Chapter 13 - Combat Testing
“Follow me to the training yard in the back. Sadly, someone broke our Assessment Orb, which means we cannot test your magic types and capacity the traditional way. Instead, you will come at me with all you have. I can judge the attack level.” Darrius explained.
“Isn’t that risky?” Deathwalker asked.
“Do not worry about your bodyguards Deathwalker. I will be careful.” Darrius chuckled.
“That is not what I meant, at all in fact.” Deathwalker answered. He was about to express his concern for the guildmaster’s safety when Darrius spoke up.
“The enchantments here help reduce the damage dealt and should prevent any permanent harm. Though I imagine it will still hurt plenty.”
Deathwalker figured he should say something. “All three of my bodyguards are equal in power level. Could one of them fight you rather than all three? That way if one succeeds you can pass the other two.”
“You really are worried about the well-being of your bodyguards. I assure you that the enchantments here are quite strong.” Darrius pressed.
“No, I really don’t think you get my concern...” Deathwalker started but was cut off by the guildmaster.
“Fine, fine. I will fight one of them. If they do well enough, I will pass all three.”
Deathwalker turned to Prrsha. “Wipe the floor with him, but don’t kill him. He is an ally and I actually like the guy.”
“With pleasure, Alpha!” Prrsha said before activating her One With The Forest ability.
“Ho, ho! A stealth skill. Impressive one as I do not sense her aura. Let the fun begin!” Darrius said in glee as he activated several body enhancement techniques.
The guildmaster slowly turned his body, Darrius actively searching for any kind of distortion or shadow that would reveal Prrsha’s location. He slowly rotated himself, not seeing anything. His body moved on instinct, from years of battle-hardened experience. The strike grazed his shoulder, but that still cut him deep.
Blood splashed on the floor. As Darrius swung his counterattack, a mana-infused fist to the head, Prrsha just tilted her body back while smacking the guildmaster’s hand away. Then she was gone again.
The power behind the strike warped the air as it passed. Guild members noticed the distortions and started to gather to witness their leader’s skills. So more gathered as Prrsha repeated her claw attack before dodging the counter strike and vanishing again.
Rather than be upset, Darrius seemed to be having the time of his life. It was rare for him to go all out on an opponent. After the first few minutes he did not expect to have several cuts and gashes without landing a single hit on the cat girl. “That stealth skill is very effective. If you did not have it I think things would be going very differently, he, he, he, he.”
“Alright Prrsha, enough toying with him! No more use of your stealth! Go head-to-head!” Deathwalker yelled out.
Prrsha immediately made herself visible, a wicked smile on her face. “As you command, Alpha.”
“I would not be so happy. Let me show you what a level 100 S ranked adventurer can do!” Darrius said as he practically flew in the cat girl’s direction.
His punch missed and Prrsha used his momentum to flip the guildmaster, sending him crashing into the building. The big man left a sizable dent in the wall. Other than some dust and torn clothes, Darrius stepped out of the dent he made.
“Now we are talking!” The battle-crazed man said as he rushed Prrsha. Every punch and kick would miss, no match for the cat like reflexes. Her claw strikes left gashes and cuts but not as many now that she wasn’t using her stealth ability.
“Okay, let’s wrap this up. I have other matters to attend to.” Deathwalker called out.
As if on cue, Prrsha grabbed the guildmaster’s extended arm after dodging another punch. She pulled the man while flipping her body up and wrapping her legs around his neck. This time she drove his head into the ground while pulling the arm and neck tight. Darrius hit the ground headfirst and saw stars.
He lay there for a moment. With his high strength Darrius could lift the cat girl but there was not much point to it. The results were clear, she was too agile and fast for him. The cat girl was an excellent speed-based fighter.
Darrius tapped his hand on the floor a few times. Prrsha took that as his acquiesce and released him. Other than Deathwalker and Prrsha’s sisters, everyone watching was shocked. They had never seen their guildmaster beaten.
“He did not even get a real hit in!”
“I could barely track her movements!”
“Did not know someone could move that fast!”
Darrius raised his hand to silence the crowd. “Let this be a lesson to all of you to keep practicing and leveling up. Please join me in welcoming Prrsha, Mrrsha, and Frrsha to the Adventurers’ guild as rank A adventurers!”
Everyone cheered and clapped their hands. No one was stupid enough to rush in and pat the cat girl on the back and get thrown through a wall so most gave a wide respectful distance.
“I will talk to Alyce about getting the paperwork finished. Come by later today and you and your sisters can pick up your guild cards. And welcome to the guild. Our Duke is a lucky man to have such capable bodyguards and teammates!” Darrius said as he escorted his opponent back to her group.
“You fight well. I appreciated the spar.” Prrsha said as she rejoined the others.
