Page 62 of Courting the Dragon King

“A what?”

“A psychopomp,” Wraith repeated. But the word still meant nothing to Konrad. “Also called a reaper. It means she can help lead people to the beyond after death.”

“Really?” Konrad looked at the hellhound, who now chewed on the sash with teeth that only kind of looked like they existed.

Wraith nodded. He sat back in his chair, watching Umbra as she destroyed his sash. It looked like silk. But if Wraith minded the destruction of such a fine garment, he did not say so.

“I didn’t intend for her to be a reaper. But I created her when I was too young and had no training. So I had no idea what I was doing. I just went on instinct and did what my gut told me. I poured so much of myself into her that I created a helper for myself, who has the same skills as I do.”

Wraith rubbed his thigh. “I am a psychopomp. A reaper. So she is too.”

“So both of you help people move on? Like tortured spirits or something?”

Wraith inclined his head. “Ever since I was born, I could see ghosts. They seemed as real to me as the living, but they look and act very different. I had to learn that others could not see the dead.”

“Not even other necromancers?”

“Only other reapers. And we are rare. I’ve never met another one. Many necromancers can sense spirits. But their skills do not extend to being able to talk or interact with them. But to be a reaper, it is important that you have the ability to calm and lead them. So you have to be able to talk to them. In years gone past, being a reaper was seen as a calling. Those like me would have dedicated their lives to helping souls pass on. They would be revered and respected.”

“But not now?”

Wraith shook his head. “I think it’s because of the war. Who cares if someone’s soul is at rest? In fact, I had to work out most of being a reaper on my own. What was more valued were those who could raise the skeletons and corpses and compel them to fight. Vex and Harrow are both skilled at that.”

The hairs on the back of Konrad’s neck stood on end. He’d fought those skeletons and corpses. He’d fought the necromancers who raised them too. But it seemed that there was more to necromancy than he thought.

“During the couple’s quest, you spoke to the dead woman. Did you help her move on?”

“Not really,” Wraith said. “She was more than ready. Most individuals will find their own way to the other side without any assistance. She would have passed by herself. But she was a little nervous, so I told her she had nothing to fear, and then I went with her through the door so she would not be alone.”

Fire and flames! Konrad really had let his hatred of necromancers consume him and influence how he saw Wraith. And Umbra.

Since he’d met Wraith, he’d made assumptions. Anytime he’d learnt anything about Wraith, he’d looked for the worst possible motive. Konrad was not about to change his mind about necromancers in general. However, it seemed like there was much he didn’t know.

One thing he was glad of was that Wraith’s gifts did not have anything to do with the terrors Konrad had experienced during the war.

A reaper seemed like a noble calling. Something good. Which he’d never thought he’d think about any necromancer. But what could be more virtuous than helping individuals find peace after death?

Konrad breathed easier. At least he wasn’t married to one of those monster necromancers he’d fought during the war. “I’m sorry.”

“For what?” Wraith asked.

“Since we’ve met, I’ve made assumptions and thought the worst of you because you are a necromancer. I judged you too quickly, and I am sorry. And I’m sorry to Umbra too.” The hellhound in question now slept by Wraith’s feet. The chewed sash rested on her fore-paws. “She seems like a very special hellhound.”

“She is.” Wraith smiled directly at Konrad. The expression suited him.

“You should take your bath before the water gets cold.” Konrad’s voice came out huskier than expected.

“Oh. Right.” Wraith looked towards the bath. “I should bathe.”

Konrad cleared his throat. “If you are open to it, I could also join you.”

Chapter

Thirty-One

Wraith blinked.

“Only if you wish.” Konrad glanced away. “It’s fine if you just want to bathe in peace.”