Interlude - Capital of Nord

Duke Watson bowed to the king and queen. “Brother, why have you called me here? I was planning on visiting the Timberfall festival.”

“That can wait. We have a pressing matter to address.” The king replied.

“What has happened?”

“My father has made his intentions clear. He wishes to officially announce my niece as his successor.” The queen answered.

“That is rather fast. He learns she can cast magic and is not only ready to publicly acknowledge her, finally, but name her his heir?”

Advisor Nero walked into the small conference room. “Perhaps I can shed some light on things.”

“Advisor Nero?! I thought you were in Timberfall!” Duke Watson exclaimed.

“I was and I must return soon. His majesty entrusted me to be the one to relay this matter with the utmost discretion.” The advisor replied.

“What matter? Would someone please start making sense!”

“King Alfheim intercepted a missive from Advisor Mona. She has sent word of your daughter’s miraculous healing and her ability to use magic. The message also includes the magical wonder of the portals. All these things have been made possible thanks to a single man.” Nero explained.

“We all know of Duke Dragonvein’s talents when it comes to magic. That does not invalidate my daughter’s claim to the elven throne. I am not seeing why this required you to come in secret during the middle of the night!” Duke Watson complained.

“Tell him.” The queen ordered.

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Advisor Nero nodded. “There was one other bit of information in the missive. Advisor Mona sensed residual Winter magic in Timberfall. She believes it is tied to Deathwalker, making him a prime candidate to be the Huntsman reborn.”

Duke Watson, who had yet to take his seat after entering the room fell back into his chair stunned.

“Advisor Mona has always been a spy for Queen Mab. Deathwalker is planning on ending the festival with a grand hunt, some might call that a Wild Hunt.” Advisor Nero stated.

“For her to find traces of Winter magic... when Queen Mab hears this, she will come and sweep aside anyone who dares to stand in her way. My niece, your daughter, means nothing to Mab, her heart is as cold as ice, she will take what she believes is Her’s.” the queen said.

“Their pending engagement must be dissolved.” Duke Watson finally spoke up, worry in his voice for his daughter and his nation. It was best for everyone that the Queen of Winter stayed in the north. Her very presence affected the environment around her.

“My king does not wish any harm to come to the Kingdom of Nord, but I would recommend you prepare your people and restrict travel that might cross her path.” Advisor Nero cautioned.

“How long do we have?” Duke Watson asked.

Advisor Nero answered. “The missive should already be in the Winter Queen’s hands. It will take time to mobilize her court...”

“How long?” Duke Watson pressed.

“A month if you are lucky. Realistically three weeks.”

“Thank you for delivering this message. It gives us time to prepare.” the king said.

“Please thank my father as well. We will need some time to determine what to do and how best to prepare. For now, tell him to keep this quiet.” The queen chimed in.

Advisor Nero bowed his head and left.

The three royals just sat there in silence for a time. History of this continent proved no country survived if they tried to get in between the Winter Queen and what she wanted. They would have to distance themselves from Deathwalker, Timberfall Duchy would be lost.

“The best course of action would be to withdraw troops from the area now, then after the festival, make a public announcement. To say anything now would cause a panic. Let the people of Timberfall have a chance at joy. Then we will recall Emma, Duchess Lightheart, and our guests. There is nothing Timberfall can do to stop what is coming.” The king stated.

The queen nodded. “Agreed. My niece will be heartbroken. I do not wish to rush that sorrow.”

Duke Watson finally spoke up. “I cannot believe Winter is coming...”

Advisor Nero had left the room but only now shut the door, a smile on his face.

A tiny flash of light zipped through the crack in the door before it closed, not noticed by anyone. The light moved as fast as its little wings could towards the portal station. ‘I must warn my liege!’