Lucia's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

We were talking with Kheri and telling her what had transpired. She was relieved that Alwin made it but was rather upset hearing about everyone else who went with us on the expedition. Our scouting mission had failed miserably, and we would’ve died without Arthur. However, while we were speaking with her in the kitchen, a weight suddenly the entire estate.

My eyes widened as Kheri was pushed to the ground. “Kheri!” Ziah cried out as she tried to help her.

“I must admit, I didn’t think anyone would be here so soon.” Arthur’s voice cut in from the doorway. His eyes looked around the room as if studying the situation. “Not to mention, did I think you would be so bold to come here with-“

Cutting him off, I quickly tried to stop him. “Kheri came to speak with you! The others were following Arceana’s orders, but she stood with us when they tried to force their way inside.”

Without speaking, he walked in slowly and made his way to Kheri. “Is that right?” Arthur asked. “Did you come here to talk?”

“Arthur-“ Ziah tried, but Arthur’s eyes snapped to hers, which made her immediately stop.

To our surprise, Arthur lowered himself to the ground and lay on his back next to Kheri. “Last I heard, you wanted to cut my head off and slice up the rest of me too.” Her eyes widened as Arthur turned his head to look at her. “Truth be told, I don’t blame you.” He shrugged, and whatever force he was using lifted. Kheri grunted as she lifted herself up slightly. “After seeing how I acted, I don’t blame you one bit. Your loyalty should at least be commended.”

Greigh and Ziah were looking down at him, surprised. “When was this said?” I asked after a moment of silence.

“Cass told me what happened after I passed out. Had to ask, given that I was suddenly on Kandma with Aydalia, Ayda, and Alwin all in tow.” Arthur answered before he turned his head back to Kheri. “Us Generals need to stick together during these trying times.”

The Zugal General seemed a little surprised about that. “You’re not mad?” Kheri asked back, somewhat stunned.

Arthur shrugged again. “Not really. I figure putting you on the ground is a good enough way to get back at you. Consider us even for the moment.”

Kheri scoffed at that. “Don’t you think that’s a little messed up?”

“And suggesting cutting off my head isn’t?” Arthur shot back. “Major props for even recommending it, though. In all seriousness, you’re not exactly my biggest issue at the moment.”

“That’s fair.” Kheri replied.

“So… What did you want to talk about?”

“Do we have to stay on the floor while we talk?”

Arthur looked back at the three of us as we watched the two on the kitchen floor. “The ground is probably the best place to stay for me at the moment.” He said, and many of us were curious about his response, but we didn’t say anything. “You can leave me alone down here if you want.”

Kheri rolled her eyes before turning over to her back to match Arthur. “Fine. Look, Priestess Elincia asked me to come here.”

Groaning, Arthur instantly replied. “Look, if this about our one-night stand-“

“No!” Kheri quickly said. “No, no. She spoke to Rudnurth.” Arthur went quiet at that, and he turned his head to look up at the ceiling. “Does that mean nothing to you?”

“What do you want me to say or ask? Is she dead? Did she get trapped again?” He mocked in a sarcastic tone.

“What? No!” Sighing, the Zugal quickly continued. “What you said resonated with her. She went to Rudnurth for answers. The Priestess wasn’t exactly too pleased with what she heard.”

Scoffing, Arthur continued his sarcastic tirade. “I imagine not.”

“This is serious, Arthur.”

“Oh, I’m sure it is.”

“Elincia is horrified by what she learned. Rudnurth wasn’t exactly forthcoming about many things, but what he alluded to was disturbing. Apparently, the Priestesses have another sister.” Her gaze quickly found me. “I suppose I wouldn’t be surprised if their sister’s name was Mara.”

Arthur frowned at that. “Explain.”

Kheri quickly recalled the events that led to her arrival at Arthur’s home. With each word, Arthur’s expression grew darker and darker. In fact, toward the end, he looked absolutely livid. In the end, he was seething silently on the floor, but if looks could kill…

She went quiet for a moment before she finished with, “A lot of this matches what you told me in the Vithari Desert. About Rudnurth and what he did.”

“That’s fine.” Arthur said before standing up in the creepiest manner possible. His entire body seemed to stretch itself up into an upright position in a very unnatural way. “I needed to speak with Rudnurth anyway. He’s on my list to address going forward. As is Arceana, but there’s someone else on my mind too.” Kheri was getting up as he looked toward me. “Can you hold down the fort a little longer?”

I nodded. “Of course.”

“Where’s Breeze? I want a different kind of intimidation factor with me this time.”

“He’s outside with Marina.” Greigh answered.

“Fantastic. I can take all those useless guards back to the Temple with Breeze.” Arthur turned to Rock. “Keep Lucia safe while I’m gone.” He then looked at Kheri. “You can stay here if you want.” Without anything else, he opened a portal and disappeared.

We stared at it for a moment before Kheri turned to me. “So…” Our attention moved back to her. “Arthur’s your dad, huh?”