Chapter 14 - House Guests

“Good morning, your grace. It is good to see as well, Ms. Mrrsha, Prrsha, and Frrsha.” Geeves greeted.

Mrrsha acknowledged the seneschal first. “Hello Geeves.”

Prrsha and Frrsha just nodded as their way of greeting, clearly showing they were not morning people.

“Good morning, Geeves. How are you doing this fine day?” Deathwalker asked.

“I am well, your grace. You caused quite a stir yesterday. The whole city is a buzz about what happened.” Geeves answered.

“Oh really? What are you referring to?” Deathwalker feigned ignorance.

“Surely you jest sire. You and the other healers in Timberfall took the time to heal those in need, and not just the refugees but the locals as well. Then you had Mezza coordinate cooking a simple put nutritious meat stew that you now have her offering anyone who is working on the various projects around town.” Geeves explained.

“Yea, I hope Mezza is not too mad at me for roping her in to doing that.” Deathwalker replied.

“Not at all, your grace. So many people complimented her and the others, the gratitude was palpable. You are offering recruiting opportunities for everyone willing to work to help them get a better foundation to stand on, while we are still getting a handle on sorting everything, was a great gesture. Mezza seemed very happy to be a part of it. Defender Grimhold was even seen acting as bodyguard and her helper.” Geeves continued.

Deathwalker chuckled. “I thought I saw Grimhold in the crowd yesterday. He really is smitten with her. That and I’m sure he was eating the food too.” Turning to Geeves, “Well, I’m glad she jumped right in with no complaints. See to it Mezza gets a bonus for all her extra effort.”

“She will appreciate that, your grace. I am surprised you are not still sleeping with all the healing you did yesterday.” Geeves commented.

“Magic is my favorite aspect of life, it is a part of who I am. Healing others with it, is the greatest gifts one can have when wielding magic.” Deathwalker stated.

“Beautiful sentiment, but I would expect nothing less from our Duke.” Geeves bowed.

Deathwalker waved off the praise. “You are too kind Geeves. I appreciate you. Did a woman by the name of Valentina come by with her two children?”

“Ah, yes, sire. I got her, Sasha, and Dylan situated last night in one of the servant’s quarters. I have her working with Mary Sue on helping around the house. The children can help one of the gardeners or help run errands for the staff as needed.” Geeves answered.

“That’s good to hear. Thank you for taking care of that. I do want to make sure the children attend school to help ensure they know how to read and write. They seemed like sweet kids. They have already been through enough, so if we can help them, we should.”

Geeves smiled at his liege. He could tell how much the man genuinely cared about people, especially the children. It further made the butler feel proud to serve such a man.

“Geeves what do you know about the Proletariat?” Deathwalker asked out of nowhere.

The question caught the butler off guard. “Sire?”

“The Proletariat, what do you know of them?” Deathwalker reiterated.

Then it clicked for Geeves. The children and many others were now refugees due to the Proletariat’s expansion. He had interviewed Valentina last night to better understand her situation. What he had heard was horrible.

“I have heard things from some of the traders who came from the Proletariat nation. Many say they will not dare return to the dreary place. When I asked why, they mentioned a fear of having their goods confiscated for ‘the people’ with no compensation. A few helped smuggle people out who were trying to escape slavery.” Geeves explained.

“Slavery?!” Deathwalker asked.

“It was not called slavery, but it was pretty much the same thing. The Proletariat dictates every aspect of their people’s lives. The individual has no say in how they want to live their life, the state determines what they do.” Geeves further explained.

“Sadly, I’m not surprised. It is the inevitable outcome of any country that spouts socialist nonsense.” Deathwalker replied.

“Socialist?” Geeves inquired.

“My people dealt with a similar situation. Any country where the government took people’s hard-earned money all in the name of fairness and equality, we called socialist. It nearly destroyed us all as the elites used it to control the masses and commit horrific atrocities in the name of the good of the people. It was a very dark time in our history.” Deathwalker shared.

