Elincia's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

“This is getting us nowhere!” Kheri yelled. “Given the situation and seeing as how neither of you can compose yourselves, I will be taking command.” She then looked to Greigh. “Take Ziah and scout whatever that creature is that is approaching.”

I kept my gaze on Arceana as the Captain replied. “Ziah and I can look into it, but there’s nothing we can do against a creature that size. Shouldn’t we start evacuating Helmsforth?” He suggested.

Typhon responded. “And go where? Would it even be possible to outrun something so large? The Zugal perhaps would be fine fleeing, but the Humans and most Elves would be at a loss.”

Drewes agreed with him. “Young Lord Delmaris is right. Seeing what the beast wants would be the best idea, and we will deal with things should they go awry.” Then he gestured to the storm. “Although, I am at a loss for those clouds.” He continued in a more disheartened tone. “Even more so above that magical power that is pulsating throughout the sky.”

“That’s from Arthur.” Cassidy stated firmly, and I turned to her.

“Are you positive?” I asked softly. “I assumed it was, but-“

The redhead nodded. “Oh, Ah’m sure. Given that horrible heart wrenching scream from earlier, Ah’m positive something happened ta Lucia.”

My lips pursed at that as my eyes moved back to the clouds rolling in from the west. “Do you think you could talk to him?” I questioned as they were moving above us.

She shook her head. “No idea, but probably not.” The mountain started shaking from the approaching beast as well.

Part of me thought this might be the end of Lestrania. I knew how powerful Arthur was. The east was truly an eye-opening experience. Even though I knew beforehand he was stronger than us, I never really knew just by how much. I know now. Killing him didn’t matter. Destroying his heart and head did little but annoy him. Whatever may happen, everything would be decided by Arthur…

“Arthur is going to be out for blood.” Kheri stated and I looked down at that. “He wasn’t in his right mind before and I have no doubt people are dying right now. That’s why we need to get you two someplace safe.” My eyes drifted to my sister who still didn’t seem to realize the danger she was in. “Teleporting somewhere no one knows about would be best fo-“

A portal opened and the entire mountain top went silent. It was definitely one of Arthur’s. Everyone turned to it on edge. My breathing caught in my throat as some backed away from the portal. Normally, the man would come out in a second or two. Not this time. There was nothing. Just a portal that stayed open for a few minutes. I exchanged a few looks with Kheri who just shook her head.

Cassidy was the one who spoke up. “Maybe he wants us ta enter his portal?” She offered.

Typhon, bless his soul, answered. “Do you feel comfortable entering his portal in this situation?”

“Not really, no.” The redhead admitted.

My eyes shot up to the clouds that rumbled as lightning began to shoot out more erratically. Many also saw it, and the thunder that followed unnerved me. Slowly, we shuffled away from the portal. Kheri moved in front of me as I saw her trembling in fear. Some of the others were concerned, but the Zugal General looked absolutely terrified.

She held up one her hands as she spoke. “Everyone move away from the portal.” Kheri ordered as she kept her eyes on it. “Elincia,” Her use of my name without my title grabbed my attention as she turned to me. “You need to lea-“ I watched as her eyes widened.

Shoving me to the side, my head snapped to where she was looking. Arceana was unaware of it, but Arthur was standing right behind her. However, he looked very off. Blue lines were etched into his skin ran down his cheeks and neck. They even split off to the sides toward his ears. His face held no expression as his eyes were focused on my sister who had no idea he was there.

“Cea!!!” I called out to her in terror.

At my cry, everyone turned around including my sister. She was unable to move. Whether it was from the intensity coming from Arthur, or because Arthur was holding her in place via invisible force, I was unsure. Kheri was stopped midstride as she froze in place. I tried to activate my magic, but it wouldn’t work. Lightning struck the area around us as all of us flinched.

Arthur eventually spoke as his eyes never left Arceana. “You hurt me.” He claimed with a chirping in his voice.