Every eye turned and watched as Zigferd shifted. Lorna padded towards him in her weretiger form as the massive form of his werebear appeared. As he finished transforming, he roared, his jaws wide, casting spittle far and wide. His eyes shone with pure hatred.
Those who had been fighting Kalliqi and his guard backed away. The remaining draconian guards were also doing the same as Kalliqi stood defiantly staring at Zigferd.
Zigferd paced forward, his massive paws striking the ground, his claws tearing into the packed earth. He rose onto his rear legs, his form towering above anyone around him as another roar erupted from him.
As he landed back on all fours, he spoke. "You have brought pain and suffering to the ones I love, and for that, you will pay with your life."
Kalliqi sneered, his lip curled, showing his sharp teeth. "You are weak and will die by my blade."
"You no longer have your shamans," Zigferd replied. "You're weak without their defence."
Kalliqi was still significantly higher level than Zigferd, but while Zigferd was in his werebear form, he was an absolute behemoth. Only Bordon had challenged him previously as a rage-flooded ogre.
Zigferd charged, his colossal form pounding towards his target. SJ's breath caught in her throat at the sight. It had been months now since she had last seen him in this form. Kalliqi of the draconians readied himself; his sabre glowed with faint magic as Zigferd neared. SJ wasn't sure what to expect, but Zigferd didn't slow. Instead of swinging to strike him, he ran straight onto the draconian's outstretched blade, completely taking Kalliqi by surprise as well as everyone around. Gasps left many mouths as Zigferd's shoulder hit the draconian. Kalliqi lost a grip on his sabre as he was flung backwards to roll unceremoniously across the dirt.
Zigferd came to a stop, the sabre almost buried to the hilt in the shoulder he had rammed Kalliqi with. He reached across with his other paw, SJ watching in amazement as his paw transformed into that of a hand gripping the blade's hilt and pulling it free. He cast it to the ground as his paw reappeared. Again, he roared as Kalliqi scrambled to his feet, not expecting such a bizarre attack. No being allowed themselves to get injured like that as blood flowed from where the sabre had struck Zigferd.
He charged at him again, this time swinging his massive paw towards him. Kalliqi backpedalled, just getting away from his claws that cut the air in front of his face.
Kalliqi no longer wore the same expression of confidence; this beast had lost its mind.
Zigferd pounced with a speed defying his size. His eyes blazed, almost glowing as anger fuelled him. Swipe after swipe lashed out towards Kalliqi, as he called a new blade to his hand. It was no good, though, as it was batted from his grip with ease by Zigferd.
"Throw me your spear," Kalliqi bellowed to one of his guards.
The guard looked fleetingly at Kalliqi, and in that instant, a shadowy form appeared next to it, the tip of a blade touching its throat. "I wouldn't," Fas said. SJ hadn't even noticed him move, as she watched the draconian gulp, its eyes wide in shock as it dropped its weapon.
Kalliqi screamed a curse as he called a dagger to his hand, lashing out at Zigferd. His blade caught Zigferd's paw as he swiped for him. It made Zigferd withdraw a pace. The wound bled profusely as Kalliqi stepped forward, slashing in a mad frenzy. Its draconian face was one of rage.
As Kalliqis' slash passed Zigferd, he snapped his jaws forward, catching Kalliqi's arm. Kalliqi screamed in agony as Zigferd sank his teeth, before yanking the draconian off his feet as he rose onto his hind legs. The dagger fell to the ground from his weakened grip. Zigferd rocked his head as Kalliqi was shaken and jostled, before Zigferd flung him sideways, releasing his grip as he came back down on his forelegs, throwing Kalliqi to crash into the side of the inn. Zigferd turned straight on him as he climbed to his feet, Kalliqi's arm falling limp at his side.
With a scream of hatred, Kalliqi called a dagger to his good hand again as Zigferd rose on his hind legs. The draconian charged at Zigferd as Zigferd brought his full weight to bear on him. There was a sickening crunch and an ear-piercing scream as the massive form of Zigferd the werebear crushed the draconian like a bug.
Zigferd stared at Kalliqi, now pinned underneath one of his massive paws. His newly gained dagger could not provide him any leverage, as his shoulder couldn't move under Zigferd's weight.
