Consort of Destined Death Chapter 34 (Patreon)

It didn’t take him long to find the others after arriving at Volcano Manor, as Melina and Millicent happened to be walking down a nearby hall when he and Sirius appeared.

“Harry!” Millicent exclaimed upon catching sight of him.

“Millicent, Melina.” He greeted them, before gesturing to Sirius. “This is my godfather, being my Dad’s best friend, Sirius Black.”

“Ladies.” Sirius gave a charming smile.

“A pleasure.” Melina curtsied. “I am Melina, Lord Potter’s Maiden.”

“And I am Harry’s personal blade.” Millicent smiled. “Although we met before.”

“I see.” Sirius looked to him. “And your fiancée?”

“Princess Malenia is presiding over her war council.” The Finger Maiden answered for him.

“We’ll go see her then.” Harry shrugged.

“That sounds important, should we really interrupt?” Sirius voiced, before noticing an important detail. “And did you say Princess?”

“Indeed.” Melina nodded. “Princess Malenia has the strongest claim for becoming regent of the Lands Between, with Harry taken as her consort. Of course, this is assuming her Mother, Queen Marika, is found.”

“Heh, that’s my godson, charming a Princess!” Sirius grinned, patting his shoulder in delight. “Lily and James would be so impressed!”

Millicent only giggled while Melina smiled, gesturing them to follow her as they walked. Being unfamiliar with the overall layout of Volcano Manor, Harry had to rely on Melina to guide their group there.

Eventually they turned a corner to enter a large hall, where at the end sat a humongous wooden door that likely led to the Manor’s throne room. On the sides of the door, and spread out throughout the room, stood a hundred Cleanrot Knights, silently standing guard.

While unlikely that an intruder would ever make it this far into the complex, it was a firm reminder that Volcano Manor was located in former enemy territory. The Haligtree forces might have annexed Mount Gelmir as their own, but that didn’t mean there was some enemy force that might be waiting to attack.

“These guys are scary as hell.” Sirius muttered as they walked past the silent Cleanrot Knights. “Does one Princess really need all these guards?”

“They don’t so much guard her, as follow her.” Millicent spoke.

“Oh?”

“Malenia’s skill with a blade is legendary, and earned her the honor of being the strongest demigod of the Shattering.”

“I thought you said she was a princess though?” Sirius voiced in confusion, probably expecting a delicate noblewoman to be Harry’s bride.

“Nobility and royalty works a bit differently here.” Was all Harry said. After all, the Lands Between was very militant, and one’s position was typically earned through strength.

His godfather opened his mouth to respond, only for the doors leading into the Manor’s throne room to finally be opened.

A large and ornate room made of marble and lined with pillars greeted them, having windows along its length with more Cleanrot Knights standing guard beside them. Various tables were set up throughout the room, with many generals and commanders talking amongst each other as they looked over detailed maps and reports.

Their entrance didn’t disrupt any of it, with only a few looking up to see who entered before swiftly going back to work. Harry was acquainted with some of the leaders present, as Maddeus, Vorn, and Seraphel looked over and nodded his way before returning to their duties.

It was at the end of the hall and on a raised stepped area that Malenia sat in a simple wooden throne, head resting on her left hand out of boredom. The demigoddess was one who craved combat and the battlefield, and sitting around in tedious meetings as she was now was probably torture for her. Luckily, he could see the way her golden eyes caught sight of them, as her lips curved upwards in a small smile.

“S-So, uh, where is this Princess you’re marrying?” Sirius’ voice shook a little bit at his side, clearly intimidated by it all.

Harry looked over to see his godfather was sweating, his gaze unsteady as he looked at Malenia before looking away with some fear.

He supposed it would be difficult for someone without Grace like Sirius to be in the Lands Between already, and likely even harder to be in the presence of someone like Malenia. The woman not only had Grace, but also a Great Rune, and possessed the blood of Queen Marika on top of it all. Sirius was only now acclimating to the Lands Between, and so being around a full-fledged demigod might be too much for him.

That said, Harry couldn’t help but want to mess with his godfather in this situation.

“She’s the redhead sitting on the throne.” He confirmed his godfather’s worst fears. “Just introduce yourself to her properly, and she won’t have you sent to the dungeons to be tortured.”

“Y-You’re kidding, right?” Sirius squeaked out.

“It’s very important to give her the proper respect.” Millicent seemed to catch on to his prank, knowing Malenia was far too kind to punish someone over a simple breach of courtesy.

“Right.” His godfather sounded faint. “So, uh, what should I do? Kneel? Bow?”

