Deathworld Commando: Reborn-Chapter 306: Vol.9 - New Blood.

I have some future schedule announcements to make. The next two months or so, I have various graduations, family vacations, and other miscellaneous things happening, and many of them will be either taking me out of town or out of state, so I will need to take those times off.

I have work/school things on the weekend of 24th-26th, so the 27th chap will be delayed to the 29-30th.

I'll be gone for a few days in May, so the 18th of May chapter will be delayed a week to the 25th.

I also have another week off in July sometime, but those times are tentative right now and not set in stone, so I will update when I get those down.

Thank you for your understanding, and enjoy.

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I looked behind me at the gathering and smirked as Sylvia, Padraic, Cerila, and the others were swarmed by the various guests. The palace's ballroom was splendid as expected. It was also rather nice that the awards ceremony was kept small for security, with only those who had achieved great merit during the undead invasion and rebel incursion in attendance. Everyone else would have their awards or anything else sent to them separately.

It's a shame Dad didn't come. He's been managing the remaining Dark Elves for months. Even though he has no title, he is essentially the interim chief.

"Worrying will not serve you better than patience," Kronos's deep voice said.

How can I not worry? They're our parents, and we haven't spoken in weeks.

"It's nothing time can't heal. And with the little Naga queen's abilities, it'll be possible to have a dialogue at least. If she doesn't scare herself witless again," he said.

So you decided to talk with them?

"I'm not afraid of it. I—we owe them much. An explanation is the least I can do. Whether they accept it or not, it is up to them," Krono's fading voice said as footsteps approached.

"The newly appointed knight commander is already hiding away by himself? Aren't you supposed to be indulging with your new peers?" Lauren said with a smug grin as Ren followed her.

Both of them wore matching red dresses that were impossible to put a price on. The lustrous silks matched the golden-leaf tiaras.

"Yet here are the two princesses to join me. I seem to find my employers are of similar mind to my own, ignoring these 'peers' all the same," I said with a short, playful bow.

Lauren rolled her eyes with a smile as Ren let out a small laugh. "Are your new holdings to your liking, Lord Shadowheart?" Lauren asked.

"Ah, yes. Rolling hills, a river, and some forest. I'm truly set for life. One could say my new land is rich in possibilities. The monsters and animals roaming about won't have to pay taxes for five whole years as well," I said with a smirk.

Lauren placed her hands on the balcony railing and looked out at the city. "If someone heard you say that, they might think you're ungrateful, you know. Also, try to develop it before I grow old and turn into dust, will you?" Lauren chuckled.

"Farthest thing from it, and I'll do my best. I've been hearing that a lot lately. Elven time frames are very different from those of Humans," I trailed off, looking out at the city.

Despite the late hours, the capital was still abuzz with life. Lights warmed the various homes, and little blobs of people moved around the busy streets. Only small sections of residential areas were quiet and shrouded in darkness. Families resting for a new day. And despite everything, life still moved forward.

It would have been a picturesque scene, had not the new addition outside the stone walls been so saddening. A tent city full of refugees had sprung up in a large circle around the entire capital. Its size only grew as more people flooded in. Ravaged by the undead, monsters, or bandits alike.

Luminar worked day in, day out, relocating hundreds of people to other towns, villages, and wherever they could find free space. But reality was cruel. Even if the number of refugees moved doubled, people would still be stuck outside the walls during winter.

And that was one of the crown's most pressing issues. People were very likely to die from the elements. Crime, banditry, all of it would skyrocket as people grew desperate. Things were under control for the time being, but it was a ticking time bomb ready to go off at the drop of a hat.

Even worse if more foreign agents were in the mix.

Ren let out a small sigh before looking up at me. "I heard you were leaving? For somewhere because of mother," she asked.

"A mission. From your father. I'm heading north after the graduation ceremony," I said.

"So soon? And the north…that's not the best of places," Ren muttered as she pushed some hair behind her ear.

"Exactly why I don't want to spend most of the fall or winter there. I'd like to be back before the first snowfall. Even if it's wishful thinking," I said.

"It must be important since our mother said she couldn't tell us. And if it was Dad…then you must be doing something dangerous," Lauren said worriedly.

"From what I've learned about the north, it's one giant danger forest with enough treasure to entice those crazy enough to seek it. I'm sure I'll be anything but bored," I chuckled, dodging the implied question for explanation.

Lauren rolled her eyes as she huffed, "You're no fun…we are going to eventually find out anyway."

"State secrets are meant to be kept a secret, Your Highness. Speaking of secrets, is the news of his injury still being withheld?" I questioned.

Lauren's eyes darkened. Ren looked down at the floor. "Yes. For now, anyway. It won't do anyone any good knowing that many of our greatest heroes were injured, and Dad is in a critical state with Mother pregnant. It's…just a bad time," Ren said weakly.

Understable. The country's balance is already unstable. Things are holding, but for how long, it's anyone's guess.

A heavy set of foot steps approached from behind. Captain Fairchild cleared his throat. "Sorry to interrupt. Your Highnesses, I would like to have a word with Lord Shadowheart. In private, if you don't mind," he said with a short bow.

Lauren sighed as she spun around in her dress. "Fine, I suppose we need to do our duty to talk to others and make empty promises, of attending dinners we'll never have time for," she muttered.

"We'll see you at the graduation, right? And when you leave…please be careful," Ren asked.

