Slowly, the line of Engineers advanced, each one receiving a technological marvel, a book of obscure plans, or a large supply of rare resources that enabled a huge project they'd wanted to do for years. A gaggle of curious dwarves looking with awe at what their fellow Engineers received slowed the line considerably. Whale looked on with annoyance and amusement.

  "And that's why the Spanner Boys will never conquer the world. They get too excited about sharing ideas and going off on interesting tangents. Keeping them focused on this big project is going to take a lot of work."

  Annie had to agree. "And thank the old gods for that. Can you imagine what this group would get up to if they were as ambitious as we are? There'd be fleets of steel gunboats, and we'd rule the seas. Not sure how that would end up, though."

  "Oh, I do. We'd conquer the world, then fight each other. I even wonder if that happened before. There are a lot of wrecked ships in the Rust Sea. I say if it ever comes to that, you and I flip a coin and then get back to drinking and conquering."

  "And chasing cute beards. Speaking of which...I notice you've been spending some time with Sledgemonkey."

  Whale blushed and coughed. "Just making sure I can manipulate him into doing what's best for the clans. I'm not some twitterpated young beauty like I was a hundred years ago when I married that damned scoundrel of a first husband."

  "All of your husbands have been scoundrels. But, I'm sure that's it. Just looking out for the clans. Has nothing to do with the cute way he curls the ends of his beard or the lilac oil he uses on his mustache."

  Whale turned to her friend, eyes narrowing. "Nothing at all, and I'll thank you to keep away from that mustache."

  Annie winked. "Oh, don't worry. I won't interfere with a hard-working Captain as she's going about 'clan business,' besides, there are a lot of cute beards down there, and I won't say that I'm not tempted. My first mate is coming home far too often with a smile on her face and French toast on her breath. We Captains have to keep level heads."

  "Exactly."

  "So, how's his French toast?"

  Whatever Whale's response would have been, it was lost as a huge cheer went up. Sledgemonkey was holding up a heavy pipe wrench taller than himself. The adjustable 'mouth' end of the wrench was shaped like the head of a dragon. As he turned it back and forth, the shining scales shimmered in the dim light of the cavern. The eyes of the dragon were clear crystal that twinkled like stars in the sky.

  Whale looked at the Chief Engineer as he swung the primordial tool with ease, then cautiously tapped a part of the ruined stone floor, cracking the stone and sending chips flying.

  "Oh my, I have always loved men with large hammers."

  Annie grinned. "Who doesn't? But that's not something to build a long-term relationship on."

  "How about a short one with some benefits?" They both smiled and downed their mugs of rum.

  The last Engineer, besides the injured Milo, went forward. Shiftstick had cheered when everyone else was getting their rewards, but was nervous about his own. He mumbled a silent prayer, "Please don't be a poisoned knife. Please! Done with that. Maybe some nice coveralls or a screwdriver?" He pulled out a large book, a metal staff, and a rolled-up map. The book had the symbols of all the major clans who had resided in the city. The copper staff had a coil of silver wire on the top. With the help of Varihold, he unrolled the large map, revealing an expanded view of the city, with large hidden areas revealed as well as tunnels and passageways sealed off by the Chimera, or from cave-ins.

  Vary grinned and bowed. "Well, I guess it's official now. Cool staff."

  A nervous Shiftstick was taken aside to celebrate his taking on a second job and drink with the excited Engineers. As they made room, the ratkin miners and metal workers lined up, led by Master Clawhammer. Reaching into the chest, he pulled forth a very large, worn leather backpack.

  Clawhammer looked at the backpack and smiled slowly. "Well, maybe an adventure now and then isn't a bad thing. I can see the appeal of it, now."

  One by one, the rest of the ratkin workers gained their rewards, often tools they were hoping to get. The four who had opted for the Mage path were delighted to get heavy wooden dueling staves. Each one had seen heavy use. The runes carved into each held the glow of stored mana.

  The last to come up to the chest were Brutus, Gendifur, and their girls. The girls were hopping from foot to foot, unable to contain themselves as their parents went first.

  The whole family helped Brutus into his new armor, and the girls clapped with glee.

  "Daddy looks so handsome!"

  "You should be a hero too!"

  He shook his head and hugged them. "Someone has to keep the homefires burning for when you two and Larry come home after a hard day of saving the world. Not that we won't travel a bit. But we'll leave the Heroing to you three. Speaking of which..." He'd barely stopped talking before they were at the chest, pulling out fiend-sized wooden mallets, and flower corsages to go on their dresses.

  Buttercup and Rosie could barely stay still as Gendifur tied the ribbons of the corsage tightly. The girls inhaled the sweet scent of the blooms and smiled at each other. Six seconds later, the flowers started glowing.

  A Larry-sized tunnel in reality appeared, and a grinning Larry peeked out. "Quick. The Pickle Gang has brought an army of Gophers and their trying to ruin the Potatofest Celebration! I need help stopping them!"

  Both girls hugged their parents, took a deep breath, and jumped through the portal. Larry waved to Tallsqueak. "Want to come? Larry's squire is always welcome to come to Pickle Bashings."

  Milo waved back, "Another time, I'd have trouble lending a helping hand today. Have fun and come tell me the story." Larry disappeared, as Brutus wiped a tear from his eye. "They grow up so fast."

  Gendifur smiled, knowingly. "Don't worry, they'll be back soon and need all of your fatherly advice. Their still little girls, even if they are beginning to be Heroes."

  There was only one person left to grab his loot from the chest, but he'd had a rough day looking at his options and couldn't keep his eyes open. Milo yawned and went back to sleep.