Chapter 12 - Adventurers

Lilandra expressed her concern. “Let me remain by your side. It is clear you are still recovering from that Twist of Fate, Master.”

“I appreciate your concern, my little genie. Do not worry yourself over me. I am already feeling better.” Deathwalker replied as he winced when attempting to tap into his Infinite Well of Time Magic.

“Then what was that?!”

“It was nothing. The connection to the Infinite Well of Time Magic is still healing. Pain is to be expected.” Deathwalker said as he tried to put a false smile on his face.

Lilandra and the cat girls all shook their heads. They all tried to guide him back to his lounge chair. Deathwalker stood up, planning to go for a walk and stretch his legs. His pain came when he tried to tap into the Infinite Well to use Time Magic as a test.

“You heard Morrigan, you should not be using that at all!” Lilandra said in protest.

“I was just testing the connection.” Deathwalker commented when he recalled a term his first disciple had said. “Wait, you said Twist of Fate as if it was something specific. What is it?”

“Only if you will sit and rest, Master.” Lilandra said as she and the three cat girls all guided him back in his lounge chair.

Deathwalker decided not to fight his disciples. He could rest the remainder of the evening. “Okay, I’m sitting, now explain.”

Lilandra smiled and then sat in his lap.

“Hey, I wanted to do that!” Frrsha complained.

“Next time.” Lilandra replied to Frrsha before turning her attention back to Deathwalker to answer his question.

“What Morrigan described is called a Twist of Fate. Time and Fate are intrinsically tied together. To use one draws on the other. Until your soul can be healed, using Time magic is dangerous for you.”

“Because of my Fate?”

“Your Fate is divided, shattered or split if you will. When you use Time magic it makes your Fate shatter further. Then there is your unique Soul Forge skill.”

“What about my Soul Forge skill?”

“The original Parcae are powerful in the nature of Fate and Destiny, but... that pales in comparison to how your skill can completely change the momentum of one’s destiny. When you use it you are altering someone’s path and giving them a choice. You see Free Will or choice is part of Creation itself.”

“It is? You know we are going to have a longer conversation about the oaths of creation.” Deathwalker commented.

Lilandra nodded. “In time, my Master. Back to my explanation. When you used your Soul Forge skill on Mrrsha and Prrsha you are tapping into the very nature of your Path, but with your Fate shattered it made your use of the Infinite Well of Time Magic weaken the hold the geas has on you and frankly what was keeping you together.”

“And when I met Morrigan...” Deathwalker said, letting Lilandra finish what he was starting to realize.

“Exactly, the encounter with Morrigan’s presence was enough to trigger the truth of your situation. Once you knew the truth, I was able to see to the extent of the damage to your soul. I am sorry, Master, I knew you had something wrong but the severity of it was well hidden from my eyes.”

“Think nothing of it, Lilandra. I am more upset with certain angels at the moment. Uriel and I are going to have a long talk, but that will have to come much later.” Deathwalker replied, weariness clear in his voice.

“Do not blame Uriel. I believe the full extent of what was done was kept from him as well. If you did not have such a high amount of relationship points with him, I might doubt that, but Uriel is honorable and a protector of Free Will. It would be against his nature to side with anything that went against one’s Free Will.” Lilandra explained.

“Well, that does help me feel better about the situation, not fully, but enough for me to have a civil conversation when the time comes. Now I think I will take you all up on your suggestion of rest.” Deathwalker said as he picked up Lilandra like she weighed nothing and headed towards his bedroom.

“Oooo!” Lilandra commented.

“Alpha, you are injured!” Frrsha protested.

“My magic is hurt but I have far more strength than is needed to lift up a tiny thing like Lilandra.” Deathwalker stated.

“Awe you know just what to say to a woman! Are you going to ravage me, master?” Lilandra teased.

Deathwalker immediately dropped Lilandra. “Silly genie!”

Rather than fall to the floor, she simply floated in the air until her feet slowly touched the floor. “No fun, Master. I merely was trying to lighten the mood.” Lilandra smiled.

