Chapter 25 - Considerations

—DEATHWALKER’S PERSPECTIVE—

“My hunky master. I know it is late but one of the little pixies has something you will want to hear.” Lilandra told me telepathically.

I was awake. I did not sleep much, and when I did it was not for very long. I had two cat girls asleep next to me. The three matriarchs had come to an agreement amongst themselves that one to two would stand watch and one or two would get to use me as a pillow. Their excuse was they had grown accustomed to sleeping near me when I used to hunt with the pride of pumas in the forest.

Sure, they were soft and comfy, but my mind could not settle down. The previous day had been a resounding success, and I could see the joy on everyone’s faces. Even the refugees started to have a look of hope in their eyes. It was a good day. No, what had me worried was this nagging intuition that something was wrong. I mean technically the giant countdown to my permadeath falls into the category of significantly ‘something is wrong’, but it felt more than that.

For that matter, since I arrived in the Hidden Realm I haven’t paid much attention to my intuition, which is odd now that I think about it. My whole life I have had a sixth sense or strong intuition and learned to trust my gut, but now that I think about it, I have pretty much been running off of pure logic and my critical thinking skills. Maybe, yet another side effect of my soul being shattered? Far too many other things to consider now, it is not like I can do anything to change it at this time.

Never mind the fact that Garry and Draconis still have not returned for the night. Last I saw them, they were drinking with Mineheir. The elven general could drink like a dwarf from what I saw. I was concerned about mixing alcohol with a murderhobo and quick to anger dragon, but when General Mineheir had slapped Draconis one too many times on the back, the dragon punched him. I thought I might have to intervene, but the General just got up, laughed and bought them another round of drinks. Like I said, I am convinced he has some dwarf in his heritage somewhere.

They seemed to be having fun and I promised my familiar I would not interfere as long as they didn’t try to kill anyone. Sure, I heard about the three ruffians they killed, but that doesn’t count. Anyone trying to have their way with an underage girl won’t get much sympathy from me. In fact, if they hadn’t already seen to their deaths I would have.

Especially little Alyce. That little one had grown on me. Commander Willis told me how she stood up to the guard sergeant. Plus, she is always helping people, not just her grandfather and mother. Though those two talk about her so often that I feel like I adopted her as one of my own. Hmmm, maybe I just miss my children more than I thought. She did kind of look like one of my daughters.

I am naturally protective, and that will always be a part of who I am.

Eh, I am sure I would’ve heard about anything too crazy by now. Might as well get up and listen to what the little pixie has to report. I untangled myself from the two sleeping cat girls and took a seat at my desk.

The little pixie landed on my desk and did a little bow. “Oh, great and honorable one who has taken all of pixie-kind under his wing...”

I interrupted the little one. It had only been a few days, but the little fairies seemed to be rather enamored with me. I know they were not treated well before but come on! I mean I am sure a big factor is their interest in serving Lilandra, yet she swears they are more interested in serving me.

Anyone capable of having the Queen of the Djinn as their disciple was someone, they were interested in serving. Factor in the fact I treat them with honor and respect, and they have flocked to me droves. Maybe my Charisma is at play here in some way too. I do find once I overcome the initial uncertainty and am liked, that multiplies exponentially. According to Lilandra, we now have hundreds of little fairies under my employ.

“Please I appreciate the kind words, but Lilandra seemed like what you had to say was rather important.”

“Oh yes your Majesty.”

‘Majesty? That’s a new one.’ I thought as the little one continued.

“As ordered, we have been keeping an eye on all the guests.”

“You are being careful, right? I do not want any of you getting hurt just for my curiosity.” I interrupted.

The little pixie beamed. “Your concern is truly touching your highness. No, we are very careful. Our kind are rarely noticed unless we want to be.”

“That is good. Make sure the others know how I feel on this matter.” I said as I turned to my personal fairy.

“Of course, your Majesty. They already know, but it will warm their hearts to hear you continue to express concern for their well-being.”

