Chapter 26 – Consider It Done

“Can you believe it ladies and gentlemen; Mara has gained a perfect score!” The announcer cried out in excitement after Mara hit the bullseye from so far away.

“YEA! That’s what I’m talking about you hot elf!” Garry cheered from the stands.

The archery competition rounds would put two people against each other. They were then graded on speed and accuracy. Both contestants had to hit multiple targets from various distances, some with obstacles partially blocking the way. Later rounds would have moving targets, a few with temporary camouflage enchantments on them to add to the difficulty. The duke was sparing no expense to make this a worthy challenge for the best of the best to showcase their talents and entertainment the populace.

Mara winning a perfect score from the judges was something Lord Longshot took notice of. He was watching the tournament after winning his round with a perfect score. ‘Ever since I have met this woman, she has impressed me, such talent!’

“Can you believe it ladies and gentlemen?! Two contestants now have a perfect score! Here I thought no one could give our most famous archer, Lord Longshot, a true challenge! How exciting!” The announcer continued to the roar of the crowd.

“She is quite skilled.” Mrrsha said behind Lord Longshot.

The noble nearly jumped out of his skin at the comment. His intense focus on the match only made Mrrsha’s stealth abilities even more effective.

“Are you trying to give me a fright?!” Longshot exclaimed.

“Not at all, Lord Longshot.”

After Mrrsha’s reply, he quickly regained his composure. “You are one of the duke’s personal bodyguards, correct?”

The cat girl smiled. “Yes, I am Mrrsha if you do not remember.”

“Yes, I recall. You are the more diplomatic one according to Deathwalker.” Longshot replied.

“Yes, alpha has me handle the more delicate matters for him. My sister Prrsha tends to be more vicious and is working closely with Commander Willis on internal defense. Whereas my sister Frrsha prefers to not leave our alpha’s side. None of us do, but she will leave his side when required to.” Mrrsha stated.

“For what delicate matter has my liege sent you to me?”

“He wanted you to know he supports your interest in Ms. Mara and is willing to help two people he considers friends.”

The noble was not expecting that response. “What-what are you saying? Wait... is Deathwalker making a joke or teasing me?”

Mrrsha shook her head. “Not at all. Alpha is very observant, and what he cannot catch, Garry and the rest of us help him too. Among my kind there is no shame pursuing a potential mate. Mara is quite capable.” ‘Not to mention, if you two get together my sister will not eventually kill her.’ Mrrsha thought but did not voice that little tidbit of information.

“I am a noble Mrrsha. That means I am bound by a code...”

Mrrsha interrupted. “Alpha has been educating me in this code. You may be required to mate with one not of your choosing, but that can come from obligations to your liege or your family. Your duke is making it clear he will not interfere other than to support his friends. Anyone who pays attention can see the way you look at her.”

“Surely not...” Longshot groaned. “Have I been that obvious?”

“To anyone half paying attention... Just so you know we have observed her making glances at you too since your introduction. Rarely does that happen. Our alpha does not want someone he considers a friend to ignore such a blessing.” Mrrsha explained.

‘I am no fool. My liege… no, my friend, is giving me his support and making sure I know it. Mara is an incredible woman and an amazing archer. Perhaps Deathwalker could help me.’ Longshot thought before he made his request. “Life is too short but long enough for regrets. If we end up in the finals, would Deathwalker be willing to ask the finalists to help train our duchy’s archers? Regardless, if I win or not, it will benefit the kingdom and if Ms. Mara happened to spend some significant time helping me train my men and others...”

Mrrsha raised her had to cut him off. “Consider it done. This is something I know our alpha would gladly do. Such a thing is only a benefit to all involved. He wants you to consider any other ideas. Should you come up with something, do not hesitate to ask.”

“Deathwalker must trust you completely if you can promise such a thing here and now without checking with him first.”

What Lord Longshot did not know was the fact that Mrrsha and Deathwalker were in constant telepathic communication and that that their bond was so strong he could see and hear through his disciple’s senses.

“He does. That and he thinks ahead.” Was all Mrrsha said before turning and walking away.

Lord Longshot watched Mrrsha go realizing she moved without making a sound and if he did not actively use his enhanced vision the cat girl would just blend into the background. ‘I would not want to tangle with her, I doubt I would survive the encounter. Such a deadly warrior, and my friend sends her to deliver a message to me, just so I know I have his support.’ Shaking his head to clear his thoughts. “I am going to have to push myself even harder now if I want to win.”