Ignoring his flirtatious disciple, he turned his attention to his bodyguards. “Mrrsha, please inform Geeves and the others that I will be retiring for the evening to rest. In the morning, I wish to visit the Adventurers’ guild and check in with Darrius. Please see if General Marius wants to accompany me to visit with his brother.”

“As you command, alpha.” Mrrsha said before exiting the suite.

“Frrsha.”

“Yes, alpha?”

“I want you to find Grimhold, Mara, and Cal to see if they would be open to having the three of you join our adventuring party.” Deathwalker stated.

“Why me, alpha? Mrrsha is a far better negotiator.” Frrsha asked in confusion.

“She is, but your pheromone abilities should help you sense their stance. Plus, if I send Prrsha, she will most likely claw Mara.” Deathwalker explained.

Prrsha just smiled with a wicked grin and nod.

“Fine. Though, I would not mind a few strikes with my claws.” Frrsha replied.

A quick disapproving look from Deathwalker changed Frrsha’s demeanor. “I will convince them we are your bodyguards and would be a great asset to the party.”

“Thank you. Now Lilandra.” Deathwalker started as he shifted his attention. “Please return to the Hidden Realm. We are not yet ready to explain things and your presence would raise too many questions. I will return once I feel I can summon Garry back.”

“Do you have to summon that odd floating ball?” Prrsha asked.

“Yes, I do. He is my familiar and bore the brunt of that Twist of Fate. Plus, I promised the little ball of crazy that he could enjoy the upcoming festival.” Deathwalker answered.

“Having an honorable alpha who sticks to what he says can be frustrating at times.” Prrsha grumbled.

“I will do as you ask, but I caution you to take it easy over the next several days.” Lilandra sighed in worry.

“Do not worry. When this festival is over, and my connection to the Well heals enough, we will begin tracking down the fragments of Chronos’ power.” Deathwalker said in all sincerity.

He was just as worried as they were. Deathwalker had a literal countdown clock to his death if he could not find those fragments. It was the only way to stave off permadeath until he could find the missing parts of himself. To do anything else would court the final death and he had zero interest in that outcome.

Prrsha and Lilandra helped Deathwalker into his bed, before stepping outside the room. Lilandra erected a sound barrier. She wanted a chance to talk with Prrsha in private.

Sensing the magic take shape, Prrsha spoke up. “What did you do?”

“I just surrounded us in a soundproof barrier.”

“Why?” Prrsha asked.

“I have watched you Prrsha. Mrrsha is the most diplomatic and will do whatever Deathwalker asks. Frrsha is too emotional and would never disobey her alpha.” Lilandra began to explain.

“I will not betray our alpha!” Prrsha said in indignation.

“Nor would I allow you to live if that was the case. No, I need someone fierce who will do what is necessary to protect our master. He is so focused on helping others he may ignore his survival. With his renewed focus on finding his friend, that may become even more problematic. We may need to help find these fragments and bring them to our master.” Lilandra further explained.

“That I am more than happy to do. I will cut down anyone who tries to stop us from healing our alpha!” Prrsha vowed.

Lilandra smiled. “Good. Then I will reach out to you once I have something.”

She vanished in a flash, reappearing in the Portal Room. Not wasting a second, Lilandra took off towards Queen Orantes’ hive. As she floated down to the Krythid queen, the drones changed paths to give the two queens a chance to chat without interruption.

“Lilandra! I always enjoy your visits. Any news of our master?” Queen Orantes inquired.

“Sadly, I do...” Lilandra replied as she began to explain what had transpired.

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The krythid queen’s face fell further and further as she listened to the terrible news. She had just found a new purpose for her and her brood, but now that was all in jeopardy. This was something the queen could not accept.

“There must be something we can do!”

Lilandra nodded. “There is. We must find the other two parts of Chronos’ power. That will prevent our master’s death until he can search the Omniverse to find the missing parts of himself.”

“Then we must act without delay!” Queen Orantes exclaimed.

“That is why I am here. Our master is focused on this festival that will formally acknowledge and solidify his power in the Kingdom of Nord. After, he will most likely demand to search for his friend. We should be able to delay that journey but only so much. I will begin looking for the fragments of Chronos’ power. When I find them, can I count on you and your brood to help in their retrieval?”

