Leon stared at the work he’d finished in front of him, the culmination of the past month of research, development, and manufacturing. Almost a ton of steel, and five million silvers in other rare materials had gone into the project, and since it was the first of its kind—and especially since Leon was mostly copying Nestor’s designs and lacked much of the specialist knowledge to get what he was looking at on more than a surface level—he wasn’t quite sure it was even functional. Many things could’ve gone wrong in its production, even moreso because Leon hadn’t brought anyone else on to the project to make it practical.

What he was looking at was a golem frame, built from gray steel and regularly interspersed with powered gems and long, thin copper wires inscribed with runes. Its internal mechanics were extraordinarily intricate and had taken all of Leon’s skill and finesse to craft. Hundreds of small, highly specific pieces had to be built precisely according to Nestor’s designs, otherwise the whole thing would be rendered nonfunctional.

On top of that, enchanting the thing to actually move was one of the most intricate and involved pieces of magical engineering Leon had ever worked on. He was skilled enough to parse what he’d been instructed to do and to read the designs, but to actually create something so complex was something he didn’t think he was anywhere even close to being capable of.

But, in the end, he’d managed to build it. Its power source was installed, its mechanics assembled, its enchantments completed, its exterior plating installed. The whole thing cut a fairly impressive shape, resembling a man roughly Leon’s height, with a svelte figure and dexterous digits perfectly designed to work with enchantments. Its form as a whole followed the shape of the human body quite closely, with the golem’s external plating resembling well-built musculature and a head with vague impressions of human features. It could almost pass as an armored human when viewed from a distance. A far distance.

Despite the intricacy of its design, something it couldn’t do was absorb magic power. As much as Leon was showing trust in Nestor by helping him to build an autonomous body for himself, he wasn’t about to allow the man to start absorbing magic power from the air just yet.

‘But he could just make that modification himself, theoretically…’ Leon silently worried as he finished his last inspection, but he forced himself to relax. ‘Trust, trust, trust,’ he said to himself, repeating it like a mantra many times over the past month.

It turned out that almost from the moment he’d broached the topic of getting the dead man a body, Nestor had been working on the design. Given his expertise in golemcraft, even if it hadn’t been practiced in almost eighty-thousand years, Nestor had finished in a matter of days. Leon had taken a few more days to inspect his work, both marveling at its design—so elegant that even he at his skill level could partially understand what he was looking at—and freaking out over its intricacy.

And now it was done, his inspection finished. What was to come next was testing.

“Hurry up, boy,” Nestor grumbled as Leon paused to give his work one last apprehensive look.

“I’ll take my time, thank you very much,” Leon countered, moving no faster as he got ready at the enchantment control console. “This was incredibly expensive and time-consuming; I want to make sure it’s been done right.”

In order to build the golem, Nestor had also designed an assembly pad for Leon, which was thankfully much less complex than the golem itself was. It was primarily just a circular pad with a few steel arms to hold the golem up while Leon assembled the thing by hand, but the arms had fairly complex enchantments running through them all the way to a connected control console. Using the console, Leon would be able to test various functions of the golems assembled on the pad. Fortunately, in this case, there weren’t many functions it needed other than needing to move about with great finesse, be capable of quick, sustained movement, and be able to do precise, highly detailed enchanting work.

It was not, however, capable of using magic. Its power source was designed for it to move around and sense the world, but no more. Leon didn’t doubt that Nestor could work with that if needed, especially with ancient runes, but… ‘Trust, trust, trust…’

Activating the various runes and runic circles on the console had the golem frame lifting its legs and arms with ease and alacrity, then opening its hands and curling its fingers one-by-one. Leon, listening to Nestor, put the golem through a couple of hours of similar tests until Nestor was satisfied.

“Very nice…” the man said, his ruby seeming to glow with delight. “Leon, put me in there.”

“Just like that?” Leon asked, his fatigue having built up over the past few weeks of production and assembly.

“Now that it’s here, I need to be put in there,” Nestor declared. “Move quickly, else I’ll start doubting my work, or my resolve will falter. Move on, now!”

Leon grimaced slightly, understanding Nestor’s thoughts. Though there were safeguards put in place, Nestor’s ruby held his magic body, the only thing that remained of Nestor in existence. If the ruby was destroyed, as it very well could be when put into something as mechanically intricate and magically powerful as the golem was, then Nestor would die a second and final time, his magic body going the way of his physical body and taking his mind with it.