———-

“Oooo, that is going to leave a mark! Get a healer to that guy on the double! Well, I might as well announce the winner of that round, though with the way his opponent is bent that way...” the announcer shook his head for a moment.” “Now ladies and gentlemen, please give a round of applause for the Sunderer for winning his next round!”

After the cheering died down the announcer continued. “With this being the final match for this round of the Melee competition, that gives us our four semifinalists! Please give another round of applause for Lord Sebastian Dormeir, Major Arden, Montarr, and the Sunderer!”

The announcer raised his hand to get the crowd to quiet down. “As a reminder the Melee semifinals will resume tomorrow. Our duke wishes to see the Melee tournament be the first to complete. Then we shall finish the magic and archery tournaments in the following days after that. Major Arden will face Lord Dormeir and Montarr will face Sunderer! Come back tomorrow to witness the unquestionable combat skill of these contestants!”

———

Morning came and went. The coliseum was once again packed with people. More nobles came from throughout the kingdom to witness the semifinals of the Melee tournament. Many knew of Lord Dormeir’s battle prowess and were eager to see how he faired against a martial focused elf. Others were excited to see the two adventurers Montarr and the Sunderer square off.

“What can you tell me about Montarr, Darrius?” Deathwalker asked.

“He is an ex-knight who gave up his title to fight monsters.” Darrius replied.

“Why would he have to give up his title?” King Alfheim inquired.

“Simple, his liege wanted him focused on protecting his interests, but Montarr could not in good conscience ignore the suffering of the people he swore to protect.” Darrius explained.

“Which noble was it?” Deathwalker wanted to know who to avoid or keep any eye on.

‘He is asking the right question.’ Darrius knew he liked Deathwalker. “One of the lords under Duke Acorn.”

“For some reason I’m not surprised.”

Darrius shrugged. “I have learned to avoid nobles if I can. As for Montarr, he gave up his knightly title and joined the Adventurer’s guild. The man is an excellent warrior. I have seen him fill both the role of melee fighter and defender. It will be good to see how he fairs against the Sunderer.”

“BEGIN!” The announcer called out.

Montarr was a rather large man, yet he still seemed puny rushing towards the man they called Sunderer. The blows they landed on each other made the ground shake from the impacts. Each one dishing out brutal blow after blow.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

From what Deathwalker had learned about the Sunderer, the rumor was the man had giant blood in him. Based on how huge the fighter was Deathwalker could see it. The fact that Montarr was still going and dishing out as much as it got was impressive. ‘Sadly, it looks like Montarr is slowing and Sunderer, though bloodied, does not seem to be winded. I don’t see this lasting much longer.’

Deathwalker’s prediction came true. Montarr lasted another minute, which was a rather long time in such an all-out brawl. One final well-placed blow to Montarr’s temple sent him down to the ground unconscious. Sunderer immediately stepped back once his opponent hit the arena floor. The ability for the man to so quickly disengage impressed Deathwalker further. Lady Emma seemed to notice as well. “The man may look like a brute, but a brute would not step back so quickly when their opponent was down.”

Deathwalker nodded. “It is clear he has a code. The most dangerous of men do.” ‘Even more reason to go forward with my plan should he win.’

“Your statement makes me think you have a code too.”

“I do.” Deathwalker confirmed.

“What is your code Deathwalker?” Lady Emma inquired.

“Use my power to help or defend others. See no innocent child harmed and bring swift justice to anyone who does. Give hope to those who need it. Lastly, do not shirk my duty. That includes doing what others cannot, especially if such things would give my people nightmares. I carry that burden, so they do not have to.”

Lady Emma had a look of surprise on her face. She did not expect the conversation to become so serious.

“Make no mistake, Lady Emma, I bear the burden, so others do not have to... But I am also one who is more than their code. Duty is important, it is part of one’s sense of purpose. Yet God gives us more than that, there is a strong need to create and to love.” Deathwalker waved out to the crowd. “This festival, these tournaments, all of it is to celebrate what we can build together.”