“Of course! Anything for our master! I will begin growing warriors, scouts, and casters!” Queen Orantes replied.

“That will be most helpful. I have recruited Prrsha to help in the hunt as well. Will your brood follow her commands when the time comes?” Lilandra asked.

“It will not be a problem. I have already programmed my brood to follow our master and any of his disciples.” Queen Orantes answered.

——————————-

Deathwalker woke up the next day closer to mid-morning. It was clear to him that he needed the rest. When he exited his bedroom, he found food on his private table. Mrrsha, Prrsha, and Frrsha were already waiting for him.

“Good morning you three.”

“Good morning, Alpha.” The three cat girls said in unison.

“Were you waiting for me to wake up before you ate?” Deathwalker asked.

“It is not right for us to eat before our alpha.” Frrsha replied.

“Nonsense! I appreciate the sentiment, but all of you must keep up your strength. If I am resting and you are hungry, eat something. Understood?”

“Yes, Alpha.” The three cat girls said in unison again.

Admonishment over, they all sat down and dug into the food. Everyone seemed ravenous. It did not take very long before the table was clear of every scrap of food.

“Mom used to always comment I needed to slow down my eating, but just don’t think she understood how hungry I was, it appears I found kindred spirits, ha, ha, ha, ha.” Deathwalker chuckled.

“You do not talk much of your family.” Mrrsha commented.

“I think part of that was the stupid geas, but some of it could just be me avoiding the pain of being without my family. One day I will find my buddy and then I will figure out a way home. Guess, it is just easier to not talk about it and focus on the tasks at hand.” Deathwalker reflected.

“Would you take us with you?” Frrsha asked.

All three puma girls seemed very interested in his answer.

“Hmmm, there are no cat girls on my homeworld, but sure why not. Though we will have to find a way to hide your features, so you blend in. Perhaps Illusion Magic would work.” Deathwalker stated.

“You heard him sisters, no take backs!” Frrsha commented.

Deathwalker laughed. “Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! Thank you, Frrsha. I needed that. And I agree, no take backs. Now, let’s finish eating as I have plenty to accomplish today.”

“What part of take it easy do you not understand Alpha?” Mrrsha asked.

“Do not mother me woman.” Deathwalker snapped back before sighing. “Sorry, Mrrsha. I know you are just concerned for my well-being, but I must be me and do what I feel I have to. Do not worry though, like last night, I will ask for help. I know I cannot do everything by myself, nor do I want to.”

Mrrsha nodded and dropped the matter.

Deep down Deathwalker knew he was surrounded by people who genuinely cared for him. He would not penalize them for expressing their concerns. His frustration at finding such a blaring weakness bothered him.

‘Hmmm, perhaps I just thought I was beyond such things now that I am a dragon. Guess there is more to this than I thought. Here I thought spending all that time learning different magics and skills would help me be prepared for any situation... except my own failings. You cannot plan for everything, but so what! I will turn this into something good too, I don’t know how yet, but I will!’ Deathwalker thought.

“He is staring off into space again sisters.” Prrsha commented.

That seemed to snap him out of his musings. “Huh? What?”

“You get a look when you see distracted and deep in thought. It is quite endearing.” Mrrsha replied.

The three cat girls giggled. “He, he, he, he!”

Deathwalker smiled at the girls’ antics. They rushed to let him mope, and he appreciated that. “Okay, okay, got it. Focus on the here and now. Enough teasing let’s get the day started. I want to stop off at the Adventurers’ guild. Oh, that reminds me, what was Grimhold’s answer?”

“Ah, yes. I found all three of them together. All agreed without issue. I sensed Mara had some objection, but she never voiced it.” Mrrsha replied.

“Excellent! Then let’s get you registered.” Deathwalker said as he rose from his chair.

——————-

“Hey Alyce! I’m surprised to see you here in the guildhall. I figured you would be at your grandfather’s shoppe.” Deathwalker said as he saw Alyce behind the desk.

“Mom and Darrius have me help with processing paperwork here at the guild. It helps me practice my reading and writing skills and I get to spend time helping my mom. In fact, I was the one that processed your paperwork to become an A ranked adventurer.” Alyce answered.

