Chapter 5 - Midway City & Lady Emma

As Deathwalker returned to the capital, he contemplated what he had just learned. He had goosebumps the entire time Lilandra spoke about the last great war. Something stirred in him, a warning or something else he could not be certain of.

Deathwalker was so lost in thought pondering what he had learned he almost flew past Midway city. ‘Man, how fast was I going? Oh well, time to get this done.’

As he walked out of the alley near the future portal station, Deathwalker saw two sets of guards arguing.

“The duke just wants to offer his help.”

“We cannot allow you on the premises until we receive orders to do so.”

“You do realize that you are in Duke Watson’s duchy!”

Walking towards the commotion, Deathwalker interjected himself into the conversation. “Gentlemen, I doubt it is so serious to come to blows.”

Several of the guards were startled and drew their weapons. “Who goes there?!”

“This is none of your business stranger. Move along before we are forced to detain you for interfering with the duke’s business.”

Deathwalker smiled as he asked. “Which duke?”

The question caught the soldier off guard. “What?!”

Deathwalker smiled grew wider as he spoke slower. “W-which... d-dukeee?”

One of guards in the same livery spoke up. “Duke Watson.”

“Ah. I see. One tinny little problem I have with that. Last I heard Duke Watson was in the capital and I own this building.” Deathwalker said.

One of the guards closest to the portal station gates spoke up. “You cannot own this building, his grace Duke Dragonvein owns this building.”

“Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Deathwalker replied as he stuck out his hand in greeting.

The guard stared for a moment before it dawned on him, and he bowed his head and dropped to his knees. “Your grace!”

The other guard with him dropped to his knees as well. The guards, who he figured belonged to Duke Watson, had puzzled looks on their faces. The one in the lead realized he should do something as he bowed his head. “Forgive us Duke Dragonvein we were not aware you had arrived in the city.”

Deathwalker waved off the guard’s concerns. “I kept my entry into the city a secret.”

Then Deathwalker dropped his smile. “Now tell me why you are harassing my men.”

“Y-your g-grace. Lady Emma asked that we come and offer our assistance in any way possible. Her father, Duke Watson, sent a message home to inform her of your plans to come here. She was to ensure you were treated with the proper hospitality.” The guard answered.

“That still doesn’t answer why you were harassing my men.” Deathwalker pressed.

“I was told not to return until we had ensured we could offer further protection in case you came here first. Apparently, his grace said you might come here first. It appears he was correct.” The guard replied.

“That sly fox. He must’ve heard what I did in Hargrave. Clever man.” Deathwalker said more to himself than anyone else.

Turning his attention to the guards. “I must finish the process in the station. Inform Lady Emma that I will accept her hospitality once I am finished with what I must do inside.”

Looking at the sky to see it was about midday. “I figure I will require several hours. Inform Lady Emma it would be my pleasure to join her for dinner if that works for her.”

The three guards in matching livery bowed as the one in charge said, “Yes, your grace! We will deliver your message right away! If you excuse us, we will take our leave, Duke Dragonvein.”

Deathwalker nodded as the three men moved as fast as they could possibly move. Shrugging his shoulders, Deathwalker turned to his men. “One of you mind escorting me in and then seeing to it that I am not disturbed.”

“This way my liege. I can escort you.” The guard on the left stated, as he rose to his feet.

Once Deathwalker was left alone in the portal room, he activated his Infinite Well of Time Magic. Every time he used it, Deathwalker felt more and more comfortable. Like he was becoming in sync or more attuned. The connection became easier to use and the time differential seemed to be even higher. Smiling, Deathwalker got to work.

“That beat my last time.” Deathwalker said to himself as he looked at the completed portal.

He notified Trader Malcom and General Marius that another portal station was completed and connected to the network. Deathwalker also instructed them to send more men to oversee the operation and security of the facility. His original plan was to return to the capital and then fly to Dalton. Now those plans were delayed so Deathwalker could have dinner with Lady Emma Watson.