Zigferd snarled as he spoke. "Surrender, and I will let you live."
Kalliqi was only a foot from Zigferd's massive jaws.
"I'll never surrender to a heathen like you," it shouted in defiance.
That was all Zigferd needed to hear as he lowered his jaws.
SJ looked away, unable to watch, and her stomach churned when she heard the scream that was abruptly cut off. In that final moment, the battle was over, and Killic had been saved. Her display flashed with a notification.
Territory Defence - Defending Your Loved Ones - Complete
You have overcome the fearsome attackers that threatened your home.
Your acts of bravery, selflessness, and leadership have successfully ensured the freedom of Killic. Because of your actions during the territory defence, you have earned the following.
Rewards: 40,000 experience (100% reputation bonus), 80,000 experience awarded
SJ didn't fully comprehend the numbers as she turned back and looked at Zigferd as Dave's voice exploded in her mind.
"It's a good job you changed your levelling, otherwise you'd have just reopened the borders," Dave sounded awestruck.
Zigferd stepped back from the downed chief. His chest was rising and falling rapidly as he coughed, and blood frothed from his mouth. That sabre must have done more severe damage than Zigferd had shown. Zigferd staggered sideways as his gigantic form crashed onto the ground.
"Zigferd," SJ screamed, running forward.
A gryphon SJ hadn't even noticed landed as SJ ran towards him. The tiny figure of Petunia climbed from its back along with Skuldor.
"No, you damn well don't," Petunia said as she walked to Zigferd and placed her hands on him.
Zigferd's head turned weakly, and SJ noticed the grin appear as his eyes closed and his head fell limp.
"Skuldor, give me a hand, please," Petunia huffed.
Skuldor walked forward and placed his hands on Zigferd, alongside Petunia.
SJ could hear Petunia cursing as she healed him. "Always attention-seeking, ever since he was a cub. Never happy unless he was getting my attention," Petunia muttered.
Skuldor chuckled as though he had heard this complaint before, and Petunia glared at him as she removed her hands, the light that had surrounded Zigferd from their magic fading.
Petunia kicked Zigferd in the back. "Get up, I know you're faking it."
The guards cheered as Zigferd raised his head, and an even larger grin now spread across his enormous bear's face, before lumbering back to his feet. Once he was, he transformed back into the mountain of a man he was known for.
Gingerly, Zigferd stood, his arm moving up to his shoulder where the sabre had struck. He may be healed, but he was obviously suffering.
SJ flung her arms around him as she burst into tears. The pent-up emotions flooded from her as she sobbed openly. Zigferd freed his arms and hugged her back before moving her away and looking at her hair. "Do I want to ask?"
SJ flushed. "Probably best not to," she smiled, the relief visible in her eyes.
Lorna had shouted orders to the guards as Petunia and Skuldor moved around those who had sustained injuries and healed them. To the pair of high-level healers, it didn't matter if they were friend or foe; they all got treated equally.
"How's Orik?" SJ asked, remembering the councillor and his wish to remain when she freed Gary.
Zigferd looked at her, sadness filled his eyes. "He fought bravely."
SJ's tears continued to flow, relief and sadness combined, burying her face into Zigferd's chest. Zigferd just held her, not speaking, not questioning; it was the hug a father would give his daughter.
The next few hours passed in a haze, as those who had been involved in the assault were rounded up. The valkyrie continued to support from the air, spotting any of the invaders who tried to hide. The guards and freed beings from the barracks, under strict orders from Lorna, began sweeping the town. No building, shed or loft was left unchecked. The search continued late into the night until several beings were discovered hidden away.
All the invaders had been collected, ensuring that the draconians and gnolls were kept split into their individual factions. It was a logistical nightmare that they handled as best as they could under the circumstances. The auction warehouse, which the invaders had ransacked, was used as the holding area; it was one of the most significant buildings in Killic and also on the edge of the town.
Zigferd had returned through the trashed barracks to his office. The councillors who had been captured had joined him, and within hours of his securing freedom, he was already deeply involved in the political decisions.
