Cassidy's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

Ziah spoke softly. “What happened in the East for him to get such wounds?” She asked.

“Now is not the time, Sergeant.” Kheri cut in. “Given the situation, I am ordering all guards to move the Priestesses and put Helmsforth on high alert. Their safety has been compromised and seeing as how I am the only General here, I will be taking command.”

“Do not think to move me, General.” Arceana warned. “I am in no mood for these games.”

Bickering quickly ensued. A type of madness and chaos I would never have expected from the Priestesses. Even the Nobles and guards got involved. Everything decayed into shouting while Ayda grabbed Typhon and moved over to my side. We watched the scene unfold as we were unsure of what to do. Eventually, the Zugal General grabbed the attention of everyone.

“People are dying!” Kheri suddenly shouted. “None of you know how serious this situation is!” She pointed off to the side as she continued. “Wherever Arthur is, he is likely killing people!” A familiar portal opened, and Kheri shouted, “Protect the Priestesses!”

However, it wasn’t Arthur who came from it, but Alwin. He was flung from the portal roughly and he rolled across the ground. Many were in shock at his appearance as he laid there motionlessly. The Elven General looked malnourished and gaunt. My eyes moved back to the portal, but it closed.

All eyes instantly went to the General as Ayda rushed to her brother’s side. “Alwin!” She screamed. “Alwin!?” Shaking him gently, she looked him over as he magic ignited. “What happened to you!?” After a moment, she looked at the two Priestesses. “Help me!”

Things continued to escalate as before they could help, a horrible scream shook the mountain. My eyes widened when I heard some familiar chirping within it that was similar to Arthur’s voice not too long ago. It grew louder, and louder to the point where I had to cover my ears. Soon, the ground beneath our feet started to shake before it suddenly went silent, and I wasn’t sure if I had gone deaf.

Kheri spoke softly as she looked down with wide eyes. “We’re all gonna die…”

Arthur's Point of View

Western Border

Earlier

“Find her.” I mumbled to myself as I flew through the air. “Find her.” It was my mantra. “Find her.” So, the worst wouldn’t happen again. “Find her.” She needs me.

Opening a portal as far west as I had been, I shot through the snow and wind towards The Veil. With how fast I was travelling, it didn’t take me long to get there. There was nothing I could see on the ground as The Veil seemed blend in with the snowy environment. It stretched across the horizon as far as the eye could see.

“Find her.” I repeated as I headed toward the border. “Find her.” That was where they lost contact. “Find-“

My words stopped when I came upon the remains of a battle. Lestranian colors blended into the snow as carriages, carts, and more were slowly being covered. Flags littered the area along with dead bodies. Looking over the area as quickly as possible, there were no signs of Alwin or Lucia, but I knew my orb was close. While it was faint before, I could definitely feel it getting closer.

There were no signs about where they could have possibly gone. Soon, my eyes focused on The Veil, and I grit my teeth. Part of me considered rushing in, but if I was wrong, I’d have to deal with trying to get out. I was arrogant, it’s true. Enough that I believed I’d be able to power my way in and out without issue. However, my orb didn’t feel like it was on the other side of it.

“Find her.” I whispered once more.

Stretching my energy out in every direction, it searched for my orb, and more importantly, Lucia. A blue blanket covered the entire area. Farther than even my own eyes could see. Thankfully, I felt something. It was small. Almost like a prick or pinch. My eyes snapped in the direction of the Northern Kingdoms on the other side of the border.

“Find her.” Using my gravity, I shot off once more leaving a deafening boom behind me. “Find her.” If those Zugal are the ones responsible… “Find her.”

As I homed in on my orb, there was nothing in sight at the location where I could sense it. However, I could definitely feel it under me. That meant they were likely underground. Without wasting any time, my body began to fall as I dived toward the snow. Plowing through the white powder, and icy ground, they both parted in front of me.

“Find her.” I mumbled but was unable to hear it as the destruction of the surrounding rock was too loud.

However, as I continued, the orb was getting closer and closer. Before I knew it, the ground caved in entirely and I found myself floating in a room. I say room, but underground tunnel system would be more accurate. I was on edge. Time was of the essence, and I knew it. Although, when the smell hit me, my eyes widened at the familiarity of it. I turned to dart off toward the orb but stopped as I set eyes upon a familiar figure.

“Kine?” The name left my mouth in distaste.