“Well, it cannot be helped. Besides, it would be good to see how she is doing after our last encounter.” Deathwalker said to himself as he thought about when he saved her life from bandits.

Exiting the portal station, Deathwalker found a whole honor guard in what he assumed was the Watson livery. He recognized the soldier in the lead as the Sergeant who was with Lady Emma was the bandits attacked.

“Sergeant it is good to see you again.”

The sergeant bowed. “It is an honor to see you again Duke Dragonvein. If you would permit us, we are here to escort you to the duke’s estate.”

“Lead on sergeant.” After a few moments, Deathwalker inquired, “By the way, how are the men doing after the attack?”

“Oh, they are doing quite well your grace. Some say they feel better than they have for years.” The sergeant replied.

Deathwalker thought to himself. ‘I would think so. I took the time to heal old wounds and injuries that didn’t set right. It was the least I could do while I was there. Glad to hear it helped.’

As they walked to the duke’s estate, Deathwalker learned from the Sergeant that many of those he saved that day expressed an interest in joining him.

“Ah here we are your grace.” The Sergeant opened the double doors into a grand dining hall.

At the end of the hall Deathwalker saw Lady Emma in a dazzling canary yellow dress. Several servants and guards were also in the dining room. Everyone was standing, all attention on Deathwalker.

The Sergeant led Deathwalker to Lady Emma and bowed. “Lady Emma Watson, I present Duke Deathwalker Dragonvein.”

Deathwalker took Lady Emma’s offered gloved hand and kissed the top of it. “Lady Emma Watson it is good to see you again. I appreciate you being host to me while I am in the city of Midway.”

“Duke Deathwalker Dragonvein, I acknowledge you as my guest while you visit the city of Midway. Let the Watson Duchy be at your service.” Lady Emma Watson replied.

Deathwalker and Lady Emma both nodded at each other. She was the first to speak up. “Good, now that formalities are out of the way, come let us eat. Our cooks have prepared a grand feast for us Duke Dragonvein.”

“Please Lady Watson, call me Deathwalker.” Duke Dragonvein stated.

“Ah, yes. So informal. Very well, call me Emma.” Lady Emma replied.

A stoic older woman spoke up. “Lady Watson, such is not appropriate, you are unmarried.”

Lady Emma turned to the woman. “Ah, thank you, my lady-in-waiting. Would proper decorum allow Lady Emma?”

The old woman nodded.

Lady Emma turned her attention back to Deathwalker. “Please address me as Lady Emma. My apologies that we cannot be less formal your grace.”

Deathwalker waved off her concern. “Nonsense. I understand Lady Emma. Shall we eat?”

Lady Emma and Deathwalker both sat down near each other at the large table. Soon as they sat down servants began to bring out food and drink for them. It was clear Lady Emma was pulling out all the stops based on how much food was present.

“This is far too much food for just the two of us.” Deathwalker said.

“Do not worry Deathwalker. Any food we do not eat is given to the staff and servants. If they do not want any of it, we make it available to the less fortunate in the city.” Lady Emma explained.

Nodding at her statement, Deathwalker replied. “Good practice. I will have to see how I can implement the same thing back home. It is good to see nobles who care for the less fortunate.”

“Oh yes. Father has allowed me to implement several programs and initiatives to help those in needs.” Lady Emma answered.

“I find the best solution is to create opportunities for jobs and offer skills and training where appropriate.” Deathwalker commented.

“Oh, I wholeheartedly agree. We have done similar things in our duchy. It is part of a noble’s duty to help their people.” Lady Emma beamed. She saw Deathwalker nodding along in genuine agreement. “It was so nice to talk to someone who understood the real duty of a noble.”

“Yes, we must be the best example and do everything we can to rise above pettiness and egos and help those that want to be helped.” Deathwalker stated.

“Sadly, not all nobles feel as we do Deathwalker.” Lady Emma lamented.

“That’s okay. It is our job to help show them a better way. You cannot fix intentional ignorance.” Deathwalker commented.