Leon didn’t hesitate much. Nestor had proven himself an asset, and over the past seventeen years, Leon had grown to like the man, to an extent. He could piss Leon off to no end, and he was a strict and frustratingly demanding enchanting teacher, but he was the only one of Leon’s Clan left aside from the Thunderbird herself. He was, in effect, perhaps the only person who could truly commiserate with Leon over the fate of their Clan.

“All right…” Leon said after his moment of hesitation. As Nestor had said, if he hesitated too long, all he’d do was allow doubt to creep in. Better to trust in their production skills than begin doubting now, especially since all the tests were green.

With more determination than he felt, Leon picked up Nestor’s ruby and went over to the golem. It was a simple, if almost minute-long process of opening up the golem’s chest—its most heavily armored location—and slide the ruby into its designated place. Another minute of locking it in and sealing the golem back up again, and Leon was back at the control console, inputting the last few commands to bring the golem up to full functionality.

Once those last few commands were made, Leon’s job was done, and he stood back to watch and wait.

At first, he didn’t feel much, but Nestor wasn’t making any noises within. Then, Leon felt a shift in the magic power in the golem. The power source buried in the golem’s midsection began feeding magic power into the thousands of terribly complex enchantment circuits throughout the frame. The golem itself began to hum as power began to feed into the mechanical components, shifting and turning around to make new enchantments as needed as the golem powered itself up.

And then, like someone suddenly waking up, the golem sprang to life. The golem shrieked in a pitch higher than any human could possibly make as its legs went ram-rod straight and its arms shot out in front of it. Leon jumped back a couple of steps and summoned his lightning, but a moment later, the golem jerked and loosened. It froze for a second, then the head turned to the left and right, and then its arms were slowly raised up to its face. By this point, the shrieking had stopped, and the golem, aside from the mechanical humming from within, was completely silent.

“Leon…” Nestor said, his voice echoing out through the golem, carried by enchantment up through the chassis and projected from the golem’s head. It echoed slightly within the metal body, providing his voice with a clean resonance that Leon could feel himself start to be slightly jealous of.

“Nestor?” Leon hesitantly asked. “You still alive?”

The golem suddenly dropped its arms and straightened out, its body language nothing but human as it picked itself up and stood on its own power. “I believe we’ve long established that, no, I’m not alive,” Nestor straightly replied. “But my living condition hasn’t changed. It’s just that I can move around on my own, now.”

Leon grinned and relaxed. “So, it was a success, then?”

Nestor, now obviously in control of the golem, tried a few stretches, looking for all the world like a thin, well-built man in a tight suit of armor preparing for a run. “Seems like it was.”

Leon smiled and allowed himself the smallest moment of pride in his work, then he rushed back to his throne and returned to the physical world. Once there, he shot up from his lounge in his workshop and pulled Nestor out of his soul realm, planting him right there in the middle of his workshop.

When Nestor appeared, he stumbled for a moment, but managed to catch himself.

“A warning would’ve been appreciated!” he complained.

“Was my departure not enough?” Leon shot back, his tone light and teasing.

Nestor grunted, the sound echoing slightly within the golem he now wore.

“What’s it like in there?” Leon asked.

“I’d rather not talk about it,” Nestor replied testily. “It’s degrading enough that this is what I’ve been reduced to, and I’d rather not draw too much attention to it.’

“Does that include giving me a rundown on its functions? How’s it working out so far?”

“Hard to say after barely two minutes, but it’s… working as designed.” Nestor spoke his last words like Leon had to rip them out of his mouth with pliers.

“Don’t sound so excited there, Nestor,” Leon sarcastically chided, “you might give the impression that you actually like being ambulatory again.”

“It’s a welcome change, I’ll admit. Now, why don’t we get back to work? I have a lot to catch up on. Now that I have this opportunity, might I make a request to borrow your labor golems, three tons of raw iron ore, forty tons of coal, half a ton of paper, two tons of titanium, half a ton each of aluminum, copper, and tin, and a cat? Oh, and as much thunder wood as you can spare?”

“A cat? What use do you have for a cat?”

“I like cats. I just want one.”

“Any breed in particular?”

“A big one. With fangs and claws.”