Harry rubbed his chin in thought, all while looking away to hide his smirk. “Things are different here, as the norm is to kiss her feet.”

“A-Alright then.” Sirius breathed, the fact he was messing with him going over his head.

They were getting close to the room’s throne, as Malenia looked over as they approached. “Harry, I see you have returned.”

“I have.” He gestured to his godfather, who nervously moved up. “I would like you to meet Sirius Black, someone who is practically family to me, being my Father’s best friend.”

Sirius moved up and made an elegant show of kneeling, his head bowing low before he planted a kiss on Malenia’s golden prosthetic foot. “My Lady, it is my honor to meet you.”

“…”

“Pfft…”

Harry really… really tried not to laugh. But the sight of Sirius being played so well by their prank was too much.

A horrid look of realization appeared on his godfather’s face as he turned around to see himself, Millicent, and Melina trying - and failing - to hold back their laughter. “Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me…”

“Pfft!HAHAHAHA!” Harry nearly cried as he began laughing hard.

“HEHEHEHE!” Millicent’s own giggles could be heard too.

“D-Damn you!” Sirius’ face was turning red in humiliation. “Not even James went this low!”

Malenia let out a theatrical sigh, looking away as she failed to hide her amused grin. “I see you brought thy jester with you.”

“Heh, I guess you could say that.” Harry didn’t bother correcting her.

“Why you-” Sirius leapt to his feet and tackled him. “You’ll pay for this!”

/////

It turned out that he arrived at the perfect time. Or rather, the worst possible time if one was to be cynical, as Harry and Sirius were forced to sit through a grueling war council that was just about to begin when they walked in.

A large map of the Lands Between was brought forth, with various pieces set on it to recognize the various troop numbers positioned around the continent. Harry could recognize the large pieces representing the Haligtree painted in red, those of Raya Lucaria and the Carian Royals in blue, and the Golden Order in yellow.

“…General Niall has sent word that he has mostly secured the Mountaintops, including the Grand Lift of Rold. However, his report made mention of trouble his forces faced when approaching the Fire Giant and capital outskirts where the East Altus Divine Tower lie.” Loretta spoke aloud, going over the final report they had received.

Several hours had already passed in the meeting, and Harry had to fight back a yawn while forcing himself to listen. It didn’t help that he was unfamiliar with any of the areas General Loretta mentioned.

“Tell him to avoid the Forge of the Giants entirely, and to focus on making sure the Grand Lift of Rold is secure.” Malenia ordered. “Fortifications should be built, if necessary, as to make sure the Golden Order cannot capture the lift and reclaim the Mountaintops.”

“Why not attack Leyndell via the Mountaintops, my Lady?” General Seraphel, Malenia’s highest ranking Cleanrot Knight, asked.

“Because the capital outskirts only connect to the Mountaintops through a set of bridges that can be easily defended.” Malenia answered. “It would be too easy for Morgott to position golems and other ranged troops to create a choke point there, bogging down any attack.”

“Very well.”

“Also include orders for General Niall to finish consolidating and preparing defenses, before sending the rest of his troops to the Altus Plateau.” The demigod continued. “His men will be needed there for the coming siege.”

Harry perked up at that, his eyes darting to Leyndell on the map before looking over to Malenia. “Meaning we will begin besieging Leyndell soon?”

“Indeed.” She nodded. “We will not make any attempts at the walls right away, only surround the city and annex the rest of the Altus Plateau. Anyone attempting to enter or exit the city will be halted by our forces.”

“I will send word for the advance groups to begin moving out.” Loretta bowed, before looking at the rest of the commanders present. “I am sure everyone else here will prepare their own units?”

A chorus of agreement went through the room, as the officers soon dispersed. It left Harry standing with Millicent, Melina, and Sirius as Malenia stood and walked over to the map table.

“I assume Ranni’s army will be joining us soon?” He idly asked, knowing the plan was to take Leyndell and storm the Erdtree’s base with the forces of Raya Lucaria assisting them.

“Not quite.” Malenia answered him. “Her demand for the Radahn Festival to be won, and the missing Two Fingers killed, is not a task to be taken lightly. Even for you.”

He could tell she didn’t mean it as an insult, but it still made him grimace. “You don’t think I’m strong enough for it?”

“As you are now? No. You need more time and training to be ready to face Radahn.”

Sirius let out a dismissive snort, putting his arm around Harry. “Heh. Listen, Lady, my godson tossed around a dragon like a chew toy a couple months back, and even fought off Voldemort on his own and escaped unharmed. He’s definitely stronger than you think!”

Malenia merely looked at Sirius, and the man deflated like a balloon. Harry tried not to snicker, the continued humiliation of his godfather amusing him to no end.

