Arthur's Point of View

Dwardew Palace

It’d been a little over a week since my battle with the Wraith. So far, I’d been able to hide what happened during our fight. Elincia and Kheri had many questions that the Dwarves and Druids avoided like the plague. They gave vague responses to the best of their ability, but the two knew something had happened. Both women were sharp, and it was kind of a giveaway when almost everywhere I went after the funeral ceremony, Dwarves and Druids alike would bow.

Although, some took it to an even higher degree of annoying. “How kind of them to show their savior their respect.” Elincia commented dryly as several Dwarves were kneeling as we walked by.

“Maybe if you did more while you were here or even wanted to come in the first place, you’d be shown the same treatment.” I shot back as we were led by a guard somewhere.

“You know we were in a tough position, but leaving Lestrania for you almost seemed too easy. Nothing worried you about leaving?” The Priestess replied.

“I had my people in place, and I trust them. As long as Arceana didn’t do something really fucking stupid, I have no doubt everything is fine.”

Kheri glared at me from behind. “She is still the Priestess, Arthur!”

Stopping, I put my hand on her shoulders and shook my head. “I know. I’m so sorry.”

Without elaborating, I followed the Dwarven guard leaving two insulted women to follow me. As flustered as they were, they eventually realized it would be pointless to continue. After all, there were fewer things I had less faith in besides Arceana.

The Zugal General spoke up after a minute. “Why do I feel like you’ve intentionally made us look bad this entire trip?”

Looking over my shoulder got both women’s attention. “Most of that was done by yourselves. Leave me out of it. I wasn’t the one who wanted to leave. Elincia elected to come as a representative, and Greigh asked you to come to help her. You two came in your own self interests.”

“So did you!” Kheri said as she gestured to me wildly.

“Yeah, but I said that straight up. Lestrania has just been trying to save face ever since I agreed to come.”

Elincia couldn’t refute that, but it didn’t matter. We had exited the palace and were being led elsewhere. All three of us were surprised by that. Part of me thought about being worried. Then I thought better of it and realized how idiotic it would be to try and lay a trap for me after everything they saw.

We came up to Vitar, who was with several guards and his mother. “Well, this is a surprise.” My former student, now priestess, said. “Is there some special reason we were brought here, Ventari?” They were guarding some unassuming house.

The Queen glanced at me for a moment before she answered. “This is where we have been keeping the prisoners, Elincia. All of them have their masks on, but we’ve removed their cloaks.” Ventari replied. “Given that we had an agreement and were only able to capture them thanks to Arthur, we thought it best to let him go first in questioning them.” She explained.

“We’ve also kept most of the people at bay. They’re busy helping with the recovery efforts and scavenging, but many want to see their hero.” Vitar informed me.

“Tell them to get a better hobby.” I told him before I looked at Ventari. “Thank you for keeping them secluded. Is there anything I should know about them?”

“Well, I think it would best if someone were to accompany y-“ Ventari began, but I quickly cut her off.

“No.” Many present seemed surprised at my tone, and her son was a little put off.

She gave a small bow. “As you wish.”

Elincia stepped beside me. “I also think it would be best if someone were to be present. It does not have to be me, but I have learned better than to leave you alone with prisoners.” She stated firmly. “After what happened with those Zugal from the Northern Kingdoms, I cannot condone you being alone with them.”

Eyeing her for a moment, my attention moved back to Ventari. “Whose prisoners are these? The Dwarves?” I asked.

“Yes?” She replied, confused.

“So, you should be the one who chooses who can visit when and with or without an escort.” My gaze drifted back to Elincia.

Thankfully, the Dwarven Queen was quick to pick up what I was putting down. “I suppose I should.”