Seeing that NightHawk was busy trying to comfort the children, Tremane took more mundane matters into his hands. He sent two men back to Shongar to fetch a wagon and supplies. The rest of the squad was put on burial detail. Father Janus spoke a few quiet, but heart-felt words, over the young woman’s grave. The wagon arrived just as the last stones were being placed on the cairn.

The Champion gratefully accepted the woolen blankets and quickly bundled the shivering children inside their warm folds. After settling the children against Tarlac’s warm body, NightHawk stepped aside to speak to Tremane and Father Janus privately.

"Is something going to be done about these villagers?" Xander asked, still furious over the events of the day.

Tremane sighed heavily. "I’m not sure what can be done. I can’t put the whole village in prison."

"So you’re just going to let them get away with murder?" Xander snarled.

Tremane immediately stiffened. "I don’t condone what happened here. It was a brutal attack on a person who had done nothing to warrant such action. But what would you have me do to punish them?"

Xander immediately calmed down, he could understand the king’s position, but that didn’t mean he had to like it. "Yeah, I guess you’re right. I don’t know what to do about them either. I know what I’d like to do, but it’s probably a little extreme."

Father Janus finally broke into the conversation. "If I may? I do believe I have a suggestion."

Tremane smiled gratefully at the priest. "What is it, Father? Frankly, I’d entertain any reasonable suggestion about now."

"I do believe a memorial would ensure that this never happens again." Father Janus said, with a slight smile on his face.

"What kind of memorial?" Xander asked, curiously.

"Have them build a stone brazier in the center of the village. They must each ensure that the fire is kept burning at all times. And when visitors come to their village, they must be told what happened here today. The story shall spread and hopefully prevent such a tragedy from occurring again."

"That’s an excellent idea, Father. What do you think, NightHawk?"

Xander mulled it over before finally agreeing. "That might work. But tell them, and make it very plain, that if they don’t do this, I will come to visit them again. And please, call me Xander. I’m not really comfortable with that whole NightHawk thing."

"Excellent!" Tremane said. "Now, can we convince you to come back to Shongar with us for a time? I’d like to get to know you better, and I’m sure Father Janus here wants to spend some time with you."

"Yes. Please do come. We should have one of the physicians check over the children, make sure they’re healthy." Father Janus said, hopefully.

"Okay. I guess a few days wouldn’t hurt."

**********

Father Janus tested Xander’s link to the Earth with glee. All the time the priest had spent studying was finally paying off. The two spent hours testing and refining Xander’s connection until he was completely conscious of it and actually able to pull energy as he needed it and direct it to where it could do the most good.

Any time not spent with the boys or Father Janus was spent talking to King Tremane. After a few initial uncomfortable conversations, the two men became friends. Xander was actually going to miss them both, but he was eager to get home to Wintermoon and Ghost. Exchanging promises to visit Xander loaded the boys into the wagon and prepared for the long journey home.

He was surprised when Father Janus came bustling out of the castle carrying a pack over his shoulder.

"Going somewhere, Father?" Xander asked.

Father Janus put his pack in the back of the wagon before climbing up on the bench next to Xander. "Yes, I am. I thought I’d come visit now. I’m really looking forward to meeting your daughter and Wintermoon. Besides, with five small children, you’re going to need all the help you can get."

Tremane laughed and clasped hands with the elderly priest. "Have a good time, Father. Send a message when you’re ready to return and I’ll send an escort." The king crossed over to Xander’s side of the wagon. He placed one hand on Xander’s arm and spoke seriously. "If you ever need anything, please, don’t hesitate to call on me. Be well. I’ll be waiting to hear from you."

"Thanks, Tremane. The same goes for me. Take care of yourself."

Tremane watched as his new friend and his old one slowly passed from sight. He missed both of them already.

**********

The trip passed quickly for the travelers. The weather stayed reasonably clear and hunting was good. The boys grew more talkative as time passed, and their personalities became more defined.

Farlan was the smallest, and the most mischievous, he smiled almost constantly. Mika and Flin were so identical that even their brothers had trouble telling them apart. Barac was the largest of the group, and the obvious leader. He always knew exactly where the others were and what they were up to. Sharn was the quiet one, he didn’t say much, and rarely smiled. But he paid attention to every thing around him. He and Tarlac soon became inseparable; the little boy spent every possible minute gently stroking the gryphon’s feathers. It was obvious that Sharn had made a friend for life.

