Arthur's Point of View

Capital of Vithari - Dwardew

“As tempting as that offer sounds, I’ll have to refuse. One man and a ship filled with a handful of Lestranians aren’t going to make much of a difference. Even if they did bring back our Queen.”

Looking down at him, I replied. “You know who I am?”

He scoffed. “Yeah. Word was spread about you rather quick. Plus, your appearance is rather unique.”

“I’ve only been here for a few hours.”

“Giants like you stand out, so when a ship of them crashes into our city in the middle of a war, you’d better believe that people are gonna talk.” That makes sense. “Regardless, I don’t care about your deal. Why you came here with the Queen is a mystery to me?”

“Maybe she knew that I could help?” I offered.

“If you can single-handedly turn around this war with this large of a number discrepancy, you’d be a god. Yet, I don’t see any golems with you.” Wasn’t going to ask about that. “Anyway, until they call all hands-on deck, meaning seniors, women, and children, I’ll remain here.” He then caressed the mechanical elephant. “Among my inventions that pale in comparison to my greatest creations.” His head turned to a family portrait that had his two boys.

I turned to leave and left him with this. “You’ll remain here until I win our deal.”

He then threw something at me as I went out onto the street. “We didn’t make a deal!”

My student looked at me unimpressed. “I take it things went well?” He inquired.

“Don’t be a smart ass.” I told him as I continued on down the streets.

“But you taught me so well.”

I quirked a brow at that and looked at him as he fell in beside me before I rolled my eyes. “Apparently, I did. Talking back with such sass is something I thought impossible for you.”

He shrugged. “I’m glad I could impress.”

Proud and slightly annoyed, I studied the streets as the few Dwarves out and about ignored us. Having someone chase us out of a store by throwing something at us probably didn’t look too good. Thankfully, I didn’t care that much.

Elephants were used to help trim trees, transportation, and more as they would lumber down the roads. Desert Dwarves with Elephants as their mighty steeds. Part of me wanted to observe how they got off and on them to see how funny it might look. Sad thing was, if their food started running low, they’d probably be the first things to go. After all, there appeared to be dozens of them, if not hundreds. Not sure how they fed them all.

“Arthur.” Ty spoke up suddenly, and I turned to see he had come to a stop as he looked down.

Following his gaze, I came to a quick stop as a young Dwarf stood before us. He was so small that the first thought through my head was mostly wondering about how far I could kick him. The boy came up to my knee and appeared to be somewhat developed, so he was likely in his teenage years. Most Dwarves came up to my waist or a little higher. It’s probable that he just hit puberty, or he is just tiny, even for Dwarves.

“Can I help you?”

“Maybe.” His voice cracked, which essentially answered my question.

My student and I glanced at each other. “Well, I can’t do anything until you tell me what it is you want.”

Why did this scene feel so familiar? “Are you dangerous?” The boy inquired.

“Oh my god. Déjà vu.” I snorted out. “I might be. Was that all you wanted to know?” History does, indeed, repeat itself.

“You’re the one everyone calls Arthur Pendragon. You saved the Queen, right?” He asked.

I nodded. “I am, and I helped return your Queen to you.” To my surprise, he looked more contemplative than I would’ve thought. “Is there something else?”

“Why did you bring her back? People are saying you’ve doomed us. With the Queen here, there will be no one to gather the necessary reinforcements.”

“Child, I am the reinforcements. You have nothing to worry about. Your people aren’t doomed, and you’re gonna be just fine.”

“Why, because you’re dangerous?”

Typhon gestured to me. “I assure you my teacher will handle the situation.”

The Dwarf teen looked skeptical. “If that’s true, then what are you here for?”

I quirked a brow at that. “What am I here for?”

He nodded. “You must’ve come here for some reason.”

“Besides a crippling sense of guilt and responsibility?” I asked back rhetorically, and my student elbowed me.