Elincia's Point of View

Capital of Vithari - Dwardew

“What do we do!?” Ventari asked me.

“I…” I couldn’t think of anything.

“Elincia!” She screamed at me.

My eyes snapped to her. “I don’t know!” Was my sharp reply.

Explosions continued to ring out as parts of the Capital were destroyed. “Where is Arthur!?”

“I don’t know!” I shouted back.

“I was wondering who was screaming.” A voice called from behind us, and we all turned to see the cloaked figure with a large toothy grin. “If it isn’t the Princess herself!” He gave an overly theatrical bow. “It has been a long time, your Highness.” Typhon stepped in front of me, as Ventari’s guards did for her. “Not that you would remember.”

“Who are you!?” Ventari demanded. “Why are you in-“

A burst of magic erupted from the man as all the Dwarves vanished from the area entirely in a forced teleportation spell. Moving closer to us, I felt completely helpless as Typhon stood defiantly in front of me. He ignored him as I could feel his gaze focused solely on me. The man circled around me as he looked at me.

“Interesting. I heard Thana had interfered with your growth, but this is more amusing than anything.” My skin crawled at that. “How disappointing you all turned out to be.” Another teleportation went off, and the Wraith appeared. “Give me a second.”

The swift exchange between the two left me trembling as it was difficult enough to stand there without my magic. Water flew from the baths as a burst of magic came from the two before the cloaked figure landed a solid kick that sent the Wraith tumbling down into the city below. He merely sighed as he turned back to me.

As he studied me, I felt a growing sense of fondness come from him for a moment before it disappeared entirely. “You would have no memories of the end.” He paused before his hands found his hips, and he sighed. “Although, for you, I suppose it was more of a beginning.”

Disappearing from my sight, a small boom and a tightening sensation on the back of my neck followed suit. My one good hand came to my neck as I felt the grip tightening, as I screamed in pain. Typhon, bless his soul, turned and tried to attack the man. His yelp of pain could be heard along with a crash as my fingers curled in agony. My body was soon lifted off the ground as my wings fluttered and my feet kicked helplessly.

“How convenient that you possess no recollection of times past. Not even a sliver or fragment of memory of what once was.” He spoke in a low tone, and his grip tightened even more. “How is that fair?”

My vision started to go dark as tunnel vision set in. “Let her go!” I heard Typhon shout.

Taking deep breaths to help with the pain, I panted as I hit the floor on my knees. Looking up revealed Typhon hanging upside down in the cloaked man’s grasp by his leg. He seemed amused but also somewhat surprised.

“I’m sure I hit you hard enough to almost kill you, boy. What’s your name?”

Typhon tried to kick him with his free leg. “Typhon Delmaris!” He grunted as it was blocked.

“Delmaris?” He repeated, somewhat surprised, and his gaze shifted back to me. “You would give the Delmaris name to such a creature?”

“Let the boy go!” I ordered.

He did as I asked and dropped Typhon. Unfortunately, as he fell, the man kicked him without a second thought. It wasn’t overly violent but more dismissive than anything. Typhon was able to bring his arms up to block the blow. Although it didn’t stop him from being flung into the nearest wall, it prevented further injuries.

“Typhon!” His back was secured into part of the bathing foundation as his arms trembled.

The cloaked man cocked his head in surprise. “What kind of boy are you? Either your instincts are far greater than most I’ve ever met, or you were lucky enough to realize what I would do.” A smile split his lips. “Both are a talent, I suppose.” Moving towards him with a grin, I tried to get to my feet, but my legs were too shaky. “Your attacks were also rather precise for someone your age. What else can you do?”

Typhon shook in fear as his arms slowly returned to his side while he grimaced in pain. “Stop!” I called out as I tried to get to my feet again, only to fall. “Leave him alone!”

“Don’t worry, Princess.” The man told me smugly. “I’ll be gentle.”

A dark voice called from above all of us. “I won’t.”

Arthur appeared from a portal as the cloaked man was obviously surprised by his sudden arrival. He clearly wasn’t expecting this as Arthur landed both feet into his face and slammed him into the ground. The cloaked man’s body disappeared into the stone below as the entire cavern shook, the bath’s water exploded, and the foundation cracked while dust and debris flew everywhere.

“Get up.” Arthur ordered me.