Lady Emma giggled. “He, he, he, he, he! Oh, you are very blunt, Deathwalker! I so appreciate that. It lets one know where they stand.”

Deathwalker gave a head-nod in Lady Emma’s direction. “I am glad you appreciate my directness. I find it is easier in the long run.”

“Quite right you are. So, tell me, how fare your efforts to create a ‘portal’, I believe father called it? Will it truly allow one to travel to another location in an instant?” Lady Emma inquired. She had been curious about the marvel since she heard about it from her father.

“Ah it is already complete.” Deathwalker answered.

“Truly? It is already finished?!” Lady Emma followed up in excitement.

“I finished the final touches before I was escorted to your estate. Timberfall now has connections to the Capital, Hargrave, Lorinda, and now Midway.” Deathwalker continued.

“Very impressive. Other than Dalton where else do you plan to build one of these magical marvels?” Lady Emma asked.

“After Dalton I will finish the ones in the cities of Malvanis and Simium.” Deathwalker answered.

“Ah, very impressive. Each of the lords in your duchy will have a portal in their capitals. It will make those under you very prosperous.” Lady Emma commented.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

“That is the hope.” Deathwalker replied.

“Are you open to constructing more of these magical marvels in other cities? Could we convince you to build some in other duchies?” Lady Emma asked.

“Perhaps in the future, but there is much to do, and I want to get merchants and our people used to the concept. They will require time to adapt. Not to mention our foreign trading partners.” Deathwalker stated.

“Shrewd. Your duchy will become the trading hub for the kingdom.” Lady Emma realized.

“That is the plan. Do not take my reply as dismissal. I want the whole of the kingdom to prosper, just give things some time.” Deathwalker replied.

Lady Emma conceded. “Very well. For now. Let us change subjects. I have another matter to discuss, and I must confess it is part of the reason I was so adamant we have dinner tonight.”

‘There it is!’ Deathwalker thought. Holding back his inner hackles he said. “Please share. I do prefer the direct approach if you do recall.”

Lady Emma bowed her head in acknowledgement. “I was raised to play politics with the best of them. It means some habits are a bit more difficult to dismiss. Please give me some latitude Deathwalker. My lady-in-waiting would contest if I was too direct.”

“Very well. I can concede the point to decorum. Please, what matter do you wish to discuss?” Deathwalker asked.

“Father has asked my aunt Duchess Lightheart to escort me to the upcoming Timberfall festival.” Lady Emma began to explain.

“Yes, I was already made aware so I could prepare properly as host.” Deathwalker interrupted.

“Quite right. What you may not be aware of is the intent to have us stay beyond the festival.” Lady Emma continued.

“For what purpose?” Deathwalker inquired.

“Father and Uncle call it a cultural exchange, but truth is they want us to get to know each other for a hopeful and possible courting.” Lady Emma said.

Deathwalker chuckled. “Ha! Hopeful indeed. What has your father and uncle told you about me Lady Emma?”

“You laugh at that statement?” Lady Emma seemed to take offense.

Shaking his head, Deathwalker clarified. “You misunderstand me, Lady Emma. The royal family has made their intentions quite clear that I am to marry at the very least a high noble from this kingdom to ensure my bloodline is bound here. I’m sure they have told you the same?”

Lady Emma reluctantly nodded. It was clear she wasn’t too happy with what she took as his dismissal of her. “Yes, father and uncle were both quite clear in their desire to see us wed.”

“Does that not bother you?” Deathwalker asked.

Lady Emma looked confused. “Why would that bother me?”

“I am not one for others to determine my fate. The brief time we met and what I have learned about you tells me you are of a similar demeanor.” Deathwalker answered.

“You checked up on me?” Lady Emma said in surprise before shaking her head to clear her thoughts. “No, it does not matter. I have known my whole life that I would have to marry for political reasons and not for love. It is the burden of royalty and nobility. A burden we both share.”