“Sounds awful, your grace.”

“It was until my ancestors rebelled, overthrew the elites and started solving their own problems without the government. Sorry, this is a sore subject and one my family ingrained in me to never forget the nightmare they barely survived. It appears this Proletariat is doing the same thing.” Deathwalker replied.

“Valentina shared similar stories. Her husband died trying to give them time to escape as the Proletariat conquered their homeland. She said the younger generation actually assisted the invaders, young adults she knew since they were children turned on them. She saw one stab her husband in the back.” Geeves stated.

“That is a whole other level of betrayal.” Deathwalker said.

“Truly is, sire. She lost everything to the greed of others. What you have done for her, and the children, makes me even more honored to be in your service. I do think Valentina will make a fine addition to the staff.” Geeves genuflected.

Deathwalker reached down to help the seneschal up. “Get up Geeves. I appreciate the sentiment, but I did what I felt was right. In fact, reach out to Paul and Clarisse about opening an orphanage. I imagine there are orphans among the refugees, and I want them taught critical thinking and how to think for themselves along with some trade skills.”

“You keep thinking about the people.” Geeves smiled.

“It is my choice to help others. With my success, it means little if I do not use some of that to help our people grow.” Deathwalker shared.

“Our duchy will be the envy of the continent.”

Deathwalker smiled at the thought. “Changing subjects, what do you think of Elder Martha?”

Geeves blushed. “Sire?”

‘I didn’t mean it like that. I wonder if he likes her, should I play matchmaker?’ Deathwalker thought to which he heard Lilandra say “Yes! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!”

Shaking his head he clarified. “I was asking what you thought of her as a leader. My understanding is her title of Elder is honorific.”

“Ah, yes, your grace. She received that title from the elven king. Elder Martha helped guide him in learning to wield battle magic. She also worked with the Winter Court to quell several monster attacks. She later left and became a well-known adventurer. Please keep in mind, your grace, some of what I have relayed is hearsay and rumor.” Geeves answered.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

“Interesting.” Deathwalker said as he considered how loyal she had been towards him. She reminded him of a mixture between his two grandmothers. Wise, funny, caring, and zero tolerance for nonsense.

Geeves, seeing his liege deep in thought decide to inquire why he asked him that question. “Sire, may I know the reason you asked?”

Deathwalker looked up. “Huh? Oh, yes, of course. I am considering promoting her. Now that I am a duke, I could promote someone else as the city lord. She would officially become the mayor of the city and it would allow me to focus on other matters.”

“She would be a noble already if part of the kingdom felt Queen Mab already held too much influence on the continent. Many felt with the king and two dukes marrying elven women, it was already more influence than they felt comfortable with.” Geeves shared.

“Really?”

“Oh yes, your grace. With the elven nation being seen as nothing but a puppet of the Winter Court and the elven king’s three daughters marrying our king and two of our dukes... well you can imagine the concern some may have.” Geeves explained.

“Hmmm. Not something I had considered until now, but I could see that. However, you said some of what you shared about Elder Martha may not be fact.” Deathwalker replied.

“Yes, sire, but you know rumor can sweep like wildfire.” Geeves commented.

“Fair enough. You’ve given me much to consider. Please arrange for lunch or dinner with Elder Martha.” Deathwalker ordered.

“As you command, your grace.” Geeves bowed before leaving Deathwalker’s study.

————————-

“Elder Martha, it is good to see you! Did you get much rest from yesterday’s activities?” Deathwalker greeted.

“Your grace, it is good to see you as well! As you know, I spent most of yesterday coordinating the other healers we found. There are a few that show great promise. Though I did use some of my magic, it was limited, not much rest was required.” Elder Martha replied.

Deathwalker smiled. “That is good to hear.”

“I was surprised to receive your request so soon. Of all of us who helped yesterday, none worked harder than you Deathwalker. I figured you would be sleeping until the festival started.” Elder Martha commented.

