The stars lit up the sky, a canvas displaying the beauties of the night. Alban was not paying close attention to the stars tonight though; he was watching another beauty as she lay herself down, stretching out in an open field, her head lying on a large hill. He had always admired her, never ceasing to love her since they had professed their love to each other years ago. If he admitted it, he had loved her before then too, though he had been a bit of a jerk to her. Now, he realized he’d been nothing but a fool who was afraid of something different than himself. Valerie had been the best wife any man could ask for, and Alban wouldn’t change a single part of their past together. All the ups and downs, the fights, the struggles, and the joys were all a part of their story.

Once she was settled, she set her hand down with her palm up, but Alban ignored it, climbing up her side using her dress, and he sat atop her breasts, looking her in the eyes. Valerie looked down towards him, her face being the size of a house to him. It used to intimidate him, but now he knew it just meant there was more of her for him to love.

“My queen, your beauty has never ceased over all these years. You’ve aged like a fine wine while I have become worse for wear.” Valerie smiled, bringing her hand closer as she stroked his hair with her fingertip.

“You’re as handsome as ever my king. Perhaps more so than when we were married.” 

“No, I’ve lost those dashing good looks. I’m no longer that adventure-seeking prince who swept you off your feet.”

“I’m afraid I was the one sweeping you off your feet.”

Alban chuckled, leaning back. “Well yes, you were. You know what I mean though.”

“Yes, Alban, of course I do. I wasn’t sure about you when you ran off after rescuing me. But I knew you were special when that young man who came looking for me died in hopes of rescuing you. Even though you had treated me poorly, I felt drawn to you. For a man to give up his life for another is honorable.”

Alban sighed, remembering how his young squire Shardon, who had accompanied him on that fateful adventure long ago, had died while searching for Valerie, to get her aid in rescuing him. 

“I’ll never forget what he did for us. Not just to rescue me, but to bring us together ultimately.” He smiled as he pulled a small book out of his pocket and began to write in it. Valerie looked at him curiously as he scribbled.

“What’s that?”

“This? A journal for our travels. I’ve been writing since we left Rismark.” 

“Oh Alban really? What for?”

“Well. I figured this may be one of the few times you and I will ever adventure together, what with our duty back home. So, I wanted to capture our moments together.” Valerie smiled, laying her head back as he continued to write.

“Will you read it to me?”

“Hmm?” He said, looking up from his book. 

“Read to me about our adventures.” Alban grinned, flipping back to the beginning. 

“Alright then. Day one.”

*

It is the fourteenth day of the month of May. Valerie and Alban left that morning, saying their goodbyes to Belena, Sylvie, and Valdan. Valerie and Belena spent the most time together before heading off, the two women having been the closest. Alban was proud to see his children taking up the role of leadership, knowing that they would make fine rulers when Valerie and himself stepped down. He didn’t know when they would, but with age catching up to him he figured it would not be long before he and his wife could leave the throne and live together happily apart from the kingdom. Alban didn’t regret being king, or being a father. Though having to rule Rismark while also fathering three children, two of whom were over 150 feet tall, was never an easy task. It took a heavy toll on him physically, and he was glad to have some rest and time with Valerie. He couldn’t remember the last time they got to be together like this since Belena was born.

Once they had bid their children farewell, they set off for the woods surrounding the castle. It would take them a day or two to exit the giant lands, as they stretched further north than in any other direction. Beyond that would be the human lands, the longest stretch of the journey before they found the mountains where the rumors were leading them. While the journey would be long, the couple had packed well and Valerie could make quick time compared to what a human could do, even on a horse. Thankfully they’d be safe at night too, for only a fool would try attacking a giantess in her sleep. Of course Alban would be there to defend her too, but most likely she wouldn’t need it. She always did appreciate his attempts though. Alban could hold his own against human attackers, which would be rare, but when it came to larger creatures he would be out of his element. As Valerie traversed the thick forest, Alban recalled one of the first days the two had together. They had sought out shelter and an ogre had attacked while Alban was awake alone. Thankfully, it wasn’t for long before Valerie awoke too and made short work of the monster. He remembered fearing that power before, but as he grew closer to her he lost that fear. He only had love for his lovely wife, even to the point where he trusted her wholly despite the risk of accidents. Some of his servants and knights couldn’t see how he gave her that much trust, but he knew they couldn’t understand. He hadn’t for the longest time. It took a sacrifice of his pride and his selfishness, but he accomplished it.

On the other hand, Valerie took a while to get comfortable being in a relationship with him. She was terrified of becoming intimate with him at first, which was understandable as any mistake on her end would end in his death, but she was excellent in her care and gentle nature with him; with everyone as a matter of fact. Valerie managed to balance the strength required to defend her people with the gentleness of caring for people the size of her fingertips. She also successfully raised two daughters to be the same way, for the most part. Belena and Sylvie were not perfect, but through time they would perfect what their mother had given them. Alban treasured that and much more about his giantess wife, and he couldn’t help falling in love with her every day anew.

Eventually, night fell and Valerie rested near a tree as Alban laid himself out on her lap. “Do you think they’ll be alright?” she asked, taking a bite of a giant-sized apple. 

“Valerie, they are your children. Of course they’ll be alright. You’ve raised them well over the years, better than any mother could have.”

“Well, it wasn’t only me. They had an incredible father too.” 

“Oh please, I was practically a toy to them for most of their childhood, you were the better influence on them.” Valerie smiled as she cupped Alban in her hand and brought him to her face. 

“You’re selling yourself short Alban. You were able to connect to Valdan better than I ever could have. You taught Belena and Sylvie how important it was to be gentle with humans. You were stern despite your size difference to them, and I know for a fact that you taught them just as much as I did.” She gave him a small kiss and he blushed.

“Well, when you put it that way I guess you and I have both been good parents.” 

“Exactly. I still worry for them though.”

“Why? There’s nothing that can come against them you haven’t prepared them for.”

“They’re so young though Alban! What if they forget something? What if some great danger does come up that they can’t handle properly?” Alban came closer to the edge of Valerie’s palm and rubbed her cheek with his hand.

“Don’t stress yourself over it Valerie. They will be perfectly alright. They’ve all grown into mature and responsible young adults. They will make fine rulers in our place.” He sat back down in the middle of her palm, and Valerie set him on her lap once more, lying down as she stared into the roof of the forest. 

“What about that Alban? Letting them take our place? Have you given it much thought?”

“Of course. All the time. Why do you ask?”

“Well...if you are right about them; if we return and they’ve managed well without us; I think we ought to abdicate. Pass it onto the three of them.”

“Are you being serious?” Alban made him way along her thigh and up her waist, traveling up to where he could see her face again. 

“Yes Alban. I think we should put some thought into it, as hard as it might be to thrust that upon them. We’re getting older every day, though. Who knows how much time we will have together? I think we should consider it at least.” Alban made it past her stomach and scaled her breasts, stopping for a breath, He could feel her heart beating the closer he got to her neck, and he moved up and down with each breath she took. Alban savored these moments, and the more he thought about her proposal the more he liked it. 

“I think we should. If they do well during our trip.” 

“Do you mean it?” She said looking him in the eyes. 

“Yes. I think you’re absolutely right. It’s something I would have brought up sooner or later anyways.” Valerie smiled, laying her head down again. Alban decided this was as good a spot as any and he lay down atop her breasts, letting her rhythmic breathing put him to sleep.

*

The next morning, Alban found himself alone, next to the giant tree Valerie had rested against. He stood up, stretching as he felt the cool air hit his face. It must have been early, the sun not quite breaking in through the roofed forest. Valerie was out of sight, but he heard noises in the distance. It sounded like water was being splashed about violently, as if in a storm. Alban stretched and followed the sounds, eventually coming to a gigantic lake, to him at least, with Valerie bathing inside. Her clothes were folded at the bank where he stood, her sack hanging from a tree far above his head. She submerged and then came up once more at the shallow end near Alban, smiling at him as she lay in the water, her front half covered in water. “Good morning my love. I figured I’d take a small dip before we set off. Care to join me?” Alban laughed as he watched his wife extend a hand for him. 

“I can swim, you know,” he said as he began to remove his clothes. He felt a chill run down his back as the cold air hit his bare skin, but he ignored it, knowing he would get used to it soon enough. Once his clothes were gone, he stepped into the water, recoiling at the chilling touch, but he dove in, ignoring the cold. He emerged, shivering, and Valerie laughed. 

“Come closer so I can warm you up!” Alban didn’t object as he swam closer to his wife, stopping near her chest, already feeling her body warmth even with the chill of the water surrounding him. She cupped her hand, holding him closer to her breast as he rested his head against her palm. 

“You’re right. This is nicer next to you.” Valerie smiled as Alban lay there in the water, and they merely enjoyed each other’s presence for a while before they decided it was time to move on. Valerie exited first, careful not to jostle her husband with the waves she made. She sat at the bank, letting the air dry her, but Alban dressed quickly despite his clothes getting wet. 

“They’ll dry out later,” he said, shrugging. Valerie followed suit, struggling a bit to get her clothes on, and soon enough they were off. 

Once more Alban rode on her shoulder, his wife making quick time as they traversed the giant woods. By noon, they had cleared over half the distance to the edge of Vandan’s forest, only a day left until they found human lands once again. Valerie ate some bread she had brought and Alban ate small bits of it. As they ate, Alban noticed a shape moving in the trees, and he looked closer to see a giant owl peering down at them. He was scared at first, thinking it was eyeing him as food, but the more he paid attention to it the more he realized it was more curious than anything. Was it trying to figure out what Valerie was, not used to seeing things bigger than itself? Was it curious as to what Alban was? Alban was about to notify Valerie of their watcher, but it seemed like she had noticed it too. “Curious, isn’t it?” he asked.

“It is. I haven’t seen an owl for many centuries. We used to use them as messengers. They were well trained back then.” The owl kept on watching them, never moving as they stared back. 

“Messengers? You mean carrying letters?”

“No, they talked.”

“Talked? Valerie, animals can’t talk.”

“The owls did. Certain species at least.” Alban shook his head, not sure he believed her.

“Why isn’t it asleep?” Alban asked after a short time. “They’re usually nocturnal.”

“Exactly my thoughts.” Once they were done eating, they noticed that the owl was still there, but they decided to leave it and ignore the mystery. Whatever it was, they were sure it wasn’t much to worry about.

When evening came, Valerie began to slow down, desiring for rest, but just as she was looking for a place to rest Alban pointed at something in the distance. “Valerie, look! We’ve made it to the human lands!” Indeed, there in the distance only a few miles away was a break in the woods and a vast field. The couple smiled, picking up their pace again, clearing the distance in no time. The giantess stepped out of the woods, the setting sun shining upon the travelers as they emerged. While they had just finished a large portion of the journey, both Valerie and Alban knew there was still a long way to go before they reached the northern mountains.

542 years ago

King Valgar IV, king of Vandan, stormed through the halls of his castle, pushing aside guards. “Sir, please, reconsider-” stammered a man following behind him, dressed in dark blue robes and sporting a long, gray beard.

“Enough!” The king turned on his heel, pointing a finger right into the face of the elderly man. “You will do what I have requested of you, and if you continue to deny me this you too shall face the same fate as Valerie.” 

“Your daughter sir-”

“She is no daughter of mine.” The king turned again, brushing past another man who was smiling. He was slightly taller than the king, muscular, and had dark hair. He wore clothes befitting of a prince, dark purple and black mixed with a golden belt. 

“Father, when do I get to keep Valerie for myself?”

“Very soon, my boy,” Valgar said as he glanced back at his son. The king himself was tall as well, though slightly shorter than his son. He had dark hair as well and had a beard to match. He wore dark purple and black as well, but he had a dark cape as well. He traversed the halls of the castle, passing by yet again another person, this time a woman. 

“Are you sure about this Valgar?” she asked as she joined the king.

“Alara, you know what must be done. She has broken every rule we giants have, and she has brought shame upon our family. We will be lucky to be rid of her.”

“Maybe she can be with me Valgar, you know her brother will torture her to no end.”

“I know. My wife, I know you too well. You would pity her and have her returned to her normal height. This is the only way.” The couple finally reached the door to Valerie’s room, two guards standing in the doorway. They each stepped aside to let Valgar enter, and he did so, spotting Valerie on her bed, her eyes red. She didn’t care to look in his direction, but that didn’t bother him. “I will make this quick Valerie. You have been sentenced to being shrunk to human size and you will be kept in the care of your brother for the rest of your life. Whatever fate lies with you there is up to him.” She looked past him, and Valgar noticed his son was now watching from the doorway with Alara.

“Just get it over with,” she said, her voice cracking. 

“You have no defense for yourself?”

“It won’t matter. You’ve made up your mind.”

“Valerie, you aren’t taking this seriously. You were helping a human prisoner! You not only broke him out of his cell, you also showed him kindness! How can you call yourself a giantess?!” Valerie looked like she was going to fire back, but instead she remained silent. The king waited for a moment, then sighed. “So be it. The warlock will do his work, and then it is off to your brother.” He exited without another word, and the rest of the family followed him. 

Now alone, Valerie began to cry again. All she had done was show pity to a human. All he had done was wandered into Vandanian lands, and his punishment was torture in their dungeons. There was no mercy in it. The things they were doing were horrid, and she couldn’t stand by and watch. While she had been taught her entire life that humans were lesser beings than Vandanians, she couldn’t help but resist it. She cared too much for them and couldn’t see them as anything other than equals. So what they were smaller, they were just as important as everyone else. Yet Valerie knew she was alone in this way of thinking. She had never met another giant or giantess who cared at all for humankind.

The warlock entered after a moment, keeping his eyes away from her, looking at the ground instead. Valerie could tell he hated having to do this. The warlock had taught her much over her time at home, and he had been something like a second father to her. He didn’t share her care for humans, but he wasn’t cruel like her father could be. “Is it time then?” she asked. 

