Chapter 1 - Duke of Timberfall

Deathwalker fidgeted. He wanted to get on the road. Though to be honest there wouldn’t be too much road to start. Lord Dormeir and his men would return through the portal while Deathwalker would travel to the city of Dumont.

The king had practically begged Deathwalker to finish the portal network sooner than planned. ‘The importance to trade and troop movement cannot be understated’, those were the king’s words. In truth Deathwalker agreed with the king, it was why he proposed the network in the first place. That and all the fees his company could charge for their use were going to make his duchy prosper and make him even richer than he already was.

All of that made logical sense, and Deathwalker was all about logic, especially since coming to this world. The level of logic, however, had Deathwalker concerned. He felt emotions, but they seemed muted somehow. Heck, he had beautiful woman practically throwing themselves at him, yet his mind could not shift from calculations and risks. He had wondered if it was a side effect of being a dragon or such a high Mental Aegis attribute.

Though these thoughts concerned him, they were not what had him currently fidgeting. Deathwalker had reluctantly agreed to speed up portal construction. In return for his agreement the crown said he could recruit builders and artisans from across the kingdom. He just had to meet with each duchy and ‘work out the details’ as the king had called it. Now he was waiting to meet with the queen’s sister, Duchess Lightheart, for the third time.

This is what had him fidgeting. At first it seemed innocent enough. They had met with some of her advisors to discuss the best way to recruit and address any concerns of leaving her duchy without Skilled laborers she needed.

The second visit was just the two of them. They had a private meal, and the duchess tried every trick she knew to learn what she could about Deathwalker. There was zero talk about resources no matter how many times he tried to bring the subject of conversation back to it. The woman was an artist when it came to talk-no-jitsu.

It was clear she had designs on him. Deathwalker also could understand it. He was a complete unknown with ancient royal bloodlines who was now a peer. At least one of those bloodlines was older than theirs, it had to be if his commands to work on them. He had inadvertently used his power on them when the throne room was attacked by assassins three days ago. The royal family made it very clear to Deathwalker that he must marry into the family and possibly marry others in the hopes of passing on such a powerful bloodline.

Now he was waiting to speak with her a third time. Deathwalker was convinced she had designs on his hand in marriage. As Sebastian had put it, ‘you are the most eligible bachelor in the entire kingdom. You are a Duke now, your duchy is arguably the largest in the kingdom territory wise, and you own a thriving business. One that will be making money hand over fist with the upcoming portal network. Oh yea, and you are a magic wielder who has a hero title! I mean I could keep going my friend, but you get the picture.’

Deathwalker wasn’t ready to entertain such notions yet. His libido was nonexistent, and he had a duchy to organize. Plus, he still hadn’t given up on finding his friend. James was out there somewhere, and he hadn’t given up hope.

The door to the waiting room opened and a well-dressed servant entered and bowed deeply to Deathwalker. “Duke Dragonvein, it is an honor to greet you, your grace. If you will allow me, I can escort you to her grace, Duchess Lightheart.”

Deathwalker nodded in acknowledgement. The servant escorted him into an ornate parlor. To his surprise, Duchess Lightheart was not alone. The queen and Duke Watson were also present. It did not look like the duchess was pleased.

Greeting each one in turn. “Your majesty. Duchess Lightheart, and Duke Watson. It is good to see all of you, even if I was not expecting such a meeting.”

“I had not planned on their presence either, Duke Dragonvein.” Duchess Lightheart replied.

‘Ah. So, this wasn’t her idea.’ Deathwalker thought as he took a seat.

“No, I am afraid that is my doing.” The Queen stated.

“And mine.” Duke Watson chimed in.

The Queen nodded her head slightly in acknowledgement. “It has come to my attention that my sister has been monopolizing your time, Duke Dragonvein.”

“Please call me Deathwalker.”

The Queen continued. “Very well, Deathwalker. My sister means well but she is part fey and those of us with some fey blood tend to be drawn to power. Your display of that power in saving our lives is why we have come. I feel indebted to you.”

“You owe me nothing. It was my duty.” Deathwalker answered.

“Ha! You are a humble one. That trait will not serve you in the days to come. Do not pass up political capital my boy.” Duke Watson chimed in.

