Arthur's Point of View

Depths of the Hollow Forest

“Yes.” Ayda replied shyly as she took the book.

“The knowledge you find in this book will be a boon to Arthur. Help him and be someone he can lean on.” Aydan told her before he glanced back at me again. “Should he fall, Lestrania will fall.”

I snorted at that. “No pressure.”

Aydan turned to me fully. “Your battle with the Demon Queen ended in a draw. I doubt that will happen a second time.” Lucia, Alwin, and Ayda looked surprised at that. “Both of you were heavily injured, but it’s not just Thana you need to worry about anymore, is it?”

My nose wrinkled at that as I thought about that male High Elf. “No…”

He shimmered again and he started to become more transparent. “It seems I’m short on time.” Aydan mumbled. “Arthur, I was wrong about many things, but Mara can clarify. Should you see her again, be honest with her. Be honest with Lucia. She deserves to know the truth.” I was surprised to see him tear up a little. “Take our guardians from this place. Save Elias if you can and continue on with your goal to unite this world. I’m sure some of the Dragons will-“

The ghost was unable to finish as he disappeared, and a familiar ring appeared in his stead. It floated in the air. Standing, I moved to where my friend’s spirit was. Taking the ring in my hands, it glowed briefly as if accepting me before it died out. Without wasting anymore time, I placed the emerald ring on my middle finger of my left hand.

“It would appear that it is time for us to leave.” I commented as I eyed the ring before my fingers curled into a fist. “Take them up, Breeze, and inform your siblings we’ll be leaving.” My eyes then lifted to meet his. “That is, if they’re willing.”

“I will inform them as such.” A burst of air filled the hole as the elves started to float up.

Lucia stayed behind with her wings keeping her grounded. “Arthur,” She began quietly. “Can we talk?”

My head nodded a few times. “Yeah.” I told her. “But not here. Who knows if those wolves will return.” Moving next to her, I held out my hand for her. “Come on.” She took it and I used a gravity pillar to take us out of the hole. “Do you three wish to come with me?” I asked my guardians as they were all present. “It might not be safe, and I can’t promise to-“

“We’ll come.” Marina answered as she cut me off. “We all knew why we were here. The three of us are looking forward to seeing the world. If you’re willing to have us.”

“I am.” I told them with a small smile. “Thank you.”

Rock started bobbing up and down like a cockatoo. “He’s excited.” Marina pointed out with a giggle.

“I can see that.”

Cassidy spoke up. “Not that this isn’t endearing or nothin, but can we get some answers now? What in the world is goin on?”

Opening a portal, I replied. “I’m tired, Cass.” My eyes then glanced toward Alwin. “Many of us are. Let’s head to my home where we can all rest. We’ll continue this at another time.”

I gestured to the portal, and many in the group looked at each other. Unsure if they wanted to press the issue or not. Marina, to my surprise, floated out of the lake with an orb of water. Flying through the air, albeit slowly, she went through the portal. Rock and Breeze followed behind her, which seemed to be the breaking point for everyone else as well. Once the last person was through, I followed and for the first time in a long time, I was home.

“How many months has it been since I was last home?” I pondered aloud.

“Arthur?” Greigh asked from the side, and I turned to him. “How should we proceed?”

My eyes instantly locked onto Alwin’s starved form and gaunt cheeks. “Get Alwin to bed and have Marina look him over.” Marina nodded. “That’s first and foremost.”

Many seemed surprised about the sudden order. Especially given that it revolved around Alwin. Aydalia seemed to approve as did Lucia. Not that it mattered. The man needed to rest. Urgently. Out of everyone, he was probably in the worst condition.