“Yes, princess. I’m afraid so.” With speed that defied his age, he spun around and lifted his arms, a bolt of blue light shooting from his hands as the guards went unconscious instantly and the door slammed shut. Valerie’s eyes went wide as she watched the warlock come closer, his hands shaking. “My life will be taken for this, but it is worth it. Lay out for me.” Valerie followed his commands, unsure what his plan was. “Alright, I-”

“Open this door now!” King Valgar said as he pounded his fist against the wood. The warlock began to shake harder, but he kept to his task.

“Listen closely. I will shrink you, but you will be in a deep sleep. You will only wake with true love’s kiss. During this sleep you will not age, you cannot be killed, touched, and you will have no need for food or drink. I have been preparing this since I was given this order. It is the best I can do for you Valerie…”

“It’s more than enough. I’m sorry…”

“No. This is my choice. Good night Valerie. I hope you will find your love soon.” He waved his hands, and before she even noticed anything she was out cold.

*

Present Day

Valerie woke, sitting up quickly and accidentally sending Alban tumbling into her lap. She could feel sweat on her clothes, and she wiped her forehead. Why had she dreamed about that day? She hadn’t seen it play out so vividly before. And had she seen her father’s perspective at some point? It was all too much to think about, and soon she noticed her tiny husband struggling to climb back up. “I’m sorry Alban, I just had a bad dream is all.”

“All fine! What was it about?” Valerie took him in her hand and let him sit down as she raised him to her face.

“Well, it’s a bit odd. It was like no other dream before. It was incredibly vivid...and I remember every little detail. It was about my last night with my family. When I was shrunk and put to sleep.”

“Ah, you’ve told me that story many times before. Perhaps it was just a memory that surfaces because of our task?”

“Maybe...but I saw through my father’s eyes...or more like a third-person perspective. Like in a dream.”

“Well, that’s odd. Nothing to ponder on though, it’s time we moved on.” Valerie nodded in agreement as she pulled out an apple for breakfast. Alban took a bite, leaving the rest of the giant piece of food for his wife. Valerie finished it off while the king traveled down her arm and then onto her dress, sliding down the silken material before landing on her lap and jumping to the ground below. The morning sun glistened off the dew gracefully lying on the grass. It almost looked like the ground was made of crystals as it shone with the light refracting off it. Alban smiled at the scene as he sought out a more secluded area to do his business. 

Valerie wiped some of the dew off of her shoes before she stood and stretched. “Want a ride?” she joked.

“Well, probably better than walking. Though I could use the exercise,” he said, coming out from behind a tree. Just as Valerie bent over to provide her husband with a lift, an arrow struck her in the thumb. A shout was heard near her shoulder just as a man leapt off a tall tree and onto her, slicing at her ear. 

“Ow!” She felt blood trickle out of the small wound made, and she felt the man stumble as she jerked her head in his direction. The small man fell, then righted himself and clung to the tree, breaking his fall. A troop of a dozen soldiers, all wearing similar outfits that consisted of masks, hoods, and black tunics, swarmed her feet as they gave a cry.

“HALT!” Alban stood in front of the men, and it caused them to pause their attack. One of Valerie’s assailants removed his hood, pulled down his mask, and smiled. He had gray hair, and a smooth face, though he had a scar running across his cheek. He was taller than Alban, but he was quite thin, leaving any physical advantage out. 

“Prince Alban! What a pleasure!” The man held his arms out from his sides, approaching Alban slowly. 

“That’s King Alban. Who are you and why are you attacking us?”

“Oh we did not mean you any harm, your highness. We only meant to drive off this beast,” he said as he gestured up at Valerie. 

“That is Queen Valerie, and you will show her respect.”

“Respect? For a giantess? My, you are sick.” Alban drew his sword just as the stranger did. 

“Tell me again, who are you?”

“Only a man loyal to the throne of Elgon!” 

“Then you are not our enemy!” The man laughed as he lunged at Alban with his sword. Before either could reach the other, they were both scooped up by two giant hands and raised to Valerie’s face. 

“Excuse me gentlemen, but let’s not kill each other just yet!” Valerie gave Alban a disapproving glare, and he looked away, sighing as he rested against her fingers. The stranger had dropped his sword, but he was still trying his best to harm Valerie as he pounded his fists against her thumb. It did nothing, of course, and the giantess sighed. “Really, we are not here to harm you, sir. We are passing through these lands and we are peaceful. Now please be kind and answer my husband as to who you are.”

“I owe you two nothing!”

“Claymore!” All three turned their attention to a man on horseback who approached the crowd. The man was dressed in fine clothing and wore a cape around his neck. He carried himself high as he approached the feet of the giantess before him, and he craned his neck up to see her. “I apologize for my captain’s harsh demeanor! We do not wish to be at war with Vandan!” Valerie squatted, putting Claymore down while she set Alban on her shoulder. The dejected captain rushed away and joined his men once more before the regal figure continued. “I am King Ferran. I rule over these lands outside the woods, our kingdom is just an hour away. Captain Claymore and his men were supposed to go out hunting, but it turns out he found something else instead. If you wish, you can join us and we can discuss matters further without trying to kill each other.” With a nod, Ferran turned around and commanded his men to head for home. Valerie looked to Alban and he shrugged.

“Not like we have anything to lose. Besides...that Claymore acted like you were some monster. And he admitted allegiance to Elgon. Something is going on here and I wish to know what it is.”

“As do I.” Valerie rose to her full height again and traversed the trees until she came to an open plain, a few trees dotting the horizon. The field was lush with other plant life, and a river ran through it from where she could see. Across the fields she could see a small town, at least to her, and she noticed the king riding in that direction. “Well, let’s see how long it takes him to catch up to me!” she said, giggling. While it was an hour’s ride on horseback, even a leisurely stroll for Valerie would make the trip half as long. Her footsteps shook the ground as she proceeded, and as she passed the king she noticed him chuckle, the horse losing its footing slightly as she stomped past. 

Before long, she had come to the outskirts of the town. It was about as big as the villages outside the castle in Vandan, though the buildings here looked more like the architecture of Elgon. There was a wall surrounding the town, and streets about as wide as her feet were, all leading to a large building in the center of town. It wasn’t exactly a castle, more like a large hall that wouldn’t have been taller than her waist. The king finally caught up as she stood there and he beckoned her to follow them through. She could tell people were afraid as they ducked into their houses and cleared the streets in a hurry. 

Little by little she made her way through the town, taking one step at a time. Her feet barely fit in between the houses, and more than once she felt the side of her foot knock off part of a roof or crush some crate that had been left out. Thankfully no one was hurt, but she was going to ensure these people were paid for the damage she accidentally wrought. Now and then she caught Claymore glaring at her, but when she stared back he looked away. 

They finally reached the main hall and Valerie let Alban down so he could enter. 

“Are you going to be all right out here?” he asked. 

“Of course. Go see what’s going on here, I’ll just take a seat.” Alban smiled as he left her to join the king. Meanwhile, Valerie looked around, spotted an area of grass, and sat down. 

“Good luck in there, dear.”

*

King Ferran led Alban through the double door entryway of the king’s hall, the guards stationed on either side saluting him. The room they entered was a mix of a dining hall and throne room, with tables being on both the right and left when you entered and a throne on the far wall. To the right and left were hallways that Alban couldn’t tell the destinations of. Ferran led Alban down the right corridor which brought them to a room with a circular table which held maps and various scraps of parchment. Ferran took a seat on one end and Alban at the other. 

“So, I’m sure you have many questions.”

“Indeed, most of them involve your identity.”

“Naturally. In due time my dear friend, in due time.”

“You speak like you know me, yet I don’t know you.”

“I wouldn’t imagine you would. I merely knew you through your uncle. I was a lad like you when you went off to wed Valerie. I wasn’t entirely convinced of her benificince, but I wasn’t an admirer of your father; seeing the opportunity, I took what I had and abandoned my position as a soldier to find solitude here.”

“And what is here?”

“Originally it was merely a small village that built itself up from the ground years ago, but when your grandfather discovered them he had this hall built and instituted some form of government. It didn’t last long though since your father wasn’t interested in this land once the bandits began to rule over the forests between here and Elgon. So, we call ourselves Liston, or in the common tongue “bandit watch”.”

“How did you become king?”

“Well since Elgon gave up on governing this place there was practically no leadership to speak of. I’ve saved what I could and kept people alive. But times are tough.”

“How so?”

“You don’t know?”

“Let’s say I don’t.”

“Well for starters there are the occasional giant beasts who exit the Vandanian forest, the ogres from the hills to the south, and of course Kassel.”

“Kassel? Wasn’t he one of Bargar’s lieutenants years ago?”

“Exactly. After Valerie raided his fortress and scattered his men Kassel took a strong majority with him to this region. Ever since he has been pillaging and plundering while his base is at the foot of the northern mountains.”

“Which is our destination…” Alban surmised.

“Doesn’t bode well for you. Though I suppose your wife could make quick work of them. Provided she isn’t fighting any other towns that aren’t used to kind giants.”

“Alright, two questions. One, why would she be fighting other towns, and two, why are people afraid of giants here?” Ferran leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head. 

“I can answer both with one question. Why are you interested in those mountains?” Alban smiled.

“I assume the rumors are true then.”

“Yes, there is a giant there. At least from what I’ve heard. We’ve lost men to him, wherever he is. Doesn’t exit that area so he doesn’t bother us much, but his reputation is not kind. With him around it isn’t hard to see why people here don’t like Valerie.”

“I suppose. Doesn’t word travel out here?”

“Why would it? We don’t offer anything valuable in the world of trading.” Alban nodded understandingly. “Now, here’s my offer. I can send messengers to the surrounding towns so they know Valerie is an ally. You two can have safe passage all the way to the mountain, as long as you deal with Kassel.”

“That’s all? She could deal with these towns and Kassel herself.”

“Yes, well, something tells me she isn’t the fighting type.” Alban smirked. 

“Good judge of character.” The two men sat in silence while Alban thought over the deal until he finally nodded.

“Deal.” 

During Alban’s time inside the king’s hall, Valerie sat with her legs to her side, watching the few people who crept near her location to get a glimpse of her. She shouldn’t have felt hurt, seeing as she had dealt with this behavior for years now, but something about the reaction she got here stung more. Perhaps it was the fact that the people didn’t even know her and seemed to be afraid of giants in general. The only fear she got once Rismark had become a fully-fledged town was the kind any human would have when they stood before a giantess. No, the fear in the people here was different, and she wanted to know why. 

It was then that she felt something brush against her ankle, and she glanced down to see a boy, not much older than ten, climbing onto her. 

“Why hello there,” she said, smiling. The boy was startled by the attention he suddenly got, and this led to him losing his balance. He fell from his perch, but Valerie’s quick wits had her palm under him in no time. This wasn’t the first time she’d had to catch a human, let alone a young boy. She brought her hand closer to her face to get a better look at him; he was a child for sure, and his hair was curly and unkempt. Still, he wore clothes fitting for the higher class, which was odd when compared to how he kept himself. “What’s your name little one?”

“Luke, ma’am.” His voice was calm and clear, but she could feel his body trembling against her skin, and her heart warmed to him. 

“I’m Valerie. You don’t need to be afraid.” She brought her other hand closer to him and ruffled his hair with her fingertip. “Why were you on my ankle?”

“I was curious ma’am. I’ve never seen a giant up close before.”

“But you have seen one?” Her interest in the boy’s claim seemed to calm him, as did her gentle pats with her fingertip. 

“Yes! Near the mountains!” He was excited now, and he tried to stand but fell due to his unsure footing on her palm. Valerie giggled at his first attempt to walk on a giant, but his claim of seeing a giant piqued her interest. 

“So you really saw one? What did he do?”

“He took people! See, I snuck along with some scouts my father sent, though he didn’t want me to, and I hid behind some rocks when I heard rumbling. The scouts went ahead, but he showed up, all big and mean! He grabbed the scouts and walked off, just like that!”

“Did the men ever get released?”

“No, I bet he ate them!”

“Well, I doubt that. Giants weren’t known to eat humans. Not that I can recall at least. What did he look like?”

“He was big, with a burly chest and a messy black beard! I bet his eyes were red too!” Valerie giggled, and smiled once more at the boy. 

“Well, maybe they were. But listen here, King Alban and I are going to investigate this giant, and I want you to stay put, okay?” 

“I-”

“Luke!” King Ferran and Alban had just exited the hall, and Ferran looked angry as he approached Valerie. “I’m terribly sorry Queen Valerie, my son has a knack for pestering others.”

“I wasn’t pestering!”

“He’s fine, really. He reminds me of my son, curious and ready for adventure!”

“Sounds like me,” Alban said, smiling. 

“Well I’m glad he wasn’t a bother.” He then turned his attention back to Luke. “Now I want you in your room and with your tutor, it sounds like you left lessons to bother the queen!”

“Father!”

“Now, Luke!” Valerie smiled at the boy, who looked extremely reluctant to leave her.

“Lessons are good for a growing boy. Go, learn, I may visit you again.” Luke nodded as she set her hand on the ground, and once he was off Alban and Ferran climbed on. She lifted her hand once more to get the report of their meeting. “Well, what’s the situation?” 

“I discussed the troubles we have in these lands with your husband. We promise safe passage from here on out if you help us. I’ve sent scouts ahead of time to let other towns know of our deal, and you will only find opposition with Kassel and the bandits he leads.”

“Kassel? Bargar’s lieutenant?”

“The very same,” Ferran nodded. 

“What’s he up to?”

“Wicked things of course. He takes after his former commander.” Valerie nodded, remembering her first encounter with Bargar. He hadn’t been much to deal with, but he certainly posed a threat to the humans she wanted to protect. He had nearly killed Alban after all. Kassel was most likely fueled by that loss, eager to avoid the mistakes his boss made. 

“He can’t be too difficult for me to fight.”

“Then you haven’t met Kassel,” said Claymore as he approached Valerie. “I may dislike you, but I won’t let anyone go near that weasel without a warning.”

“Claymore. What’s the meaning of this?”

“My king, apologies. I’ve fought Kassel before though, and you have not. He’s more cunning than he looks.”

“I’ve dealt with worse, captain,” said Valerie. 