“She’s not wrong.” He sighed. “Since the summer is here, I have several months to get stronger and learn new spells, so I might as well make the best of it. Another trip to Caria Manor would be helpful, and also some time to adjust to my new Great Rune. Not to mention getting my terrible swordsmanship under control, as I keep going through the swords I use like they’re fucking matchsticks.”

“Don’t worry about swordplay, Harry. That’s why I’m here.” Millicent smiled from his side.

“Well, you and Malenia should be able to handle close range fighting, while I’ll stick to ranged attacks when fighting Radahn.”

“Actually, I won’t be attending the Radahn Festival.” Malenia stated suddenly.

Harry paused at that. “Why?”

“For one, I doubt Jerren, being Radahn’s former right-hand, would let me compete.” She sighed. “And also because I feel this is a task you must overcome.”

A task I must overcome? Those words sunk in for some reason, and it came with a feeling of sudden determination. It was like a burning fire was lit in him in that moment, the motivation to prove himself overwhelming.

He could understand what his demigod lover was telling him, in that he needed to adequately prepare for the Radahn Festival by making himself stronger. He had stood on death’s door in his fight against Rykard after all - being one of the weaker demigods. Even against Voldemort, it had been a mix between luck and surprise that he caught the Dark Lord off guard with his power and managed to escape. Harry knew he had to do exactly what Malenia said, being that he had to get stronger and hone his abilities. Simply throwing around powerful gravity magic was effective, but wouldn’t be enough for what was to come.

I will win the Radahn Festival. He ingrained those words into his very being. I will get stronger.

“There is another matter.” The tall redhead suddenly stated, as she began circling the map table. Malenia walked over to the area where Limgrave was marked out, specifically focusing on Stormveil castle and the red and green piece representing Godrick’s forces. Casually, her arm extended then as she gave the piece a small flick, causing it to fall over like a chess piece. “As part of thy training, I ask that you visit Limgrave and defeat Godrick.”

Harry couldn’t help but grimace at the mention of that name, despite never having met the man in person. He had spent a fair bit of time in Limgrave after all, and had only heard mention of Godrick’s atrocities.

Supposedly the ruler of Stormveil was a descendant of Godwyn, born weak yet somehow getting his hands on a Great Rune long ago. He was said to be a wretch that lusted after power above all else, desecrating his body and becoming more monster than man from his efforts.

“Any reason specifically why?” He was definitely strong enough take down Godrick, but he wondered what Malenia was thinking.

“It was when I vowed to take you as my consort, I told you that I wished to make these lands a safer place. Godrick is a hindrance to these efforts, and the sooner his foul rule is ended, the better.” Malenia paused. “To be truthful, I regret not slaying him long ago during the Shattering War. I foolishly spared him when he begged me for mercy.”

He grabbed her hand, holding it comfortingly. “You can’t blame yourself for his actions. You gave him a chance to do better, and he spat on it.”

“I suppose one could look at it that way.”

/////

If he thought Volcano Manor was scary above ground, then the depths beneath it were downright terrifying.

It turned out Rykard’s real throne room resided in a colossal underground cavern filled with lava and bones. Towers made of stone and covered in skeletal corpses ran from the floor to the cavern’s roof like pillars, while gigantic golden chandeliers dangled from above on chains.

The place was big enough for Rykard’s serpent form to reside and hide in, which was why the man had likely made use of it. Of course, since Harry had killed Rykard, it meant the chamber was now empty and never to be used again. Except that Malenia chose to use it as their personal training ground.

Could this even be called training? The peeved thought ran through his mind as he kicked off the ground, dodging a golden order incantation that ripped the solid ground he had been standing in two. Harry’s feet kicked off the air in bursts of gravity magic, gaining height before he reached the cave’s ceiling and turned the stone there into spikes.

Pulling with his magic, his gravity magic ejected the stone spikes, propelling them towards his opponent. But this wasn’t a standard enemy, as Malenia maneuvered through his attack like a dancer, a blur of red that dodged and weaved between spiked stone before she met him in the air.

The steel of their blades rang at the impact, both of them pushing away to disengage before lunging at each other once again. But Harry wasn’t so lucky in their next exchange, as Malenia twirled and attacked him unexpectedly from the side, and he barely managed to hold his sword up in time to block.

For what had to be the hundredth time that day, he was sent flying as a blow from her smacked him across the room. He barely managed to get his feet firmly under him, digging deep into the earth below as he steadied himself before having to duck as her katana was already swinging at his head.