At his final words, Deathwalker put his hand on Lady Emma’s. She squeezed his back and smiled. “You are always thinking but even in your thoughts you show a concern for the people under your care. It was what impressed me the most when we first met. You came to the aid of someone you did not know and made a point to heal the others, even the horses.” She squeezed his hand again. “I doubt someone comes up with a code like yours without having gone through much pain and hardship in life. Together we will bring about a new era of prosperity for the kingdom.”

Deathwalker nodded. “Strong people bring about good times. Good times can create weak people if you let it. It is a variation on something someone told me once. A nugget of truth. In our efforts to help the kingdom we must help them learn self-accountability and to find ways to cope with the challenges that will come.”

“Always thinking ahead Deathwalker.” Lady Emma smiled back at him.

Marius and Darrius kept quiet and gave each other a knowing look. Neither man had ever heard Deathwalker summarize his code before. Both knew it further evidence he was an honorable man. His words of wisdom at the end reminded them of their family and why they each took up the role of protector in their own way.

“Oh look, it is time for Lord Dormeir to face off against Major Arden.” Lady Emma commented.

“Honorable people of Timberfall Duchy. It is my pleasure to announce the next two competitors, Lord Dormeir and Major Arden! Both have given us some impressive matches these last few days, let them hear your encouragement!”

The crowd erupted. Many of the spectators called out Lord Dormeir’s name, as he was from the duchy, and throughout the tournament he comported himself with honor. However, there were still several calling out Major Arden for how skilled he proved himself so far.

“This guy does such a great job.” Deathwalker commented.

“It is his class.” Lady Emma stated.

“Huh?”

“His class. He has Town Crier as a class. He is one of the best in the kingdom. Father uses him all the time to announce important events and deliver key messages when a personal touch is needed. My uncle sent him, figuring he would help.” Lady Emma explained.

“Remind me to thank the king next time I see him.”

“Let the fight... BEGIN!”

Deathwalker knew from personal experience what an impressive fighter and swordsman Sebastian was. The man was very skilled in body strengthening and enhancement magic too. When the fight started Dormeir moved faster than he ever saw him move and at first it appeared Major Arden wasn’t expecting it.

Sebastian had the elf on the defensive. He would change up his attacks and fluctuate the speed mid-swing making it difficult for Arden to adapt. The lord wasn’t just swinging his sword either. He was kicking, punching, and elbowing every chance he got. Each blow looked to have significant force behind it, yet he could pull a hit at the last minute if the elf got his blade in the path of the strike.

All in all, it was one of the most impressive displays of battle prowess Deathwalker and practically everyone at the coliseum had seen. The crowd went wild at the display. Many would have trouble the next day talking with how loud they were cheering.

They were a good five minutes into the fight before the elven major went on the offensive. Arden still did not have the upper hand, but he at least was able to dish out a few counterattacks.

“I am impressed a human can fight so well!” Major Arden gritted out as he blocked another blow.

“You are very skilled. It has been some time since I could go all out like this!”

“You have been a worthy opponent hu-... I mean Dormeir. However, I have no intention of losing. I figured I would save my trump card for the final fight, but you have earned it.”

Major Arden quickly jumped back to disengage the fight. His body took on a bluish white sheen, like a coating of ice. Then his blade glowed blue, and ice extended out from his feet. Lord Dormeir didn’t give him much time and charged in to resume the melee.

The closer Sebastian got the colder he felt. It was like the elf was projecting an aura of cold around him. Worse it made the nobleman feel sluggish.

When he got a strike on the elf’s side Sebastian’s sword clanged off and sent a reverberation up his arm. This was a serious development. ‘Is this man invulnerable to my attacks?’

Upon closer inspection of the area he struck, there were signs of cracked ice. “So not invulnerable, just a layer of protection!” Sebastian said as he attempted to strike the elf in the same spot.

The attack was successful and more cracks in the ice spread from the impact point. Dormeir didn’t feel like celebrating as he could feel part of his extremities going numb from the cold. He parried Arden’s sword but was a little too slow to realize it was a feint and blocked the blow to his head with an ice-covered fist.

The lord went flying back into the wall and as he tried to get to his feet realized his balance was off and his sword was several feet from him.

Major Arden had dropped his sword and rushed Lord Dormeir as he tried to shake off the effects of having his bell rung. Sebastian blocked the first few strikes and got in a few of his own, but it was clear the tide of the fight had shifted with that blow to the head. The man still made the elf work for it and managed to last several more minutes before collapsing from cold-induced exhaustion.