“I don’t doubt it. But Kassel doesn’t find pride in his strength, he finds pride in his tactical brilliance. There’s a reason he is feared. You need some help with this.” Valerie looked at Alban and Ferran. Alban shrugged and Ferran simply nodded.

“Alright captain, let’s talk.”

*

A hundred miles away, two men, both tied up and bleeding, were thrown at the feet of a makeshift throne which Kassel sat on. The man had grown older and more cruel since his time under Bargar, and he now had the appearance of one to be feared; he wore a coat of black fur and had his black hair cut short. His eyes were dark, and he had a scar on his cheek, one he wore with pride after surviving the attack on Bargar’s fortress by the giantess. When he spoke, his voice was low and gravelly, and it demanded attention. 

“Who are these men?”

“They’re messengers from Liston. King Ferran is trying to speak to the other towns.”

“The fool. Let’s send their heads back in bags to remind him of who rules these lands.”

“Sir, you’ll want to hear what they have to say.” Kassel growled, but then nodded. One of the guards kicked the messenger who looked to be younger, maybe in his early twenties, and his voice shook when he spoke.

“W-we were sending a message to the other towns.”

“What of? Speak boy!”

“Of a visitor! Someone they must not attack. Some giantess!” Kassel felt his heart leap in his chest. This was it. The chance to prove himself the more worthy bandit lord. Killing her and having her head on his wall would not only make him the unquestioned ruler of this region, but he just might find himself to be the emperor of all bandit clans. 

“She has come then. Gentlemen! Prepare our defenses! We have a giantess to slay!” Kassel laughed heartily and turned back to his throne. Just as he heard a slight sigh escape the mouth of the young messenger, he drew the sword from his side and swung in an arc behind him, slicing both heads off completely. “Yes. Come here, you whore! Come and face Kassel, the true bandit lord!”

*

After a few hours evening began to fall, and a plan was formed. Valerie would approach from head on, drawing out Kassel’s forces while Alban and Claymore, along with half a dozen men, would storm his fortress and raze it. Before anyone would know any better they’d be surrounded. They’d have to set out early the next morning, hoping to keep in the cover of dark to make their plan work. 

As the evening sun set, Valerie laid herself just outside the city walls with Alban tucked neatly near her chest. Without prying eyes, the two enjoyed some alone time together before their short battle the next day. Alban lay there, his ear pressed against her chest as he listened to the rhythmic beating of her heart. 

“It’s so calming to hear that you know.”

“What?” she said, bending her head up slightly, though she still couldn’t quite see him.

“Your heart. It’s soothing.” Valerie smiled as she put her hand near him. She took a single finger and pressed it lightly against his chest. Sure enough, she could feel the tiny beating, just barely. Alban took a hold of her fingertip while it rested there and kissed it, which made her smile even more. 

“You’re the sweetest man I’ve ever known, Alban.”

“It’s easy when you know the sweetest woman in the world.” Valerie decided to gently pick him up and brought him up to her mouth, his body enclosed safely in her grasp. She kissed him, her lips fully engulfing his head, but he enjoyed every bit of it. He kissed her back, his contribution being a mere peck on her giant lips. 

“Sleep tight my love,” she said, carefully setting him back on her neck, her hair pulled up to be a blanket for him. The two fell asleep like that, just outside the city. 

*

“We could kill her now.”

“No, Kassel wants her to himself. Something personal.” The two scouts hid in the forest, and behind them was a detachment of soldiers, all sent to wait upon Kassel’s signal. 

“Why not go now? We can slice her neck and be rid of her!”

“The commander has a plan, and when he has a plan he’s usually good on executing them. Do you really want to question him?” The other scout frowned. 

“Well when you put it that way…”

“Besides, she might not even die that way. Lucky for us, she’ll be off at the fortress while we plunder the city free of harm. We capture the king and force the giantess to surrender if Kassel doesn’t have his way with her.” 

“Oh, right! That does make more sense. I don’t fancy fighting a giantess.”

“Neither do I. So, we just wait.”

“We wait,” he said, nodding. 

*

Valerie, Alban, Claymore, and a dozen men left early that morning, just before sunrise, to have the cover of darkness for the soldiers while Valerie distracted Kassel. Just as the sun peeked over the horizon, Alban, Claymore, and their soldiers departed from her to take an alternate route to ambush the unsuspecting bandit lord. Valerie had kissed Alban before he left, making sure he promised to stay safe. They hadn’t fought apart from each other in a long time, and Valerie worried desperately for him. Losing Alban would be like losing her own life. She wouldn’t be able to go on without him. She held her head high though as she approached Kassel’s fortress, some men shouting as they saw and felt her approach. 

Kassel’s fortress consisted of a high wall surrounding a courtyard and a large building that Valerie had heard went underground. Perhaps some of the labyrinth of tunnels was under her now; Claymore said it used to be a mining operation before Kassel took it over. He had converted the underground chasms into a tortuous prison and a storehouse for his stolen goods. She would have loved to tear it all to pieces, but she had other goals in mind. 

“Halt, giantess! Or we will stick you like the beast you are!” The toy-sized soldier shouted from a turret on one corner of the wall, his bow trained on her...waist perhaps? Thigh? She wasn’t sure how high the man could shoot, but his attempt to intimidate her was rather amusing. 

“I request an audience with Kassel!” Her voice alone shook the man to his core, and he stumbled a bit before replying. 

“You shall make no request of the rightful emperor of these lands!”

“Emperor? He doesn’t seem like much of an emperor to me.” 

“Enough! Do not take our leader’s name in vain!” Valerie sighed; if he wouldn’t come out, she’d force him out. She took a step and bent to look the man closer in the eye. Though he was still aiming his bow, he could barely keep a grip hard enough to shoot it, and the arrow ended up clattering to the ground. She brought her hand to the tower and carefully plucked the soldier out, holding him upside down by his legs. “No, no, don’t eat me! Please!” 

“I won’t if Kassel comes out!” Just then the doors to the courtyard flew open and a small detachment of soldiers rode out on horseback, every couple of men holding a long, thick rope. Thick to them at least, to Valerie it looked about as effective as the yarn she had at home. The riders circled about her feet, two riders each going in opposite directions, hoping to tie her up at the ankles. She laughed, then took a step back, snapping the rope effortlessly and sending the riders into a chaotic scramble to avoid her 22-foot long feet. The chaos was only cut short as a man who Valerie assumed to be Kassel stepped out of the safety of his walls. “Kassel?”

“Retreat men! Leave her to me!”

*

While the soldiers had been attacking Valerie, Claymore and Alban had vaulted the walls on the opposite side of the battle, the soldiers staying behind to wait for the two to set the place ablaze. Alban went on ahead and peeked around a corner before he motioned for Claymore to follow him. They tried a door not far from where they entered, and to their surprise it creaked open. The two quietly entered, swords drawn, and walked back-to-back through the dark halls. “So, you really dislike giants?” Alban whispered.

“Is now a good time?”

“Better now than never.”

“Well no, I don’t like giants. For good reason.”

“What’s Valerie ever done to you?” The two stopped as they heard two pairs of feet rush through the halls and then towards the exit of the fortress. Once they were sure they were clear they moved to a stairwell which led to the underground tunnels, or so they assumed. 

“It’s her kind, not her. Does your love for her make you blind?”

“Never. In fact, I hated giants like you did not so long ago. Valerie won my heart, and I hope she can turn you as well.”

“I see no reason to trust her beyond this expedition. If she removes Kassel as a threat I will be pleased and hope to never see her again.” Alban sighed as the two entered a dimly lit room with boxes of odd looking items inside. Claymore left Alban’s back and approached one of the crates, pulling one of the circular objects out. He unscrewed what looked to be a lid and sniffed the powder inside. “I believe it’s sulfur.” Alban came over and examined it as well.

“Why sulfur?” 

“I’ve got a theory.” Claymore took a handful of the powder and threw it next to the stairs, far away from the crates. He then grabbed a torch from the wall and made Alban back away as he raised it above his head. With a quick series of events he tossed the torch as the pile of sulfur and it immediately exploded, smoke and fire taking over the stairwell. Alban’s jaw dropped and Claymore smiled. “King Alban. Would you like to assist me for a moment?”

*

Outside, the soldiers had formed a line behind Kassel as the man approached the feet of the giantess. “Princess Valerie! Or is it queen now? Oh, it has been too long.”

“Kassel. I don’t believe we’ve met.”

“In a way we did. I watched you flick my boss away many years ago. Back then I was furious, but now, oh now my dear I can only thank you. That man held me back; never let me truly find my potential in his ranks. Now, look at this empire I’ve built!” 

“A dozen horsemen? I can’t say I’m impressed.”

“Your naivety gives me joy!” He drew his sword and ran a gloved hand across it. “They say this blade once slew your people centuries ago. Do you think the steel thirsts for more?” 

“Your overconfidence will be your downfall, you murderous rat!” 

“Then crush me! Grind my bones to dust!” Kassel laughed as Valerie kept her feet firm. “You’re too soft, giant. Nothing like the man in the mountains.” He pointed his sword up at her. 

“Killing you wouldn’t be enough to pay for your crimes. You will rot in a Liston prison.” 

“I will do-” A great *BOOM* sounded behind the bandit lord as rocks and debris from the fortress walls flew out into the field. Smoke and fire lit up the sky and the soldiers that had been standing firm now led their horses away, and right into the line of fire of the men of Liston. Alban and Claymore exited the gaping hole in the fortress wall and Valerie laughed. 

“You two make quite the entrance.”

“My lady, we seek to please!” Alban said, bowing. The victory was cut short as Kassel pushed himself up and laughed. 

“You fools! Do you truly believe you have bested Kassel, emperor of the bandit clans? Your trust in your strength has blinded you, Valerie of Vandan! Now Liston will burn!” 

“Liar!” Claymore kicked the man back down. Valerie turned around and gazed across the horizon, and in the distance she could tell that the bandit lord was not lying. 

“Alban! Liston - it’s burning!” Kassel continued laughing, Claymore’s foot resting on him, and Valerie bent over to pluck him between her thumb and forefinger before she deposited him in the pocket of her dress. She then picked up the two men, which Claymore grumbled about as Valerie made her way back to Liston. 

By the time she made it to Liston the attack was well underway. Several houses were on fire and she could see the few guards fighting desperately against the dozens of bandits. Her presence did not go unnoticed as arrows began firing from the walls; she figured some bandits must have taken hold up there to pick off any fleeing civilians, but an approaching giantess may not have been in their plans. Nevertheless, they fired a few arrows at her feet, which of course did nothing to stop her as she raised her foot over the wall and crossed over with ease, the bottom of her dress scraping the roof and sending a gust of wind past the bandits, knocking them off of their feet. 

“Let me down now! I must protect the king!” Claymore shouted. She obeyed and bent over to deposit him on the ground. Alban hopped off too, but he turned around and placed a hand on her thumb before running off. 

“I’m going to help. Be safe, alright?”

“You’re the one in danger here. I’ll take care of the fire.” Alban nodded as she rose to her full height and stepped back outside the city. The bandits had just stood back up when the dress blew past them again, knocking them over once more. Once outside she scanned the horizon and spotted a small lake not far away. She looked around, hoping to find anything to put the water in, but there was nothing of use, nothing but her mouth. 

“Well, Belena did this once before, so I suppose it will work again.” Determined, she set off at a jog for the lake, her mind racing with fear for her husband rushing off into battle. Little to her knowledge, just as she had been exiting the city again, Kassel had cut his way out of her pocket and he jumped out to pursue the king of Vandan. 

*

Claymore stabbed a bandit who was chasing after a woman and her children, and the man fell as he removed his sword, moving quickly on to help anyone else he could on his way to the king’s hall. Alban ran behind him, covering his back. Smoke covered the streets and screaming could be heard in multiple directions. 

“There’s so many people, why focus on the king?” Alban asked.

“He’s their target. Whoever is leading this charge will be there since Kassel is with your wife. They’re a cowardly lot; if we take out their leader they will disperse. Keep pressing on!” Alban nodded as the two men traversed the ruined streets until they came to the courtyard outside the hall. The few guards remaining were locking swords with some bandits, but Alban and Claymore provided the necessary aid as they took them by surprise, disposing of them quickly. 

“Captain Claymore! A sight for sore eyes. Is the giantess here too?”

“Yes, she’ll put this fire out. We’re here to protect our king.”

“He’s inside. Barricaded in the cellar.”

“Good, keep it that way. Who’s leading them?”

“Seems to be Kassel.”

“Of course, but who is his second in command?”

“No one we’ve seen. They’re all highly uncoordinated, but they outnumber us greatly.” 

“We’ll see about that. Alban,” Claymore said as he turned to the captain. “Secure the courtyard, I’ll rally any men here to defend this entrance. Hopefully your wife will make quick work of the rest of the bandits. With luck, we will see an end to this.” Alban did as he was told, and he circled the courtyard, taking a few bandits by surprise and rallying some soldiers to join the rest of the group. He had nearly completed a full rotation of the building when he first heard and then saw an army of bandits, led by none other than Kassel, charge the defenses and burst into the hall. Before he could reach the group in time, Kassel had emerged again with the king’s son, Luke, held by the collar of his shirt. The bandit lord smiled a devilish grin at the king of Vandan as a few other bandits exited with Claymore and Ferran tied up. 

“Oh great kings of old! Your time is at an end! Witness the victory of the true emperor of these lands!” 

“Father!” Kassel slapped Luke on the side of his head to quiet him. 

“Alban! Without your beast protecting you, you’re not much of a threat.”

“Haughty words from a man holding a child hostage.”

“Strength is not always who is the better fighter. Strength comes from the mind and the body working together. Something you clearly lack in.”

“You want to prove it, fight me then!”

Kassel laughed. “You hear that?! The dejected prince of Elgon, the man who whores after giants, the man who had to be rescued from Bargar, wishes to fight me!” Kassel threw Luke aside and pointed his sword towards Alban. “So be it!” 

*

Valerie returned minutes later, her mouth full of water as she stepped over the wall and let out dozens of gallons onto the burning city. The effect was immediate, and several houses were doused. She grinned, but before she had turned to collect more water she heard shouting coming from the courtyard outside the hall. She looked to see what was happening and gasped when she realized Kassel was there. She felt in her pocket and put a finger through the hole he must have cut. “Alban…” The giantess moved with haste, not taking as much care with her walk through the city streets. 

