Arthur's Point of View

Over the Middle Ocean

No one knew what I meant. Their vision wasn’t as good as mine for obvious reasons. Many looked at me in surprise when I returned to the deck in full armor with my sword at the ready. Allen immediately realized how serious the situation was and began shouting orders for everyone to move to their battle positions.

Elincia and Ventari moved to me urgently as I adjusted my gauntlets. “What did you see?”

“Smoke rises from the distance.” I answered simply and turned to Ventari. “Any chance it could be from a festival of sorts?”

She shook her head as a frown formed on her lips. “No, and we have no major forges on the coast.” The Queen ran back to the bow and looked back to the approaching image of her homeland.

The Priestess summoned some of her magic and sent it flying off. “This should help.”

I raised a brow at that. “Sensory magic?” I inquired.

Nodding, Elincia’s hands were still coated in their white aura. “The very same. It is not perfect, but it will still provide some information.” She then smirked. “I had a very good teacher who used to find more precise information than most scouts.” The sudden praise, and mention, surprised me. “Even now, I like to think his magic still surpassed mine.”

“…He must’ve been something special for you to talk about him in such a way.”

“You should know him. After all, you read his book of prophecy and found his other one at the Old Capital.”

“This is the first time I’ve heard you speak so openly about Aydan.”

She shrugged lightly. “Most know him as The Great Sage, and most never ask about what spells we are casting. You seemed interested.”

My teeth clenched at the title. “Was he truly as great as the history books portray him?”

A small scoff was her response. “Those books do little justice for him. He was far greater than any words could describe. His knowledge of magic was underrated, if anything. Not many Elves could stand against multiple Dragons at once.” Then she looked at me. “Are you okay?”

Realizing I must’ve been too deep in my thoughts as I stared at her, I looked back to the approaching landmass. “Yeah. Just going over things in my head. What we might run into. You know?”

“Yes.” Elincia nodded firmly. “It has been a long time since I have felt the nerves of battle take hold of me.” She studied the horizon with me. “The Reed Family Home was an incident, to be sure, as was the Gathering on the island, along with those two Demons appearing in the Temple…” The Priestess became quiet as one of her lit hands made its way to her chest where her heart was. “But heading into an unknown battle is different from having one sprung upon you.”

“Ambushes can be fun.”

Rolling her eyes, she replied. “Not many would think so, and I am not one of them regarding Demons.”

“Then you’re probably not going to like this trip very much.” I stated. “We already know the Demons are likely behind this.”

“That is a separate issue, and you know it.” Elincia shot back. “You know what I was trying to say.”

“Perha-“

She cut me off as she gasped. “Oh, no.”

My eyes glanced to Ventari, who was at the very front of the ship frozen. “What is it?”

Elincia lowered her voice. “The entire coaster city is in flames. People in black cloaks and masks are setting fire to the town. Even the docks are on fire.”

“How far out are we?” Kheri came up beside us, unaware of what was happening.

“Good question.” I replied.

“Arthur!” Elincia shouted, startling the other General. “Go!”

Rolling my eyes, I ran across the deck and jumped from the bow before shooting off. As I flew over the water towards the east, my eyes kept a steady gaze on my surroundings to ensure no Demons were trying to pull a fast one on me. With Defiance at the ready as I could start to pick up on the distinct smells of smoke, my ears heard the screams of terror from down below.