Father Janus was having the time of his life. He and Xander spoke for hours about anything and everything. The story of Xander’s previous life and the events surrounding his arrival in the Vale fascinated the priest. Before long, he had parchment and pen in hand, writing down the entire story and asking innumerable questions.

They were only a day away from the vale when they came upon the clearing where Xander planned on stopping for the night. He was totally shocked, and more than a little pleased to find Wintermoon and Ghost waiting there for them.

Ghost literally flew over the ground and leapt into her father’s arms. "Daddy! I didn’t think you were ever going to get here! We’ve been waiting for ever!"

Xander hugged his daughter tightly for a moment before introducing her to the priest and her new ‘brothers’.

"Ghost. This is Father Janus. And these little imps are your brothers. Farlan, Mika, Flin, Barac and Sharn. Wintermoon and I are going to need a lot of help raising them, are you up to it?"

Ghost smiled at the boys before kissing Xander on the cheek. "Of course I am, Daddy. We’ve got their room all ready and we even made toys for them. Oh, and some of the hertasi even made them some clothes to wear until proper ones can be made."

"I knew I could count on you, Sweetie. Why don’t you get better acquainted while I go say hello to your other Dad?"

Ghost grinned, "Sure, Daddy. But try to control yourself. The boys are too little to see you two groping each other."

Xander turned red, which just made Ghost laugh harder.

"I should have spanked you when you were younger." He muttered under his breath, while crossing the clearing to Wintermoon’s side.

The two men just held each other for a moment, each reveling in the feel of the other in his arms.

Wintermoon finally drew back a little, "Do you think if we’re very quiet, we could sneak away from camp tonight? I’m missed you so much."

Xander shivered at the sound of Wintermoon’s voice. "I missed you too. Are you sure we’re ready for this? Six kids? And five of them practically babies?"

"We’ll be fine." Wintermoon said, quietly. "It will be hard for a time, but I’m not worried."

"Good. Now lets see if we can get them to go to sleep so I can say hello properly."

"What a wonderful idea."

**********

Xander was ready to chew nails by the time they got the boys settled and Wintermoon was in the same shape. They snuck away to a nearby stream. Far enough away to have some privacy but close enough to hear in case there were any problems.

The two men practically fell upon each other, each trying desperately to get the other naked as fast as possible. Wintermoon flung himself down on the ground, pulling Xander down on top of him. The feel of skin against skin was all the foreplay either needed. Wintermoon blindly fumbled for the pouch attached to his discarded tunic while trying to kiss Xander senseless at the same time.

He finally managed to get his hand on the small flask of oil in the pouch and quickly coated his fingers. Xander whimpered when the first slick digit breached the opening to his body. By the time three fingers were thrusting inside of him he was moaning constantly.

Wintermoon pulled his fingers from the warm grasping muscles and spread more oil over his aching cock. Xander shifted and then he was inside his mate at last. Both lovers groaned and Xander dropped his head down on Wintermoon’s broad shoulder; trying frantically to regain some control.

Wintermoon thrust up just a little, but it was enough to make Xander growl. He sat up and they both began to move. Xander reached down and clasped both of Wintermoon’s hands in his, using the firm hold to gain a little more leverage.

Wintermoon looked up in awe. The full moon gave enough light so he could see clearly. Xander’s mouth was open as he panted for breath. The black wings flared up, casting shadows over his mate’s pale skin, but leaving his face in the light. Wintermoon fell in love all over again.

They both began to move a little faster, a little harder. Xander clenched his jaw trying not to scream when he came. Wintermoon pulled one of his hands free from Xander’s and bit into the fleshy pad at the base of his thumb to prevent his own sounds of completion from escaping.

Xander slumped back down on Wintermoon’s heaving chest. "I really, really missed you."

Wintermoon laughed quietly, "It’s good to have you home."

They lay there quietly for a short time before Xander finally said, "I guess we should head back. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow."

Wintermoon brushed the tangled hair away from Xander’s face. "You’re right. We’re going to need all of our strength to take care of our children."

Xander grinned, "Our children. Sounds good, doesn’t it?"

"Yes, love. It does."

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