Just as she was coming upon them, she felt something sting her ankles and wrap around them. She shrieked in pain and tripped as whatever it was had tied her up. Her body fell face forward onto the street, and the ground shook upon impact. She felt her head, some blood trickling from it, and she looked down at her legs. A chain had been wrapped around her, and on the chain were several large spikes which had torn her skin. She reached for the chain and tugged, but this only caused more pain and she smacked the ground with her fist. She looked past her ankles to see what had done this, and her eyes fell upon some machine of war, like a giant slingshot, and it was loading up another projectile. 

*

Alban drew his sword and began to circle Kassel, and Kassel did the same. The two sized each other up before they struck. Alban took the defensive to get a bearing on how Kassel fought. He went for a quick and fatal blow to the stomach, which Alban knocked away, then he took a swipe at his neck, another easy parry for Alban. He returned with a counter which capitalized on the lower defenses Kassel had due to his sloppy opening, but it seemed Kassel had anticipated this. Alban tried for a jab at his side, but the bandit lord side-stepped him and cut him on his forearm. The swing stung, but he could still fight. He just couldn’t allow another injury, or he’d be in trouble. It was then that he heard Valerie approach and fall, which stole his attention, something Kassel used to his advantage. 

“You fool!” Kassel ferociously attacked, and it took all Alban had to block his jabs and swipes while also trying to see what happened with Valerie. He rolled away from one attack and found his footing on a ledge above Kassel. The height gave him an advantage and he locked swords from his position. “Give up now and I may spare you Alban. You may serve me personally under my empire.”

“I’d rather die!”

“So be it!” Kassel swung for his legs, but Alban jumped, then kicked at the bandit, something he had not expected; the kick landed and he fell over, clutching his chin. Alban smiled as he jumped off the ledge and held his sword on the back of his neck. 

“Give up now and I may spare you Kassel. You can rot in a prison cell rather than die by my blade.” Kassel merely laughed as he rolled away from the sword, drew a knife, and stabbed Alban in the calf. The blow crippled him as he fell to his knees, and Kassel ripped the sword from his grasp. 

“You fought well, king. But now you will be the first of many dead rulers by this blade.”

*

Valerie groaned as the pain was getting to her, but she knew she’d have to think fast to avoid another blow from this machine. Thinking quickly, she grabbed a cart that was near her and threw it just as another chain was fired; the cart was obliterated and the chain fell on a house nearby. Valerie smiled at the small victory and tugged at the chains again. Gritting her teeth, she ripped the spikes out and tore the chains from her legs, the links snapping as she put all her strength into it. The machine was just about to fire another shot when she, and the bandits controlling the weapon, heard a screech come from the sky. Before they knew it the owl she had seen in the woods descended upon the machine and grabbed it with its talons. The weapon crumbled in its grip and it flew past Valerie to the courtyard. 

She stood with a bit of difficulty, then limped towards the fight near the hall. 

*

Alban closed his eyes, ready to accept Kassel’s final blow. This was it for him. He had seen Valerie just before and had advised her to be safe. What poor words to leave her on. He should have stayed with her, he should have been by her side. Just as these thoughts crossed his mind he opened his eyes when he heard a screech, then watched as Kassel was gripped by sharp talons and carried off by the white owl he had seen in the forest. His mouth agape, he watched the bird fly off, Kassel screaming the entire time. In the chaos, Alban’s sword had been dropped, and he grabbed it as he stood, using it to steady him. The bandits behind him dropped their swords, and he smiled triumphantly before he felt someone grip him gently and lift him into the sky. He was then pressed against giant lips, the dirt on his face washing away onto Valerie. He returned the kiss before she placed him in her hand. 

“Well, you look worse for wear,” he said, noticing her bruised ankles. 

“So do you,” she said, eyeing his wounds. 

“I guess we both need to watch each other’s backs.”

“Always,” she said, and she pulled him close to her cheek to let him hug her as best as he could. 

On the ground, Ferran and Claymore had freed themselves since the bandits had fled at the sight of Valerie. Ferran rushed over to Luke and picked him up, holding him tightly. “I’m sorry, son. I’m so glad you’re safe.”

“She saved us father! Valerie!”

“Yes, indeed she did! She’s our hero.” Ferran looked at Claymore and he nodded. 

“It does seem like she is,” he said. Alban smiled down at the captain, then he looked back at his wife. 

“I say we clean this place up a bit.”

“I agree!” she replied. 

*

Evening arrived once the town had been repaired. There was still much work to be done, but the fires had been put out, the dead buried, and a feast prepared to celebrate the victory at Liston. Tables had been set outside the walls and everyone in the town gathered together to sing, dance, and drink together. Alban sat with the king and captain while Valerie played with the children, all of whom had been fascinated after seeing her send the bandits fleeing. Luke especially was enamored by her as he climbed along her waist, trying to reach her head. She noticed his efforts and giggled, an action which made him lose his grip, but she caught him before he fell too far. She raised him to her face and smiled at him. 

“Hello again, Luke!”

“Queen Valerie! You’re the best giantess ever! Will you protect us forever?”

“I’m afraid not, dear. King Alban and I must return to our quest.”

“Take me with you then! Please, father will allow me since he knows you can protect me!”

“But that isn’t true Luke. You could get lost, or hurt, and you are a very young man. Enjoy your youth and don’t chase after every danger.”

“But my father always chases danger!”

“Your father isn’t 10 years old!” she said laughing. 

“But I’m big and strong!” he said, punching at the air. 

“I’m sure you are Luke,” she said with a grin. 

Meanwhile, Alban was sharing a drink with Claymore and Ferran as they discussed Alban’s quest. 

“You should have me along. I’ve scouted the giant’s house out before,” Claymore said.

“I can’t promise Valerie would agree.”

“Do you agree?” Alban let his head fall as he thought. 

“I’m not sure. If this giant is dangerous is it right to risk anyone else going?”

“Two men are better than one.”

“I have Valerie.”

“Well, obviously even with her you two seem to find trouble. What harm is there of the two of us going?” Alban shook his head. 

“I’m just not sure Claymore.”

“Trust me. You’ll need some help.”

“Help with what?” Valerie had returned Luke to Ferran, setting her hand down just as she entered the conversation. The towering presence made Claymore quiet as he looked up into her eyes; her face filled the sky above him, and her eyes were larger than his head, peering down into him. 

“Uh, for this quest milady.”

“You want to join us? I thought you weren’t very fond of me.”

“Well...things change I suppose. Seeing your work has...caused me to reconsider my opinions.” Valerie giggled and she extended a finger towards him. He jumped a bit, then set his hand on her fingertip and shook. “So that’s a yes?”

“I don’t see why not. Alban does need a lot of people to care for him.” Alban rolled his eyes and smacked the back of her hand playfully. 

“It’s settled then. We can send you with horses and supplies for the journey. Only a day north from here,” Ferran said. “But first, we have something for you, Queen Valerie!” Ferran gestured to a man with a lute who began to sing at his cue. 

“The city was burned, the people afraid.

The bandits had indeed returned!

A cry for help, for a hero to come,

The night seemed utterly lost. 

Then on the horizon, a joy for sure,

Our wonderful savior, Queen Valerie! 

With her mighty stride, and her unbeatable strength,

She vanquished the bandits with ease!

Now songs will be sung, and stories will be told,

Of the great and mighty Queen Valerie!”

Many cheers rose when the song was over, and Valerie clapped for the performance. More songs rose up during the night, and more dancing followed before the town settled down for the night, leaving Valerie and Alban alone again. 

“The owl again?” Alban said after watching the stars for a moment. 

“Yes. It seems we owe much to him now.”

“Why did he rescue us?”

“I’m not sure. I feel like we will be seeing him again though.” Alban wanted to say more, but his bandaged wounds and the events of the day wore him out, and he fell asleep listening to Valerie’s steady and quiet breathing.   

Alban and Valerie awoke the next morning to find a host of troops and Captain Claymore standing at attention outside the city gate. King Ferran was on horseback behind them, and behind him was a cart with a large ring in it, a red jewel inlaid on the top. 

“Good morning, King and Queen of Vandan! Before you embark on the rest of your journey with my good captain, allow me to bestow a parting gift on you for your services to our people.” Ferran motioned to two soldiers who carried the ring to Valerie, who was still lying on her side. She bowed her head to them as they placed it in her palm, then they returned to the king. She held it closer to her face and marveled at the intricate design on the band as well as the fine cut of the jewel. 

“King Ferran, I’m truly honored, but I cannot accept this. I saved your people, that was not an act for which I sought a reward.”

“No, but it is our custom to reward those who help us. It is yours to keep.” She smiled back at him as she held the ring closer to Alban so he could inspect it. The soldiers were then sent back into the city, and only the king and captain remained. Claymore and Ferran embraced while Valerie prepared for the trip.

“Come back to me in one piece,” said Ferran. 

“I always do, your highness. I will see that we have justice for our people.” With that, Ferran departed and Claymore took his own horse. Valerie looked down at him quizzically.

“You aren’t being carried?”

“Ah, no, your majesty. I’d feel more comfortable riding.”

“If you insist,” she said with a smirk. “Try not to fall behind!” Claymore regretted his decision as soon as she began to walk, and he eyed Alban with envy as he sat upon her shoulder. Despite this, his pride kept him trotting along at full speed to keep next to the heels of the giantess. The trio ventured to the foot of the mountain, to the remains of Kassel’s fortress to rest for a moment before entering the pass through the mountains. Valerie sat to eat one of the last apples she had packed from the lands of Vandan while Alban discussed the route ahead. 

“So, you’re saying there’s a pass through here that leads to a quarry?” 

“Yes, it’s not the easiest terrain, but Valerie will be fine traversing it. The quarry is deep, even by the standards of a giant. We can’t estimate the depth of it, but I’m sure it goes down further than any man has ever been. Once we reach it, there is a natural stairway to where the giant lives, at the top of the quarry. It’s not much, just a cave set in the mountain that he’s built doors into. There’s a large opening with machinery jutting out above the quarry, and to the left of it is the door. If we desire stealth, I say we go in through that opening.”

“I think a direct approach will suffice,” Valerie interjected. 

“I disagree.”

“This is one of my people, the last perhaps, and I intend to reconcile with him. I’m sure he can be reasoned with.”

“He’s captured hundreds, if not thousands, of our people, my queen. With all due respect, he cannot be trusted.”

“That remains to be seen.”

“I think Claymore and I should err on the side of caution dear. Perhaps you can keep us in your pocket before we are certain of his intentions,” said Alban. 

“If you feel that is a necessary precaution.” They set out again, but this time Claymore gave up on riding the horse when he saw just how rough the pass through the mountains was. He removed the saddle and sent the horse back to Liston, then Valerie perched him on her other shoulder. He wasn’t happy at first, but when he saw the view and the ease of travel he quickly warmed up to it. 

“It’s incredible. So this is how you see the world?” Claymore asked. 

“Yes, every day. Though I have longed to see it through human eyes. I’m sure it’s an entirely different world to you.” 

“So you wish to be human?”

“Oh, no. I am perfectly content with who I am. It’s just an experience I’d like to have one day, to walk in my husband’s shoes for one day. I was shrunk at one point you know.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I never got to experience that life much though, since that shrinking came with a spell that put me into a state of hibernation until my true love’s kiss awoke me and restored me to my proper size.”

“Sounds like a fairy tale,” he said, rolling his eyes. 

“It was,” Valerie said, and she leaned her cheek towards Alban as he pecked it with his lips. After a few hours they reached an exit from the pass, and before them stood the quarry. Valerie held herself close to the wall of it and peaked over the edge. “You were right, Claymore. This is deep, even for me.”

“Yes. I assume this was the main quarry for the giants?”

“I wouldn’t have known. I was royalty, and a princess too. I didn’t have any knowledge of our operations in other lands. Perhaps our giant will be able to shed some light on all of this.” She looked across the chasm and saw the cave of the giant, higher up than where they were. Just as Claymore had described it, there was a large cliff that entered into what looked like a workshop, some chains and boxes hooked onto a pulley system that descended into the quarry. To the left of the workshop was a wooden door that had been roughly placed into a smaller cave opening. The front door then led to a natural stairway that circled the quarry all the way down to the entrance to the pass Valerie was standing in. 

“Shall we, my love?” Alban said. With new resolve, Valerie ascended the stairway, careful not to lose her footing as the path was slightly narrow. Luckily, their climb was uneventful, and before long she stood before the door to the giant’s home. 

“This is it Alban.”

“Are you ready for this, dear?” She closed her eyes and sighed. 

“Yes.” With that, she set her hand next to Alban, then Claymore, and deposited them into her dress pocket carefully. “Be silent you two, at least until we figure out who this giant is.” She then carefully approached the door and knocked. It didn’t take long for the door to open, and there before her stood the giant. He was older than her, with his black hair graying, and he had a full beard that matched the color of his hair. His face was rough, cheekbones defined, and his jaw square. He wore only a pair of trousers and some boots while his hairy chest was bare, bulging with the power that came from the work he must have done at the quarry. While his immediate mood had been one of anger for being disturbed, it turned to astonishment when he realized who his guest was.

“It cannot be…” His demeanor changed entirely as he took careful steps towards Valerie, his hand outstretched to touch her, as if to confirm she was real. Reluctantly, Valerie touched her hand against his and laid her palm flat against it. “Y-you’re real. A giantess. A living, breathing giantess.” Valerie smiled at him, and her fears were beginning to subside. Surely, Claymore had just misjudged him. “Please, please come in!” The giant stepped aside and gestured for Valerie to enter, which she did so. 

His entryway was a combination of a living room and kitchen. There was some seating and a table, though both were made of stone with some large animal furs draped over them. The room was lit by torches, and there was a hallway leading out that she assumed branched off to the workshop. “Take a seat, please, we have much to discuss!” Valerie sat on what looked like a couch and the giant sat on the table in front of her. “I’m Naaman. And you are?”