“Hmmm. That’s good to know. You’re pretty busy, aren’t ya?” Deathwalker replied.

“Mom and grandfather keep me pretty busy.” Alyce answered.

“I’ve met your mom and grandfather, but you make no mention of your father.” Deathwalker inquired.

“My father died in a monster incursion.” Alyce said somberly.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Deathwalker replied.

“It was several years ago. That is when mom came to work at the Adventurers’ guild. She wanted to help those that avenged my father’s death. Darrius was the one who killed the beast and saved mom and me from the same fate as my pa.” Alyce explained.

“Sounds like Darrius. He’s a good man from what I’ve seen. Funny your grandfather never mentioned anything to me.” Deathwalker commented.

“That sounds like grandfather. He acts like pa is still here. I think it was hardest on him. I was so young; I only remember so much of him.” Alyce stated.

“It’s hard to outlive a child, something about it is so unnatural.” Deathwalker said more to himself than anyone. Turning his attention back and patted Alyce on the hand. “Thank you for sharing, Alyce. If you ever need anything you let any of my people know and they will do what they can.”

Alyce blushed. Noticing the color of Alyce’s cheeks, Deathwalker pulled his hand away. “Sorry about that. You just reminded me of my own child when she was your age.”

“You have children? You look too young for a child older than me.” Alyce asked in surprise, her previous embarrassment forgotten.

“I’m a lot older than I look. Is Darrius in?” Deathwalker said in an attempt to change the subject. He had lost himself in a memory from his past life and forgot for the briefest of moments where he was.

‘Not good. I cannot believe I slipped up like that. I must be careful not to reveal too much about my past. Man, maybe that geas was doing even more to keep me focused on the here and now than I realized.’ Deathwalker thought in concern.

“Sure. He should be in his office. I doubt he would mind if you went in to see him.” Alyce replied, obvious to Deathwalker’s musings, far to infatuated with the man.

Alyce was brought out of her own thoughts by a low growl from behind Deathwalker. For the first time she noticed three female cat beastkin. “Oh, I am sorry. I did not know you were with Deathwalker. Please forgive my rudeness.”

“It is not your lack of awareness that concerns us.” Prrsha stated.

“How old are you cub?” Mrrsha asked.

Puzzled, Alyce replied, “I am fourteen. I will be an adult this winter.”

‘They consider fifteen an adult?! I forget when the mortality rate can be so high they start life so young. I think it was the same in our medieval and harsher areas. Doesn’t matter, no way I could see Alyce as anything other than like my daughter.’ Deathwalker thought.

“She is but a cub.” Prrsha commented.

“Ladies, leave Alyce be. I consider her and her family friends. I also expect you to honor my promise to help her and her family should they need assistance. Am I understood?” Deathwalker stated.

“Yes, alpha.” The three girls said in unison.

Deathwalker dismissed the whole conversation and headed to Darrius’ office. Frrsha held back just a moment. “We could smell your attraction to him. You are young so it is expected you cannot control yourself, and we understand alpha is amazing. But you have much growing up to do before we could accept you as pack.”

Alyce wasn’t sure if she should be upset, or embarrassed, or both. ‘They could smell my interest in him. Can beastkin do that?’

“Do not worry cub. We will honor his request. If you have need of us, we will come to your aid. Just make sure you wait several years before you try anything beyond asking for help.” Frrsha smiled as she turned to catch up with the others.

“Those beastkin are intense, but they do seem helpful.” Alyce commented, deciding to ignore her awkward emotions and focus on the offer of help.

———-

“Deathwalker! How is my favorite city lord and Duke?!” Darrius greeted.

“Do you know any other city lords or dukes for that matter?” Deathwalker replied as they clasped their wrists together in greeting.

“Well... no, but that just makes it easier for you to be my favorite!” Darrius answered chuckling.

“Fair point. Let me introduce you to my bodyguards. This is Mrrsha, Prrsha, and... ah there is Frrsha. Everyone, this is Darrius, the Timberfall Adventurers’ guildmaster.” Deathwalker introduced as Frrsha entered the room.

