Chapter 22 – Advisory Council
“So why are we waiting here, master?” Draconis asked.
“You get used to it. There is always some boring thing we are waiting around for. It’s why I keep one eye on my surroundings and the other on the Mindscape.” Garry chimed in.
“Hmmm, I should be able to do that too, that is if master does mind?” Draconis had a pleading tone towards the end.
Deathwalker waved the question off. “That’s fine. I will also give you two the options to return to the manor.”
“We can wait here, boss.” Garry answered.
“Your apprentice and familiar have a low tolerance for politics.” Elder Martha commented.
“Like their master.” Lady Emma teased.
Deathwalker put his hand to his chest and put on a mocked look of shock. “Why Lady Emma, are you making a joke at my expense?”
“Yes, yes, I am. He, he, he, he.” Lady Emma giggled.
“Ah to be young again.” Elder Martha said.
“Oh please, I have seen you casting a Slip spell to make Betterman fall on his backside.” Deathwalker retorted.
“Oh, Elder Martha you have to teach me that spell!” Lady Emma laughed.
“And to think the two of you will be leading this kingdom one day.” Elder Martha smiled as she shook her head.
The mention of the kingdom’s desire to see them wed squashed their playful moods. “You had to be a buzzkill, didn’t you?” Deathwalker replied.
“I do not know what that is, but you both are about to receive Lords Longshot, Dormeir, and Simium. Longshot and Dormeir will not care for proper decorum, but I know Simium will. He prides himself on being one of the oldest noble families in the kingdom.”
“Do not remind me Elder. His daughter can be so droll at balls.” Lady Emma complained.
“Hmmm, I didn’t get that from her, though I did not get much time with the Dame.” Deathwalker winked at Lady Emma.
“Oh really? Elder, I really do require you to show me that Slip spell.” Lady Emma smiled.
“Ugh, it is like dealing with two children.”
“You are one of the only ones we can be ourselves around.” Lady Emma replied.
“Fine, but they really could arrive at any moment.” Elder Martha sighed.
As if on cue the portal flashed and Lord Dormeir appeared with Saunders, Jeffy, and a contingent of knights. Seeing Deathwalker, Sebastian clasped wrists with the man. “It is good to see you again my friend!”
“And you Sebastian. You know your peer and host Elder Martha.”
“Madam, it is an honor to see you again.” Sebastian clasped wrists with Elder Martha.
“And of course you know the Crown Princess Lady Emma.” Deathwalker continued.
“My lady!” This time Sebastian went to one knee and bowed his head, all his entourage joined him in the greeting.
“Rise, honorable Lord Dormeir. It is I who should be bowing before the man that helped fight off Shadow Assassins to protect my family and the royal court.” Lady said as she bowed her head to him as a sign of respect.
“You honor me greatly Lady Emma. It is Deathwalker that deserves most of the praise for that day!” Sebastian patted his friend on the shoulder.
Before they could continue their conversation, the portal flashed again and Lord Longshot was there with a few soldiers, all equipped with a bow.
“Lord Longshot, welcome to Timberfall.” Deathwalker greeted.
Lord Longshot looked back to the portal before turning back and replying. “Such a marvel, your grace. It is good to see you.”
“Good to see you as well. You remember Lord Dormeir.” Deathwalker introduced.
The two men clasped wrists. “As one warrior greets another. It is good to see you again Sebastian.”
“It is good to see you as well Anthony.” Sebastian replied.
“And of course your host, Elder Martha.” Deathwalker continued the introductions.
Longshot gave Elder Martha a bow at the waist to show how much he respected her battle prowess. “It is an honor to be in the presence of such a decorated warrior and tactician!”
“It is good to see you again Lord Longshot. You remember Lady Emma.” Elder Martha bowed her head in greeting.
Like Sebastian, Anthony and his men bowed their heads as they dropped to one knee. “Your majesty, this humble servant greets you!”
“Please rise, Lord Longshot. Duke Dragonvein tells me you plan to enter into the archery competition.”
Lord Longshot and his men got to their feet. “Yes, your majesty. I must maintain my reputation as the greatest archer in the kingdom.” He then turned to his Duke. “Are we waiting on Simium?”
“Yes.”
“Figures. That pompous man loves to make an entrance.” Longshot complained.
“There is plenty of room at the estate and the connected barracks. If you would like to get settled in.” Deathwalker offered.
“I would rather wait, but Saunders and Jeffrey can get my knights settled in.” Sebastian replied.