“Valerie.”

“Valerie! Beautiful name. Where have you been? Where do you live?”

“Further to the south, in the original lands of Vandan.”

“Near the old castle?”

“In the old castle actually. It’s been restored.”

“Do you mean our people have returned without my knowledge?”

“Not quite. It’s only…” Valerie felt something in her subconscious stop her from mentioning anything about humans. Whatever the reason, she felt it best to only mention her daughters. “Only me and my daughters. My...husband died a long time ago.” 

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“How did you end up here, Naaman?”

“Ah. Do you know what all of this is?”

“I have some ideas.”

“This was the colony of Solor. It was founded eight hundred years ago to mine for the minerals and ores this mountain has in abundance. This quarry was the main source of Vandan’s wealth in the golden age.”

“Oh, yes, I remember reading about that in history.”

“Yes! After the fall of the Vandanian empire, this colony remained. We slowly died out, but we lived by the scraps of the land. My ancestors and I have continued the work here, storing away the riches of the mountain to one day use it to rise to power again. It sounds like my work will finally see its fruition.”

“Well, that may be. Naaman, what brought the end of the Vandan empire?”

“Ah. The betrayal. About 500 years ago, the daughter of Valgar IV betrayed the family by helping humans. It devastated the family after she was shrunk and then put in hibernation by the treacherous sorcerer. The king ultimately ended his life after his wife left him for his actions. No one knows where she went, but she must have died somewhere far off with her son.” Valerie’s heart stopped when she heard this. None of that had ever been written in the history books at her home, so to learn of her family’s fate was devastating. Her father regretted it? Her mother left over it with her brother? “Are you all right, Valerie?”

“Y-yes. I’m fine.” Naaman looked at her curiously, then smiled. 

“I have the perfect thing to cheer you up! Come with me!” Valerie stood, her knees weak, and she put her fingers in her pocket so Alban could reassure her. She felt his small hand rest on her fingertips, and she breathed easier while she followed Naaman down a series of corridors to a large room with tables and shelves filling the space. Naaman used the torch from the hallway to light the room, and Valerie nearly audibly gasped when she saw what was in the room. On every table, on every shelf, and even on the floor were dozens of cages, and inside each cage was a small group of humans. Only three tables in the middle of the room were empty of cages, and instead there were ancient torture devices she recognized from her childhood. 

“Naaman, what is this…”

“My collection! These humans...they all trespassed into these mountains. Some I stole right from their villages, but all of them have kept me...sane. When you’re alone, working on the quarry, with no one to share company with...things like this ground you. It’s the only pleasure I find anymore. Would you like to share in that pleasure with me? I have numerous torture devices, each one provides a new way to extract pain from these vermin!”

“No!” Valerie had kept silent the whole time, but this was her tipping point. She caught the eyes of the humans, all dead and staring at her. No emotion left, all empty and hoping to die instead of live another day in the cages. “This...this is sickening!”

“Sickening? It’s how we live, surely you...no. No, I know you.” Valerie stepped back towards the door as Naaman’s demeanor shifted again. “Valerie! I was blinded by my excitement to notice it. You’re the princess! The one who ruined our people because you felt pity for these bugs!”

“Those ‘bugs’ are worth more than you will ever be, Naaman! How could you find pleasure this way?!”

“Get out of my house, you traitorous whore! Get out before I kill you! Run off back to your children!” Valerie wanted to fight him, but she turned on her heels and stormed off for the exit. She slammed the door shut behind her and made her way back down the stairway quickly, not looking back as she heard Naaman shouting at her from the door to his house. She didn’t stop running until she had found a small cave on the way down that she had made a note of on the way up. She bent over and climbed in before dispensing her passengers on her lap. She wiped the tears from her eyes and Alban climbed up to her shoulder to comfort her. 

“Valerie, it’s all right. My love, everything’s all right.”

“No, it’s not, Alban. The one giant left in existence and he’s just like the rest of them...just like how the humans used to view me...and all those people...and my family.” She fell back onto the wall of the cave and sobbed, holding her hands to her face. Claymore climbed off her lap and stood in the entrance of the cave. 

“Valerie, this isn’t over yet. We aren’t out of options.”

“Alban, you don’t know the giants like I do. You’ve heard stories of them in your childhood, but then you met me and my gentleness is all you’ve ever known. I was the only one of our kind to ever treat a human as an equal. My entire race was known for their brutality and their bloodthirst. They lived to kill and subdue humans, for food or pleasure. Mostly for pleasure. I had hoped, with how I and our children live, that perhaps any giants who still survived had changed their ways as well. It looks like my optimism was misplaced. Our children and I will always be alone in our views…”

“That isn’t bad, Valerie! You’ve made the world a better place with your kindness! You’ve saved countless lives, mine included, you’ve raised three wonderful children, two of whom are giantesses who take after you with your gentle nature. You’ve been a loving wife to me and have improved my life beyond anything I could have dreamed of. So what if your kind was evil? You aren’t. You are creating your own legacy, one which the future will remember. Your actions will be what humanity remembers when they think of giants. No more stories of killing and torture.” Valerie wiped away her tears and kissed her husband. 

“You have such a way with words, Alban.” She rested her head on her shoulder, letting her hair envelop him. After a moment, she heard thunder in the distance as the sky grayed. Her thoughts returned to the humans Naaman had, and a new plan emerged in her mind. “We can’t leave those people behind.”

“No, we cannot,” Claymore said in agreement. 

“Maybe he is a lost cause...but we can stop what he’s doing. How much are you willing to risk to help me?”

“For my people who are in there?” Claymore asked. “Anything.”

“Good. Then tonight, we will free them and put an end to Naaman’s atrocities.”

542 Years Ago

“Well done, lad! You’ve made your father proud!” King Valgar IV wrapped his arm around the shoulders of his son, Theogar, as the two entered the castle of Vandan. In his hands was a cage full of humans who were crying out for help despite their doomed circumstances. Valerie watched from her window as her brother and father entered, and when she heard the front door slam shut she ran out of her room. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs as she spied on her family, hoping to spring her plan into action. It wasn’t a very good plan, mind you, but it was something she knew had to be done. She’d had enough of her family’s behavior with humans; she’d heard enough of the cries for help, the tears and the pain of the poor people. This time would be different. She wouldn’t stand for it any longer, no matter the circumstances. 

“Now then, let’s have some fun!” Theogar set the cage on the kitchen table and reached his hand in. His mother slapped it and glared at him. 

“No torture on this table! I want to eat on it! Bring them to the basement!”

“Mother, I planned on eating one!”

“I don’t want blood on the table either! Bring them down there or I’ll tan you, boy!” Theogar huffed as he carried his prizes with him. Valerie took her chance and followed behind him, pushing past her mother who didn’t bother to notice her. She trailed after him at a distance, ensuring he wouldn’t hear his ‘brat’ of a little sister coming for his ‘toys’. Once they had reached the basement, she hid behind a table as he set the cage down on a stool. Just as he prepared to reach in to begin his torture session, the voice of Valgar boomed through the walls.

“Theo! Come here boy!” Valerie’s brother groaned, then ran back upstairs, missing his sister who had moved deeper into the room. Once she was sure he was gone, she ran over to the cage. The people inside screamed again, but she shushed them as she bent down to their level. 

“Quiet!” she whispered. “I’m here to save you all!”

“Let us go, please!” a woman yelled. 

“Shh! Really, you must be silent! This is your only chance, all right?” The people inside nodded, but it was clear they didn’t truly believe her. No one wanted to disobey a 150-foot giantess either way. She quietly picked up the cage and made her way back up the stairs. She stopped at the entrance and peeked around the corner to check if her mother was still in the kitchen. She was, so that meant she’d have to exit out the back. She traversed the halls, nodding to the guards she passed by who wouldn’t question the princess, thankfully. She finally reached a back entrance and carefully opened the door to release the humans. Just as she set the cage down, a hoot made her jump in the skin, and she spun around, only to spot her white owl, Ophelia. 

She hooted again, then her eyes began to glow a light, blue color. What are you doing Valerie? The voice rang in her head like it was her own thought, but it was a distinctly new voice. 

“Ophelia! Shoo, and don’t you tell father about this!”

I wouldn’t dare, my princess. This will hardly go unnoticed though. Your father will punish you severely.

“I don’t care what they think anymore! This is unjust, what they do to humans!”

My opinion on the matter is of no use, but I stand with you no matter what, my princess. Be careful. She flew off a moment later, letting Valerie consider her options. It only took a moment for her to commit to her action, then she opened the door to the cage. 

“Sorry. Ophelia really likes to talk. Now run, and don’t stop until you’re back where you belong!” The humans didn’t hesitate as they bolted towards the woods surrounding the castle, not one of them stopping to thank her. That didn’t matter of course, all she cared about was the good she’d done. When the last human had entered the woods, she turned around and once again jumped. It was Theogar. 

*

Valerie opened her eyes and felt sweat drenching her forehead. She was breathing quickly, but she was relieved to be back in the present, next to her husband. She cupped him in her hand and held him by her chest as she stood up, ensuring that he would not wake by her movements. They needed all the rest they could get. It had only been a few hours, as far as Valerie could tell, but the weather had become much worse during their slumber. Rain was pouring down in torrents on the mountainside and thunder boomed after lightning struck a mere second before. The wind howled just outside the entrance, and right in the doorway to their cave stood the owl. Valerie wasn’t sure how she’d missed the creature, but she knew it was time to attempt talking with it. She set Alban down behind her, then crawled towards it, hoping it wouldn’t be scared. Before she reached it, the owl’s eyes glowed a distinct blue and a voice entered her mind.

Do you not recognize an old friend?

“Ophelia? It cannot be. It’s been over 500 years!”

Your knowledge must be waning, my princess, or have you forgotten we are immortal?

“Where have you been all this time?”

Watching over you, of course. And your children. They are fine, in case you were curious.

“You’ve been watching us all along, without coming to me?”

I stopped interfering with others long ago, Valerie. I have only now returned because of the threat Naaman poses. I merely wish to be a silent guardian.

“I’ve missed you.”

And I, you. I’m glad you are alive now, young one. You have given giants a new name. An honorable one.

“Ophelia, this is the last giant alive. Is it wrong to make him an enemy?”

What he is and what he does are two separate things, Valerie. He may be a giant like you, but he chose the way of evil. Being giant does not make him this way, it is his choice.

“Then why were all giants that way? Why am I the only one to have chosen otherwise?”

Because you are simply a good person, Valerie. Your empathy overpowered what your people desired for you to be. It may not be an easy road, but it is one that will be remembered far longer than anything the giants did in the past. Valerie smiled, and a tear fell down her cheek.

“You’ve always been the wise one, Ophelia.” Some rustling behind her told her the men were waking up too, but when she looked back to check on them she heard Ophelia fly off. 

Good luck, my queen. Alban rose first and walked over to Valerie’s side. 

“Are you all right, dear?”

“Yes. Just watching the storm.”

“Yes, it’s become violent. We will have to be careful climbing up to Naaman’s house.” Valerie sat on her legs, which had been stretched out behind her, and she sighed. 

“Alban, we’ve faced many dangers before. Some more powerful than others. This feels different to me. I can’t guarantee your safety.”

“You never could. We’ve lived through a lot, though, and we will live through this too, understand? I love you, Valerie.”

“I love you too, Alban.”

“Can we go? I’m getting cold,” Claymore said, walking up to Alban’s side. 

“Yes. Let’s head out.”

*

The journey back up to Naaman’s house was brutal, but Valerie kept her footing the entire time, clutching her pocket which housed her tiny passengers. When they reached the door, she knelt to let them on the ground. Water cascaded off her hair and splashed around the men as she looked down at them. “Are you sure you two will be alright?”

“Yes dear! We’ll sneak in while you keep him occupied! A little rain won’t hurt us!” Alban replied. Valerie blew her husband one last kiss before he ran off to shimmy up the cliff wall that led to the open workshop. She stood upright, set her eyes on the door, and moved towards it. It flew open before she could knock and Naaman stood in the entrance, the torchlight behind him illuminating his outline. 

“Valerie,” he said, his voice cold.

“Naaman. I’ve come to talk. Not as a lost acquaintance, but as the rightful Queen of Vandan. I demand an audience with you.” Naaman grunted, then stepped aside to let her in. She nodded as she passed him by, then shook her hair out to get it partially dry. Naaman merely walked by slowly while she watched him. “You threw me out in quite a rude gesture earlier. Something that cannot go unpunished.”

“You do not rule me. You are a traitor to your people.”

“I am only a traitor to your beliefs, not to the giants. Being a giant does not give me a right to torture anyone or anything, for pleasure or otherwise.”

“So? You think yourself a saint? Let me guess, you married one of those bugs, those vermin.”

“My husband is no bug or vermin, Naaman, and he is your king if you are loyal to Vandan.”

“I am loyal to the giants!” he shouted. “You are a mockery of our kind! A mistake that never should have been born!”

“Silence your tongue! Sit down Naaman. We will talk.”

*

It had been a slow walk, but Claymore and Alban made it to the gigantic workshop, the rain finally blocked. Alban shook his hair out and wiped the rain off his face before he followed Claymore. “You’re hasty tonight.”

“I know some of the prisoners here. I want to be in and out of here as quickly as possible.”

“It won’t be easy getting out with these people. There are hundreds of them. This isn’t just a rescue, it’s an exodus.” The two men ran towards the corridor and snuck towards the door, the voices of the giants in the other room echoing off the walls. The words Naaman was using about his wife made Alban’s blood boil, but he kept to his mission and let Valerie deal with him. Thankfully, the door was crudely made and there was plenty of space for them to slide in through a hole at the bottom. The room was still lit from earlier, but the keys were hanging on the wall high above them, a good 100 feet away. 

“I’ll find something to climb with,” said Claymore. Alban backed away from the door to get a better view of the climb. There wasn’t a shelf nearby to climb to, no table to ascend; the only possible way to get to them was to cling to the rock wall and climb to the keys. Claymore returned with a couple of scraps of sharpened metal, both incredibly sturdy. “Giant metal. Durable, and it can pierce the rock. We could climb with these.”