SJ had gone to find Aletheia and Lythonian, who, after the accompanying forces, had dealt with the draconian guards at Blossom's meadow, had dealt with the corrupted lizards. Not that Lythonian could do anything to assist, but his amazement at her ability was very clear. There had still been nine at the meadow, and with the three that had been uncorrupted already, still by the crags, that would mean that twelve now giant and peaceful lizards would be in the area.
The giant beetles were also gathered along with their handlers. Any remaining forces quickly succumbed to the aerial display of the Valkyrie, never mind the gryphons, which had devoured the scorpoids they had discovered at the ridge.
A gryphon with a rider had been sent to the valley to inform Alice that the town was again there's and they would be expected back the following morning.
Out of all the buildings in the town, only one appeared to have been untouched by the enemy. The church stood as it had, its gardens still pristine and unscarred, shining as a beacon of hope amongst the devastation.
Once Alice had returned from the valley the next day, her tears had fallen freely, not just at Zigferd's freedom, but at the devastation the town had suffered. She had spent years building the town alongside Zigferd, only to see her life torn apart the way it had. Darren had comforted her as best as she could along with Zigferd.
Kibble was sitting on SJ's shoulder, having fully recovered from his injury. His purr was a constant soothing sound in her ear as she stood next to Zigferd in the council chamber. Alice sat on his right as usual, and on his left sat the diminutive figure of Petunia, her feet propped up on the edge of the table. Zigferd scowled at her, and she just winked, making SJ giggle. Zigferd looked at SJ, frowning, as SJ tried to stifle her giggle, which she struggled to do when Dave was also chuckling in her head.
Skuldor and Wystria were also present, and Fas stood off to the side of the chamber as an honoured guest, and the councillors sat as they waited for the first guest to arrive.
The doors opened, and Lorna led in Markisha. The chieftain's daughter walked in with her head held high, showing no sign of fear. The gash she had received on her face had been healed, and although stripped of any weapons and wearing manacles, she still carried a foreboding presence. She came to a halt at the end of the council table.
"Please sit," Zigferd waved with his hand.
The draconians face screwed up in confusion before the chair was pulled out for her, and she sat down.
"I have one question to ask you; that is all," Zigferd said.
Markisha scrunched her eyes as she stared back at Zigferd, not breaking his gaze. "What question do you have?" she asked, almost aloof.
"Why?" Zigferd said.
She frowned deeply, not understanding his meaning at first, before the look of realisation set in.
"My uncle," she replied, spitting the word with venom. "He poisoned my father, offering him riches and this town."
"Can you be more specific?" Wystria interjected.
"Bellakiy, that useless draconian slob. He never raised a claw to help with anything; he drank and ate at my father's table, which he had no right to. Our clan has always followed the law of the desert: places are earned, not given."
"So none of this would have happened without your uncle Bellakiy?"
Markisha nodded. "We were due to move south. We followed the sand tides each year, and instead we came here, and now look what has happened. The clan is no more."
"Your clan still exists. Are you now not the rightful chief?" Zigferd asked.
Markisha sat silently for a moment. Following clan law, she was indeed the new chief. "If I had a clan to lead, perhaps I might be."
"You still do," Zigferd said again.
"What do you mean?" Markisha said warily.
"What did you think would happen to you today?"
"I expected to be executed for my crimes," Markisha said, sitting up straighter in the chair.
"Why would you be executed? There has been enough death in this town for several lifetimes as it is. I, for one, don't wish to see any more."
Confusion reigned. The draconian, unable to fathom that she would not be killed.
Zigferd continued. "You claim you didn't start this; therefore, you don't hold the blame. Your father instigated the move with your uncle. We were already aware of this and just wished to hear it from you directly. Your father is dead, by my hand, and I will never apologise for taking him from you. He got what he deserved. I don't hold you to blame, though. When I was captive, out of all those who came and went, you always ensured that we received water and rations, as meagre as they were."
That comment took SJ by surprise. All she had seen of this being was hatred and evil, yet there was another side to her. It was just hidden under a tempered facade.
"Therefore, when these proceedings are over, you will be allowed to go free, with those of your clan that wish to follow you. I will not hold you captive here or have you killed. Your beasts will not be joining you, though; they have been purified or are still being purified."
"You would free me and my clan?"
