Rebellion of the Blizzard Beasts (First Update)

"Zyra, stop!"

Liszt stopped the still-mischievous Zyra, then tore the green thorn seedling off Loki's head before the thorns could grow.

The green glow atop his head vanished in a flash.

Loki had no idea what was going on and gave a meaningless cry. "Cluck!"

Then he kept walking.

Dousen Avenue had been leveled even more smoothly. On both sides stood increasingly lush apple orchards. Since they had only been transplanted this year, they had not borne any apples. But the apple tree Bug Grass was laden with small green apples, and it was obvious that it had grown at least twice as large.

Its branches and leaves spread wide, casting a patch of shade.

Tables, benches, and rocking chairs were arranged neatly beneath the tree.

"Wah!"

"Wah!"

Zyra flew onto the apple tree and clung to a green apple, swinging back and forth. The apple did not fall, but it had clearly become Zyra's plaything. She loved dangling from it like a swing.

They soon arrived at the castle gates.

Butler Carter was leading all the castle servants, men and women standing separately on either side of the entrance. As they watched the tall, handsome Liszt leap down from the Landwalker's back, he immediately stepped forward and said in his familiar deep Steel Accent, "My lord, welcome home."

Mrs. Morson also smiled on behalf of the maids. "My lord, welcome home."

"Yes, I'm home."

He had intended to express a little more of his triumphant feelings, but a burst of barking shattered the mood. Eight large dogs with glossy black fur charged over in a swarm, pouncing toward Dousen and Liszt. "Woof woof!"

They were the Eight Little Ones.

After more than a month apart, the eight Blizzard Beasts had grown considerably, already larger than large wolfhounds.

"Woof woof!"