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it. And I will," I said.

We watched as the two of them left as Captain Fairchild bowed to me. "My Lord, congratulations on your appointment," he said seriously.

"Please, spare me, Captain. I'll be just fine with Kaladin," I said with a wave.

The man had a smirk as he said, "Then, Kaladin, I have good news for you."

"Oh? Did those old wolves of yours agree?" I asked.

"They did. The amount and prestige were more than enough. But that's not all. It's in regard to your mission," he answered.

Captain Fairchild handed me a sealed letter and contiuned, "When you arrive at the base camp, I arranged for you to be placed with an acquaintance of mine. He and his team are some of the best; they'll guide you and do it safely at that."

I accepted the letter, and it vanished into my ring. "I didn't expect that you were familiar with the border guards," I said, surprised.

"Well…when you are a young man in war, you tend to go to places and meet people you never expected. Never imagined that it would come in handy like this either," he said with a shrug.

"I take it this person wasn't always a border guard then," I asked.

Captain Fairchild shook his head. "No, he was a mercenary from Krunbar. Only decided to move recently, and I've been keeping tabs on him for the last few years. Bet he's punching himself in the gut for that now," he said with a chuckle.

"Worthy of a new knight appointment, perhaps?" I questioned.

Captain Fairchild looked awkward as he scratched his head. "Wouldn't say he is the noble knight type, but the world is full of surprises, and he is more in line with what you are looking for. The type that takes his mission seriously and gets it done the best and right way. I guess he'll just have to impress you," he said.

Interesting. A personal recommendation from the Captain of the Pretorian Guard goes a long way. If he can survive what I'll put him through.

"Speaking of appointments. I read that you wanted to start mustering your order in winter? Is there any reason you don't want it sooner? Many will drop out before it even begins," he contiuned.

"It'll become clear very quickly why. Those who can't weather the winter won't get very far. This isn't a parade troop. I'll be sending these people into far worse situations than the cold and snow," I said.

"And you're doing a general call…allowing anyone to enter. That's rather unprecedented. There are schools and training institutions just for knights. Not to mention, many from other posts want to move over. I've got quite a few guys who are interested. Some people won't see kindly to it," he warned.

"I don't have the luxury of being gentle and welcoming. Those looking for a free ride will be very disappointed. And we'll only be accepting fifty knights and a hundred support specialists to begin with," I said.

"An interesting decision itself, but I'm sure you've thought it all through. I'll make sure the preparations are set for when you return. I'll leave you then, as I should return to standing stoically in a corner. Have a good night, Kaladin. And sincerely, congratulations," Captain Fairchild said proudly.

"Have fun, Captain," I said.

The man chuckled as he walked away. "Oh, trust me. It's just begun," he said cryptically.

"Having fun, chatting away by yourself, My Lord," Padraic grumbled as he slipped by the captain with a nod.

"For all the people to complain about talking, I thought you would be rather low on that list," I said with a chuckle.

"Yeah, too bad everyone and their mother knows I work in the forges and that I know you. Now that they know Master is here as well…what a nuisance. Do you know the kinds of things people want me to make for them? A goblet with gems? A fancy sword that couldn't slice a loaf of bread? What kinda bastard do they think I am, huh? Maybe I should put some of that powder in a cup and let it do its magic. That should get them off my beard," he grumbled.

Have I created the beginnings of a domestic terrorist in the form of a small, angry, stout man? Perhaps.

"Remind me not to accept any cups from you in the near future," I chuckled.

"Also, will you do me a favor and hurry up and get married? I'm sick and tired of people asking me to set you up with their cousin, daughter, or friend. And if I start getting letters, I'm going to cause problems," he said as he pointed a thick finger at me.

Gunpowder in the mail then…

"Well, that is the plan. Before the end of the year, hopefully," I said with a shrug.

Padraic looked at me with wide eyes before nodding to himself with a grin. "I am a very convincing man indeed. Who could reject me? Guess I'll need to get a new suit, a bit tight on the shoulders this one is," he muttered to himself as he adjusted his collar.

"It appears this has become your own private meeting spot," Prince Xander said as he walked in with Lord Vasquez.

"Your Highness," I said with a polite nod.

"Congratulations, Lord Shadowheart. I only wish mother and father were here instead of the three of us," he said.

"Congratulations, Kaladin," Lord Vasquez said with a firm nod.

"Thank you, both of you. We all played our parts. You two are just as deserving as I," I said honestly.

The guard and charge exchanged looks but took the thanks regardless. "And to you as well, Sir Whitehelm. Your efforts did not go unnoticed," Prince Xander said politely.

"Just doing what needed to be done, so don't mention it. Someone has to keep this psycho and his plans in check," Padraic said as he nudged me.

"Speaking of Her Majesty, where is she?" I asked.

"About that…I'm sure the news will be arriving soon. Do forgive us in advance. The timing just happened to align. And I don't imagine you are the type to blame a child for stealing your honorable day," Prince Xander said with a grin.

Oh? Is it finally time?

The inside of the hall quieted down as a crier took a position on the stage. People gathered around with bated breath as the man cleared his throat and projected his voice into the room.

"It is with great honor that I bring this good news! Her Majesty is safe and in good health! And this kingdom and its people have been blessed with a new, healthy daughter! The third princess of the first royal family has joined us in this world! May we welcome in a new era!"