Chapter 18 - DRACONIS!!!

The Savage Squad walked back into Timberfall, able to circumvent the line of people either fleeing the lands of the Proletariat or arriving for the upcoming festival.

“You have returned Duke Dragonvein!” Sergeant Chen exclaimed when he saw the high noble bypass the line.

“That’s the Duke? He doesn’t look like much.” Carn commented under his breath.

Sadly, Carn was not quite quiet enough. Draconis immediately acted. Lightning-fast, he was in front of Carn, his hand around his throat and squeezing.

“You dare disrespect my master and your liege!”

“Oooo! Oooo! Squeeze his neck harder buddy! Let’s see if you can literally make his head pop off! Oh yea, let’s definitely try that! I’ve never seen someone’s head pop, let’s see how far you can get it to fly!”

“With pleasure!” Draconis growled out.

“We’re going to see his head pop off! Te-hee! We’re going to see his head pop off! Te-hee! Te-hee!” Garry cheered as the guard’s face turned from red to purple.

“That is enough Draconis. Release him.” Deathwalker ordered.

The dragon in humanoid form did as commanded and instantly released the man and wiped his hand on his coat. “Such filth.”

“Awe! Just when things were getting interesting!” Garry groaned.

Carn dropped to the ground as he gasped and coughed for air. “Cough.

Sergeant Chen was right beside him. “P-please forgive my subordinate’s rude behavior sire.”

Draconis knelt and stared daggers at the guard still gasping for air. “If I ever hear you disrespect my master again, I’ll make sure he’s not around to stop me next time.” The tall, well-dressed, redheaded man stood up and reassumed his position behind Duke Dragonvein.

With a flash of light Deathwalker cast a minor healing spell on the man to help the guard’s recovery. “Hopefully that will help your subordinate, Sergeant.”

“Thank you, your grace.” Sergeant Chen bowed.

Annoyed by the confrontation, but refusing to reprimand Draconis for what could be seen as dealing with a matter of disrespect, Deathwalker just walked past and headed for his manor.

Once the Duke and his guards left the area, Belinda rushed to her brother. “Are you okay brother?!“

Sergeant Chen spoke up before Carn could reply. “That was foolish! You risked much all to express a minor insult. You must be more cautious if you want to survive this assignment.”

“U-understood.” Carn wheezed out.

“Who was that with him? His aura gave off a clear power. I could barely track how fast he moved.” Belinda said.

“I do not know. I have never seen him before. The fact that he called the duke ‘master’ adds another wrinkle into our plans. It is clear the high noble is only a healer, so he will not be a problem, but this new player... we must find a way to take him out or distract him long enough for it not to matter.” Sergeant Chen whispered.

———-

“Master, why did you not want me to kill that worthless trash? He insulted you!” Draconis inquired.

“They are merely words, my apprentice. Where I come from, we had sage wisdom we lived by, a mantra if you will. ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Deathwalker replied.

“Sticks cannot break my bones, heck the stones would have to be massive.” Draconis commented.

“That’s what she said! He, he, he, he!” Garry retorted.

Deathwalker just shook his head. “No, I agree our bones are stronger than such things. The point was to let insults fall off you. They are meaningless. What does some random soldier know of what we are capable of? Besides, people must be free to speak their mind, even if, no, especially if it is something you may not like. We only grow stronger that way. I want those under my command to feel free to speak their minds. Sure, he did it in an inappropriate way, but I’m sure he sees me as many do, some stuck up noble.”

“Are you upset with me master?”

“Not at all. I appreciate you sticking up for me and taking swift action. Just remember that many do not think as we do, give them time. Focus on their actions and not their words.” Deathwalker answered.

“That is good you are not upset with Draconis as I wanted to rip that loud mouth’s throat out.” Prrsha commented.

“So glad I wasn’t the only one.” Garry chimed in.

“Heck, I wanted to smack the idiot but that doesn’t serve me in the long run. Come, we should check in and see if our guests have arrived.”

————-

“Your grace, you have returned! Oh, thank the Light!” Geeves practically swelled with relief.

“Has it been that bad?” Deathwalker asked.

“No, your grace. It is just I am not accustomed to hosting foreign royalty and so many high nobles.”

“Do you need us to kill somebody?” Garry asked.

“Ah, I see you have returned with your familiar, sire. No Sir Garry, that will not be necessary. In fact, please do not do that.” Geeves quickly replied.

“Remember, we talked about this Garry. Killing guests is bad. You only kill them if they try to kill you first.” Deathwalker chimed in.