“Splendid! There’s only enough for one of us.”

“I’ll go. Keep watch on that door.” Alban nodded as Claymore stepped up to the wall. He drove the metal in, then set his foot on the rock wall. He jammed the other piece higher up, then removed the first one and stuck it higher than the second. He continued this pattern undisturbed, moving quickly but steadily. He finally reached the nail the keys were hanging on, and using the two pieces of metal he held himself up purely with his hands and set his body in a horizontal position. He pushed with his legs and knocked the keys off the nail, then let his body go limp as it smacked into the rock. The keys clattered next to Alban, and he listened for any sign of Naaman hearing the noise. It seemed like they were still in the clear. 

“Alright, come on down!” Claymore nodded, then began his descent in a reverse order from how he went up. 

*

“Giants were not made to torture and kill those they deem lesser, Naaman. In fact, our power should give us the responsibility to protect others and bring order and justice to the world.”

“You’re hopelessly optimistic and delusional.”

“Only because you are too stubborn to see it, Naaman! I do not wish to see you punished, I want you to come back with me and change your ways! These actions, though - your treatment of humans - are abhorrent and I cannot allow it anymore.” Naaman merely chuckled. 

“So you came here to stop me then? A fine job you have done so far!”

“I’m not afraid to escalate the situation Naaman. But while you are committing atrocities, you are also one of the last of our kind. I must give you a chance to change!” Naaman shook his head at the queen. 

“You are holding on to a false hope. Your mind has been poisoned by these humans! The last queen of Vandan and this is who you protect? These vermin?” Valerie began moving closer to the doorway that led to the workshop, hoping to keep him busy and block his view whenever Alban made his way out. 

“Everyone has the capacity to change Naaman. Even someone as cold-hearted as yourself.” 

“I could say the same of you, my former queen.” He then smiled when he saw what Valerie was attempting to do. “Oh, I’m sure you’re trying to keep me busy while your husband rescues those poor prisoners, right?” Valerie’s heart felt like it froze as Naaman stood up. “Yes, I know what game you’re playing here. Your little friend told me all about it.” From behind his back, Naaman yanked Luke out of his pocket, the child wiggling and biting at the giant fingers that were wrapped around his body. “I found him sneaking around the cages after you left. Didn’t take much to make him squeal!” 

“Don’t you hurt him!” Valerie cried out. Naaman laughed as he lifted Luke into the air in front of him, his fingers barely holding onto him. 

“You don’t think I wouldn’t have figured this out eventually? You and that wretched King Ferran joining forces to bring my life to ruin? Look at them, Valerie! I could open my fingers and sentence this pitiful mite to his death. A fall from my shoulder height will kill him. Why should we care about them, much less marry one?!” 

“Your size gives you no right to kill and torture living creatures! We are just as much human as them.”

“Only many times larger. You must drop them if our people have any chance of returning. You will doom giant-kind. Allow me to help you decide.” In a matter of seconds several events occurred. Valerie drew her sword, sliced Naaman across the chest and caught Luke in her free hand. The giant stumbled back, his clothes torn, but his skin intact. He smiled as he looked back at her, and he too drew his sword. “If that’s how it’s going to be…” Valerie dropped Luke into a small pocket just in time to hold back a blow from Naaman, and she pushed him back into the wall. He wouldn’t let himself be cornered though as he kicked her shin and knocked her in the side with his hilt. Valerie clutched at the spot, but held her blade firm as Naaman tried to land a more vicious blow. All she hoped for was the time to buy Alban and Claymore to free the prisoners.

*

The sound of the attack rang through the room as Claymore and Alban worked tirelessly at freeing the prisoners. It took a while to get the people organized at first, but after two or three cages it seemed like a riot had formed. The king and the captain eventually let them free their fellow prisoners as they began funneling them into the hallway under the door. “Everyone, keep to the shadows and move quickly! Make for the exit in the workshop, my wife will keep Naaman busy!”

“Move it, let’s go!” Claymore surveyed the room and motioned to Alban when he saw the last cage emptied. “Everyone out? Good!” He ran over to Alban, but his attention was elsewhere. 

“Naaman’s getting the upper hand!” The desperate king ran under the door and stopped just before the doorway to the room the giants were in. Just as he drew his sword to join her, Claymore grabbed his shoulder. 

“You’ll die in there! Come, put your talent where it will be useful!”

“I raised two daughters who were the size of this man, I can deal with him!”

“That’s something only a fool would say! Your daughters were not bloodthirsty! I beg you, finish this work, Valerie will be safe!” Alban hesitated as he watched Valerie struggle to keep her footing, then fight back to try and gain control. He sighed, then nodded to the captain. “She’ll be fine. I promise you.”

*

Naaman was a ferocious fighter, and Valerie could feel it. Each blow had so much power behind it. She had fought large creatures before, and even an enchanted suit of giant armor, but none of them could match the strength Naaman possessed. Years of working the quarry had built him into a mountain of a man, even for her, and his skill with a blade surpassed anything Alban had taught her. Despite this, Valerie fought with speed, cunning, and diligence. Every successful strike he had gave her two quick victories. Small victories, but victories nonetheless. A cut here, a bruise there, and soon they would be evenly matched. Eventually, her hand slipped slightly and it let him lock her in place in the doorway to the hall. He pressed her against the wall as she held him with all her might. “This is your last chance Valerie! Surrender and I will forgive you of this error. We can rule these lands together! You, me, and your daughters. We can bring back the glory of Vandan!” 

“Don’t you dare mention my daughters!” Valerie pushed him back with a new strength, like a fire had been set. The mention of Belena and Sylvie triggered something in her. A reason to live, to stop Naaman. “My family disposed of the archaic acts of my ancestors! We have changed as a people, and you, Naaman, are the only thing left of that old world.” 

“Then I suppose they will die too!” He came at her with a quick set of attacks, but she managed to block them all as he pushed her down the hallway. His last blow did send her back into a conveyer belt, knocking some large rocks and minerals off, and she gasped when she saw the prisoners still exiting the cave. Naaman saw them too and smiled.

“So this was all a ploy then!? Feign an interest in recruiting me just to stab me in the back by stealing my pets!? What good it will do you!” Naaman turned his attention entirely to the prisoners, marching over quickly, but Valerie tackled him to the ground and rolled him in the opposite direction. Naaman cried out in pain, but it fueled his anger as he threw back his sword to strike her a crippling blow. Before he could kill her, he screamed in pain and his hand flew to his eye. Unbeknownst to him, Alban had climbed the machinery in the workshop and jumped to his face, stabbing him near his eye. The giant held the wound as it bled, and Alban grabbed onto his shirt. Naaman spotted him though and went to smack him off, but Valerie pushed him towards the exit of the cave. 

“Go Alban, go!” Her husband obeyed, running for his own exit, the last of the prisoners making their way out. Only Claymore and Alban remained. Before Valerie could make sure they escaped safely, Naaman grabbed her by the arm and tossed her into the wall. His sword had fallen off the cliff and into the quarry, so he resorted to his fists. Valerie’s sword dropped as he struck her several times, but her senses picked up and she kicked at his knee, sending him to the floor. She ran over for a dagger that lay on a nearby conveyor, but Naaman grabbed her ankle and yanked her down with him. He then dragged her head over to the cliff and pressed the dagger to her neck, smiling down at her as rain drenched their bodies. “So ends the Vandan royalty! May our ancestors torture you in death!”

*

Alban watched the action with baited breath, and he couldn’t hear Claymore’s urge to run. His wife was trying, but she couldn’t get the upper hand. The storm raged on outside, deafening the sound of the fight, but he could hear each blow nonetheless. He wouldn’t stand by. He couldn’t. “Go Claymore! I’ll-” 

*

     Just as Naaman began to press the blade in, a great bolt of lightning struck the roof of the cave, and the structural integrity of the cliff evaporated. Boulders tumbled into the quarry as the two giants fell with the cliffside. 

*

“Valerie!!” Alban ran to the destruction as more rocks fell from the cave’s roof, the exit quickly being buried. Before he could jump after her, Claymore grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the cave and along the path away from the falling rubble. He fought and kicked, but the captain’s grip was firm. He threw him in front of the door to Naaman’s house and fell to his knees, gasping for breath from his struggle with Alban. The king ran to the side of the cliff and looked down into the darkness, desperate to see Valerie. “Valerie! Valerie, please!” He ran along the edge, hoping his eyes could catch some movement. The rain continued pouring and he slipped on the muddy path, falling to his knees. He slammed the ground with his fists as he screamed into the night sky. “No, no, give her back! Show me she’s alright! Bring my wife back!” He screamed into the quarry, his wailing carrying over the sound of the storm. Claymore approached him after Alban’s screaming stopped. The king merely knelt there, staring into the abyss. 

“Alban, we must catch up with the others. Don’t lose your life here. Valerie wouldn’t want that. With luck, she will have made it out and will be waiting for us at the foot of the mountain.” Alban merely nodded as he stood with weak knees, taking a slow descent with the captain.  

Alban’s hope of finding Valerie at the foot of the mountain vanished once they arrived. It was then his strength left him and he fought Claymore to let him stay a while longer in hopes of her returning. The captain refused to leave him, so the two men camped out while some of the more able-bodied prisoners led the group to Liston. The first day went by uneventfully, and the second day as well. On the third day, Claymore became restless after he had to fight off a pack of wolves. Alban merely sat by the side of his makeshift tent and watched the mountains for any sign of movement. A rumble in the ground, his lover’s voice carrying across the wind. Anything. 

“Alban, she’s not coming back. I’m sorry.”

Alban merely sat there, unmoving. It wasn’t true, he knew it. She couldn’t be gone. The love of his life, the only thing that kept him going through his lowest times, she had to be alive. He couldn’t live with himself otherwise.

“Alban, please. We can’t stay here forever.”

“I didn’t ask you to Claymore. You chose to stay with me. If you will only bring my spirits down, I suggest you leave.”

“That is not fair, Alban, you are my friend! I lost my wife years ago, so trust me when I tell you that you owe it to her to keep living. You have to keep her memory alive with you.”

“She’s still out there, Claymore! I can’t give up on her!”

“Alban, it has been three days! She’s gone, you can’t waste away here! No one could have survived that fall.” It was just then that the two men detected movement on the mountain path. Alban stood, strength filling his legs once more, but when his vision became clearer he could see it was a boy. “Luke!” Claymore ran to the young prince and knelt before him. “You’re alive! You fell with Valerie, how did you survive?” Alban gave his full attention to the boy, hoping to hear some sort of good news.

“Is she alive? Does she need help?” All Luke could do was cry as he looked at the two men. “Luke please, is Valerie alright?” The young boy wiped the tears from his eyes, then merely shook his head. 

“It’s all right, Luke, tell us what happened.” 

“V-Valerie...s-she saved me. I-I hid in her pocket when you came to that giant’s house. H-he found me and I told him what was happening. S-she rescued me, and fell into the pit. The giant died, b-but she lived long enough to help me get out.”

“Is she still alive?!” 

“N-no. She told me to tell you that...that she loves you...” Alban stepped away, his knees weak again, and he fell to the ground near his tent. So that was it. His reason for living was gone. His closest companion... 

“Alban. Alban, we must get Luke home. We know what happened. Again, I am truly sorry, but you have a family to return to as well. Live for them, my friend.” Alban closed his eyes, then nodded. Claymore put a hand on his shoulder and helped him stand, walking beside him as they began the journey to Liston. 

*

“They’re back! Our captain returns!” King Ferran exited the front gate once he heard his guard, and his excitement grew when he saw his son with them. 

“Luke! You’re alive, thank the gods!” Ferran ran to the weary travelers and hoisted the boy into his arms. He then set him down and embraced Claymore before he turned his attention to Alban. “Great king of Vandan, where is your wife? Why have you all come alone? We must thank her for returning the prisoners from that giant.” 

“She’s gone, my king,” Claymore said. “She died saving us.”

“No...oh, I am sorry Alban! If there is anything we can do-”

“I’d like enough supplies to make it home. I need to see my children.”

“Of course, of course. You wouldn’t like to stay at all? Rest from your journey?”

“No. I need to tell them what happened.” 

“Yes, I understand. Quick, get him saddled up!” Before anyone could get a horse, the giant owl flew above the city and landed just outside the gates, its eyes glowing. In Alban’s head, he heard an old and wise female voice.

I am Ophelia. I was a close friend of Valerie. Her loss has brought me great pain. Let me bring you home. Though we have never formally met, I trust you with my life. You gave Valerie someone to love, and you loved her back. 

“Don’t worry about the horse, Ferran. I have a ride.”

“An owl! Father, can I-”

“Quiet, Luke!” Alban approached Ophelia as she let down her wing for him to mount her. Before he climbed on, he looked back at the people of Liston. Claymore nodded to him and King Ferran bowed before they all entered the gates, closing a chapter of the adventure. 

I shall watch over the city. 

“No need. We will not forget the help Ferran gave Vandan. We will ensure he is protected.” Alban climbed the wing and held tightly to her feathers as she lifted off and soared over the trees. Alban looked down, further up than he had been with Valerie too. He could even see her footprints in the ground, seemingly normal sized from his point of view. He dug his face into Ophelia’s feathers, fighting back another onslaught of tears. He had to be strong for his children. He had to be the leader of his family. Hold them together like Valerie had. He had to be a lone king. 

*

    Lorek and Valdan sat together in a windowsill, watching the sun rise over the kingdom. “Belena has been feeling off lately,” Lorek mused as he kicked a pebble to the ground. “I’m worried. I think the responsibility of leading the kingdom has been getting to her.”

    “How so?”

    “She’s been short-tempered, she’s been staying up later, waking up early. I’ve had to sleep by myself because I can’t keep up with her hours! I think this is too much for her. And she’s been getting cramps too. I don’t know how to help her. I never prepared for this.”

    “Lorek, Belena is a very special person. She’s been through hell these last few weeks, so it’s understandable that she’s been changing. We all have. It will be different when my parents return though, I promise.” 