“Sire, you should not be left unguarded.” Jeffy protested.
Saunders grabbed the aide by the back of Jeffrey’s garment and lifted him off the ground. “Lord Dormeir is completely safe in the presence of the ‘Hero’. Stop being difficult and let us get our men settled in.” Turning to Deathwalker, “Duke Dragonvein it is an honor to be in your city once again. If you are ever willing to share your story of how you defeated an Adult Dragon, I would love to hear it.”
Deathwalker nodded in acknowledgement as Captain Saunders, still holding Jeffrey off the ground, led the knights to the barracks.
“Awe, I’m so going to miss Jeffy, not.” Deathwalker commented.
Sebastian gave a pained expression. He knew his liege did not care for his attaché, but he could not just dismiss him without proper cause. This caused him to hesitate on what to say, giving Lord Longshot the chance to direct his men to accompany Captain Saunders. “Follow the captain as he is clearly familiar with the city.”
After his men left Lord Longshot turned to his liege and ask his question. “I saw the notification saying the details were not to be shared, but can you not give some kind of hint at how you accomplished such a legendary feat?”
“Boss is so awesome he made him feel tiny in comparison, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!” Garry laughed.
“Your familiar is quite correct master.” Draconis commented.
“Ah you two are paying attention now. Sebastian, you remember my familiar Garry. Lord Longshot this is my familiar Garry, he is a Shadow Gazer. I ask that you understand his race is prone to violence and inappropriate behavior.”
“Not a worry, your grace. We have a few Rangers and Beast Tamers that have animal companions, allowances must be made. It is a pleasure to meet you honorable Garry.”
“He, he! I like this guy, he gets it. Sometimes allowances have to be made as some of us prefer to solve our problems more directly.” Garry stated.
“And let me introduce you both to my apprentice Draconis. His has joined my personal guard and like Garry is blunt and prefers more direct ways of solving problems.” Deathwalker introduced.
“It is an honor to meet you Draconis.” Lord Longshot greeted.
Sebastian gave his own greeting. “Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you Draconis. Perhaps we could spar later.”
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“It is nice to meet you both.” Draconis replied before turning to Lord Dormeir. “I would welcome a chance to spar.”
“Excellent!” The noble answered eagerly.
The portal flashed again and Lord Simium, his son, daughter, and a contingent of guards appeared.
“We welcome Lord Simium and his entourage to Timberfall.” Elder Martha said.
“Elder Martha it is an honor.” Lord Simium bowed his head.
Seeing Lady Emma, Lord Simium and his entire entourage got down on one knee and bowed their heads. “Crown Princess Lady Emma, it is a privilege to be in your presence.”
“Rise, Lord Simium. It is good to see you looking healthier than the last time I saw you.” Lady Emma replied.
“Yes, it is thanks to the amazing healing gift of my liege.” Simium replied.
Deathwalker stepped forward to better show himself. Lords Dormeir and Longshot did the same.
“Ah, your grace. I did not see you. It is my greatest honor to see you again. I know my children and I are excited to attend this inaugural festival.”
“It is good to see you too Lord Simium. You remember Lords Dormeir and Longshot.” Deathwalker greeted.
“Ah yes. It is good to see fellow high nobles.”
Sebastian nodded his head in greeting.
Lord Longshot couldn’t help but give the man a little dig. “What took you so long ya old coot? I thought our liege healed you. What is you excuse for making all of us wait for you?”
Lord Simium’s son was about to speak up and tell the Lord off when Simium shook his head. “Ever to the heart of things, like an arrow. It is good to see you too, Anthony. My apologies if I made anyone wait, it took us some time to make arrangements before we could leave the city for an extended time.”
Elder Martha decided to step in. “As we are all well aware of, we can understand the minor delay. Let us show you to your rooms and give you a little time to get all settled in. Our liege has asked us to meet with him prior to the festival opening ceremony.”
The group of nobles nodded and followed Elder Martha out of the portal hub’s receiving room. This left Deathwalker, Lady Emma, Garry, and Draconis alone with the portal guards. Lady Emma spoke up. “She does a rather impressive job knowing when to push and prod.”
Garry opened his mouth to say something, but Deathwalker cut him off. “Don’t say it.”
“But boss, she left herself wide open for it.” Garry groaned.
“Left myself open for what?” Lady Emma asked in confusion.
