Arthur's Point of View

Dwardew

My mind raced as Elias came to the forefront of my thoughts. However, too many things didn’t match up. While his wings were also white, his hair color was not. His magic also had traces of pink, so unless something changed, his aura didn’t match either. Still, this was concerning. Thana knew of the Royal Family before their appearance here, from what I can tell. That means someone else, someone new, also knows them before their reveal in Lestrania.

The only other person that came to mind was Davost, but again, the hair didn’t match. She was also the strongest being I had come into contact with. Even more so than Thana or any of her pets. Davost was also female, which cut her out of the running.

A flash of Mara entered my mind, but it also quickly faded. “Why did no one tell me about this before now?” I demanded.

“We didn’t know what it meant.”

“It doesn’t matter if you know or not. Another High Elf approached Elincia and knew her, without her having any memories of them.” Sighing in exasperation, I looked to the Zugal. “Do you really not see how this is important information?”

“And you always share information?” Kheri shot back.

Becoming firmer, I held her gaze. “This is not the same, Kheri.”

Crossing her arms as she hovered near me, she gave me an unimpressed look. “How so? We don’t even know your real reason for helping the Dwarves. Just that you want to use their library, among other things.”

“Do you realize the importance of what you just told me?”

“It’s pretty obvious how monumental finding a male High Elf is, Arthur.”

“No!” I said instantly. “Not finding one. That isn’t all that surprising. I’m sure there are quite a few immortal-like beings in this world.” My tone turned dark. “Another High Elf that knows of Elincia that she has no idea about… Do you not understand how crucial that information can be? How could they know about her and not the other way around?”

The Zugal General seemed less sure of herself. “Because of her position as Priestess?” I groaned and ignored her once more as I headed to the palace. “You said another High Elf…” Kheri said from beside me as she caught up. “There is another unidentified High Elf that you know of?”

Glancing at her, I answered. “To be honest, there are a few. Remember that cloaked High Elf with raven-colored hair. She showed up once or twice. Besides her, I know of a few others, but you didn’t even know about Rudnurth, did you?”

She frowned at that. “Alwin and I were well aware of Rudnurth.”

“But do you know who he really is?” Kheri became quiet at that. “I thought as much. It’s not something the Priestesses would want people knowing.” Then I scoffed. “After all, to appear kind, loving, and caring, it’s best not to air out your dirty laundry for everyone to see.”

“Forgive me, but I still don’t see the importance of this unidentified male High Elf that has you so worked up.”

We landed on the balcony that led to my room and walked inside. “What would you do if I told you the Demon Queen was once a High Elf?” I asked her, and she completely froze mid-step as her eyes widened. “Don’t worry. She’s definitely not anymore. Whatever experiments she’s done, she’s gone too far, and I doubt she could be classified as a High Elf.”

“Wha-What?” She sputtered out.

“That means there are three factions all vying for power at the moment. In my absence, I would guess it was this male High Elf that kept Thana in check. However, upon my return, he seemed interested in me, and he knows Elincia. That means he likely knows Arceana as well.”

“Three factions?”

“Thana and her Demons. This mystery man and whatever forces he has at his command. Then me. Technically, I would even say Credo, Pestilence, and their mystery High Elf are their own faction, but they seem more interested in aligning with me. Well, two of them do anyway.” I stated.

“You don’t include the Priestesses in these factions?”

I scoffed as I sat down. “They’re with me.”

She eyed me. “Don’t you mean you’re with them?”

“No.” Was my simple reply.