Geeves greeted the others. “It is good to see Ms. Mrrsha, Prrsha, and Frrsha... and it appears you have a new associate.”

“Yes. This is Draconis, my new apprentice. He is not familiar with kingdom protocols so please make allowances Geeves.”

“Of course, your grace. It would be my honor to help instruct Mr. Draconis in our traditions.” Geeves bowed.

“If master requires it, I will do so." Draconis replied.

Deathwalker clapped his hands together to draw attention away from how uncomfortable his apprentice appeared. “Excellent! Why don’t you lead us to our new guests Geeves.”

“Right this way, your grace.” Geeves said as he guided them from the back room into the dining hall where their guests were having a meal.

King Alfheim had brought with him one of his chefs. With Mezza on the journey with Grimhold to entreaty with the dwarves, Deathwalker was without her amazing cooking. The elven king offered his chef as a thank you to their host while Deathwalker’s cook was on a special assignment. Luckily, the elves were not vegetarian, he wasn’t sure he could stomach the lack of meat. His body had come to crave meat, so vegetarian dishes were not an option for him.

The people sitting at the dining table all rose to their feet when Deathwalker and his retinue entered the room.

“Do not get up on my account.” Deathwalker waved them down.

“Nonsense. I for one have looked forward to this meeting Duke Dragonvein.” King Alfheim said as he made his way to Deathwalker.

The men clasped wrists. “Thank you for opening your home to us.”

Seeing Elder Martha present and approaching Deathwalker. “It is also Elder Martha’s home too, at least until her mansion is built. I was glad she could receive you in my absence.”

“Ah yes, she and your seneschal Geeves have been most gracious hosts.” King Alfheim said as they released each other’s arms.

Elder Martha used that opportunity to lean in close to Deathwalker. “You owe me so big for this.”

“I thought appointing you over the city would be enough payment.” Deathwalker whispered.

“Fair point. Fine, you are building me a mansion too.” Elder Martha teased.

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“Let me introduce you to my retinue. This is Advisor Mona, Advisor Nero, and General Mineheir. You already know my daughter Duchess Lightheart and my granddaughter Lady Emma.” King Alfheim moved his hand to each person.

Advisor Mona stared at Deathwalker, so intensely, he felt a bit violated. He decided to introduce his own retinue. “This is Mrrsha, Prrsha, Frrsha, and my apprentice Draconis.”

“That’s an awfully interesting name, Draconis.” General Mineheir scrutinized the red-haired man.

“Hey what about me boss?!” Garry commented.

“Ah yes, this is my Shadow Gazer familiar Garry. If you are not already aware, Shadow Gazers tend to be very aggressive and prone to violence. Please keep that in mind as he talks.” Deathwalker explained.

“Yea we mostly ignore him.” Mrrsha chimed in.

“Hey!” Garry protested.

“He is good in a fight though.” Deathwalker spoke up for his familiar.

“Awe, thanks boss!”

“That is why you have a pet or familiar is it not, for battle!” General Mineheir had a tear in his eye. “That is why I raised my favorite horse, to ride into battle...sniff... now they are gone...”

“Ahhh, not this again! Give it up man! The horse is gone!” Advisor Nero said in exasperation.

The Savage Squad looked at the two men in confusion. Seeing their confused looks, King Alfheim added context. “My escort convoy was attacked by an Adult Red Dragon. Before it flew off, it snatched up General Mineheir’s prized horse.”

“Like a thief!” General Mineheir exclaimed.

“Errrr.” Draconis started to let out a low growl at the general’s comment.

General Mineheir approached Draconis and put his hand on the man’s shoulder. “Yes, the thought makes me growl too!”

Draconis was appalled at this elf daring to put his hand on him. He was about to reach up and forcibly remove the offending appendage, both from his shoulder and the elf’s body. As he raised his hand, Deathwalker placed his own hand on Draconis’ other shoulder.

“We are sorry for your loss General. Aren’t we apprentice?” Deathwalker squeezed as he said the last few words.

Getting the hint, Draconis dropped his arm and put a smile on his face. “I am sure General Mineheir that such a prized horse was a very tasty meal for said dragon.”

“Draconis!” Mrrsha chided.

The elven general looked more confused than angry.

“I merely mean that I am sure the dragon appreciated the honor of eating such a prized animal.” Draconis tried to clarify.

General Mineheir dropped his hand from his shoulder, but Deathwalker kept his firmly affixed. There was a light in the elf’s eyes.