“What my brother-in-law is getting at is that you should not turn away such boons. I would not approve such a waste.” Duchess Lightheart said.

“My dear husband has already offered resources from this kingdom. I offer you a chance to gain warriors from my homeland in the north, the Ljósálfar nation in the Hibernal Territory. My sister and I came here to join our two nations through marriage. I married the king and my sister married the Duke Lightheart. Sadly, her husband died in one of our last wars.” The Queen explained.

Duchess Lightheart’s voice held genuine sadness as she spoke. “He led from the front. In the end that got him killed.”

“He was a good and honorable man.” Duke Watson stated.

“Many elves have some kind of fairy blood in them. Ours comes from the Winter court. Though I have no sway over Queen Mab and her court, I do have sway over my father’s. I have sent word to him and have asked for his support.” The Queen explained.

“I have to ask why, and for what purpose?” Deathwalker said in suspicion.

“Simple, I married the king of this kingdom for two reasons. One, was to strengthen our ties between our two nations. Two, he held a strong royal bloodline.” The Queen further explained.

“Our bloodline gives us access to earth and fire magic, as well as some limited mental magic.” Duke Watson stated.

“Our bloodline gives us access to Mental magic, water magic, and limited air magic. The hope was our children might possess multiple magical affinities. Such a thing is most desirable for an elf and fairy for that matter.” Duchess Lightheart replied.

Duke Watson spoke up. “The only success was my daughter, Lady Emma Watson. Her mother is, was, their sister. Pregnancy is hard on elves, it weakened her. She died not long after when Dark Elf assassins came and tried to kill my Emma. She sacrificed herself to save our daughter. Emma has been tested and she does possess the affinities. However, that same event that cost me my wife had damaged her magic channels. It prevents her from fully accessing her magic.”

“You see our niece may not be able to use magic but that does not mean the bloodline is not strong.” The Queen stated.

“What about you and the king?” Deathwalker asked.

The Queen sighed and her sister put her hand on the Queen’s arm. “We had a son, but he died during that same assassination attempt. Any further attempts at having more children have failed. Our proposal is you consider either my sister, as they never had a chance to conceive a child, or my niece. There will be other suitors, but we ask you to consider this.”

‘There it is!’ Deathwalker thought.

“I approve of you marrying both of us. I know my niece will one day rule this kingdom with whomever she marries. However, I have strengthened our military in my late husband’s absence and can provide far more tangibles.” Duchess Lightheart replied.

“If their father went through so much to merge our bloodline, imagine his attitude with your ancient royal bloodline.” Duke Watson chimed in again.

Deathwalker sighed. “I knew I would have to marry for political reasons, but I am not ready just yet. Please understand that is not a no but rather give me time.”

“Wise and thought out, yet politically shrewd. I approve.” Duchess Lightheart commented.

“I propose a counteroffer. My understanding is you are planning a festival of sorts for your duchy.” Duke Watson said.

“Yes, Sebastian and I came up with the idea to commemorate the forming of our duchy and completing the portal network. We would do a week-long festival that culminated in a series of hunts and challenges. It will also serve to reduce the monster population in the forest and give people a way to rally together. I am most looking forward to the hunt.” Deathwalker explained.

Duke Watson nodded. Then I propose Lady Watson be escorted by her aunt Duchess Lightheart to the festival. They remain as guests in your home for at least the length of the festival, preferably longer.”

Duchess Lightheart smiled. “If you allow some of my advisors and the completion of a portal in my primary city of Hargrave, I can coordinate my duchy from Timberfall indefinitely.”

Seeing Deathwalker’s look she added, “Do not worry. I would not impose for so long.”

“My brother-in-law’s idea is wise. This will give you and them time to get to know each other and determine if marriage is welcomed. Is the compromise acceptable to you, Deathwalker?” the Queen asked.

‘I knew this would be only a matter of time. The fact that it is not a complete agreement to the marriage is a start.’ Deathwalker thought before he spoke up.

“I agree to host them at my estate and spend time getting to know both. I am sure others will be making the overtures known so I must leave room open for those as well.”

“Diplomatic. I approve.” Duchess Lightheart commented.