“It is a saying from where I’m from. If the statement sounds suggestive in nature, you say ‘that’s what she said’. It’s a joke and my familiar loves to use it. He still doesn’t under you do not say such things in front of a lady.” Deathwalker explained.
“Oh. Your familiar is an odd one, but you seem to surround yourself with unique yet powerful characters.” Lady Emma commented.
“Yes, my master does.” Draconis chimed in.
Deathwalker chuckled. “Ha! That is one way of putting it. I enjoy the diversity of thought that comes from different perspectives. Those I surround myself with bring different ways of thinking and solving problems. Those most loyal and closest to me I know will follow my lead yet give me wise counsel. Even Garry’s murderhobo ways have their place. I am a monster Lady Emma, but one with values and rules that help me know when to unleash what is inside.”
“I do not see a monster when I look at you Deathwalker. I see a man who genuinely cares for his people.” Lady Emma countered.
“It is because I care that I am willing to be a monster when needed.” Deathwalker said before sticking out his elbow. “Now however is not one of those times to unleash the monster...”
“That’s what she said. Did I get that right?” Lady Emma said as she hooked her arm in his.
Deathwalker smiled. “Well done. I appreciate an intelligent woman with a good sense of humor.”
Lady Emma blushed slightly as she smiled back at him.
Deathwalker started to guide her back to the manor. “Come let’s see if Simium and Longshot get into it.”
“It may not look like it, but they are friends, or at the very least Simium respects Longshot’s skills. His son though... he might make an ass of himself if young man is not careful.” Lady Emma commented.
“He, he, he, he! I like her boss, she’s funny” Garry said as he and Draconis moved to follow behind them.
—————
Geeves led the nobles into the assembly hall. General Marius, Guildmaster Darrius, and Commander Willis were already present discussing logistics with Deathwalker, Elder Martha, Trader Malcom, Betterman, and Paul. After Lords Dormeir, Longshot, and Simium took their seats, Elder Martha spoke up.
“That is enough gentlemen. We can discuss the rest of these items later.”
“Let me welcome you all to the first Timberfall Duchy Council meeting.” Deathwalker said.
The nobles had confused looks on their faces. Seeing this Deathwalker continued. “My understanding is the rest of the kingdom is governed by the noble in charge and they may decide to collectively get together with their subordinates to discuss matters of importance, but non-nobles are rarely included in such discussions. I plan to run things a bit differently in our duchy.”
“Different how, Deathwalker?” Sebastian asked.
Lord Simium seemed displeased that Lord Dormeir was being so formal with their liege. He was about to speak up when Deathwalker answered the question.
“First, thank you for not being so formal here my friend. I appreciate it. It is important that everyone here feels they can speak their minds freely. I do not want any of you to remain silent or not speak up out of concern for decorum.”
Deathwalker looked at Lord Simium directly. “I know you may not be comfortable with such things Lord Simium, but I ask that you try while here in these council chambers.”
“I will do my best to do as you command, your grace.” Lord Simium bowed his head.
“That is all I ask. Now, to answer Sebastian’s question. Those you see in this room make up most of what I am calling the Advisory Council.” Deathwalker said before he began introducing those in the room.
“There are a few members from the Timberfall city council that may join us later. For now, Betterman is representing those businesses. Paul and Malcom are my Trade and Transportation ministers, they are here to coordinate our trade and transportation needs across the duchy. If you have your own trade ministers, I encourage them to work through them. You cannot have a thriving territory without a prosperous economy.”
The three visiting nobles gave a slight head nod in acknowledgement of Betterman, Paul, and Malcom.
Deathwalker continued. “We must protect our citizens and our borders if we hope to have the time to grow and sustain our economy. With that in mind, General Marius shall lead all military matters in our duchy, please have your territory and house guards establish contact and magical means of communication. Commander Willis is primarily focused on Timberfall city’s guards and patrols but I have asked him to establish a special forces unit that will be responsible for handling internal security matters.”
“Special forces unit?” Lord Simium asked.
“Yes. As you were informed Simium, I was attacked leaving your city manor.”
“What?!” Lord Dormeir exclaimed.
“How could you let such a thing happen?!” Lord Longshot stared daggers at his peer.
Deathwalker raised his hand. “It is fine. My Savage Squad wiped the floor with the would-be-assassins.”
“Were they like what we faced in the capital?” Sebastian asked.
“No. They were not as high-leveled or as skilled. However, they were similarly equipped which makes me think they are related.” Deathwalker explained.
