Kheri's Point of View

Dwarven Deserts

“Can I ask you something?” I called to the man who had finished eating.

He snorted as he took another sip of water. “Have you not been relentlessly asking questions?”

Biting my lip as I held the question I wanted to ask, Arthur quirked a brow at me. “It’s just…”

Arthur looked more amused now. “Now I’m curious. What could you possibly ask that has you tongue-tied after what we’ve been talking about?”

I fiddled with my fingers as I spoke. “There was a name you repeated over and over again. Almost like it was a mantra to you. The others were mentioned here and there, but this one seemed more meaningful.”

A frown came to his lips. “Then maybe it would be best to move on.”

Like a fool, I ignored the warning. “Despite you being so open before?”

“I’m not open about everything, Kheri.”

“Who’s Mara?”

I should’ve listened. A weight took hold of me as I was pushed down into the cart. Breaking out into a cold sweat, my eyes darted about before they landed on Arthur. His face had twisted into one of pure rage. The snarl on his face wasn’t even directed at me as he didn’t even look at me. Elephants and Dwarves alike all came to a halt as they were pushed into the sand.

“Arthur.” I grunted out.

He didn’t even blink as if he hadn’t heard me. Elephants began to thrash about as if trying to escape as we were jerked forward. Others started to scatter. My eyes jerked to the sky when I saw a flash of light go off, and I saw it was the Priestess looking for what might be responsible. Even she was struggling. However, I didn’t truly feel in danger until the weight started to increase on me even more. Some of the floorboards started to crack underneath me.

“Arthur!” My call reached him this time as he finally blinked before his eyes flickered to me.

Everything came to a stop as he finally realized what was happening. His hands went to his face as he sighed. He looked tired, ashamed, and so many other things. It was at this point I truly realized he wasn’t lying. Arthur had no filter. One wrong question could be more dangerous than I thought.

“Arthur!” I said again. “Are you okay?” Rubbing my back from the pain of being pinched by the wood, I tried to get him to say anything. “I shouldn’t have-“

“Stop.” Just that one word revealed how exhausted he still was.

I realized he was putting on a façade before. Arthur’s energy is nowhere near what I thought it was. Clearly, he was still struggling to control his emotions. Although, that was more speculation than anything since I don’t know anything about Mara.

The Priestess started to fly over to us, but I held up my hand and signaled for her to stop. “No!” I cried out to her. “I shouldn’t’ve asked.” My voice was barely above a whisper as I panted heavily. “I’m sorry.”

Elincia eyed the situation before she nodded and moved to calm the caravan. “It’s fine.” Arthur replied before his arms flopped to his side. “I’m tired, and I should’ve been more restrained.” A pitiful smile came to his lips. “After all, it’s just a name.”

“Is it really?” My question was more rhetorical, and I tried to be understanding.

“Don’t…” Arthur began sharply. “Don’t do that.” He warned. “Take your pity elsewhere.”

Both of us were on edge, but this was my fault. “I would never pity you, Arthur.” I said playfully, trying to change the mood. “Who knows if you’re worth it.”

He covered his eyes with his right hand. “Kheri, I’d like to get some rest.” Arthur told me, and my jaw tightened. “Elincia could probably use your help too.”

I had crossed a line that I didn’t know was there. “Yeah. Of course. I’ll come by to check on you in a bit.” He nodded without looking at me.

“See you soon.” He called back.

Arthur was left alone until we got to the coast. Giving him time to recover more was essential, and keeping him and Elincia apart was just as vital. Who knows what could happen if they met like this? Especially if the Priestess were to find out he has no filter. The risk wasn’t worth it. So, I did my best to keep everyone away from him.