I smiled back at my personal go-between with all the fairies, before turning to the little pixie excitedly waiting to tell me the rest of their story.

“Advisor Nero took the portal to the capital of Nord. There he met with the king and queen and informed them King Alfheim had intercepted a missive from Advisor Mona to Queen Mab...”

“That’s not good. What did the message say?” I replied.

“It spoke of King Alfheim’s intention to name Lady Emma as his heir and of her ability to use magic thanks to your amazing healing. Advisor Nero also spoke about the portal stations you have created and how you intend to end the festival with a grand hunt. Advisor Mona is convinced you are the Huntsman reborn.”

“No surprise there. That fey woman has been rather fascinated with me since she got here.” I commented.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

“Advisor Nero also said Advisor Mona also detected remnants of Winter magic.” The little fairy continued.

That brought me up short. “Some wisps of Mother Winter’s magic must still be here from that massive sleep spell she cast. Now Advisor Mona is attributing that to me, just great. That will be a challenge to explain.”

“Advisor Nero said Queen Mab would be coming here to Timberfall in roughly three weeks.”

A chill ran down my spine. “That’s not good. Mother Winter was adamant that I do not meet Mab in my current state.”

The little fairy put their hand on my finger in comfort. “Worry not, majesty. Queen Mab is not coming. Well at least not yet.”

“Say what now?” I was confused.

“King Alfheim never intercepted the missive. Advisor Nero had been spying on Advisor Mona and got wind of her intentions, but Advisor Mona has not sent the letter.” My personal fairy chimed in.

“Okay, please explain.” I instructed.

“Advisor Mona still thinks we are doing as she has asked. Most fey do not pay us much mind as you know, my liege. I may have suggested she might want to wait to see what happens with the great hunt. After all, if you cannot lead the hunt or do it poorly how can you be the Huntsman. Advisor Mona may not pay my kind much attention, but she did not become a spy for Queen Mab by being careless. She agreed to wait, but the note is written, and Advisor Nero found it.” My personal fairy explained.

“Good job buddy! He did not tell King Alfheim?”

The little pixie who followed Advisor Nero shook their head. “No, your Majesty. He used some kind of crystal and then headed to speak with the human king and his elf queen.”

“What game is he playing?” I asked out loud, more to myself than anyone but the little pixie answered me regardless.

“The king, queen, and Duke Watson have agreed they will probably have to back out of your engagement to Lady Emma. They also think anyone who stands in Mab’s way is lost. The king gave the order to withdraw his soldiers from the path from Hargrave to Timberfall. This is to be done quietly as to not raise concerns.”

“I am not surprised they would not want Lady Emma harmed, but I’m surprised they aren’t letting the people know.” I commented.

“They will announce the fact that Timberfall Duchy stands alone and offer anyone who wishes to temporarily relocate the opportunity to do so in the other duchies. The kingdom will not publicly state they will not interfere in the Winter Court’s business.”

“Smart and prudent.”

Prrsha remained silent while she watched over me, but hearing this, she had to speak up. “They are no allies. To abandon you when things get tough... Makes me want to claw their eyes out!”

“I appreciate your sentiment my fierce huntress, but I do not expect those that are not part of our faction to do anything different. What I know of Mab, they are making the tough decision to save lives.”

“Yes, by sacrificing yours and anyone who stands with you.” Prrsha retorted.

I nodded to her in acknowledgement. “Fair point, fear makes people do dumb things. I take it Advisor Nero heard their plans?”

“Yes, your Majesty. He was smiling when he heard about the troop movements.”

“You have that look on your face.” Prrsha commented.

“Huh? What look?”

“The look that typically comes when you realize something or come to some sort of realization.” Prrsha answered.

“Hmmm. I guess I will have to work on my poker face more.”

“Poke-her face?” Prrsha asked.

“No poker, it’s a game from my world that requires you to be very careful what expressions you display.”

“I do not know if anyone other than my sisters and I would notice. Perhaps Lilandra as she watches you closely too.”