“I recover quickly, Elder. Besides, I am expecting guests soon. Little time to rest before they arrive.” Deathwalker stated.

“Yes, Lady Emma and Duchess Lightheart.” Elder Martha recalled.

“Indeed. I also received word that King Alfheim and some of his advisors will be visiting as well.” Deathwalker explained.

“King Alfheim is coming here?! How interesting.” Elder Martha commented.

“My understanding is you know the king of the elves. Is that true?” Deathwalker asked.

“High Elves and Wood Elves.” Elder Martha replied.

“What?” Deathwalker said in confusion to her response.

“He is the king of Ljósálfar. Elves in that country are primarily seen as elves of the light. The Dark Elves or Drow elves are not allowed in Ljósálfar, by punishment of death.” Elder Martha explained.

“That seems... harsh.” Deathwalker commented.

“Not really. The dark elves are known to be cunning but ruthless. They also worship a spider goddess known for treachery and working with the Dark. We elves have long memories. It is hard to forget what side the Dark Elves chose. It is one of the Winter Queen’s decrees, one the king’s family has adamantly agreed with for thousands of years.” Elder Martha clarified.

“I did not expect such emotion about killing.” Deathwalker commented.

“It is not emotion, but the cold logic of facts and paying attention to history.” Elder Martha stated.

“Those who do not understand history are doomed to repeat it.” Deathwalker said more to himself.

Elder Martha had heard him. “Wise words, your grace.”

Deathwalker looked up from his musings. “It is a saying from my home. I will not ignore your council... however, I cannot condone the persecution of a whole race of people because of something their ancestors did. Should I encounter any Dark Elves I will be cautious but will not kill them until the individual gives me cause.”

Elder Martha gave a small nod of her head. “Very well, your grace. Was King Alfheim’s visit why you called me to join you for lunch?”

“In part, but not the primary reason. Before I get to that, did you get a chance to talk to or listen to the personal stories from the refugees?” Deathwalker replied.

“Some. It sounds like the Proletariat are a bunch of monsters. Some of the children had been abused, along with several of the women.” Elder Martha sneered.

“Commander Willis told me yesterday that some of the more recent arrivals had shared stories that they overheard the Proletariat soldiers talking about how Timberfall was to blame for their suffering, because we would not share our wealth.” Deathwalker shared.

“Propaganda and lies. To be expected of immoral butchers.” Elder Martha spat.

“Oh, of that we can agree. What concerns me is Commander Willis said he knows for a fact that with how shorthanded his guard has been, he is almost certain we have spies or worse in our midst.” Deathwalker replied.

“The Commander might be a bit paranoid, wolf beastmen tend to be very protective of territory.” Elder Martha commented.

“Perhaps... but I am sure you can agree to ignore the threat of the Proletariat would be the height of foolishness.” Deathwalker stated.

Elder Martha nodded her head. “Agreed.”

Deathwalker smiled. “Good. Then we can move forward with my plans.”

“Plans, your grace?” Elder Martha asked in confusion.

“Yes. Under the guise of trade, I will be asking Grimhold and Mezza to journey to the Dwarven kingdom to make an offer.” Deathwalker began to explain.

“What kind of an offer?”

Deathwalker smile grew wider. “Under the guise of opening up trade, we will establish a tunnel to this side of the valley and a Portal Station if they are interested. The real reason is to hopefully form an alliance against the Proletariat.”

“The dwarves are rather insular. They rarely get involved in anything to do with other nations. I do not see why they would change their stance now.” Elder Martha commented.

Deathwalker laughed. He was having fun with this slow reveal. What Elder Martha did not know, in fact, no one else but himself knew was Grimhold was the nephew of the current king. He had discovered that little morsel and one other critical bit of information one night while drinking with Grimhold.

