Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate Courtyard

Appearing out in the snow, I stepped beside Marina and Breeze who kept the guards in place. “So, how’s it going out here?” I inquired.

They turned to me once I spoke. “Well enough. Some guards tried to threaten Lucia and the others. I am a little surprised neither Priestess showed up.” Marina noted. “Are you feeling better? You look a little better.”

Breeze snorted. “Given how stressed he was, I think his little disappearance did you a world of good.” He replied to Marina before he looked at me. “You don’t seem so fidgety anymore.”

I shrugged. “It’s been a rough couple of days, weeks, and months. Although, killing Graham over and over has been very therapeutic.” Both chose not to comment on that. “Would you be up for a little trip with me, Breeze?”

“Of course, but what kind of trip were you thinking?” He answered and questioned back. “I doubt it would be something simple given the situation.”

“Want to show you off to Elincia, and maybe Arceana, so both of them know not to fuck with my house again.” My gaze drifted over to the guards would were all glaring at me. “Next time this happens, just kill them all if they threaten anyone in my home.”

“Even the Succubae?” Marina asked for clarification.

“…Almost anyone.” Then I sighed. “But given Lucia’s noble cause to save those who wronged her, yes. Even the Succubae. She’s better at forgiving those who wronged her than I am.”

Breeze rose a brow at me. “Didn’t you take her memories? That would likely affect her decision on th-“

I shrugged as I cut him off. “Somehow, I doubt it. We literally explained what they did to her, and she still chose to save them. If someone cut off both my pinky fingers, you’d bet your ass I’d be looking to cut off their fingers or more.”

“You mean like slaughtering all the adults and destroying their homes for touching your daughter?” Marina questioned sarcastically.

“I’m a moody motherfucker. What else do you want from me?” I asked back.

A voice came from behind us. “An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind, Arthur.” Camoa commented.

Turning to her, I replied. “I’d rather be blind then let people go around cutting off fingers. Both are assholes, but I’d be an asshole who was even.”

The Druid didn’t seem happy with such a response. “Do you not see the recklessness of such actions?”

“Oh, I completely do, and part of me even agrees with you.” I told her honestly. “However, we live in a place called reality.” Gesturing to the guards, I continued. “They’re the perfect example. This group was going to follow Arceana’s orders without thinking about the consequences of their actions. Had they gotten their way, my ass would’ve gone right back up that mountain.” Then I turned to Breeze. “Although, you and me are going up their anyway, so kind of a moot point I guess.”

“You and I.” Marina tried to correct me.

“That’s not a thing here.” I quickly told her in an annoyed tone.

“We’re going to the Temple?” Breeze asked, and I nodded. “May I ask why?”

“Elincia wants to talk. I’m sure Arceana will wiggle her way into the meeting, and I don’t want to deal with her. Bitch is straight up insane at this point.” Many of the guards looked rather offended by that. “You’re going to keep them in line, so I don’t have to lock Arceana away for pissing me off.”

Camoa, Breeze, and Marina all looked unsure about that. “Are you sure it’s wise interacting with her at all?” Marina inquired. “Elincia, I could understand, but Arceana just seems unwise.”

I quickly motioned to Breeze. “Which is why Breeze will be with me. At this point, I’m not sure Arceana can do anything rationally, and I’m rather upset with her. Despite knowing it’s not her fault, it still kind of pisses me off.”

The Druid was the one who pitched in. “I suppose having the wherewithal to admit your own shortcomings should be admired. Given the situation, it would appear you’re doing everything you can to curb any trouble that might arise.”

“Yeah, I’m amazing at admitting how much I suck.”

Camoa quirked a brow at that. “This is all just an excuse really.” Marina quickly stated. “Arthur is just nervous about-“

“And we’re stopping that before it even starts.” I just as quickly cut her off. “These three know me better than most others. Definitely more than I would like. Anyway, we gotta run these guys back to the Temple and then we’ll be back. I’d like to speak with you. Also, returning to the forest might not be the best idea.”

“I’m of the same opinion.” Camoa agreed with a nod.

“Good. Because that’s definitely not a Druid in there.” My attention turned to Breeze. “Are you ready to see the top of Helmsforth Mountain?”

He shrugged. “As ready as I can be, I suppose.”

With warning any of them a giant portal under Breeze, the guards, and myself, we all fell in.