“She is a bit of a voyeur.” I said out loud knowing Lilandra was probably watching.

“Guilty as charged! Bath time is still my favorite!” Lilandra commented across the mental link.

“I like bath time too.” Prrsha smiled at me.

“Okay, enough of that.” I did not blush, nope not one bit. I turned to the two fairies. “Inform General Marius and Commander Willis that any reinforcements that may come to our aid from the kingdom are being moved. Make sure no one else hears this report.”

“It shall be done, my liege.”

“Instruct General Marius to bring any patrols back to the city. We can send them through the portal and recall them easily, but I do not want them caught outside the walls should there be an attack.”

“You expect an attack, alpha?” Prrsha asked.

“I do. This cannot be coincidence. I would grab Advisor Nero but he is technically a guest so I will have to wait until he leaves the city. Sure, he could be trying to sabotage Advisor Mona as there is no love loss there, but I doubt it. For now, always keep an eye on him.”

“Already done, my liege.” My personal fairy replied.

“Man, you guys are fast. Great job. Also inform Commander Willis to double their efforts to detect any sabotage. If my intuition is right, we can expect an attack soon, my guess is towards the end of the festival or shortly after. I do not know who or from where, but I want our people ready. Commander Willis is to say nothing to the guards except for his intelligence squad.” I turned to Prrsha. “Please work with your sisters to help the Commander out.”

“Sure, I can help the canine hunt some prey.” Prrsha flashed her claws and smiled.

“Well, there is no way I’m going back to sleep so I might as well start my day early.”

—DRACONIS & GARRY—

“Do you not think we should check in with our master?” Draconis asked.

“Naaahhh. Why would we?” Garry replied.

“We have been out all night, and the sun has come up.”

“He said for us to have fun during this festival and that is what we are doing.” Garry stated.

“I do not know...”

“I mean think about last night, you won all that coin playing cards and gambling!” Garry countered.

“It was rather fun trumping all those humans.”

“Yea, what a bunch of rubes! Did they not even consider all my eyes might help me see things they didn’t want us to? He, he, he, he!” Garry chuckled.

“Their leader should not have tried to strike me when they lost all their money.” Draconis chimed in.

“Ha! That was the best part! Loved how you used hardened dragon scales when he punched you in the gut. Then-then he broke his hand! Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!”

Commander Willis appeared from a nearby alley. “I appreciate the restraint you both showed.”

“I thought you were following us.” Garry commented.

“Worried we would make trouble Commander?” Draconis asked.

“You both do not seem surprised to see me.”

“Nah, Shadow Gazer remember. I can literally look in every direction at once.” Garry chimed in.

Commander Willis nodded in acknowledgement. “Fair point. To answer your question Draconis, I thought after the run in you had it would be prudent. Plus, his grace, my alpha, asked me to keep an eye out for you two.”

Draconis bowed his head this time. “Deathwalker is wise. I have a low tolerance for fools.”

Commander Willis pointed at Garry. “Yet, you hang out with this one.”

Draconis slapped Willis on the back, sending him stumbling a few feet forward. “Ha! Good one!”

Garry laughed. “Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! The Commander has jokes! Beware, I got plenty! Ha!”

Commander Willis smiled as he let his claws show a bit. “That is one thing I admire about you Garry, you have balls.”

“He is a floating ball.” Draconis said in confusion, not getting the reference.

Willis decided to change the subject. “I see you two are headed to the arena.”

“Absolutely! People kicking the crap out of each other, sign me up.”

“The archery competition should be good. Mara and Lord Longshot will both be going against separate competitors today. Lord Dormeir should be facing his opponent in the next round of the Melee tournament.” Commander Willis explained.

“I wouldn’t mind seeing that hot elf! Don’t really care about the others when I can look at her.” Garry commented.

“We should observe the others. They are supposed to be allies of our master. We should get a better idea of what they are capable of.” Draconis chimed in.

“My thoughts exactly.” Commander Willis replied.

“Fine, but I’m keeping one eye on the hot elf at all times!” Garry declared.