"I will," Zigferd nodded.
SJ could see that Markisha was struggling to comprehend, and so was she if she was being honest. She had been almost sure that Zigferd would have had her executed. She wasn't sure how she felt about her not being executed, which made her question herself.
"Mayor Maxwell, do you mind if I speak?" Wystria asked.
Zigferd nodded before Wystria turned to face Markisha.
Wystria was wearing her brilliant white robes, the church's emblem emblazoned on her chest. She turned and looked at Markisha. "Child, you still have much to learn about the world you live in, and in time, I only hope that you can lead your clan with an open heart. Life can be hard enough without using fear as a tool for control. Respect your clan members and those around you, and they will respect you back. When you have learned the true nature of our ways and worked your penance, then I hope in time you will reach out. Lead with a true heart. From what Mayor Maxwell told me, you were indeed the only one who had shown any sign of concession to those who were being held. Use this going forward."
Markisha looked at Wystria, frowning. "Why would I reach out?"
"Because, Markisha, dear, I'm your aunt."
Markisha's face screwed up in confusion. "My aunt?"
"Yes. Bellakiy is my brother, your grandfather, and my father were close as siblings until your grandfather moved to the desert region."
Markisha had no words as she stared at the pristinely dressed high cleric of Asterfal; the choices and life paths their families had taken clashed.
"Captain Lorna. Can you take her away again, please? Once everything is concluded, she can be escorted back to the rock gobbler hole with what remains of her kin," Zigferd said.
Lorna moved forward and gently helped Markisha to her feet. As she was led back from the chamber, she turned back and looked at Zigferd, giving him a slight nod.
"Very well done," Petunia said once the doors closed.
SJ noticed how tightly Zigferd's fists were balled, where he had held them under the table, and he let out a deep sigh. "That was difficult."
"Yes. But a greater victory is one of forgiveness over wrath," Petunia said.
"I don't forgive her," Zigferd said.
"Not in that sense, you stupid boy," Petunia rolled her eyes.
SJ couldn't help but smile whenever she witnessed Zigferd and Petunia together; the stoic and strong leader he was became a child in her hands.
A short time passed before the doors opened again, and this time someone the majority knew very well was brought in. He shuffled in his manacles, his ankles and wrists bound tightly, only allowing him to take small steps.
"Bellakiy," Zigferd said, not offering him a seat.
SJ immediately noticed the vein pulsing on his brow, and she knew this conversation would not be like the last.
Bellakiy sneered, his arrogance still apparent.
"Zigferd," Bellakiy said back, no pleasure in his tone.
"You have been brought before the council today to face criminal charges."
"And what crimes are you saying I committed? I have not raised one claw against anyone," Bellakiy replied haughtily.
"I suggest you watch your tone, brother," Wystria said, her voice as cold as ice.
Bellakiy glanced at his sister before returning his gaze to Zigferd.
"You instigated an attack on the town. A town where you lived and knew many of the beings who have lost their lives. You may not have drawn blood with your claws, but you did through the manipulation of others. You offered your kin, Killic, sold it to them and made them act. You have always been good at manipulation. That is why you did so well as the trading representative until you decided that the town should rightfully be yours. Therefore, today, a vote will be cast by the council to decide your fate."
"Do I not get to speak?" Bellakiy spat.
"NO!" Zigferd bellowed, rising from his chair, making Bellakiy and several members jump, his stern voice flaring with anger. Alice placed her hand on Zigferd's arm to restrain him. "Your words have caused enough poison as it is. Therefore, the words of others will now decide your fate."
Zigferd turned and looked around the table. "Everyone here carries a vote; you have all been affected, some more than others. The first question is, how do you find the accused? Guilty or Innocent."
Zigferd went from one to the next around the table. The only ones not casting votes were Petunia, Skuldor, Wystria, and Fas.
The result was unanimous; every member of the council present decreed Bellakiy's guilt.
"You have been found guilty. Now, your fate will be decided. As those involved in the conflict, all members here have a say in the outcome."
Bellakiy didn't speak; he stared around the table, glaring at the beings present.
"There are two choices for members to make: life imprisonment or execution. His crimes have brought about the death of over six hundred members of our community, so whichever is decided upon, he will never be allowed to cause harm again to any other through his malicious, ill-conceived actions."
