Giants and Baemon

I followed Caligula as he stepped away from the campfire, the small figure who’d saved me trailing close behind. The air still hummed with the aftershock of the tornado, the red sun casting long shadows across the grassland. Caligula turned to the small man, his voice formal yet warm. “Seth, allow me to introduce Bergvid III, head of my personal troop. He hails from a noble family of the Thergaels species, from a kingdom far to the east.” Bergvid tipped his hat, his magenta eyes glinting, his curly beard framing a nod of acknowledgment. I bowed deeply, gratitude swelling. “Thank you, Bergvid, for helping me and bringing me here,” I said, my voice steadier than I felt.

Caligula chuckled, a sincere sound that eased the tension in my shoulders. Mustering courage, I faced him. “You have a truly noble and kind band of men under you.” His laughter deepened, and he gestured toward me with a welcoming hand. “Come, let’s travel together.” He led me toward where I assumed a carriage awaited, but the open area revealed nothing but the pyramid of wood blocks the giants had arranged. Confusion knit my brow—where was it?

Before I could ask, the four towering giants stepped forward, encircling the wood. Their bodies began to shift, a moldy, earthy substance seeping from beneath their linen clothes, merging with the blocks. The air thickened with a musky scent as their forms dissolved into the structure, the wood groaning and reshaping. In moments, a majestic carriage emerged—its curves carved with intricate runes, its surface gleaming with a natural polish, as if alive. My mouth fell open, awe rendering me speechless.

Caligula’s eyes sparkled with amusement, like a child showing off a prized toy. “It’s not over,” he said, a grin tugging at his lips. The seven small figures, including Bergvid, approached, raising their right hands. Each wore a leather glove like Bergvid’s, but the gems embedded in them varied—grey, purple, orange—sparking my curiosity. They chanted in unison, a low murmur that vibrated through the ground. A gust of wind surged through the carriage, carrying the rhythmic thud of galloping hooves. The vehicle lifted, suspended by an unseen force, ready to depart. “Ventus Stallions, fast as the winds of Dougoor,” Caligula said, pride lacing his voice. I imagined ethereal horses of wind harnessed before it, ready to sail us into the sky, though I had no clue what Dougoor meant.

We entered the carriage, its interior divided into two compartments—one for the small figures, the other for Caligula. He motioned for me to join him, and I sat across from him, the cushioned seat creaking under me. A window on my side offered a view of the winged servant, who unfurled his massive wings and took flight, dirt swirling in his wake. “He ensures the area is clear, scouts for any… ill-bearers,” Caligula explained. I nodded silently, sensing the topic’s weight, unwilling to pry.

A jolt rocked us, and suddenly we were airborne, the ground falling away. The carriage glided smoothly, the unseen Ventus Stallions propelling us through the dusk. Caligula leaned back, his golden eyes thoughtful. “You need a place here, Seth—a way to start and learn about this world. There are many species, and its nature might baffle you.” I agreed, but a cold fear gnawed at me. Why is he doing so much for me? What does he gain? His expression shifted, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face. I realized he’d read my thoughts, the full scope of his abilities settling in my mind.

He sighed, his tone softening. “I apologize for being too excited, not understanding your feelings. I’m not helping you for nothing, it’s true.” A chill ran through me, suspicion flaring. What demands did he have? He continued, his voice steady. “The giants you saw—the Immanidoes—come from just south of my house’s domain. They’ve never bowed to any house before. They once warred with the humans of the Baemon House to the east. When my father passed, I was thrust into leadership, abandoning my studies. I learned the Immanidoes were being massacred by Baemon’s troops, yet no one spoke of it across the kingdoms.”

He paused, his gaze distant. “In my father’s quarters, I found a stone sword, a masterpiece of art, sent as mourning from the Immanidoes. They admired his bravery, even as they were slaughtered. The Baemon House didn’t even send a letter. I couldn’t stand by. I confronted Baemon, halting their conquest—they were too weakened from war to challenge Raegaur. But it earned me their wrath and their allies’.”

His voice grew heavy. “When I visited the survivors, their eyes held sadness, but also admiration for me. That night, I cried for the third time in my life—not because of their loyalty, but because I hadn’t saved them sooner. I failed them. Since then, I’ve faced despise from houses like Baemon’s, but I don’t care. I’ll never be late again.” He met my eyes, resolve firm. “It would be great if you joined the Imperial Kaiden Academy. I left mid-term to take up my duties. You could learn magic, the world’s nature, and meet diverse species—make good friends.”

I sighed, the pressure lifting, suspicion fading. I nodded. “Is the next stop the academy?” I asked. Caligula shook his head. “First, we’ll stop at the Bhaar Desert Bazaar to buy essentials for your start. I have business there too.” The locket pulsed warmly against my chest, as if eager for what lay ahead.