Arthur's Point of View

Dwardew

“Tor was more of a threat than the entire Demon army that showed up at your doorstep.” I commented, and many looked surprised at that.

Lady Turiel finally spoke up. “You know of that Demon?” She questioned, and at my look, quickly gave a small bow. “Forgive me, but that appeared to be the same Demon responsible for driving us out and commanded that Wraith you defeated.”

My lips curled into a frown. “Yes. One of Thana’s most trusted elites. No doubt he came here for a purpose, but I don’t know what it is. Likely to test how effective the poison was on me.” Tapping my chest where he skewered me, I continued. “He definitely got the jump on me.”

“Was he the one in the Hollow Forest back when you first became our Knight?” Elincia inquired.

I nodded. “He was. Tor’s been busy, and no doubt because of Thana’s orders. Which once again brings me to his objective. Was I truly the target or…”

The Priestess was quiet for a moment before she replied. “He referred to me as a Princess and acted as though he knew me.”

“Ignore it.” I immediately said.

“Arthur-“

“Ignore it.” I repeated.

“But-“ She tried again.

“Ignore it!” My firmness grew as I stared at her.

No good would come from here going down that rabbit hole. Not until I know whatever it was Rudnurth did to her and Arceana. That was another problem altogether, but her having a mental breakdown would just be extra work. Rubbing my head in frustration, I turned back to Lady Turiel.

“Do you have anything to help someone relax? A magical remedy or something?”

Typhon immediately cut in. “No. Magic adversely affects you most of the time. With poison in your body, you shouldn’t be trying to mix magic with it.”

My eyes stared at him for a moment before I turned to Ventari. “What about some ale? Something I can just use to blackout-“ Then I looked down to my arms and remembered they were only still attached because I was conscious. “Fucking perfect.” I groaned as I brought a finger to my brow in thought. “Never mind.”

Without saying anything, I eyed the recently made abyss before I tried to open a portal. Horrible idea. My eye that had been compromised immediately started bleeding while I clutched at it. Many in the group looked alarmed that I hissed in pain.

“Bad idea.” I whispered more to myself than anyone else. “You can use your magic now, right?” My attention turned to Elincia.

“I can, but most of my magic that had returned, I used to attack Tor.” The blonde Priestess explained. “Obviously, I still have a bit of magic. Just not really for teleporting right now. I am sorry, Arthur, but I would rather be safe than sorry.”

“Fuck it!” Creating a Gravity Pillar, which was easy, I started flying towards the castle.

Kheri immediately flew up to my side. “You’re in a mood.” She commented from beside me.

Snorting, I responded. “You can talk to me about my mood once you get all your limbs chopped off and your skull caved in.”

“You were deeply penetrated by a shadow Demon. Had to be pretty traumatizing.”

I couldn’t hold back the chuckle that escaped my lips from the unexpected comment. “Hilarious.”

She shrugged. “You seem to think so.”

Rolling my eyes, I focused on the approaching castle. “It wasn’t something I predicted would ever come from your mouth.”

“You think about my mouth often?”

“Every now and then.” That got her. “You done?”

This time, she frowned as she gave me an annoyed look. “Seriously though, are you gonna be okay?”

“There’s a lot that’s happened that I’m not okay with, Kheri.” I told her honestly. “The attack here, Tor’s appearance, and so much more. Tor wouldn’t show up here just to launch a surprise attack. If that was the point, Thana would’ve come herself.”

“Maybe his target was the prisoners?” She offered. “Dwar was the only one the Priestess pulled out of that house alive. The guards and those in the cells were already dead.”

That got me to pause. “Maybe…” What could a few prisoners of no real renown know that Thana would want to keep them quiet about? “There’s also that male High Elf. His appearance and ability were quite alarming. I think he’s probably as strong as Tor, if not more powerful.”

Kheri was quiet for a moment. “If that’s the case, how is he still alive? Why would the Demon Queen let him go? A High Elf running around in secret that purposefully revealed itself to the Demons doesn’t make sense.”

“No,” I confirmed. “It doesn’t.”

“It’s also concerning he seemed to know the Priestess.”

This was news. “What?” Coming to a sudden stop got Kheri to also slow down before she looked back at me. “He knew Elincia? As in rumors, or personally?”

The Zugal seemed surprised at my sudden alertness. “Priestess Elincia said it seemed oddly personal, but she had no idea who it could be.”