“Let’s head up to the villa, get you properly acquainted with everyone. Once that’s over, speak with Anna. She’s the one to talk to regarding the bigger beasts.”

Nestor hummed in acknowledgment. “And the rest?”

Leon grinned. “I’ll see what I can do. Sounds like you have some plans?”

“Your facilities here are grossly inadequate. I intend to build something that’s just a little more suitable for men of our lineage. You’ll be heading north for the Iron Needle soon, aren’t you?”

Leon nodded.

“As much as I’d like to accom… I’ll need to build proper storage for that, too. Add a quarter ton of gold and two tons of silver to the list. And half a ton of quality steel. If it’s all delivered before you leave, I should have everything done by the time you get back.”

“Know something I don’t about how long this is going to take? I wasn’t imagining it taking longer than a few days at the most, travel time aside.”

“I have no idea, that’s why I said ‘should’. Try to listen to your elders, Leon. Should help you stay out of trouble.”

“Ahh, trouble. Me and trouble are close, though. I almost invited trouble to my wedding, but Elise wouldn’t have it. Would’ve gotten drunk, broken the porcelain, thrown up all over the bathrooms, and proper stolen some silverware.”

“Think yourself a comedy genius, do you, Leon? If you look closely, you’ll notice that I’m not laughing. Allow that fact to discourage you from this course of action which you are ill-equipped for.”

“You just don’t get me, old man.” Leon cheekily stuck his tongue out at Nestor, pride in his accomplishment loosening his lips. After taking the time to give the golem he was wearing another once-over, they walked out of his workshop side-by-side, Leon marveling at the novelty of it all. His heart was still rapidly beating in his chest, the thought that this was all a mistake still there in the back of his mind. But trust was a hard thing to show to a former enemy, even one who’d been on his side for the past seventeen years. But Leon was committed to making this work; if this new age of their partnership was going to fall apart, he was determined not to be at fault.

As they approached his villa, though, he started to feel a little apprehensive about introducing Nestor to everyone. The man had already met Maia and Valeria during the expedition to his lab all those years ago, and it hadn’t gone well. Nestor had been wearing Leon’s body at the time, and he and Leon’s ladies had parted on violent terms. Leon had been up front about Nestor’s involvement in everything since then, and had even gotten his family’s assent to provide Nestor this body, but he was still nervous walking into the villa with Nestor at his side, not saying a word, not even seeming to look around him.

The latter struck Leon as most odd since until this point, Nestor had only been able to use his magic senses to perceive the world around him, yet the golem was equipped with light-gathering enchantments in its skull which Nestor said would function as eyes. He was able to physically see again for the first time since his physical body died and transferred his magic body into his original ruby. Leon figured if he were in Nestor’s position, not only would he be looking around everywhere, desperate to experience the world through the power of sight, but he would also be bouncing around in excitement at finally being up and about after being trapped in gems for millennia—his brief takeover of Leon’s body notwithstanding.

On the other hand, Leon also greatly appreciated Nestor’s work focus. If he was more focused on upgrading their workspace than he was on celebrating his new state of being, then Leon was only too happy to accept such diligence.

Leon’s family and retainers, alerted to what had happened a few minutes before by Leon sending them mental messages, assembled in a private courtyard of the villa. With Anastasios and the Grand Druid staying in the villa at the same time, Leon was a little apprehensive about them seeing Nestor, but wasn’t too concerned about hiding the man. The two Empires had some of his Clan’s old golems, and with the documents and artifacts he’d activated for them over the past few years, he knew they were active, so he wouldn’t accept any complaining from them about him having some of his own.

As they arrived, Leon and Nestor were immediately the focus of attention. Alix, Marcus, Alcander, Gaius, and Anna watched Nestor with curiosity. Red looked bored, while Tikos and Helen barely looked up, locked as they were in conversation. Talal and Anshu were, of course, away, dealing with business. However, Leon’s biggest concern was his family’s reactions.

Anzu seemed the most positive, walking over in human form to examine Nestor closely. Elise followed, though with a little more apprehension. Valeria and Maia, meanwhile, glared at Nestor with undisguised hostility and only slightly more disguised killing intent. Judging by their auras, if Nestor made even a single misstep, he’d find his unarmored golem frame being torn asunder in an instant.

“Good that you’re all here,” Leon began as Nestor stopped before Anzu. “This is Nestor, who I’m sure you’ve all heard me speak about many times before.”