    “If you say so.” On the horizon, the two could spot some kind of bird flying towards the castle. It wasn’t any bird though, it was an owl; it was a giant owl. “Valdan…”

    “Call the guards!” Valdan grabbed a bow that he had brought with him just for this occasion and fitted an arrow in. As he took aim though, he yelled to Lorek. “Wait! It’s my father!” He dropped the bow and ducked as the owl flew in and landed on a nearby table. Sylvie had just entered the hall they were in and shrieked. 

    “Valdan, get to cover! I’ll get it out!” 

    “Sylvie, no-”

    “Isylvine, stop at once! It’s me!” Sylvie stopped and looked closer at the bird’s back. 

    “Daddy!” Sylvie ran over and grabbed Alban off Ophelia’s back, and as soon as she did the owl flew out and away. “Oh Father, you’re safe! What happened, where’s Mom? I’m sure you have so much to share!”

    “Sylvie, please, let me breathe!” The giant princess loosened her tight embrace and opened her palm, letting her father catch his breath. 

    “Sorry Dad, it’s just been so long!” 

    “I know, I know. I’ve missed you all dearly too. Where’s Belena?”

    “Dad!” His eldest daughter came running in after hearing the commotion and gently took him in her palm. She held him to her cheek as he kissed it, then she held him out in front of her. “You’re back! Where’s Mother?”

“Belena, please sit down. Sylvie, you too.” She nodded, setting him down on the table. As she pulled two chairs up, Lorek and Valdan climbed on to join him, sitting cross legged on the edge of the table. Once everyone was present and waiting with bated breath, Alban began. 

“My children. My wonderful children. It’s been too long. Your mother...your mother and I did good deeds during our travels. The giant we sought...he wasn’t what we had hoped for. We freed the prisoners he had taken. Your mother...she fought valiantly. I…” He hid his face and coughed into his sleeve before he went on. He was on the verge of breaking. He had to pull through. Be strong. “I helped them escape, but the giant was strong. I tried to help her, but he nearly killed me in the process. Before I knew it...she...she fell.” 

“Dad...what do you mean she fell? Is she hurt? Does she need us?” Belena asked. She was beginning to panic, he could hear it in her voice. The other children were joining in, taking after the eldest of the siblings. 

“She...your mother is gone. She...she died saving the prisoners.” The news sank in for a minute without anything happening. Sylvie was the first to start balling. Lorek’s face fell and Valdan couldn’t hold back his tears either. Belena, though, merely stood still for a moment and then ran away. Alban wanted to call after her, but his voice was gone. He merely stood there and allowed his tears to fall. Valdan stood and ran to his father, throwing his arms around him. 

“Tell me it’s not true, please, tell me it’s not!”

“I’m sorry, son. I’m sorry…”

As father and son hugged each other, Sylvie, still weeping loudly,let her hand fall down on the table next to them. Taking a step towards it, Alban put his arm around her finger, in this way embracing her as well. Lorek remained where he was, sitting silently, eyes downcast. But Alban gave him a look that beckoned him closer and he suddenly jumped up and ran towards the group. While the three men were huddled together, united in their grief, Sylvie carefully wrapped her fingers around them and lifted them up to her chest. Even though she was breathing heavily from crying, she held her family against her, unable to bear the tragic news all by herself. Alban didn’t demand to be put back down: his youngest daughter was a powerful giantess on the outside, but she was as emotionally vulnerable as any human inside. She needed his support right now: all of them needed one another in this sorrowful time.

After many hours, during which all of them let their emotions out, Sylvie put them back down on the table again. She was crying less intensely now, but it was obvious she needed a lot more time to process what she’d just heard, so Alban gave her a nod, letting her know she had his permission to return to her room. She headed off, carrying Lorek and valdan to their own rooms at their request, leaving Alban to stand alone on the table, the sun now high in the sky. He climbed to the windowsill and sat there, watching the kingdom far below. Rismark was busy, the people were in the middle of their routines, unaware of the heartbreak within the castle walls. Life was going on, but Alban felt like it shouldn’t. His world was gone. His anchor, his true love. Was he really expected to lead these people now? He couldn’t lead this new nation alone, not like Valerie had. She had run Rismark and the castle when he was off in Elgon. She had defended the lands from great beasts and raised his giant daughters at the same time. She had loved him from the first, even when he had been unkind to her initially.

After an hour some of the castle’s guards approached him, and he snapped out of his self-loathing for a moment. It was time to be a king for a moment. “My liege,” one said, “the princess Isylvine has requested your presence.”

“Thank you. I’ll go to her immediately.” The guards nodded and left the king alone again. He took one last look at the view outside before he made his descent.

*

Sylvie saw her father enter her room and got up to carry him to her bed immediately. Her eyes were still red from crying, but her outward appearance was calm and composed - for now. “Thank you for coming, Dad. I need to talk.” She set him on her bed as she sat on the other end, her legs pulled up to her chest. “Tell me...how it happened.”

“Sylvie...it won’t help-”

“It will help me! I want to know what she was doing in her last moments.”

“I...very well. Your mother couldn’t bear to know what the giant, Naaman, was doing to his human prisoners. We both planned to rescue them. She would distract Naaman while I freed the prisoners with a local we met. She was able to hold him back long enough for over a hundred people to escape. But…” Alban began to choke up, “a lightning blast hit the mountainside and she went down with him. Her last moments were spent saving others.” Sylvie breathed heavily and closed her eyes, letting a few more tears escape. 

“So,” she said, wiping her eyes, “she...she didn’t die for nothing.”

“No, my dearest daughter, she died as she had lived - selflessly, putting the lives of others before her own. She was the greatest hero these lands had ever known.”

“And...and the people of Vandan...they need to know…”

“They will know: I will make sure of that. I miss her, Sylvie, I will always miss her. If you need me, I’ll be up in our...my room,” he said, his eyes on the floor.

“Daddy...when will you tell them? We can’t let them wonder where she is!”

“That’s a very mature thing to say, Sylvie. But...I need time. We need to take time to allow this to sink in. We will address the people when the time is right.” He reached out to her and she gave him her finger. He held it and placed his other hand on top, then left her to herself again.

Days passed before the inhabitants of the castle began to return to their normal routines. Alban was functioning, but he wasn’t fully himself again. That’s how most of them were, except for Lorek and Sylvie. Belena had not exited her room yet and Valdan had been in the dungeons for hours, constantly training with whatever weapon he could find. Lorek had been the only one to leave while Sylvie took care of the place. Alban would go eat meals, but he didn’t talk to anyone unless they asked. 

In his room, he would spend his entire time writing. Writing about his past with Valerie, and about their life together. He cleaned up his journaling from his most recent trip. Anything he could do to preserve her memory. He never touched the bed; he merely slept on the floor, in the spot where he had found her many years ago. Sylvie would check on him now and then, but she never pried about going public.   

After a full week passed, Lorek arrived in Alban’s room, his eyes bloodshot and his hair disheveled. “My king...it’s Belena...we need your help.” Alban looked up from his writing. 

“What’s wrong, Lorek?”

“Belena hasn’t left her room all week! Not even to eat...not even for me! We need to do something!” 

“Has Sylvie tried?”

“Her door is locked. She also refuses to try breaking down the door, she said she wants to let Belena process her grief. It’s been too long! I’m worried about her!”

“She was closest to Valerie. Yes...are the others available?” 

“I haven’t talked to Valdan yet.”

“Let me. Go get Sylvie.” Alban stood and closed his journal, patting Lorek on the shoulder. “Thank you Lorek. You and Sylvie have been here for me in my worst moments. You’re the perfect husband for Belena.” With that, the two men split up to gather the family. 

*

Valdan wiped the sweat from his brow and readied his sword just as Alban entered the basement. “Dad,” he said as he took a few swings at the training dummy. There were dozens of them cut up next to him, the result of his week of training. 

“Valdan. You’ve been busy.”

“Yes...yes I have. What else am I supposed to do? I don’t want to stay locked up in my room all day. I...I have to do something...”

“Practice?”

“Yes. Mom would have wanted me to.”

“Why do you think that?”

Valdan sighed as he sheathed his sword. 

“I never appreciated what Mom did for us. She put so much of herself into raising us, and look at how I thanked her. My whole life I tried running away, but when I finally learned to love my life here she was taken away. I was a disappointment to her!”

Alban looked at his son and shook his head.

“Valdan, your mother loved you for who you were, not who she hoped you’d become. Her heart ached when you wanted to leave, but may I remind you that it was her decision to allow you to leave with Sylvie on your journey? She knew you had to live your own life, not one she picked out for you. You don’t have to be anyone but yourself.”

Valdan nodded, fighting back more tears. 

“She didn’t expect anything from me?”

“She only wanted you to be your best.” He stared at the floor for a moment before looking up with renewed vigor. 

“Then I’m leaving soon. For a long time. I can’t stay here any longer. I...I need to find some purpose to my life, something beyond the walls of this castle.”

Alban suddenly became defensive.

“Valdan...I know I have no right to stop you...but please reconsider. Vandan needs a capable ruler. I know that Belena is the heir to the throne, but in her current state...well, if she’s not capable of handling that responsibility right now, then the crown will pass on to you.”

“But you’re still the king, Dad! And Belena will be fine! She did well on her own in your absence! I don’t have what it takes to be king, and I don’t think I want to be!”

The mention of his eldest daughter reminded Alban of his task, so he pushed aside this news for now. 

“We will discuss this later. As of right now, we need to help your sister. Belena hasn’t left her room all week.”

“Wait, what do you mean?”

“Belena was the closest to your mother. She’s probably taken it the worst, and her self-imposed isolation is only hurting her now.” 

“Right. Well, let’s go. And there’s nothing else to talk about Dad, I’ve made my mind up. I don’t want to argue!”

Alban shook his head as he followed his son up the stairs and towards Belena’s room. Traversing the castle without his wife’s shoulder to ride on was a new experience. Sure, he’d explored the cavernous rooms when he first arrived many years ago, and he had to walk about when she was absent, but knowing he’d never have that support again hurt him like he never imagined it could. He pushed back that train of thought, knowing that dwelling on the past would do his children no good. 

After a long trip up the stairs, they turned the corner to find Sylvie holding Lorek while knocking on Belena’s door. “Bel, please! This isn’t a healthy coping method! You need us by your side! Your husband, your sister! Any one of us, just please let us in!” Silence followed, but this didn’t deter the hot-headed giantess. “Belena, I’ll break down this door eventually! I know I promised not too, but I will! Do you...do you remember that day when I fell down the stairs, when I was eight? I hurt my arm so bad, I ran straight to my room and cried...and then you...you stood by the door and wouldn’t leave until I let you in, so you could take care of me. I know this is very different, Bel, but it’s not fair that I can’t be here for you now!” 

She then spied Alban and Valdan approaching and she hastily picked them up and deposited them one each shoulder. She gave a small nod to Alban, giving him the floor. “Belena, it’s your father! Please, let us in! Your mother wouldn’t have wanted you to cut yourself off over her. She’d want us to pull together.”

“You don’t know that! None of us can ever know what she’d want right now because…” Silence fell again, but Sylvie’s eyes were bright after hearing her sister’s voice. 

“That’s silly, Belena! You and I knew her best and you know she valued our relationships with each other more than anything. There were too many occasions to count where she was ready to give her life for any one of you, just as she did now. Don’t let her sacrifice be in vain!” Silence again. Sylvie was ready to pound on the door again, when it suddenly opened. Belena stood there, bags under her reddened eyes, her hair disheveled, and her clothes dirty after wearing the same things for a week. 

“Come in,” she said, her voice raspy. Sylvie obeyed immediately and hopped next to her sister on her bed, hugging her side. 

“Bel, we’re here for you! Don’t close us off. I know it hurts, but we need to stick together!” 

“There’s no point, Sylvie! Mom was...she was everything to me. She was everything I wanted to be and she understood me more than anyone else I ever knew. Even you, Lorek,” she said, noticing her husband’s hanging head, “I love you so much, but my mother...she knew me in a way you can’t. I don’t know how I can move on without that…”

“Neither do I, Belena,” Alban replied. “I know I’ve told the three of you this story many times, but it’s just right for this occasion. When I met your mother, it wasn’t love at first sight. I hated giants back then, as did all the people I knew. I couldn’t imagine loving her, but she pursued me anyway. She rescued me and gave me a chance to love her back. She made me a better person, and then she made me a father. Raising you three was not easy...especially you, Sylvie.” This got a small chuckle from Belena. “Being parents united us, and we found a new reason to live beyond ourselves. We went from looking out for each other to looking out for our own children. We still loved each other so much, but we both knew, deep down, that if it came to it we would die for you. That doesn’t make losing her easy at all, but I know that she gave her all into everyone she met. She extended that motherly love to the people of Rismark, making sure they were happy and their needs were met before she would take care of herself. If there’s one thing she’d want you to do, Belena, it would be to care for people like she did. Love them and carry on her legacy. It’s not going to be easy, heavens no, but together we can honor her.” 

“Dad…” Belena began balling again and pulled her legs to her chest to hide her face. Sylvie rubbed her back and leaned on her head, waiting until she was ready to speak some more. She sniffled, wiped her eyes, cleared her throat, and then continued. “Dad...thank you. Sylvie, thank you. Valdan, thank you. And of course, my beloved Lorek, thank you. I...I know it’s going to be hard going forward but...but with you all here with me maybe it’s possible to move on. But...but we need to have a funeral. Let our people know. Sooner rather than later.”

“We should do it together, Belena,” Alban said. 

“Yes...I’ll clean myself up. We’ll speak tonight.” 

*

That night, the wails of the people of Rismark could be heard in every room of the castle. People didn’t believe the words of the royal family at first, but when Alban assured them it was true, the emotions poured out. Some people took it worse than others, those who had known Valerie personally. Even those who were neutral about her or might have disliked her found themselves moved to tears at the loss of their great queen. The sorrow and the songs of lament carried on throughout the night and well into the next day. The evening of the following day, the entire town gathered in the castle courtyard to hold a funeral for Valerie, the children and Alban sitting in front of the crowd to hear whatever anyone had to share about the departed queen. 