“Well done, Prrsha.” Deathwalker commented.
The cat girl just nodded, but a hint of smile could be seen on her face.
“Well done sister!” Frrsha complimented.
“Yes, you did very well.” Mrrsha chimed in.
“You know Deathwalker, you might want to consider getting your party to pursue S rank. It is clear your bodyguards would meet the criteria and what I have heard of your capabilities I doubt there is a more powerful healer in all the kingdom. I also heard about your fight with those high-level assassins, quite impressive.” Darrius encouraged.
“I’m not sure how the others would feel about that.” Deathwalker replied.
“Why not? Grimhold should have been S rank a long time ago. He is one tough dwarf, especially now with his improved armor. Mara is one of the best archers we have, and Cal is no slouch either. The lack of healing was always what kept them back. It would do the city good to have a S ranked adventurer party based here.” Darrius continued.
“Perhaps.” Deathwalker answered noncommittally.
“Besides Elder Martha and I cannot be the only S ranked adventurers here. Though you will have to think of a good party name now.” The guildmaster commented.
“I did not realize Elder Martha was S ranked.” Deathwalker said in surprise.
“Of course, how else do you think she got such a high War Leader skill.” Darrius answered.
“With her low affinity for healing, it did not cross my mind.” Deathwalker replied.
“That is because you have never seen her use Air and Water magic. She is wicked with such things. I believe she used to live in the Elven nation and was one of their better mages, but she left long ago to come here. Elder Martha told me she could not stand all the politicking and...” Darrius seemed to hold back.
Deathwalker pressed the man. “And what my friend? Don’t keep us in suspense.”
“My understanding is the fey have a tight hold over what occurs there. It is not wise to speak about such things, especially when it comes to the Queen of Air and Darkness. She has many eyes and ears even here.” Darrius whispered.
Deathwalker was not going to mention his encounter with Mother Winter, and he gave a mental command to Mrrsha, Prrsha, and Frrsha not to say anything either. “Hmmm. Interesting. Well, I will have to keep that in mind. I appreciate the information and the words of caution.”
“Of course, any time.” Darrius replied.
“Good day to you, my friend.” Deathwalker said as he clasped wrists with the burly guildmaster.
“To you as well! And you girls come back any time. I would love a rematch!” Darrius said as they left the training area.
“I like him. He is funny.” Frrsha commented.
“A good warrior too. If I had been hit by any of those strikes, I would have been in bad shape.” Prrsha stated.
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“Yes. I am glad he is on our side.” Deathwalker chimed in.
“Alpha, what will you do about Elder Martha?” Mrrsha asked.
“You mean now that I know she is such a formidable mage?” Deathwalker replied.
“Yes.” Mrrsha answered.
“Ever the strategist focused on strengthening the pack. I like it. I have some ideas. She might make a good city lord. Elder Martha will probably hate that idea, but you know I have no intention of remaining here. I have a friend to find, and I will have to consider how best to enable this territory to thrive in my absence.” Deathwalker explained.
“Understood alpha.” Mrrsha replied.
“Now, let’s go see how the construction and restoration efforts are going in the northern district.” Deathwalker said.
——————
“Paul, how goes the construction efforts?” Deathwalker asked as he approached the man.
“Ah, your grace.” Paul replied giving a slight bow. “It goes well. Now that the portal stations are finished, we have been able to divert more resources to creating the various buildings we need here. Plus, several of the recent immigrants are skilled workers.”
“That is good to hear.” Deathwalker replied.
“Very much so. I would say we are a few days away from the clinic being opened.” Paul continued.
“Oh, that is good news. Any chance some of the immigrants are healers and doctors?” Deathwalker asked.
“Actually, yes. I have worked closely with Commander Willis. There are several herbalists, a few healers, and some alchemists. Many of those came from other parts of the kingdom, but there are a few from the refugees as well. Many of the refugees are farmers and hunters, with a few craftsmen mixed in.” Paul explained.
“Hey, you can never have enough farmers and hunters. We should look to get them integrated.” Deathwalker commented.
“We are doing our best. Many have offered to work on these construction projects. Most of the refugees did not expect us to take so many of them in. Things are still tense, but their willingness to work and help where they can, is helping. Your suggestions have also helped ease some of the locals’ concerns.” Paul continued to explain.
“I’m glad it helped.” Deathwalker replied.
“I must admit, your grace, I had not considered the security or other aspects you had shared. In truth, both Clarisse and I thought the locals were just being selfish and uncaring.” Paul sighed.
Deathwalker put his hand on the man’s shoulder. “You and Clarisse have good hearts. I admire that. We just have to temper that with logic and make sure we verify certain things. Not everyone thinks as you do. Forgetting that fact is the biggest trap people fall into. We must strive to understand and see things from multiple perspectives... yet always remain united under a common goal and set of ideals. That we cannot waiver on.”
