new size. A look that made the expense of this lesson worth every coin.

She saw her hound raise his leg and knew what was coming. As did multiple in the crowd, who immediately armed themselves against it. When he brought his foot down, earth mana rippled through and grasped the people, paralysing most of them. Even those that had prepared, were struggling from it, but they could move. As they looked up, Eirwen saw dread arrive in their faces. As she looked to her side, she noticed why. The weapon master was grinning maliciously. A performance, but one that terrified even her. This was it. This was what it was like to face a Frost Giant.

Afterwards, he illustrated various techniques and showcased the pure power the knights would need to learn to deal with. Not even Aoife and Duke Beirn combined stood a proper chance against a single swing with a small tree, breaking several bones, though they did block the first attack. Such an opening would require others to exploit it, which was why they needed to get used to this fear. Within half an hour, most knights were beaten and collapsed from exhaustion, while the healers were stretching themselves thin.

As the ambient mana was beginning to drop low, both of them turned to normal size again. Now far less intimidating, they walked around and offered feedback while handing out compliments. Despite the surprise and fear, most had done well from the very start, while they all had grown used to the feeling.

Duke Beirn shook his head. "Eirwen, hound, is this really what you're intending to deal with? They come for large groups. This kind of fight you might run into multiple times. Are you sure you're ready for that?"

They both nodded before Eirwen answered. "They will not be alone. Both of us will be there, and we have no intent of letting them fight by themselves. Additionally, you saw how even when exhausted, they were beginning to land hits just fine. And that was without employing spears, or arrows. Verglassed ranged weaponry will be a great counter against their size. So yes, we are as ready as we'll ever be."

She looked around and gestured as she spoke loudly. "Look at them. Do you see that in their eyes? It isn't worry. It's resolve. They are ready." They nodded at her and she smiled with approval. Good. They could do this.