“Your grace, I was beside myself when I heard of what happened. I ordered an investigation, but it turned up very little.” Lord Simium apologized.
“My beastmen have heighten senses that can aid in such investigations.” Commander Willis chimed in.
“Beastmen?” Lord Simium inquired.
“That is right Simium. The entire unit is made up of beast-kin. They are fierce warriors, and their enhanced senses will make them invaluable in both investigations and counter espionage. I have asked Commander Willis to send his unit to Simium city to do their own investigation. See to it that your people provide them everything they require.” Deathwalker ordered.
Lord Simium bowed his head. “Of course, your grace. I shall send word right away!”
Deathwalker acknowledged the response before he waved in the direction of Guildmaster Darrius. “Lastly, I have partnered with the Adventurers’ guild. They have shared quest boards at each portal station and get discounts on traveling for guild business. We do not leverage adventurers enough as a kingdom, and I encourage all of you to consider outsourcing some of your needs to the guild. It should help give adventurers more opportunities to level and be less expensive than sending your own forces to address everything.”
“Wise plan, but to be expected from a former adventurer.” Sebastian smiled.
“My family has long since supported the use of adventurers. In fact, our city has one of the highest populations of adventurers.” Lord Simium commented.
“We are all well aware of that old man.” Lord Longshot dismissed the comment.
“There are other things we can address later, as I have plans related to education and farming, but that can wait for now. A word of caution, I have uncovered some information which implies that war is coming to the kingdom.” Deathwalker said as he raised his hand to forestall any questions. “I will not get into any of that at this time, I share this more as a warning. Be mindful and keep your eyes and ears open.”
Everyone in the room nodded their heads.
“Good. I would like to speak with Lord Simium separately in regard to these investigations. Elder Martha would you please give the others a tour of the city. You should be proud of the rapid development and growth.”
Elder Martha rose from her seat and bowed to Deathwalker. “It would be my honor to show everyone what has been going on in our city.”
After everyone left the hall, only Deathwalker, Lord Simium, and Commander Willis remained. “Go ahead Commander, share what you have learned.”
Lord Simium looked surprised. “You mean your men have already been conducting their investigation? Why did you keep this from me until now, your grace? Have I offended you in some way?!”
Deathwalker sighed. “It is not you Simium, but rather your son.”
————
“I cannot believe it, my son?! No, there has to be a mistake.” Lord Simium said in denial.
Commander Willis just finished his report outlining everything his beastmen investigators discovered. Deathwalker had to give it to Commander Willis and his men, they were thorough. The fact that the men had started calling themselves the Timberfall Hunter Squad irked the Duke a bit, but he let it go.
“Believe it Simium. I heard something similar from my would-be-attackers. Your son owes some dangerous people. What is worse is the fact that your son colluded with them to poison you.” Deathwalker shared his thoughts.
“My-my own son conspired to kill me, I just...”
“He wanted to be Simium’s city lord. From what Commander Willis’ men uncovered, it appears this unknown shadow faction wanted someone they could control in power.” Deathwalker explained.
Lord Simium just sat in silence for several moments, clearly distraught. The man finally rose his head and asked the question he feared the answer to. “What of my daughter? Is she in cahoots with these vile people?”
“We cannot be for certain, but what evidence we did find seems to suggest she has no clue what her brother was up to.” Commander Willis answered.
“She always was a daddy’s girl.” Lord Simium commented. He sighed as though resigning himself for the inevitable. “What is it you require of me, your grace?”
“Commander Willis and his men will arrest Knight Simium. This will be done quietly. I am lending him the use of my personal bodyguards to guarantee such outcome.”
“You do this to protect my family’s honor. Once again, you take kindness on me, your grace.” Lord Simium bowed his head to his duke.
Deathwalker waved away the comment. “Think nothing of it. As I was saying, Knight Simium will be held accountable for his actions, but to do that we require answers. Your son will be held at a secret location while we extract the information we require.”
“If you would indulge your humble servant, I would like the chance to speak with him after his arrest.”
Deathwalker nodded. “That can be arranged. Lady Emma has already offered to go shopping with Dame Simium today while Elder Martha is showing everyone around. I would ask that you speak with your daughter when they return.”
“As your command, your grace.” Lord Simium bowed again.
Turning to Commander Willis, Deathwalker gave the order. “Do it. I want done before the opening ceremony.”
“As you command, my alpha!” Commander Willis proclaimed.