The Queen looked to Duke Watson who nodded his head. “Then it is agreed. Expect news from myself or my father on the boon we shall give you. I am sure my sister and brother-in-law can coordinate directly with you on their boons.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

With that the Queen rose from the table as did the Duchess and Duke. Taking that as his cue to leave, Deathwalker paid his respects and left the parlor with the servant waiting at the door. Duke Watson joined him as he had a few more things he wanted to say.

Duke Watson turned to the servant. “I know the way. I can escort my peer out.”

The servant bowed and made a quick exit.

“I wanted to thank you again for what you did for my daughter and my men. I know this whole thrusting marriage on you can sour your mood. I know I wasn’t happy about marrying someone I did not know, but my wife made me the happiest man in the kingdom. She gave me a wonderful daughter that is kind and brilliant herself...” Duke Watson stopped himself.

Looking at Deathwalker’s face which showed no emotions, the duke realized he was getting off course. “My apologies. I was starting to get into my life’s story, and I love my daughter so much, it can be hard not to boast about her. That is not why I wanted this moment. Our kingdom has a problem when it comes to assassins, as you saw a few days ago and the story of my late wife. I am convinced the attack on my daughter you thwarted was an orchestrated attack to make it look like simple bandits.”

“I could see that. It was an odd mix. The bandits were well equipped and yet their clothing looked intentionally dirty.” Deathwalker commented.

“Exactly. I am telling you this for multiple reasons. One, be careful who you trust. Two, with you, the duchess, and my daughter all together in one place will make you all a prime target for attack. So, please stay alert and keep my daughter safe.” Duke Watson explained.

“I appreciate the warning. Someone should really look at taking these assassins out.” Deathwalker replied.

“Believe me, we have tried. I am convinced we have traitors among us. As for my boon, I will have Emma deliver it when she arrives.” Duke Watson said as he stuck out his hand. “One last thing, good luck, you will need it.”

With that, the two dukes shook hands before Deathwalker left the estate.

————

Once the two dukes left, the Queen and her sister sat back down. “Are you sure about involving father?” Duchess Lightheart asked.

“Yes. Why would I not be?” The Queen replied.

“It is not father I am concerned about. You know there are many Winter fairies in our home kingdom, and the fey are not known for not getting involved in our affairs.” Duchess Lightheart explained.

“I am counting on it.” The Queen answered.

“What?!” Duchess Lightheart asked in surprise.

“You must have felt it as much as I have sister. Such a bloodline is old, beyond ancient yes, but there is more to that man. Magic radiates off him, more than any elf I know or have heard of. To the fey, he will be impossible to ignore once they learn of him, especially Winter herself.” The Queen explained.

“You are hoping Queen Mab or one from her court takes an interest, but why when you know my designs on him?” Duchess Lightheart asked.

“You know better than anyone war is coming to our kingdom. These assassination attempts were designed to destabilize our kingdom and our allies prior to war. Whomever is pulling these strings behind the scenes might back off some if the Winter Court sticks their noses into our kingdom’s affairs.” The Queen clarified.

“You play a dangerous game sister. The Winter Court is not one to bend to the whims of others. You may be inviting more ruin in time.” Duchess Lightheart stated.

———

As Deathwalker exited the estate he was greeted by Sebastian and Marius. Sebastian was the first to speak up. “How did it go?”

“As well as we expected. Duchess Lightheart will be escorting her niece Lady Emma Watson to Timberfall. There they will stay as my guests for the festival we have planned in a few weeks.” Deathwalker answered.

“That seems risky.” Marius commented.

“Yes, I imagine Geeves will have an aneurysm.” Deathwalker replied.

“What is an aneurysm? I have never heard of that word.” Marius asked.

Deathwalker winced as he realized he had used a medical term from his world that they would not know. “Hmmm. To put it simply, it damages the brain. As a healer one must understand the brain.”

“You will need extra security. I can arrange for some of my men to supplement. It would be expected as you are my Duke.” Sebastian stated.

“Speaking about that. What can you tell me of the other lords now under our duchy?” Deathwalker inquired.

“Lord Simium is a good man. Older in years. He has a few children, a son and daughter that seem rather competent. I expect the man to step down soon due to failing health. Their territory specialized in grain exports as they have many lush fields. Having the extra food supply in the duchy will help during those colder winter months.”