“Your enchanting teacher, right?” Alix said, approaching Nestor as Anzu started poking at some of Nestor’s exterior plating.

“Stop that,” Nestor imperiously commanded, and Anzu took a half-step back in surprise.

“It’s not your place to be giving orders,” Valeria sniped from where she stood, and any friendly atmosphere in the rest of Leon’s retinue vanished as everyone made way for a potential storm.

“Lady Valeria,” Nestor said, his tone barely above a growl. “Good to see you again.”

“The sentiment isn’t shared,” Valeria retorted. “It’s my understanding that you’ve done us all great service, by Leon’s mercy. But if it were up to me, you would’ve never been shown such mercy to begin with.”

“Fortunate was I, then, that you weren’t in charge of my punishment. Yet you still reap the benefits. Good for you.”

Valeria and Maia both took a few menacing steps forward, their killing intent growing slightly, only stopping when Elise grabbed both of their arms and Leon practically shouted, “Enough!” The two stopped, though Leon suspected that Elise’s gesture had been token at best; if Valeria and Maia continued walking forward, she wouldn’t stop them.

“We have some history together, and not all of it is pleasant. But what’s done is done, it’s in the past and over with. Punishments were meted out. Now it’s time to be productive. I don’t expect anyone to like anyone else here, but I do want us all to be civil, and to understand that we’re all on the same side.” Leon looked at everyone else, his eyes lingering on Maia and Valeria a little longer than the rest. “I also don’t expect Nestor to just fit into our dynamic as if he were here the whole time. I mean, he kind of was, but… not the point. So if anyone has anything to say to him, say it now. Once we’re done, I want us all to be able to work towards the same goal together with as few doubts and misgivings as possible.”

“Are you sure trusting him is the right idea?” Valeria asked, and not for the first time. Leon’s entire family agreed with his decision to give Nestor the body, but even with Maia’s initial disagreement, Valeria had been the most outspoken for not doing so.

“That will remain to be seen,” Leon replied. “But for now, I trust Nestor. What he does with that trust will be up to him.”

“There will be no cause to doubt my commitment, girl,” Nestor formally stated, his rigid tone almost covering up his dismissive insult. “Though I am no longer of flesh and blood, and though my Honored Ancestor has decreed that I will remain in such a state until she otherwise states, I am still of the Thunderbird Clan, and will work toward its resurrection. As Leon is the last living member of the Clan, he is the de facto Clan leader, and commands my loyalty.”

Leon chuckled. “Not a reprieve from your incessant criticism, apparently…”

“You are but a boy,” Nestor replied. “You will have the respect you’ve earned, and not a drop more.”

“Such as it is,” Leon said with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Anyone else have anything to say? I’m sure we’re all eager to return to work or training or whatever else we were doing.”

To Leon’s surprise, it was Helen who next spoke up. “Do you know any nature magic?”

“Though I’m well-versed in many fields of magic, nature magic is not one of them. That’s not to say I know nothing, but my specialties lie elsewhere.”

“Then we should talk more later,” Helen replied.

Nestor didn’t respond verbally, but gave the barest nod of his head in assent.

Valeria and Maia, meanwhile, continued staring daggers at Nestor, but didn’t make any more fuss. Elise got on with a warmer welcome than Leon’s other two ladies had given Nestor—though not as warm as she was more wont to give guests, Leon noticed, her dislike hadn’t gone anywhere. Aside from them, no one else had much to say to Nestor at the moment. So, Leon dismissed them all and returned to his workshop with the dead man.

“I’ll begin work on upgrading the facilities here as soon as I can,” Nestor said.

“Sure thing,” Leon replied.

“You’ll be heading to the north soon, yes?”

“That’s the plan. Should I be expecting a caged tiger when I return?”

“Something like that.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Well, I’ll leave you to it, Nestor. Enjoy yourself.”

Nestor grunted as Leon turned back around and made to leave the workshop. He had much planning and preparation to do before heading north, and he had to make sure Talal had his branch in hand before he did so. He wasn’t sure how long he was to be gone, after all.

As he laid his hand on his workshop’s door handle, though, Leon paused as Nestor said, “Leon. Thank you.”

Leon smiled and turned back around, noting that Nestor wasn’t looking at him, but instead blatantly facing away and seeming lost in thought. “Not a problem, Nestor. Not a problem.”