Deathwalker sighed. “Yes, I am well aware of my duties, but I will not be rushed into anything. With that said let me be clear, I happen to think you are one of the most beautiful women I have ever laid my eyes on. From what I have also learned, you seem to genuinely care for your people, and have a sharp mind. All traits I admire.”

Lady Emma went from frustrated to slightly embarrassed. Here she thought he was flippantly uninterested in her and now she was receiving compliments. “Your kind words honor me Deathwalker.”

“I merely speak the truth. I am not opposed to us getting to know one another. I just cannot rush into a marriage. If you can be patient with me and give us time to get to know each other further, I would welcome the opportunity.” Deathwalker explained.

“I am in no rush either Deathwalker. Courting takes time when done properly. I too welcome the opportunity for us to learn more about each other. Speaking about getting to know each other further, what I have learned so far says you too care about your people and our conversation alone tells me you are no fool.” Lady Emma stated.

“Navigating a woman’s heart is one of the most challenging of journeys, but also one of the most rewarding. That is if they are genuine with strong principles and moral compass.” Deathwalker replied.

“The most important decision we ever make in our lives is who we partner with. That has been engrained in me since birth. To be the best version of myself, only then will I understand who that partner should be. I have strived to emulate those words and truly live by them.” Lady Emma explained.

Deathwalker was impressed. Such wisdom he learned late in his past life, and it cost him much. The more he talked with Lady Emma the more he appreciated. Her caring for others did not stop her efforts at mere words, she implemented actual programs in their duchy which showed a glimpse into the strength of her character. She could be reserved and at least partially keep her emotions in check, which showed the possibility of a level head during difficult times.

Deathwalker, of course, could not ignore how beautiful she looked, but he remembered something his Nanuz would say. “Looks fade over time. Find someone who is good and strong on the inside.” Then there was his uncle, “Always get a good look at their mother. That will tell you what you have in store for your future.” Now Deathwalker knew Lady Emma’s mom died, so seeing her was out, however, her mom was sister to the Queen and Duchess Lightheart. Both women seemed to be on strong character.

Lady Emma definitely seemed strong willed. Deathwalker admired a strong-willed woman. His mother, aunts, Nana, and grandmother were no pushovers. He respected that about them. Nanuz used to say, “Strong-willed is good, keeps life interesting. Independence is bad. It is the biggest lie the world tells you. We are not independent; we are all connected. That is doubly true in marriage. Independence kills any marriage as you must become one and always consider the other person in every decision.”

Why Deathwalker was reminiscing he was not sure. Perhaps it was the fact he promised himself he would not rush into marriage again and made sure he was making the right choice. A part of him still felt incomplete, especially on the emotional side. He chalked it up to being a dragon, but that fact brought up another matter.

‘Can she even marry a dragon? I know dragons have been known to take other forms and cross pollinate as they were, but I will have to reveal that secret if I do start courting her. How she or others might react to that fact could change my standing in this kingdom.’ Deathwalker thought.

“You seem deep in thought Deathwalker.” Lady Emma commented.

Her words snapped Deathwalker out of his internal musings. “My apologies. Our conversation has brought up old memories of my family.”

“I would love to hear about your family. I know very little about where you come from or your heritage.” Lady Emma said with interest.

“If you do not mind, I would prefer not to discuss them at this time. I will tell you that I am very far away from home, and I do miss them at times, but it is not logical to focus on it.” Deathwalker replied.

“I understand what it is like to miss family. I feel my mother’s absence every day. As difficult as it is for father, he tells me stories about her if I press hard enough. Luckily, my aunts have told me many stories. I am blessed to have such a loving and supportive family. Not all nobles can claim the same.” Lady Emma shared.

“I too came from a loving family that pushed me and taught me things as a child I am only now realizing are absolute pearls of wisdom. It makes me miss them even more. The best I can do right now is as you say, be the best version of myself possible. That reminds me, I would like to offer you, my healing.” Deathwalker said.

Lady Emma felt the pain and loss coming from this man. The sudden change in subject confused her. “Healing? I am confused. You have already healed me.”