“That will help as food production can be an issue at times.” Marius commented.

Sebastian nodded. “Now as to Lord Longshot. He used to be a royal court magician. The man is the best marksman in the kingdom, arguably the continent. He is loyal to the crown and was rewarded with his position for distinguished service during one of our last wars. He comes from a respected noble family. I knew his father, good man. Having him in the duchy will be an even greater boon. His territory has some animal exports, but they also have a few mines. His territory is modest, but Lord Longshot has accomplished much with it in the short time he has had it. I can tell you; he will be most excited to compete in the hunt and the archery tournament.”

“Good start. My understanding is we should have one or two more landed noble lords under our duchy at some point. What do I need to know about the counts and barons?” Deathwalker said.

“Nothing at the moment. As your home territory does not yet possess any, it falls to your lords to introduce you to those under their authority and report their accomplishments. We can cover that later when you assemble your lords after your trip. Speaking about that, when do you leave, and more importantly, when are you finishing my portal? He, he, he.” Sebastian chuckled.

Deathwalker laughed in return. He appreciated Sebastian’s directness. “Ha, ha, ha, ha! Do not worry my friend, yours is one of the first as long as you have procured all the materials.”

“Yes, Saul was very thorough. I have set aside a rather large warehouse that is easily defended and accessible by the main road in my city. Saul told me he worked with his brother to get the laborers and craftsmen sent over. It should take a few more days, a week at most. My understanding is you are needed for the final part of the construction.” Sebastian replied.

“To answer your earlier question, I will be leaving today after I handle a few things. As to your implied question, though it is risky, for security reasons I must be the one that does the final work. I do have one other that could do it on my behalf but that will take some coordination, so for now I am doing the work.” Deathwalker answered.

“Fair enough my friend. I just do not like the idea of you traveling alone in disguise across the kingdom. It is too dangerous, even for one as capable as you.” Sebastian commented.

“Thank you for saying as much Lord Dormeir! I have been urging my liege to at least select an elite bodyguard unit to defend him. I cannot see to his safety when I do not know where he is.” Marius complained.

“Don’t you two start ganging up on me again. We have been over this. As much as we don’t like it, this must be done for the good of our duchy and this kingdom.” Deathwalker held up his hand to forestall their protests. “Now as for an elite bodyguard unit, I have an idea for whom I want and will be recruiting them personally. Do not worry Marius. I will give you the chance to test their skills. That way you can be satisfied with their capabilities.”

Marius nodded in agreement.

“We will make a diplomat out of you yet Deathwalker. I’m telling you; your Charisma must be through the roof for you to have convinced our friend here to let that go so easily. Ha, ha, ha.” Sebastian teased.

They arrived at what would now be known as the capital portal building. Saul and his brother Malcom were there to greet the men.

“My liege, it is good to see you. As it is good to see Lord Dormeir and General Marius.” Saul greeted.

“Yes. I have much to report, your grace.” Malcom stated.

Saul spoke up. “We have refreshments and other delights inside, your grace.”

“How are my men doing?” Lord Dormeir asked.

“All have been well cared for under our watch, my lord.” Saul replied.

Deathwalker leaned in towards Malcom. “Is he always this much of a ‘salesman’?”

“You have no idea, my liege. There is a reason he is stationed here in the capital and not me.” Malcom replied.

The group entered the room that was turned into a lush waiting area for future travelers, and, as Saul called them, paying customers. Jeffrey or Jeffy as Deathwalker liked to call him approached the group when he saw his lord.

“Sire! You have returned! You really should take a guard detachment with you.”

Jeffy had the hardest time hiding his contempt for Deathwalker. The minor noble struggled with the fact that this adventurer was now his duke. It went against everything he believed, but he could not say anything as his lord was rather fond of the man.

“I am fine Jeffrey. I was with friends in the best guarded city in the kingdom. Besides you forget these two men have already proven themselves in combat against high level assassins.” Lord Dormeir admonished.

Not wanting to deal with the weasel of a man, Deathwalker decided to leave his friend and address other matters. “If you’ll excuse me, my friend. I have business to attend to. Whenever you and your people are ready then depart back to your lands. I will be there as soon as I am able.”