“Ha, ha, ha, ha. Because I know something others don’t. First, Grimhold has some sway with the Dwarf King. Second, I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors about the dragon sightings.”

Elder Martha’s eyes widened. “Of course! Dwarves have a racially ingrained fear and reverence for dragons. You have a plan to deal with the dragon.”

“Exactly.” Deathwalker replied.

Elder Martha’s voice took on an element of concern. “Deathwalker, dragons, especially full-grown dragons are one of the most dangerous beings in existence.”

Deathwalker smile never left his face. “Speaking about adult dragons, let me inquire about some of your knowledge.”

Curious, Elder Martha just replied, “Ask away, your grace.”

“How big do adult dragons tend to get?”

Elder Martha pondered the question. “It depends on the type of dragon. They can range from 4 to 8 meters tall when on all fours but can easily be 26 meters in length.”

“And Ancient dragons?”

Elder Martha was confused. ‘Was the dragon not an adult dragon but an ancient one?’

“Ancient dragons vary greatly in size and power depending on the type. I would say easily 60 meters. Why, do you think the dragon people have been seeing is an ancient dragon?”

Deathwalker waved off her concerns. ‘If I do the math translation, in my dragon form I am about 169 meters tall if I lay on my belly, which is over 554 feet. This dragon that has everyone in a tizzy is maybe 15 percent of my size while I’m laying down. On all fours I am well over 390 meters which translates to about 1,300 feet tall. A few slaps should straighten them out. Heck I’ll have to be careful not to squish the little guy.’

“No, I doubt it is an ancient dragon, but one cannot be too careful. I have a plan.” Deathwalker raised his hand to forestall the Elder’s protest. “Please, for now leave it be. Thank you for answering my questions. Now, let’s talk about the main reason for wanting to have lunch with you today.

Elder Martha looked even more confused. ‘What could he want to discuss?’

Geeves entered the room with several documents. Elder Martha blushed when the old butler genuinely smiled at her. She had always liked the man, the fact that he had worked for Darrien made it impossible for them to ever pursue anything beyond a friendship.

“Thank you, Geeves.” Deathwalker said as Geeves placed the paperwork in front of him.

“Of course, your grace. Is there anything else you require?”

“Yes, please remain as witness. This is new to me.” Deathwalker replied as he fed magic as he signed the documents. He had Malcom and Geeves assist him in getting the language right.

Elder Martha had a puzzled look on her face. “What is new to you?”

Deathwalker just smiled as he felt the magic contained in the document. He handed the document to Geeves. “Please read this out loud.”

To the citizens of Timberfall,

Henceforth, Elder Martha is elevated to the noble rank of Lady and named City Noble and Mayor of Timberfall city! She will retain her title of Elder and be seen formally as an advisor to the Duke of Timberfall. Rejoice as you gain a lady with the knowledge, wisdom, and power to guide Timberfall to heights of prosperity! Join me in adding this appointment to the upcoming Timberfall Festival!

By the authority as Duke Deathwalker Dragonvein ruler of the Timberfall Duchy

The document shattered into million motes of light and every sentient in Timberfall Duchy received the notification announcing Elder Martha’s appointment.

“WHAT?!!!” Elder Martha cried out.

When she dismissed the notification, Elder Martha saw Deathwalker in front of her with his hand held out. She took it in a daze. He lifted Martha to her feet and gave her a hug.

After the impromptu hug, Deathwalker held her at arm’s length. “Welcome to the peerage. Now that you are formally my advisor and the mayor of Timberfall city I expect you to work closely with my seneschal Geeves.” Turning is head to Geeves. “Is that understood Geeves? I expect you to work very closely with Elder Martha.”

Both Geeves and Elder Martha looked at each other and blushed. They both replied, “Yes, your grace.”

“Good! Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to talk with Grimhold and Mezza about their upcoming mission.” Deathwalker said before leaving the two stunned people awkwardly looking at each other.

‘He did not just do that to get Geeves and I together, did he?’