Arthur's Point of View

Dwardew

Ignoring the Zugal’s look of disbelief for a moment, I continued to think out load. “Credo, Pestilence, and the mystery woman all appear to be against Thana, which is why they want to work together.” My statement quickly continued as the newcomer was brought up once more. “This male High Elf attacked not only Thana’s forces but me as well. Except, his didn’t seem like a test. For the most part, he was serious in both fights.”

“Then you have the Demons who also attacked the other two factions, as you say.” Kheri added after a moment.

That High Elf knew of Elincia before her arrival here like Thana did. I wouldn’t be surprised if the two actually knew each other. Although, given this single interaction, he essentially had a hand in ruining her trap. He got the Wraith to act when I didn’t. That tells me enough, and while I would like to be optimistic, he fucking ripped me in half. There was no way he could’ve known I would recover after such a fatal injury.

“Three factions that we know of. Each one now enemies of the other two.” I mumbled out. “I wonder if Credo or Pestilence have any knowledge of this man. I’ll have to ask the next time they stop by. As it stands, the world is becoming more and more of a hassle.”

“Why do you think they acted as they did?” Kheri asked me as she finally sat down as well. “

“I still don’t know what Thana’s goal is, and I certainly have no clue about this newest addition. Both are threats, but there has to be more behind all of this. I just don’t know what.” My eyes shut as I tried to think.

Kheri was quiet as she let me think, but not for long. “Arthur?” Opening one of my eyes as I looked at her, she continued. “Could I ask you a question?”

My eye shut once more. “Have you not been asking me many questions since you followed me.”

I heard her wings ruffle before she replied. “Yes. Although, I’m a little surprised you’re still entertaining me like this. You left, and I followed under Elincia’s orders, but I am worried about you. Part of me thought you’d force me away.”

The Zugal had a point. “There’s a reason for that.” Why hadn’t I sent her away? “I’m tired, and I need to stay awake. I’d rather deal with a single individual than a group continually talking over each other. Sleep will elude me for some time while I heal. You also revealed something I had no idea about.” These were excuses I came up with on the spot.

“That makes sense. So, about my question.”

A sigh escaped my lips as my head shifted onto the backrest, as I looked up at the ceiling. “Yes?”

“What did you mean ‘in my absence?’” Narrowing my eyes, I tried to remember when I said that. “When we landed, you said that the High Elf most likely kept Thana in check in your absence. What absence?”

I didn’t even look at her as I realized I had messed up. “It was speculation, Kheri.” My response was weak. “Credo, Pestilence, and that other cloaked female High Elf are all likely responsible for keeping her in check.”

That wasn’t enough to dissuade her. “But what absence were you referring to.”

“Any absence, really.” Twisting words to explain is simple enough. “I can’t be everywhere at once. However, if they’re elsewhere while I’m here…” Trailing off, I hoped she would just fill in the pieces herself.

“So, they protect their areas while we protect ours?” She didn’t sound convinced.

“Essentially.”

“I can’t help but notice you didn’t really answer my question.” Kheri eventually said.

“I didn’t, did I?” I asked back mockingly, and thankfully, a knock came from the door. “Enter.”

With my eyes still closed and head still back, the newest guest spoke. “Generals.” Allen greeted.

Kheri responded. “Captain.”

Then I spoke from the same position. “How can I help you, Harlow?”

“Many were curious as to what had happened. The men were discussing how to proceed from here and if we need to be on alert.”

“Probably not.” I told him as I lazily pulled my head up. “But the truth is that poison is affecting me worse than I thought. Been letting my guard down. Making a few mistakes here and there.” Holding up my arms, I continued. “Got both my arms and legs cut off this time. Thankfully, I got energy to spare at the moment.”

Harlow seemed to pause at that as he gave me a bewildered look. “Excuse me, but did you just say you got all your limbs cut off?”

Kheri added to it as she gestured to me. “He was even impaled through the chest and had part of his head destroyed.”

“Not a good day to be me.” I commented.