Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

Lucia’s barrier dropped as we exited the living room. The fire was still going as flames flickered on the walls as night grew closer. Both Lucia and I glanced at each other as the smell of someone cooking filled the air. There were even a few people talking back and forth. We started to make our way to the kitchen, but stopped I stopped when I saw Breeze.

I eyed him by the front door before I whispered to Lucia. “Head to the kitchen. I’ll join you in a moment.” She nodded as I moved toward the wolf. “Why are you standing out here alone?”

“To make sure we are not disturbed.” He answered. “Given the topics you were likely discussing, I thought it the best course of action.” Breeze then gestured to the kitchen. “Your redheaded friend brought others with her.”

“Do you know who?”

“Her brother, Austin, and an Elf named Rennal.”

“I see. That shouldn’t be a problem.” Running my hands down my face. “Although, it doesn’t matter if it is. This entire situation got out of hand. If this is the worst thing that happens, I’ll consider myself lucky.”

Breeze scoffed. “Are you ever that lucky?”

My eyes met his for a moment. “No. Not really.” I crossed my arms. “Can you do me a favor?”

He nodded. “Sure.”

I quirked a brow at that. “Just like that? No questions asked?”

“Don’t know what the favor is yet, but I doubt it would be anything beyond my abilities.” Breeze answered back. “We were quite literally made to help you.”

A frown came to my lips at that. “We’ll talk about all that when things settle down.” I told him honestly. “However, I need you to talk to Marina and Rock. Make sure they keep my journey to the past a secret.” My tone had lowered to a whisper for obvious reasons. “It’s not something anyone needs to know.”

Breeze gave a firm nod in agreement before he glanced toward the kitchen. “I concur. Your age itself would make it plausible. No reason to confuse people even more.” Then he looked at me. “It’s also likely others might look into how to travel into the past if it was more well known.” My wolf added.

“Thank you.”

“Of course. Go grab something to eat. You need it.” He told me before he floated into the air and up the stairs.

It took me a moment to realize I had no idea where Rock was. Given his size, he couldn’t’ve gone far. Upstairs would likely be impossible for him. Then my eyes focused on the kitchen. The only likely place he could be was there. When I entered the room, Rock was in the corner with Austin on top of his head.

Given that everyone turned to see who entered the room, the boy was included. “Arthur!” Austin cried out cheerfully. “Can ya put me down?” He asked Rock as he tapped the guardian’s head. He did as he was asked before Austin ran to give me a hug. “Welcome home!” The boy greeted.

A small smile came to my lips. “Good to be home. You been looking after everything while I was gone?”

Pulling away, Austin looked up at me. “Of course!” He answered with a nod. “Cass got real sick while ya were gone, but we got her better.”

My eyes drifted over to the other redhead. “She did, did she?”

“Uh huh.” Austin confirmed. “Ayda and Rennal both helped me take care of her though.”

“That was very nice of them. Cass and I are gonna talk about her being ‘sick’ when we get a moment.” I told him as I watched Cass. She averted her gaze, but I paid it no mind. “Did you help bring all this food?” He nodded. “Good man. A lot of us are starving. I haven’t eaten in…” My words trailed off for a moment. “Well… A few of us haven’t eaten in quite some time.” Then I looked over to Rock. “Do, uh, do you guys eat?”

He shook his head, but Marina answered as she came into the kitchen. “We can but haven’t had many opportunities to do so. Well, Breeze and I can.”

I gestured to all the food across the counter. “Help yourself.”

She nodded. “I’ll take you up on that offer once I get some food for Alwin.”

“Give him a quarter or half portion.” I told her. “Tell him to sip his water.”

Marina quickly replied. “He already knows.” My attention turned to Lucia, but my water guardian cut in once more. “Lucia will be fine.” I quirked a brow as I turned back to her. “Her condition is, was,” She quickly corrected. “Different than Alwin’s. She should have no problem eating or drinking.”

“Good to know.” I felt a tug on my arm and looked down. “Yes?”

“Is that one Marina?” Austin asked.

Marina smiled at that. “Did your sister tell you about me?” He nodded. “Well, would you like to help me carry some food up to General Alwin? He’s also not feeling well.” Then she wiggled her tail. “It’s a little difficult for me to carry things.”

“Ah’m surprised ya can go up the stairs at all!” Austin cried out, which made me snort. “If he needs help, Ah’m yer man!”

“Well thank goodness you were here.” Marina told him. “Grab some food, but not too much. I’ll handle the water.” She gave me a wink as the two left the kitchen.

Turning to the kitchen, I saw everyone looking at me. “I know some of you probably have some questions, but I think we should all take a moment to eat.” Many mumbled their agreements. “God knows I need some grub. We’ll talk after we’re all refreshed and possibly get some sleep.” Needless to say, the plate I made for myself was stacked as high as I could get it. “What?” I replied to all the looks I was receiving. “I’m starving.”