“Well said, your grace. True words of wisdom. I will endeavor to remember them.” Paul replied.
“Now, where is Samuel? I thought he would be around here somewhere.” Deathwalker asked.
“He had to help deal with some bar fight back at his inn. Some of the locals and refugees got into it. Things are improving but I fear not fast enough.” Paul explained.
“To be expected. Talk with Commander Willis about having some extra patrols make their rounds and stopping off at the Sleepy Inn. The extra presence might help, and I need his focus on construction.” Deathwalker offered.
“As you command, your grace.” Paul bowed.
Shaking his head Deathwalker just said goodbye and walked away. Paul had become far more formal with him since his return, and he doubted the scribe would be the only one. It was something unavoidable, yet it made him appreciate Darrius’ lack of formality even more.
“Where to now, Alpha?” Prrsha asked.
“I want to visit the barracks and then we can stop off and get some food. My main goal was to watch the city streets and get a feel for how things were without being filtered through the eyes of others.” Deathwalker explained.
“You do not trust what the others have reported?” Frrsha inquired.
“Not exactly. It is more about seeing things with my own eyes.” Deathwalker replied as he studied the comings and goings of those around him.
Many seemed to give him and his bodyguards a wide birth. Deathwalker could tell which people were from the kingdom and which ones were refugees. Sometimes it was a difference in dress, but mostly it was in the way they carried themselves.
With the lack of housing currently, many were put in large tents on the outskirts of town, located in the empty space in between the city wall and the current buildings. The refugees kept their heads down and many seemed lost with vacant looks in their eyes. Far too many were malnourished and that included the children. It was seeing a little girl practically skin and bones lying in an open tent with what looked like her family. They were all in rags and the mother did not look well.
Not taking his eyes off the scene, Deathwalker issued his orders. “Mrrsha, go fetch Elder Martha. Frrsha, go tell Mezza to come here. Then grab some food and water from the market. Use the silver I gave you earlier.”
“Yes, Alpha!” Mrrsha and Frrsha said in unison before they took off in different directions.
Deathwalker approached the tent. That was when he noticed the younger boy who looked just as bad as the child’s mother. The little girl saw their approach. “Please do not hurt us. We got nothin and momma is sick.”
Kneeling down, Deathwalker spoke softly. “Do not worry child. We are here to help. What’s your name?”
“I am not supposed to talk to strangers, but you have kind eyes. My name is Sasha.” The little girl squeaked out.
Taking out a piece of jerky he handed it to the little girl. Her mouth practically started to salivate just at the sight of the food. She snatched it as quickly as her little arms would allow as she tried to shove the whole thing into her mouth.
“Careful little one. I know you are hungry, but you must eat it slow, or you could make yourself sick. You wouldn’t want to throw all that up after just getting it now, would you?” Deathwalker said softly.
The little girl replied with a mouthful of food. “Uh, no sir.” She did her best to slow down even though the hunger pains had doubled at the sight of food.
Some of the people nearby were studying what was going on. Many of them took a keen interest in the offer of food. One growl from Prrsha prevented any from approaching.
“Do you mind if I take a look at your mother and brother, Sasha? I am a healer.” Deathwalker asked.
“We cannot pay you sir. Pa died helping hold the line while we all escaped. Then mom and Dylan both got sick on the way here.” Sasha explained.
“Let me see what I can do.” Deathwalker said as he handed the girl another piece of jerky.
Touching both the little boy and mom’s foreheads, Deathwalker scanned what was wrong with them. Besides obvious malnutrition, they were suffering from a debilitating disease. The little boy, who couldn’t be more than four was in bad shape. His kidneys were failing, and he had a blockage in his intestines.
Not wanting to wait another minute, Deathwalker began casting his healing spells. Glowing golden white light radiated out of the tent, drawing even more onlookers. First Deathwalker used Cleanse Disease and Poison to remove their affliction. Then he broke down the blockage in the boy’s intestines and healed his kidneys. Finally, he sped up all three of their recoveries using Greater Restoration. As the glow faded, even the little girl’s skin looked healthier and not as sunken in.
The mom opened her eyes and blinked. Seeing some stranger looking down on her she freaked out and screamed.
“AHHH!!!”
Deathwalker put his hands up to show he was no threat and spoke in a soft tone. “Careful now. We mean you no harm. I am healer and we saw you and your family needed help.”
His soft tone seemed to defuse the woman’s initial fear. That is until Prrsha spoke up. “Do not be so ungrateful! You should bow at my alpha’s feet for the kindness he has just shown!”
“Calm down, Prrsha. You would be startled too if you woke up to some stranger hovering over you.” Deathwalker chided.
“That is true, alpha.” Prrsha begrudgingly agreed.
