We thawed the fire giant out at one of Thruor’s safe houses…with all of us pointing weapons at him.

“Ugh.”

“Okay. Which faction do you work for?” I asked, stepping towards him.

“I’m loyal to my king.”

I nodded. I’d suspected that. “He’s not being very smart,” I said, mildly.

“I’m pretty sure that you’d trade your freedom for hers.”

Kanesha shook her head. “She wouldn’t, because I know what the consequences of her going with you are.”

I glanced at her. There was a particular grimness to her that told me everything I needed to know. I gave her the slightest nod.

Kanesha continued, softly, “And I won’t let that happen, and I trust the gods.”
Something akin to respect lit up the fire giant’s eyes. “I see how you have gained the love of a goddess. But I had my orders.”

And it was now, I thought, his duty to escape. Which he could probably do just by killing himself. “And I respect that. We just wanted to make sure who you were working for.”

I stepped towards him. “Here’s my message to Surtur. I’m not just going to say no, because apparently that isn’t enough for him. I’m not just going to remind him that messing with people under my protection is just going to get his people sent home in a world of pain.”

I glanced at Clara. “I’m going to say that I’m done with this little war. Every time I see anyone who works for him, I’m sending them home the hard way. Every time.”

Clara caught my glance. I felt her starting to ready a spell.

“And if that isn’t enough to get him to leave me alone, then I may just come after him.” My lips quirked. “I’d rather not, honestly, but if it’s the only way to keep this crap from happening…”

“You’d never take him.”

“I might surprise you.”

He glared at me. “You’re a cub. You don’t have the age or the experience.”

“No, but is he willing to take the chance?” I smiled. The fire within me really wanted to come out. “Eh. I’m done with this.”

Clara released her spell – and this time the giant froze into pieces which shattered. I looked at her. “Impressive.”

She shrugs. “I’ve been practicing. On inanimate objects, I hasten to add.”

“I’d hope so.” But I was still grinning at her. “Let’s go get something to eat.”