Kheri's Point of View

Dwardew Palace

Tart seethed as he stood back up to his feet, and his body started to get sharper. “Not because of my orders, but because I want to.” His fingers turned into a single pike on both arms.

To all of our surprise, he was launched across the room and into a wall. He stayed there for a moment and eventually looked up in surprise as a chunk of his face chipped off from where he was hit. My eyes also searched for who was responsible, and they fell onto Typhon who was standing there with his fist glowing with some manner of magic.

“I stood by because I thought it would be best to leave this to General Kheri,” Lord Delmaris began. “But then I thought, what would Arthur do?” He then moved to my side with Harlow and took a combat stance. “Get up, Demon.” The young lord ordered darkly. “You threaten my family, and you’re gonna pay the price.” His tone gave me shivers as I could almost see magic floating off him.

“Arthur’s newest student…” Tart whispered as he climbed out of the wall. “I have orders to kill you specifically.” Tapping his cheek that had been chipped out from Typhon’s attack, he continued. “Now I see why. Even the current Dragon King had nowhere near the potential you have at your age. The Queen always thought they might have the greatest potential. Perhaps you should be spared and given to her instead.”

“You’re more than welcome to try.” Typhon replied as I felt heat starting to pour from him. “Just know that failure is all that awaits you.” A few explosions rang out in the distance from Arthur’s battle, but I quickly looked back to the young Dragon.

I had never seen Typhon this confrontational before, but given that the woman he considered his mom was right behind him, I can’t say I was surprised. We readied ourselves as we expected the Ghoul to attack. However, Lord Delmaris picked up a piece of debris and flung it far faster than I had expected. Tart was able to dodge it easily enough but paused when it destroyed a part of the far wall. Typhon charged without warning and slammed into the Ghoul.

Harlow and I moved to help, stopping as we saw him pick the Demon Golem up and slam him into the ground. A roar escaped from Typhon’s lips as he did it repeatedly until the floor collapsed, and they fell through.

“Typhon!” I shouted.

“You dare threaten my mom!?” I heard him bellow from below. “My mom!” He repeated before the sounds of crashing could be heard.

Hopping down, I spread my wings to see Lord Delmaris had the Ghoul pinned and was wailing away recklessly. I immediately moved to them. Cracks were shooting across his stone body, but he wasn’t paying attention. The Dwarf was small, even when compared to the young Dragon. He could get his feet under Typhon and turn them into pikes, much like his fingers did.

“Typhon, move!” I screamed and shoved him out of the way.

One of the pikes pierced Typhon’s forearm. He screamed in pain as I gritted my teeth as one managed to snag some of the skin on my side. It was a small piercing and not life-threatening, but I still curled over in pain as my free hand covered the wound. Tart scrambled to his feet as I put my other arm out in front of Typhon and got him to back away.

“Kheri!” He let out concerned as he cradled his arm.

I eyed his wound for a moment. “Harlow! Get down here!” He jumped down and landed unceremoniously near us. “Attend to Lord Delmaris’ wound.”

He looked between the two of us. “Your wound looks more serious.” Harlow commented.

“It’s not. He managed to get a chunk of skin, and it hurts horribly, but we cannot allow the young lord’s wound to get worse.” My breath caught for a moment as I hissed. “Out of all of us, I’m the only one who has experience in this type of situation. Once he’s been taken care of, I’ll need help.” Wind surrounded me, and I felt my feathers shift from my magic. “I don’t have much magic right now, so use the time wisely.”

“I can still fight!” Typhon shouted.

“You’re gonna have to. There is no choice in the matter.” I stated. “With these wounds, if we don’t work together now, all of us will die.”

Tart panted in pain as the cracks on his body worsened. “I don’t care anymore.” He said suddenly before impaling his left arm with his righthanded pike and ripped it off. “Surviving was never an option for me.” His arm slammed into the ground as some dust floated into the air. “This was meant for the king, but I suppose he’ll get his dose when he finds your mangled corpses!” Waving his arm all over, the dust started to spread.