Deathwalker clasped wrists with Sebastian before departing for Saul’s office.

“See you soon, my friend. Be safe on your journey.” Sebastian said before pulling Deathwalker in for a hug.

The two men had started off allies and quickly became good friends. Sebastian was impressed by Deathwalker’s fighting prowess and his ingenuity. He was glad to have such a man as his duke.

Malcom and Deathwalker arrived in Saul’s private office. As Deathwalker took a seat, he asked his head trader what he wanted to know. “Where are we at in construction progress at each site?”

Malcom pulled out his communications book. “Hargrave is ready now.”

“That is the capital for Duchess Lightheart’s duchy, correct?”

“Yes, my liege.” Malcom replied.

“Deathwalker. How many times do I have to tell you when we are alone to drop all the title stuff.”

“You are a duke now... I-I will try.” Malcom replied after a few moments of silence.

“What is the status of the other sites?” Deathwalker asked.

“Midway should be ready in a few days. Dalton about four or five days after that.” Malcom answered.

“What about the new sites we planned in our duchy?” Deathwalker inquired.

“Lord Longshot was most helpful when he heard of the invention. His city of Lorinda already had most of what we needed. The construction there will be done in a day and a half at most.” Malcom reported.

“What of the other two?”

“Jeffrey...” Malcom began to reply but Deathwalker cut him off. “Jeffy. No one is allowed to call him Jeffrey. I had a friend named Jeff, he was a great guy, and I also knew a guy named Jeffy, that was a total pompous jerk. That guy is most assuredly a Jeffy.”

Malcom nodded. “Very well, Jeffy has been quite difficult to work with when it came to procuring what we needed. I think he seems to have a problem with my humble background, but worry not, I am a professional. My brother is not the only one who can suck up to pompous nobles.”

Malcom’s face turned white as he realized what he had just told his duke. “I-I mean...”

Deathwalker raised his hand. “Please think nothing of it. I happen to agree with you. So how far behind are we at the city of Malvinas?”

After taking a moment to collect himself, Malcom continued. “Thanks to Lord Dormeir and Captain Saunders, we are only two days delayed. The construction crew should be done around the time the Midway station will be ready.”

“I do like Sebastian, good man.” Deathwalker commented.

Nodding in agreement, Malcom shared his thoughts. “Yes, he does seem to be rather fond of you Deathwalker. He is also far easier to deal with than some of the other nobles. Which leads me to the city of Simium, yes very unoriginal but it has been in their family since its founding.”

Deathwalker waved him to continue. “It has been a bit more difficult to coordinate with the Simium family. It took us the last few days to speak with all three of them. Luckily, they were in the capital meeting with Duke Watson. They do not fully understand the purpose of the building but made it clear they did not need to understand, only do what their new Duke requires of them. A large warehouse building has been secured, along with some dedicated craftsmen. With that said, they will be one of the last portal stations to be constructed. I would predict about a week and a day before the Timberfall festival begins.”

“And what about ensuring we have enough protection for each station?” Deathwalker asked.

Appreciating his liege’s unwavering focus, Malcom replied. “General Marius is sending one to two squads to each new location. Luckily, he already has men in Hargrave, Midway, and Dalton. There is still some concern about someone taking control of one of the portal stations, but General Marius and I have seen to that.”

“How so?”

“Both his men and the clerks we have hired have all taken multiple magically binding oaths, including, but not limited to, the death oath.” Malcom explained.

“Harsh but sounds effective. I also have another security measure. I have arranged for a master portal guardian that will have final control on all traffic through the portals.” Deathwalker replied.

“When... how did you have time to...” Malcom started to say but Deathwalker cut him off. “She has been involved since the beginning. Our gate in Timberfall connects to an additional location. That location will remain secret and only known to me and my personal guard when the time comes. When it is time, it will be a great boon for our people. Can you leave it at that for now Malcom?”

“Of course, my liege. I have drawn up a map that will integrate with your map and update it with all the portal station site locations.”

“Excellent! Let’s get that done so I can head out and make my way to Hargrave.” Deathwalker said as he took his Master Explorer’s map from his bag of holding.