“You are right about that Draconis. I appreciate that perspective.” General Mineheir replied before his voice took on a dangerous tone. “But if I ever meet that dragon again, I will bury my blade right where the sun does not shine!”

“Ha! He sounds like Garry.” Prrsha commented.

Mrrsha sensing the rising tension decided to help change the subject. “Perhaps the general would like to spar later, help release some of that frustration. I am sure Garry would enjoy it and would welcome the chance to do so as well.”

“I’m always up for a fight.” Garry gave a wicked grin.

“Less creepy Garry.” Deathwalker said to his familiar before turning to the cat girl. “Though I think that is a great suggestion Mrrsha. How about it General? Would you be up to demonstrating some of your skills? It appears some of my bodyguards would welcome the chance to spar with your esteemed self.”

General Mineheir smiled. “Ah yes! That would be fun. I appreciate the offer, Duke Dragonvein. Perhaps I do need to work off some of this hurt I feel.”

“Hey that’s my motto, work out your frustration by beating the crap out of something.” Garry chimed in.

General Mineheir stroked his chin with his thumb and forefinger in giving the Shadow Gazer’s words some thought. “You know, I rather like that motto Mr. Garry. Pretty good motto indeed. Come, let us go out back and get ready to spar.”

Garry turned to Deathwalker with an eager look in his eyes. “I like this guy, he appreciates me! Can I go have fun flinging him around?”

“Fine. Limit your telekinesis use. Got it?”

Garry did a weird bob in the air to signify he understood before he and the elven general left the room. Prrsha and Mrrsha followed right behind the two. Advisor Mona’s interest seemed to have peaked. “If you will excuse me your majesty. I wish to see the magic the duke’s Shadow Gazer uses.”

After she left, King Alfheim spoke up as he watched her go. “Hmmm. I have never seen her so interested. Perhaps as old as the fey woman has been alive it is a bit of a novelty to see something new.” Turning to Deathwalker, “If you are open to it Deathwalker, there are some matters I would like to speak to you alone about.”

“Father! I do not approve!” Duchess Lightheart immediately protested.

“Yes, I agree with auntie! We are representatives of the Kingdom of Nord. We should be present in any diplomatic discussions.” Lady Emma chimed in.

As they were near him, King Alfheim patted their hands gently. “It is my prerogative to talk to my host without others present. I assure you two I will not make any demands of the Kingdom of Nord or conduct any kingdom level diplomatic negotiations without you both present. Now would you please humor this old man?”

Both women nodded in defeat.

Elder Martha stepped in. “If the Crown Princess and Duchess would like to take a tour of the gardens and see the rest of the grounds, I would be happy to show you around.”

“That would be most appreciated honored elder.” Duchess Lightheart and Lady Emma both replied.

“Geeves, would you take Advisor Nero to the parlor so he may relax.” Deathwalker instructed.

“As you command your grace. If you would follow me Advisor Nero.” Geeves waved in the direction of the door.

Advisor Nero took one final look at his king. Receiving a head nod, the man let Geeves guide him out of the room.

“Frrsha, go check on your sisters. Draconis, go with her. Remember the general is our guest.” Deathwalker said the last part while staring at Draconis.

The message was clear, restrain yourself and do not cause permanent harm or break any guest rights. Draconis visibly gulped at the intensity of his master’s glare before quickly exiting the room.

Frrsha just gave Deathwalker one last look before she too left.

Taking a seat by King Alfheim, Deathwalker waited for the elven man to start the conversation.

“I find myself conflicted on where to start, but perhaps it is best to start where I am most concerned... You healed my granddaughter, allowing her to be eligible to be my successor. This could unite our two kingdoms, that is, if my people accept her.”

“They would not? Is that because she is half human?” Deathwalker inquired.

“That is part of it, but not the primary. She is an unknown entity to my people. Sadly, this is my own fault as I could not formally acknowledge her without her having access to magic.”

“I hope you do not mind me asking why that is.” Deathwalker asked.

“Like dragons, our kind are a part of magic. To be without it or weak in it would be the equivalent of denying who and what we are. Elves live long lives and have strong ties to the winter fey of our origin. As such to choose a successor out of love and not power, they would see it as a slap to our fey allies and our origin. Emotion is not our strong suit, at least not in public. General Mineheir has a rare summer fey origin, which is why he is more emotional than some of my other kind.” King Alfheim explained.

“Why is that so rare?” Deathwalker inquired.