“M-my apologies for my rudeness earlier. My name is Valentina. Thank you for healing my family.”
Just then the little boy opened his eyes. “Momma, I am so hungry.”
Valentina absentmindedly hugged and patted her son. “I know baby. We will figure out something soon. Shush now.”
Sasha tore off a piece of the jerky she had left and handed it to her brother. “Here Dylan, chew on this, but eat it slowly.” She looked at Deathwalker, getting his nod of approval before turning back to her brother.
“Where did you get that from Sasha?” Valentina asked her daughter.
“Sorry ma’am. I hope you don’t mind but I gave it to her.” Deathwalker said before pulling out two more strips and handing Valentina and Sasha one each. “Here. Have some more.”
“Thank you, sir. I will save this for my children.” The woman replied.
“Nonsense. You cannot take care of your children if you are not well.”
Elder Martha arrived as Deathwalker was helping the woman sit up. finished, the previous light from his magic making it even easier to find them in the refugee camp. “You summoned me, your grace.”
“Your grace?” Valentina asked in confusion.
Elder Martha taking the scene in and realized Deathwalker had healed this family decided to speak up loud enough for all the onlookers to hear. “Why yes, you were just healed by Duke Deathwalker Dragonvein, ruler of the Timberfall Duchy!”
It just so happened that one of the city guard patrols arrived. They too had moved to investigate the glowing light. All four men put fists to their heart and bowed their heads upon seeing their duke.
Valentina had a look of horror on her face. She had screamed at the man and was talking so informally to him. Nobles were not known for letting such slights pass without punishment. She did her best to bow, which was awkward while trying to hold her son and being in a sitting position. “Please forgive me, your grace. I apologize for any unintended offense. Please spare my children...”
Catching Valentina before she hurt something trying to prostrate herself before Deathwalker. “Now, I will have none of that! I just healed you. Don’t worry, I am rather informal if you haven’t figured that out yet.”
“A-are you certain your grace?!” Torina asked hesitantly.
“Yes, give me a moment to sort this out.” Deathwalker said as he stood.
“It is good to see you Elder Martha. I want you to recruit some healers and herbalists. Then I want you to start prioritizing cases for healing. Some of these people are sick and we do not want disease to run rampant through Timberfall. I will offer my help healing those who need it most.”
“That is very generous of you, your grace! I shall do that at once!” Elder Martha once again spoke loud enough for all those watching to hear before she left to recruit some assistants.
‘She is doing that to help with PR, shrewd woman. I am glad she is on my side.’ Deathwalker thought before turning to the squad leader. “Sergeant, I want you specifically to find Commander Willis and make him aware of what we will be doing. Knowing the Commander, he will want to have extra men to see to my protection and assist in this coordination.
“Yes, your grace!” the Sergeant said before turning to his squad. “You men stay here and assist anyway needed. I will go find the Commander!”
Mezza arrived just as the Sergeant was leaving. “What is goin on Deathwalker? I was just about to fix ya lunch.”
“I appreciate you coming so quickly Mezza. I want you to work with some of the street vendors and other staff. Anyone who works will get fed twice a day as part of their pay. They don’t work they don’t eat, however...” Deathwalker paused for effect and to make sure everyone was paying attention. “For today, I want you to cook and feed these people some simple stew but make sure it has meat in it! I will cover the costs for this event out of my own money!”
Mezza looked at her employer like he grew an extra head. “Are ye sure about that, Sire?”
“Yes Mezza. I won’t just give out handouts without people working. Nothing in life is free but for today in celebration of the upcoming festival I want the cooks to prepare food. Recruit any help you need. I will be working with Elder Martha to heal the sick.”
“As you command, yer grace!” Mezza said before taking off to find some help.
Frrsha returned with some meat skewers. “Here is the food you wanted me to purchase, alpha.”
Deathwalker smiled. “Perfect timing, Frrsha. Give those skewers to Torina, Sasha, and Dylan.”
“Your grace?!” Valentina said in surprise as Frrsha just handed her the food without a second thought.
Deathwalker bent down to be more at eye level with the frazzled mother. “If you have any skills that you think could help a household, go to Timberfall Manor and ask to speak to my Seneschal Geeves. He will arrange employment and housing at the manor.”
Valentina thought she was done being shocked for the day, but this trumped everything. This man had healed her family, fed them, and now was offering her family work and a place to stay. This time she did manage to prostrate herself. “Oh, thank you, your grace! Thank you! I thought all hope was lost!”
“Now, now, none of that. Get up. You want to repay me, work hard and if you ever get the chance to help someone, then pay it forward. If you excuse me, it appears my day has now been spoken for.” Deathwalker said as he smiled at the woman before turning and speaking with Commander Willis who appeared to have run the whole way here.