Deathwalker chuckled. “Ha! No. When I healed you last time, I was so focused on healing the immediate life-threatening injuries that it didn’t dawn on me until afterwards. In fact, it clicked for me after I spoke with your father and aunts. It was then I realized something could be done.”

“What do you mean? What are you referring to?” Lady Emma inquired.

Deathwalker held out his hand. “If you would please remove your glove and take my hand. Though I can heal through the clothing, it would be best this way.”

Lady Emma was uncertain what Deathwalker was speaking about, but he had already healed her once. ‘Perhaps there was something he forgot or did not realize until now.’ Lady Emma thought as she removed her glove.

Her lady-in-waiting spoke up. “Mi-lady skin to skin contact is not appropriate.”

“I appreciate your concern, but it is my hand and Deathwalker has already healed me once before. I believe exceptions are made when it comes to healing.” Lady Emma quipped back.

Deathwalker took her hand and channeled his healing magic into Lady Emma. After his power had suffused her body, he focused on her magical core. Lady Emma’s core was rather large. Then he saw it, her mana channel connections had been severed. On top of that the core felt dormant, probably from lack of use her whole life.

She felt the warm soothing glow radiate throughout her body. Lady Emma remembered this feeling of peace and harmony from the last time Deathwalker healed her. It was that feeling that told her he was a good and gentle man. Even though he had just wiped out a bandit gang, his magic was gentle and promised a connection to something greater. Lady Emma did not fight this feeling and instead welcomed it in.

Lilandra spoke into Deathwalker’s mind. “You could use your Soul-Forging ability to heal her, my hunky master.”

“I’m trying to concentrate here Lilandra. I also was trying not to make her another disciple. In case you hadn’t noticed but all my disciples so far are women.” Deathwalker mentality responded.

“What’s wrong with that? What man would not want to be surrounded by loyal beautiful women?” Lilandra teased.

“You know, I think you will not be happy until I have multiple mates.” Deathwalker replied.

“Got to get you used to the idea now.” Lilandra said offhandedly.

“What?” Deathwalker asked.

“Nothing.” Lilandra changed the subject. “If you are determined to do this the hard way, I recommend strengthening her channels before you reconnect them. Maybe even remove a few of her blocks. Your Purity magic is oddly enough perfectly suited for such a thing.”

“Thank you for the advice. Now time to concentrate.” Deathwalker said before cutting the connection and redoubling his focus on the task at hand.

Deathwalker flooded Lady Emma with Purity magic. Of all the magic types, this resonated with him more than any other. He used it to strengthen her channels and remove the blocks from her core to her arms, then to her hands. Without thinking Deathwalker rose to his feet and put his other hand on Lady Emma’s head.

The guards in the room instantly drew their weapons and moved in. Lady Emma rose her other hand. “Do not interfere! I am in no danger! Let him finish!”

Ignoring all of this, Deathwalker was too focused on this new aspect of Purity magic. He could feel the different types of magic within Lady Emma’s core. He sensed Water and Ice magic as the strongest, then Healing, Mind, and Air, with some others like Body Enhancement, Earth and Fire that were all latent talents.

Deathwalker’s eyes began to glow as he split his mind to focus on three aspects simultaneously. First focus, he started to use Purity magic to separate those types of magic and flood them into her magical core. His second focus was using his Master of a Place of Power to impart the spells Ice Lance, Basic Healing, and Lightning Bolt into her mind. Doing both of these things while his third focus was on repairing the connections to her core.

Lady Emma gasped as she received the notifications telling her Deathwalker had taught her three spells. ‘He must be the Master of a Place of Power. He is too young to have mastered such magic. Only masters of a magic or a Master of a Place of Power can so easily impart such knowledge without a magic book. Why bother? Does he not know I cannot access magic?’ Lady Emma thought until all musings were cut off when she felt it.

The room began to glow as did both Deathwalker and Lady Emma. The two radiated light that suffused the room with a welcoming warmth as though something wrong was healed and now made right. All those present dared not move a muscle for fear of breaking the tranquility they felt.