“Simple. The summer fey are not as common in this realm, more of winter settled in the north and in this realm after the great cosmic war when they were kicked out of Avalon. Most of the summer fey in this world are more south from here in warmer climates. My friend Mineheir’s family migrated to be with other elves, and he has proven himself with his battle prowess. And that brings me back to the point, whomever I did choose to lead must exemplify magic itself. Queen Mab will accept nothing less.” King Alfheim explained.

“Does she have that much sway in your kingdom?”

“Of course. Crossing the Winter Queen is a fool’s errand. Her power is absolute in the north and as you can see with Advisor Mona, she has eyes and ears everywhere. But it is not as bad as it might sound. Our nation has been rather sheltered from much of the turmoil within the more human nations in the south.” King Alfheim answered.

“Interesting.”

“Now, my granddaughter has said you are open to teaching her how to master her different types of magic, is that true? And more importantly, what are your intentions with her and my daughter?” King Alfheim pressed.

Deathwalker rubbed the back of his neck. “That is a loaded question. Your two daughters have made it clear that they expect me to bind myself in marriage to this kingdom. Beyond that, I am more interested in helping the people in general and it is clear my obligations are many.”

“Why is it my daughters and my son in law are so adamant about you marrying into the family? They would not exactly say, which tells me an agreement was reached. And I know of only one thing that would drive them to do so, royal blood.” King Alfheim hypothesized.

“Yes, I do have royal blood. To answer your other question. I am very willing to help Lady Emma grow her magic capabilities. I am very fond of your family from the interactions I have had. I find them most honorable with a strong sense of duty and commitment to their people.” Deathwalker answered.

“You are most kind Duke Dragonvein.”

“Please call me Deathwalker.”

“Very well, Deathwalker. With that important family and state business addressed for now, let us shift to another question.”

“What would you like to know.” Deathwalker asked.

“What would it take for you to build me one of those portal stations? It would dramatically change our trade options and more importantly I could see my daughters and granddaughter far more often.” King Alfheim inquired.

“I can have Trader Malcom provide your people with a list of materials to acquire. He can also arrange for some of my men to journey to your capital to build it. Sadly, I must go to the location to do the final touches and connect it to the network. However, that will also allow me to configure the security and controls for your use. I am quite surprised you would be so trusting to have such a thing built in your country.” Deathwalker answered.

“That is simple, my daughters are excellent judges of character, and you did get system acknowledgement as a hero after you resolved the dragon issue. By the way, expect Mineheir to inquire what he can. As you saw, he was very upset to lose his favorite horse. He would rather enjoy hearing of any suffering inflicted.” King Alfheim replied.

Deathwalker chuckled. “He, he, he, he, he. Yea, it was very clear he loved that horse.”

“You have no idea.” King Alfheim said in exasperation.

“Yikes. Well, is there any other matters you wish to discuss?”

King Alfheim smiled. “You risked and revealed much healing my granddaughter and teaching her those spells.”

Deathwalker raised an eyebrow. “How so?”

“Simple. It revealed you are a Master of a Place of Power, one that is over multiple magic types. Your level is too low to be a master mage, so the only possibility is owning a Place of Power with at least four different magic types.” King Alfheim smiled.

Deathwalker realized his mistake. His Hide in Plain Sight showed his level much lower than it actually was. This is the same thing that led Lady Emma to the same conclusion. It was dangerous knowledge to have out there but they did not know the details and that was what was most important.

“You are correct, but I will say no more than that.”

King Alfheim nodded. “That is understandable. I only bring it up as a fellow owner of a place of power, Emma will hopefully inherit.”

“I’ll help her as best I can. There is something you can do for me though.” Deathwalker replied.

“Oh, what is that?” King Alfheim asked.

“I sent my friend and party member Grimhold and my cook Mezza to your lands. If you could see them safely pass through your nation, I would appreciate it.”

“Oh really? I would be more than happy to send word. Will you share why are they traveling through my lands?” King inquired.

Deathwalker nodded. “Grimhold and Mezza are dwarves. I sent them to negotiate on my behalf with the Dwarven king to open trade and hopefully more in the future.”

King Alfheim’s eyebrows rose. “The dwarves tend to keep to themselves. They trade with my nation as the main exit from their mountain kingdom enters my lands. I doubt an agreement will be reached, but I can see your people safely there.”

“Thank you, King Alfheim. If that is all you wished to discuss, would you like to go see how the sparing is going?” Deathwalker replied.

“That sounds quite entertaining.” King Alfheim said more under his breath, “It has to be if it caught Advisor Mona’s attention.”