“Nice to meet all of you.” Darrius said before turning to Deathwalker. “Glad to see you finally have an honor guard.”

“Yes. Everyone was quite insistent.” Deathwalker replied.

“Now, what can I do for ya Deathwalker? I doubt you just came here to introduce your guards.” Darrius asked.

“Indeed, my friend. I came for a few reasons. First, I wanted to get them registered with the guild and added to our adventuring party’s roster.” Deathwalker answered.

“Oh! That makes sense. If they are going to be by your side, they might as well get paid for it, ha, ha, ha.” Darrius chuckled.

“Exactly.”

“That should be easy enough. We will have to test them beforehand, but I’d be willing to have them start as Rank A and add them to your party. That is if... they can beat me in a fight.” Darrius said.

“He must be joking alpha.” Prrsha commented.

“No little lady! I am quite serious. I cannot give special treatment, even for my Duke. The autonomy and fairness of the guild must be maintained.” Darrius replied, dropping his former mirth.

Deathwalker raised his hand to forestall any further debate. “That is fine Darrius. I wouldn’t want it any other way. Before we get to that however, I wanted to know how the shared quest boards were working at our portal stations.”

Darrius finally turned his head to look at Deathwalker, his early mirth returning. “Oh, that! I have got to tell you, that idea has already paid dividends! I have seen more adventurers arrive in town both to help with quests and to move to the hub of the network. I have also seen several leave and return, able to now help other parts of the kingdom without the expensive cost of time and coin to travel just to complete a quest. The discount you have offered guild members, especially higher ranked ones has helped increase what the guild can do.”

“That is great news. I am glad our shared idea is helping so much. I’m curious, any lucrative quests on the board at the moment? After the girls get tested, it would be good for us to get a quest or two in before the festival.” Deathwalker said.

“There are a few, but the one with the biggest reward is the one that is a kingdom wide quest. And that is far too risky. My brother would be rather upset with me if you took that one on, but I am sure you already know that.” Darrius replied.

“What kingdom wide quest?” Deathwalker asked in confusion.

“How do you not know?” Darrius asked, equally confused.

“I have been out of touch with the goings on in the kingdom. I’ve been too busy finishing the portal network... and recuperating.” Deathwalker answered.

“Ah yes. I heard a rumor you collapsed from exhaustion from all your running around.” Darrius said.

‘Good the rumor is I was just tired, best to keep it that way. I’m impressed Marius kept that from his brother.’ Deathwalker thought.

Mrrsha replied telepathically. “Marius seems to be rather loyal, my alpha. We had discussed this with Geeves and Elder Martha to help keep things quiet.”

“Good thinking.” Deathwalker replied mentally before turning his focus back to Darrius.

“Well seeing how you have been busy then let me tell you what has the entire kingdom in a tizzy. There have been dragon sightings recently. The king issued a quest to find and resolve the situation with the dragon.” Darrius stated.

“Resolve? You mean kill?” Deathwalker asked in concern. It went against every fiber in his being to kill a dragon.

“No, not necessarily. Based on the sightings it appears this is an adult dragon. There are not many in the kingdom that can kill an adult dragon, even then they would have to get lucky or be very prepared. No, the king is hoping we can entreat it and convince it to leave our lands. Whomever can resolve the issue will be paid quite handsomely and get a few boons from the royal family.” Darrius explained.

“That makes more sense. Though I’m not sure what good the boons would be. I just got saddled with more responsibility.” Deathwalker commented.

Darrius chuckled. “Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. No good deed goes unpunished. There is talk from several adventurers that asking for Lady Emma’s hand in marriage is not off the table. Imagine that, slay a dragon and become the future king of the kingdom! Would that not be hilarious, ha, ha, ha!”

Deathwalker felt a cold chill run down his spine, like those words were somehow prophetic. ‘Just great. I’m gonna get stuck with this somehow. I just know it.’

“What is wrong, alpha?” Frrsha asked telepathically.

“Deathwalker, are ye feeling okay. You look a bit pale.” Darrius commented.

Deathwalker spoke out loud to answer both. “I’m fine. I appreciate the information. Let’s move to get the girls registered and tested.”