The voting commenced, and as they moved around the table, both Petunia, and Skuldor abstained. As the final vote was reached, it was up to Wystria to cast it. The numbers were even between the two. SJ had voted for imprisonment; she couldn't bring herself to agree to execution. Dave had exploded in her mind, screaming that she was a goddamn assassin, but it just didn't sit well with her. Capital punishment had been abolished in England years before she was born, and although his guilt was absolute, she couldn't do it.
Wystria turned and faced her brother.
"Brother, you have brought not just shame on our family name, but also harmed those around you who cared for and loved you. It shames and pains me beyond words to think of the damage you have brought to so many families with your vile intentions."
Bellakiy looked at his sister, his face relaxed compared to when the voting had begun.
"Please cast your vote," Zigferd requested.
Wystria stared her brother in the eyes. "I'm sorry, brother, but your crimes will only be answered with your death."
Bellakiy's jaw dropped open. "What?" he stammered.
Wystria turned away from him, no longer meeting his eyes.
"What? You would have your own flesh and blood executed?" Bellakiy screamed.
"Guard, remove him from the chamber and return him to his cell. His execution will be carried out tomorrow," Zigferd said. As the guards went to move him, he struggled against them, cursing his sister. As soon as the chamber doors closed, Wystria broke down in tears.
Two weeks had passed since Bellakiy's execution, and the town was only just returning to any semblance of normality. SJ had called in to see Zigferd; they had been returned to their previous status, free from the invaders' remnants.
"Hi Zigferd," SJ said as she entered.
Zigferd looked up from where he was sitting, scribbling in a journal. "Hi," he said. He looked fraught and tired.
The time since hadn't been easy for anyone.
There had been so many killed that the churchyard could never have held the number of dead, so Blossom's meadow, since it had been destroyed by the lizards anyway, had been turned into a cemetery. However, some families had burned their relatives following racial traditions. It had been a harrowing experience discovering the names of so many lost souls.
"What's wrong?" SJ asked, concerned.
"We can't do it. The town has no funds. I have already added most of my personal savings into the coffers to oversee the costs involved with the repair works and all other necessary expenses since. I'm going to have to ask the chancellor or the bank for a loan," he sighed heavily.
SJ hadn't opened the satchel from Zigferd since she had received it. It was stored at Farleck Cottage with the skeletons and some rather concerning, rapidly growing wyverns.
"How much do we need?" SJ asked.
"If my calculations are correct, to get through everything and pay for all the repairs and everything else that needs doing, we would be looking at nearly twelve thousand gold," Zigferd said, holding his head in his hands.
"Is that all?" SJ said.
Zigferd's head snapped up as he spluttered. "What do you mean by that?"
SJ winced. She had told no one, not even Fas, how much Nexis had given her. She had mentioned in passing that Nexis had left the area to Zigferd, but she wasn't even sure if he had paid attention when she did. Rather than try to explain, she removed the bank coin from her inventory and turned it on.
"I assume you have seen these before?" SJ asked.
"Yes, why?"
"This is mine, and I will pay for the repairs," SJ said.
"You don't have that much mon..." Zigferd fell silent as SJ showed him the reading on the coins display.
This is the End of Book 5 of The Amatherean Tales – Amatherean Nights
Thank you to everyone who has been reading the Amatherean Tales.
Book 6 is being written, but things have been slow since the start of a new school year, and the joys of teaching have taken over. I will start releasing when I have a sufficient backlog.
In the meantime, please do drop in on my new release, The Scrug Wars - A Knight of Death, and discover how the conflict that wrecked Amathera originated. Chapters are releasing daily until the first book is complete.
https://www.worldanvil.com/community/manuscripts/read/5683789499-bosloe-scrug-wars
Also, Book 2 - A Clockwork Ogre releases on Amazon on the 2nd December 2025 - The narration again has been completed by the amazing Rebecca Woods, and I can't wait.
You can also find me on social media platforms under Bosloe or BosloeMcAnu, where you can follow and reach out if you wish. There is also my Patreon, which is open to free members.
Your continuing support means the world to me.
Bosloe