He heard the whoosh sound her blade made as it missed his head by a hair, annihilating the pillar behind him through the sheer strength of the blow. Rock and dust fell on him as he twirled away, holding up his sword to block her next strike. Their swords met, and he felt the rattle of steel run up his arms, making his limbs shake.

“Better.” She complimented him.

“You ever heard of holding back?” He couldn't help but ask.

“I hold back against most opponents. But not this time, as going too easy would only hinder you.”

Her words came with another strike, somehow faster than the previous one as he barely managed to deflect her sword. That didn’t mean he fully stopped her blow, as the tip of her blade cut a gash on his right cheek.

Harry felt the blood run down his face, squirting out before a new burning sensation could suddenly be felt. Steam erupted from the wound, the flesh stitching itself together before the shallow cut disappeared entirely.

I can thank Rykard for that. It turned out that Rykard’s Great Rune came with a healing component, something that was difficult for Harry’s mortal body to adapt to initially. He had been so weakened after claiming his Great Rune due to the changes it forced upon him, but the difficulties had been worth the struggle.

Smaller wounds on his body now healed automatically, something that Malenia had begun taking advantage of in their spars. As for bigger injuries, he genuinely didn’t know the extent of his new Great Rune’s healing abilities, and wasn’t interested in figuring out.

Sadly, he had no time to contemplate his new abilities, as another flurry of blows rained down on him. He danced through her strikes with his Zweihander Greatsword, doing much better at swordplay than before as he had improved greatly in the past weeks.

But that self-respect soon crumbled when Malenia leapt up on one foot and twirled around him in her Waterfowl Dance, spinning faster than he could keep up with as dozens of new cuts sprouted all over his body.

Yep. Swordsmanship is not for me.

/////

“To think thou would be so hopeless.” Ranni sighed. “A prodigy, I mistakenly thought of thee.”

His eye twitched, trying and failing to ignore the Carian Princess as she watched over him from her place sitting on a nearby log.

Why is she even here? He had been coming to Caria Manor for weeks now to learn new glintstone sorceries, and practicing them in the wooded area behind it. Each time Ranni went out of her way to come down from her tower to greet him, watching him work and commenting all the while.

Often times her comments were very helpful, as the Lunar Princess was a master in glintstone sorcery compared to him. She might not be cut out to be a teacher, but her presence was still appreciated, giving him a companion as he didn’t have to train alone. However, her difficult personality would sometimes show its head, disparaging him and making Harry feel like a fool.

“I’ve only been at this spell for four days.” He tried and failed not to show his aggravation. “How long did it take you to figure it out?”

“That does not matter.” She raised her chin as if answering him was beneath her. “But if thou must know, I performed its incantation perfectly after two days of study.”

Figures. He took a breath, pointing his wand at the nearby boulder he was using as target practice. “Comet Azur.”

Instead of the powerful spell he had been expecting, the beam of pure glintstone that would annihilate everything in its path, only a trickle of blue light left his wand before dissipating.

“Thou art performing it wrong.” Ranni chided. “Thou must let the coldness of the full moon flow through thee.”

“I’m trying.” He growled.

“No. Thou must not try, but simply allow.” She corrected him. “The cold and dark embrace of the moon is a blessing thou must receive, and from there thou must let it flow through thee. It is like holding open a door, receiving the power of the moon and having it flow through thou’s form outwards.”

“I’ll try that then.” He held out his wand, before closing his eyes and focusing. He searched for the feeling that came with glintstone sorcery, that cold and dark embrace that made him almost shiver. Reaching out and tapping into it, Harry pulled, channeling the cold sensation into his body as it filled his veins. He wanted to restrain it like he usually did, but instead did as Ranni suggested, having the cool magic flow through his body like a natural river, and finally holding open the door for it to flow out of his wand.

Blue light coalesced at the tip of his wand, gathering there for a brief moment before it exploded outwards. A blinding pillar of light erupted, racing across the ground and annihilating the landscape in its path before it hit the boulder Harry was targeting.

The boulder simply disappeared when his beam of glintstone slammed into it, the spell continuing on through as it ripped through the landscape on the other side of the boulder before finally slamming into the slope of the mountain beyond that. He ended the spell at that point, right as mountain’s slope shook and a rockfall began, making the ground beneath his feet shake from the spell’s destruction.

“An adequate showing.” Ranni calmly observed, not gaping like he was at the aftermath. “Now do it again, and we can move on to the Full Moon sorceries.”

Disclaimer: All Characters are over the Age of 18

A/N: Summer comes, and with it an excuse for Harry to do a training arc

As is already obvious, Harry will never be a top-tier swordsman, as he is a wizard first and foremost. That doesn’t mean he can’t cause people trouble with a blade tho