Belena was in shock at the vast amount of people who showed up to honor her mother’s sacrifice. People from Elgon had come, the entire town of Rismark, and even some of the people her father had mentioned were there: King Ferran, Captain Claymore, and Luke. Belena was overjoyed to see Arily and her family among the crowd, as well as Rett and Knut, the boys Valdan had befriended. Alenia, an old friend of her mother’s, was the first to step forward, and Belena carefully lifted her up to hear what she had to share. The small woman curtsied before she began her speech.

“My beloved princesses, prince, and king! The loss of Queen Valerie...it’s the most terrible news one could ever hear! I first met her long before you children were born, back when I had a bit more spring in my step. She encouraged me to be myself in Rismark, and she poured her time into making sure I would live a happy life here. Although she is gone, I know that her memory will live on in the sick I heal.” Belena smiled and thanked her before she set her down again. Lorek’s father, Orlak, was up next, but he had much less to say.

“The queen was...was a good person. I wish I’d have been able to apologize to her…” Belena thanked him and gave him a small kiss on his head. Of course, a small kiss to her drenched his hair, but he allowed it given the circumstances. Arily came next, and Belena brought her closer to see her family. She had met Rykar, her husband, once before but she had never met Arily’s new baby. 

“Belena, I’m sorry you’re meeting Bella like this...I named her after you of course...but I hope you know that you have our full support. Your mom was extremely special to us both, though Rykar won’t admit that much, so if you need us to move in, keep you company again, I’d be glad to.”

“Arily, I wouldn’t miss having you back for the world. Of course, I have Lorek now to keep me company, but your support is the best thing I could ever have.” The two friends embraced, with Rykar awkwardly trying to show support, and then she set her down. 

The entire evening carried on this way for hours, and soon Sylvie began to lift people up as well. Eventually, the entire crowd had shared something, and Alban stood to address everyone. 

“Good people of Rismark, of Liston, of Elgon. To see so many people show up to honor the memory of my wife warms my heart. I’ve tried to be the best king I could be to all of you, but deep down we all know that Valerie held us together. We can carry on in her absence, but it will not be easy. We need to love each other like she loved us. Give to those who need it, heal those who are sick, and give a home to those who have none. That’s the world Valerie wanted to build. She hated the reputation the giants before her built, so let’s make sure her dream will be accomplished.” Hurrahs and cheers followed, but they halted when he held up his hand. “As much as this pains me I also must share this. I didn’t want to burden you all with this news while Valerie’s death is still so fresh for us all, but I also know that I can’t wait any longer. From this moment forward, I will no longer be your king. I am abdicating to pursue a life where I can honor Valerie with my writings. I will leave the crown to one of my children, whoever of them is most prepared to take on the responsibility of being you next ruler.” There were cries again, and Alban could feel his children staring at him in shock. Without another word, he turned around and entered the castle, leaving the crowd behind him with his decision. 

Belena had a restless sleep the night before, something which Lorek couldn’t stand which led to him sleeping on the table next to their bed. It had been three months since Valerie had passed away, give or take a few days, and winter had finally come. The first snowfall of the season blanketed the ground, a perfect scene for a momentous day. This was a day of change, and Lorek wasn’t sure he was ready. He had just become part of this family, and it felt like he was losing them all. 

Alban had argued about his decision with the children and he was adamant about it. It took a while to convince them all, and Lorek wasn’t sure if Valdan was content yet, but Belena and Sylvie had come to accept it. Alban needed this, Lorek knew that. He knew from his own experience how lost he would be without Belena at his side. In the months since his abdication, the three children all shared in the rule of Vandan, their father being a guide to them whenever they needed help with the unfamiliar and trying task of governing the lands. 

Valdan’s decision to leave caught on with Sylvie, and she begged for him to take her again, but he was set on going alone. He had told her this time it wasn’t because he hated being with her, the two had actually grown quite close since their travels, but he said this trip was different. He was leaving to build a new life, away from royalty. Deep down, Sylvie probably knew she couldn’t leave her status behind. Being a full-size giant, she was more tied to this place than he was. Despite this, Lorek wondered if she was still going to join him regardless. She was a bit stubborn despite her recent maturity. 

Belena had taken hold of the reins more than the others. She seemed to gravitate towards the role of a leader more than either of her siblings did, which led to this morning. Everyone agreed, once they realized that Valdan and Sylvie might be leaving, that Belena should be crowned the sole queen of Vandan. The coronation would take place today, and it would be the last time Alban would do something public in Vandan or even give advice for leadership. He would depart for Elgon after the ceremony. 

Along with the coronation, the citizens and the children had worked tirelessly at creating a life-size statue of Valerie that would be located outside the walls of the city, and it would be unveiled today. This all led to Belena’s sleepless night and Lorek’s nerves being shot. His wife would be Queen, but did that mean he had to be King? Surely not, or at least he hoped not. He would support Belena in any way he could, but ruling Vandan was just not in his blood. It wasn’t like she needed help ruling anyways. 

Some movement made Lorek jump a bit, but he calmed down when he realized Belena had finally given up on sleeping and was ready to face the day. She smiled when she saw her lover and gently took hold of him. “Good morning, my love. Did you get any sleep?” 

“A little more than you, I think,” he said, rubbing her warm but strong fingers. He never tired of his intimate moments with her, whether it was their morning greetings, or their time just before bed. Any moment with her was pure bliss, like nothing he had imagined before. She gently kissed him, smothering him with her soft lips, and he kissed her bottom lip back. She opened her palm and let him sit down as she sat back on the head of her bed. “Are you ready, Belena? Do you think you need more time?”

“I’ve been the acting ruler for a while now, Lorek. Being crowned...it’s scary only because it’s official.”

“Well, that’s not true. You’ll be the only queen and you won’t have a king.”

“I’ll have you, dear,” she said, smiling. Lorek shifted a bit on her palm. 

“Belena, what good will I be able to do? I barely know what it takes to be a husband, how can I help you lead?”

“Your support does wonders for me. I know that sounds like just a platitude, but really it means the world to me that you’re here whenever I need you.”

“Of course, Belena. I’d never leave you to do anything alone. I just doubt myself, that’s all there is to it.”

“I do too. We can do this though. Just like I know, deep down, I can be queen. I’ll never be like my mom, but I can be me.” She tousled a strand of her hair for a bit, waiting to say something. Lorek caught on and decided to pry. 

“Do you have anything else to say dear?” 

“Funny you should ask. I was thinking...well the house will be quite empty. What if...Lorek do you think we should be parents?” Lorek’s heart skipped a beat and he fell backwards onto her lap, his head spinning. 

“Parents?!”

“Lorek, really?” She rested her elbows on her knees and bent towards him. “I think it would be fun. I know it’s a lot to think about with everything else, but I think it’s nearly time we considered it.”

“Belena, I...I’d love to be a father, but there’s just so much to think about! We don’t know anything about raising kids, and what if they’re giant-sized like you?”

“Dad managed, I’m sure he can give you advice when we visit him. Just think about it, all right? You won’t be raising them alone, it will be a team effort. And anything we set our minds to, we can achieve, right?”

“Well, yes.”

“Alright, then. Put some thought into it and you can decide later. For now, I need to get dressed!” 

*

Alban looked up from his desk when he heard a knock on the open door. Valdan stood there, dressed in his fanciest clothes for the coronation. “Aren’t you going to get ready, Dad? The courtyard is nearly packed. Belena has been ready for a while.”

“I know, I just…there!” Alban put his quill down and beckoned his son closer. Valdan looked at the cover of the book Alban was in front of and smiled. 

“The Princess of Vandan and The Children of Vandan, by Alban, Mildar’s son. What do you plan on doing with these?”

“I’ll keep them for now. Share them with anyone who will listen. They chronicle your mother and I’s first meeting, our marriage, and of course you three. I did my best to write about what you and Sylvie did during your adventure, so forgive me if the details are not accurate.”

“I’m sure it’s wonderful.” Alban flipped through the book and noticed another one next to it. “The Chronicles of Vandan. What’s that one?” 

“A story in the making. It covers the invasion of Elgon and my recent voyage. I still can’t believe your sisters fought a horde of ogres and an invading army as well! And I wasn’t here to see it. Oh, I’m sure you were wonderful too.”

“I wish you had been there. It wasn’t easy, defeating Argo. The damage he did to our city will not be mended quickly.”

“Best to be rid of him. I never did like him.”

“Belena said you found him favorable at first.”

“Well, I’m not a good judge of character at first, obviously.” Alban stowed the first book away but handed the other to Valdan.

“What…”

“Finish it. They’re chronicles, son, they’re meant to be continued.”

“Are you sure?”

“Definitely. Now, get going, will you! As you said, I need to change into something more appropriate.”

*

Rays of light glistened off the snow-covered grounds of the courtyard, and the entire town of Rismark stood on either side of the walkway to the castle doors. Trumpets blasted, then they slowly opened, the soon-to-be Queen finally revealed. She wore a white gown and robe that were as brilliant and as marvelous as the snow, and on her shoulder sat Lorek. Her hair was tied into a ponytail, and it was braided with ribbons carefully attached. Lorek had told her she looked more gorgeous than on their wedding day, but she disagreed. 

On the other end of the courtyard, in the gates that led to Rismark, Sylvie stood in a red dress while her blonde hair flowed freely down her back. Valdan sat on her shoulder and in her hands was the crown. Once worn by Valerie, it was adorned with the only giant jewels left in existence, and they were surrounded in near-glowing silver. Alban sat on Sylvie’s opposite shoulder, his face beaming with joy. Tears fell down his cheek, partly for joy at seeing his daughter taking on such a great mantle, but partly due to sadness at knowing that he had seen this before with his late wife.

Belena stopped just before Sylvie and knelt before her, bowing her head slightly. Alban cleared his throat and began his speech. “My beautiful daughter. You have proved yourself to both myself and the people of Rismark that you are worthy of being the Queen of Vandan. You have valiantly fought against great evil, you’ve cared for the poor and sick, and you’ve held our kingdom together in its darkest hours. With this crown, you take the responsibility of protecting, aiding, and leading these lands. Do you vow to lead justly, but fairly, and do you vow to lead by serving others?”

“I do.”

“Then by the power vested in me, I crown you Queen of Vandan.” Sylvie placed the crown atop her head, and the crowd immediately erupted in cheers. The new Queen stood and bowed to her people, her smile as wide as it could be. Once the cheering died down, Belena walked over to a large sheet and pulled it off, revealing the statue of Valerie that had been carefully carved. Belena and Sylvie had done much of the heavy lifting and shaping, but the people of Rismark put as much detail into her as possible, and the result was magnificent. At the base was a small plaque: Valerie: Beloved Queen, Mother, and Wife. May your memory live on forever. The new Queen couldn’t hold back her tears as she looked into the face of the stone image of her mother. She would always be able to see her, in some way, every day she came home. It was more than enough for her, short of having her back. 

Celebration immediately followed as the castle doors were opened and the dining room became a ballroom with stairs leading up to the tables. Belena received good wishes and many kind words from nearly every citizen while Valdan and Sylvie made sure everyone had plenty to eat and drink. Alban watched the fun from a distance, smiling as he took in the scene. His children were in his place now. He had achieved what he wanted as father, yet leaving would not hurt any less. He had to go though, no matter how he felt. He had more work to do in honoring Valerie. 

Just as he turned to leave he was suddenly whipped into the air, and he found himself in Belena’s palm, the young Queen working to fight back tears. Sylvie joined her with Valdan in her hand. “You didn’t think you could leave without a goodbye did you?” Belena said. 

“Of course not.” She brought him to her face and he kissed her cheek, then Sylvie’s as she brought hers close too. Valdan hopped onto Belena and hugged his father, his breathing a little heavy as he tried not to get too emotional. 

“I’ll make you proud, Dad.”

“You have, son. You all have. I couldn’t be happier than I am now. If your mother were here and I was gone, she’d say the same. This was our dream all along. To see you all grow up.” A few more kisses later and Alban was walking through the courtyard, the snow falling once more. As he reached the outer gates, he looked back at the statue of Valerie, her face lit from one of the windows. “Goodbye, my love. We’ll meet again one day.” 

*

Epilogue - One Year Later

*

Sylvie trudged through the snow, her boots creating footprints big enough to nearly fit an entire house in, and Valdan sat comfortably on her shoulder. He sighed, watching the scenery go by before he decided to speak up. “Do you think Belena and Lorek will be alright? She seemed worried about us.”

“Belena is strong, Valdan. Besides, we both need this.”

“Right. You do know you cannot go with me, right?”

“Oh, I know. I just wanted to make your trip easier for you. At least until we get to where I wanted to be.”

“Where exactly is that?”

“Somewhere out west. Wherever the road takes me. You?”

“I’ll visit the old village we traveled to before, but I intend to go further. See what life has in store for me.” Sylvie nodded. Inside, she was scared for him, alone in the world, but she also wanted him to be himself and build a new life on his own. She wanted the same thing one day, but for now she had adventure on her mind, just for the sake of it. Eventually, they reached a crossroads, one they had sat at during their original adventure. Sylvie set her hand next to her shoulder for Valdan to climb in, and once he was secure she set him next to her feet, her “little” brother looking so far away. She squatted to say her goodbyes, but he pulled something out of a sack he brought first. 

“What’s that?”

“A book Dad made. The Chronicles of Vandan. There’s two stories for now, but I want to add more. Though I think you’ll find more use. If you can find someone to write for you.” He set the book in her palm, the thing looking smaller than a peanut to her. 

“Are you sure?”

“I’m not part of Vandan anymore. I’m off on my own now. This book belongs with you.”

“You’ll always be part of the story, Valdan. Promise to write your part?”

“Of course.” He turned around, ready to face whatever lay before him, but he turned around and ran to her hand one last time. He hugged her thumb, feeling that warmth and protection from his “little” sister for the last time in a while. 

“Be safe, Valdan.”

“You too, sis.” With that, he backed away and left her alone. She wiped a tear from her eyes before she looked off to the west, her eyes lit with a new passion. It was time for her own adventure.