Lady Emma began to weep tears of joy as she felt Deathwalker guide her consciousness down into her core. As that happened, she felt his power connection with and infuse her own. To her it was like lighting up a dark room and as that happened, for the first time in Lady Emma’s life, she felt her core and her magic!

Deathwalker broke off the connection and fell back into his chair, utterly spent. The glow in the room faded. Lady Emma felt the hint of loss when their connection broke, but that feeling was overshadowed by the power she felt within herself.

“Lady Emma, are you alright?!” Her lady-in-waiting asked with concern.

“I am better than alright. I can use magic!” Lady Emma said as she cast Ice Bolt and shattered a nearby goblet.

“LADY EMMA! You-you can use your magic! HOW?!” Her lady-in-waiting asked.

All eyes turned towards Deathwalker. He was tired and mentally exhausted. The only word he managed to get out was, “What?”

“What do you mean what?! You healed my core! I was told such a thing was impossible!” Lady Emma said in shock.

Having regained some of his mana and stamina, Deathwalker sat back up rather than remaining slouching in his chair from exhaustion. Lady Emma moved faster than her lady-in-waiting could interfere. She embraced Deathwalker in a hug. “Thank you Deathwalker! You have given me something I thought impossible.”

“Lady Emma! I understand, but please, consider decorum!” Her lady-in-waiting admonished.

Untangling himself from Lady Emma, Deathwalker looked her in the eyes. “Never listen to those that tell you something is impossible. Those people should just get out of the way of those who are accomplishing said impossible. I am glad I could help.”

Lady Emma shook her head. “You did more than just help! I must notify my family! They will want to reward you for such a deed! You also imparted three spells to me.”

Several people in the room made audible gasps at hearing that statement.

Lady Emma’s lady-in-waiting quickly spoke up as she looked at everyone in the room. “You are all sworn to secrecy! Did you hear me! This is punishable by death!”

Deathwalker thought that was a bit harsh and his face showed it. When Lady Emma spoke, Deathwalker then realized what he had done, and the mistake he had made.

“You are too young, and your level is too low for you to have mastered a school of magic. That is why magic books are so prized. The only other way a person can so easily impart knowledge of a spell is if that person is a Master of a Place of Power! My uncle is a Master of a Place of Power. That is why the capital was formed in that location. You either found a Place of Power near Timberfall or were a Master before coming to our kingdom.”

Deathwalker was about to say something when Lady Emma held up her hand. “I do not want to know. Nor should you share that knowledge with anyone. People have been known to be hunted down and killed to claim such power. I will have to inform my family, but I will ask that the information remain within the family. That is the least I can do for what you have done for me today. I fear, however, that my family will push even harder to bind our fates together. I do not wish for our time tonight to end, but I must now see to everyone’s oaths of silence.”

“It is probably for the best my lady. That took a lot out of me, and I must retire to rest. I will take my leave.” Deathwalker said as he rose to his feet. “Before I go, let me offer you an olive branch that your family may appreciate.”

“Olive branch? Why are you giving me an olive branch?” Lady Emma asked in confusion.

“No, no. Ah! It’s an expression from where I come from. It means a gesture of peace or to grow relations stronger between two parties. Simply put, I noticed you have an affinity for Healing magic. I would be willing to teach and mentor you in the healing arts while you remain in Timberfall. That is, if that is something you would desire.” Deathwalker explained.

“Oh! Interesting custom. Your offer of tutoring me in the healing arts would be greatly appreciated. I would be a fool to ignore the chance to learn from such an accomplished healer. I will inform my family.” Lady Emma said as she too rose to her feet.

Deathwalker kissed her hand before they both gave a slight bow of their head in farewell. Once Deathwalker left the estate, Lady Emma gave her orders. “No one is to leave the grounds until they have sworn an oath of silence on this matter. I want that oath sworn on their lives!”

Several replied in unison. “As you command Lady Watson!”

Lady Watson realized one of the younger servant boys wasn’t there. “Wait, where did Timmy run off to?”