“Unbelievable! Major Arden wins!”

The cheers went up. Some in the crowd were not happy with the use of magic in the melee fight but when the announcer reminded people that body strengthening is still enhancement magic, the murmurs stopped.

The announcer told the healers to bring Lord Dormeir to Deathwalker as he wanted to see to Sebastian’s healing personally. Then he called down to Major Arden. “Do you need time or are you ready to face your final opponent?”

“Just a few moments and I will be ready to fight.” Arden said as the blueish white sheen faded from his skin.

Cal and Mary Sue sat together in the stands. Having seen the impressive fight, Mary Sue spoke up. “See do not feel so bad about losing to him. Look at what he just did. You are still number one in my book Cal.”

She leaned into Cal, and he put his arm around her. “Thank you for trying to comfort me, Mary Sue. Honestly, I cannot seem to care much about losing after you nursed me back to health. These last few days with you have been wonderful!”

The maid smiled at Cal, a smile that warmed his heart and made him want to promise anything and everything to keep her by his side. ‘I still cannot believe she professed her love for me after I got hurt. I must be the luckiest man alive.’

———

“Now, for the fight we have finally all been waiting for... Sunderer and Major Arden! Let us cheer them on!”

The crowd was happy to oblige.

Sunderer! Sunderer!”

“Arden! Arden!”

“Yeaaaaaaaa!”

The chants and excitement continued and only got louder when the announcer’s voice cut through it all. “BEGIN!”

Neither man held a weapon. Major Arden’s was damaged in the last fight. Seeing his opponent without a weapon, Sunderer decided to discard his weapon as well. This fight would be an all-out brawl.

Major Arden immediately activated the ability or skill he had. The crowd knew this when the elf’s skin took on that blueish-white sheen. The stands got excited as the elf moved with grace as ice seemed to form wherever he stepped.

Sunderer roared as he met the elf’s charge with one of his own. “Rawwwww!”

When the two met in the middle of the arena there was an impact wave that everyone in the stands could feel.

Major Arden did his best to use his speed to his advantage to dish out blow after blow on his opponent. Most were blocked by Sunderer’s massive arms. Ice started to form on the impact points, beginning to cover the giant of a man in a coating of cold.

Sunderer just slammed his wrists and elbows together in front of him and the icy coating shattered and fell. “You will have to do better than that little man!”

“Happy to oblige.” Major Arden said as he increased the speed of his attacks.

Though the elf was now moving even faster that he did fighting Lord Dormeir, he could not seem to make much progress getting inside the guard of such a massive man. Sunderer moved far faster than expected from one so huge.

Any time too much ice would form on the Sunderer’s arms, he would just slam them together and break the ice. If the big man got a blow in on Major Arden, it usually sent him sliding back a few feet, before he charged right back in.

Blow after blow the two danced around the arena. The crowd cheering the two men on the entire time.

After getting a lucky cut in on the giant of a man, Major Arden swung a punch with all his might thinking he finally caught the Sunderer off balance, when a massive fist met his and sent the elf flying landing on his back.

The Sunderer charged forward in a rage. “Puny man hurt me, let me show you pain!”

Major Arden was sure his hand and arm was broken but he didn’t get much chance to think as the Sunderer grabbed his legs with one hand and started to hulk-slam the elf back and forth on the ground.

“Uhhhh...” was all Major Arden could croak out as his whole body ached all over.

It was clear to him and everyone the fight was over, Sunderer had won.

“Wow! Get some healers to that man right away! Everyone, congratulate our champion and winner of the Melee tournament!”

The crowd went even more nuts at that announcement.

Deathwalker stood and walked up to the announcer. He raised his hand and gave time for the crowd to die down. Looking to the stands and then to Sunderer, he spoke. “Such an impressive display of martial prowess fitting for a Melee champion. It is my understanding, Sunderer, that you long to find someone to serve who is worthy. They most defeat you in combat is that correct?”

“Yes! I cannot bend the knee to anyone who is not stronger than I am. Many have tried and all have failed.” Sunderer answered.

“Then let all witness as I give you what you truly desire, a strong leader you can follow! I challenge you Sunderer to one-on-one combat!” Deathwalker immediately jumped from the announcer box balcony several stories up to land several feet in front of Sunderer.

“Do you accept?!”

Sunderer smiled and charged.