Elincia's Point of View

The Eastern Continent

A map was provided for Arthur, and he glanced at it. I had offered my help, but my knight had ignored me. He likely decided he didn’t need, nor want, my help. Not after telling him, we should leave. So, he floated into the air, which seemed to startle many of the Dwarves. Arthur twisted in every direction as he seemed to be trying to get his bearings.

“What is he doing?” Ventari inquired.

I shrugged. “I do not know.” All of us watched silently.

Suddenly, a wave of blue energy flowed from Arthur’s body and slammed into the ground. It almost was like watching a cup overflow with water on a table. Many yelped in surprise, while my eyes widened when it stretched out in every direction. Arthur’s energy shot out with purpose by shooting inland, up and down the coast.

My eyes drifted to Kheri, who was shaking at the display. Magic could do this. Sensory magic is essentially what Arthur was doing. However, it would cost me more magic than it would to just teleport to every town with my soldiers in tow. This was quite the feat, to be sure. Ventari, Kheri, and I all knew that Arthur truly was extraordinary.

It happened in an instant. Arthur’s display disappeared, and he shot off into the distance. My lips tightened as the man flew off, leaving behind what sounded like several explosions in his wake just from flying through the air. Many of the Dwarves began whispering amongst themselves.

“My Queen,” One finally spoke up. “We understand, and know who the Priestess is, but who is this man?” An older Dwarf inquired.

“He’s our best bet for saving Vithari.” She answered and gestured around. “Clearly, you can see the example of his prowess on the battlefield.” The Dwarves frowned and became silent. “What’s wrong?”

“To be honest, your majesty, we didn’t even see him until it was over. The screams just stopped suddenly, and when we came to investigate to see what had happened, that man was here with our assailants dead at his feet.” He explained. “We were unsure of what to do until you arrived. He merely stood there and looked around to see if there were any more in hiding.”

A familiar portal opened, and out flew a body. We all backed away as a creature, a Ghoul specifically, rolled on the ground. Arthur quickly reappeared, and as the creature tried to get up, he used his powers to keep it secure against the road. I opened my mouth to speak but was stopped as a sadistic giggle came from the Ghoul. The voice did not match the creature at all.

Arthur didn’t seem impressed or surprised. “I figured you’d be somewhere nearby.” He then gestured to the Ghoul as its eyes changed color to a deep purple. “Or rather, someone that allowed you to keep an eye on things.”

“Ah!” It let out, impressed. “It’s almost like we’ve done this before!”

“Once or twice.” Arthur replied.

“Did you take care of Graham?”

“Did you think I wouldn’t?” He questioned back.

“Given the state I saw you in, I was unsure if it was you or the traitors at work.” The woman’s voice said simply before it managed to give a shrug. “It doesn’t really matter either way. Although, I don’t see them with you, so perhaps they failed to acquire your good graces.”

“Pestilence and Credo are the least of my concerns right now.”

The woman giggled again. “I can imagine.”

“Why are you here, Thana? What do you have to gain from the Dwarves?”

Another giggle. “Absolutely nothing. The Dwarves mean nothing to me, but you!” She began. “You just can’t help yourself! After all our encounters, I’ve learned something about you.”

My knight seemed less than impressed. “Enlighten me.”

The Ghoul’s body convulsed and began twisting violently as it turned to Arthur despite it being restrained. “You will always cater to those weaker than you. It’s easy to make someone come running when you know how they will respond.” Her smug tone irked me, but Arthur seemed unfazed. “Better hurry, your majesty. My trap is waiting.” My eyes flickered to Ventari at her being mentioned as she watched with fire in her eyes.

Arthur’s voice was even as he responded. “How many sieges of yours have I broken?”

No longer was the Ghoul smiling. “This time is special.”

“Just like every other time. You still don’t realize, do you?”

“Realize what?” The Ghoul asked back. “Enlighten me.” It copied.

“You will always fail in any endeavor you attempt when I am involved. It’s easy enough to ruin the plans of someone when you know they truly know nothing about you. Only what they have allowed to be seen.” Arthur shot back and copied the Ghoul. “Brace yourself, your majesty. For another failure.”

The body was violently ripped apart as Arthur stared at it emotionlessly. Many Dwarves turned away from the violent display while my eyes focused on Arthur. That was no mere Ghoul, and if my suspicions were correct, it was likely the same voice behind the invasion when all of us were incapacitated. Kheri was there, and given how she was eyeing the creature wide-eyed, I’d say I was right.