Arthur's Point of View

Lestrania

Several more months had passed since Aydan's and my little excursion to the border. There had been some movements by the Demon Horde, but nothing major. Small troop movements here and there that were spotted and then soon disappeared. Something dark was happening behind the scenes, and I had no idea what it was.

Not that they celebrated it, but Christmas was getting closer and closer as the air grew cold. "You really should get out of this room." Elias's voice cut through the silence in the council chambers.

Looking up from my seated position, I groaned. "Don't I know it." Was my tired reply. "We haven't heard anything in weeks… Demons have been roaming around without a care in the world, but they've gone silent. It worries me." I told him.

Moving next to me and looked over the map, he nodded. "It worries all of us. However, staying in the confines of this room for days on end will do nothing for you or us."

A pair of arms wrapped around me from behind and over the chair. "Come take a break. You have been in this room for days trying to figure out what the Demons are planning. Let us be thankful they have not attacked in quite some time to enjoy ourselves." Mara said as she hugged and hung over me.

"I could use a break, but before we do, Elias…" I called out his name and slowly turned to him.

"Yes?"

"Can you tell me what you think of the Floating Stone Forest to the Northwest?"

He crossed his arms and looked at where I had marked the map. "It is an area where magic has affected the stones' gravity there. Thus, creating a sky filled area of some mountain-sized rocks."

Mara was hugging me slightly tighter, but I ignored her as she nuzzled me. "Yes, but why doesn't it affect anyone who goes there? I've asked this same question to Aydan, and he has no idea."

Elias gave me an amused look at that. "So, you thought I would?"

"No, but I've been told this place has been an interest to you." Tapping Mara's arms with my hand, she let me up, and I stood next to Elias as she moved to my other side. "Aerowyn told me about your fascination with this area and how you liked visiting it with her when you were a child."

"Aerowyn and I used to go quite often. Normally after I learned a new lesson as a reward of sorts." Elias explained.

"I've never seen them myself, but you describe them to be close to the size of floating mountains?" The Prince nodded. "Aydan said the same. As did Robert."

Mara then looked at me in curiosity. "Why the sudden interest in the Floating Stone Forest?" She asked as she placed her hand on the table.

Pointing at the spot on the map, I explained. "Because this spot is closer to the Zugal Clans and is technically Lestranian territory. With Demons running about, I think it's about time we started using more of our land." Tapping the map got them to look at it. "From what I've been told, the rocks are decorated with trees, grass, and even some wildlife."

Elias nodded once again and looked back at me. "That is true. I've seen all manner of creatures on those rocks."

"This land was the Humans originally, but Robert could never do anything with it. However, now Lestrania exists, and Robert rules no longer. With Humans, Elves, and Zugal, we could build a fortress on top of the Floating Stone Forest with bridges connecting between the rocks!" Both looked at me in shock, but the smirk on my face could probably be heard.

"That seems like quite the undertaking. Do you mean to move the Capital?" Mara asked in surprise.

"Far from it!" Standing back up, I turned to Elias. "I'd like to give the area to Prince Elias and create a new place of power to rule from!" I explained as Elias looked at me in shock. "By spreading out our people, but creating a safer place to live, the citizens will flock to it."

"You want me to rule a part of Lestrania?" He asked back, shocked, and even Mara seemed stunned.

Shaking my head, I put both hands on the table. "Not part of Lestrania, I'd like you to rule by my side as the King of another nation." Circling the Floating Stone Forest, I continued. "This has the makings of becoming a floating stone fortress! With defensive and offensive capabilities, unlike anything ever seen!"

Mara and her brother looked unsure. "Your majesty-" Elias began, but I held up a hand and stopped him.

"I told you not to call me that." I told him and sighed. "While I cannot make you do anything, the choice will be yours. In this time of uncertainty, it will be difficult to see this through, but consolidating our people into more heavily guarded locations would be for the best."

"So, let me get this straight…" The Prince stepped back from the table to face me directly. "Your plan is to split Lestrania in two and have me rule this new nation that you want to be built from scratch?"

Aydan entered the room at that moment and answered for me. "We Elves were masters of our forests and used all our resources to our advantage." Moving next to us, he continued. "However, Lestrania has taken hold of all our previous territories and the areas in between that neither wanted to seize for fear of war." Patting Elias on the shoulders, he held him for a moment as a proud look came to his face. "I, for one, have been more than impressed with your growth over the last few months."

"As have I." Aerowyn entered the room with a large smile on her face. "His Majesty, King Mordred," That made me roll my eyes and groan. "Saw it fit to consult Robert, Varvara, and I about this matter. All of us agreed you were more than ready and have proved yourself capable."

Robert then entered the room and continued for all of us. "Large parts of this Kingdom are unused or going to waste just sitting there. We have a plan to change that, but it is ultimately up to you to make the commitment." He then smiled more earnestly. "Naturally, you will not be alone. Lestrania would welcome you with open arms into an alliance with us and the Dragons." The former Human King smirked in my direction. "It was one of the conditions His Majesty brought up to the Dragons during our talks."

Elias and Mara were looking around the room in shock. "You have planned this for months without telling us?!" Mara asked in surprise.

Aerowyn moved next to Elias and hugged him. "We wanted it to be a surprise. Naturally, I would go with you to help organize the creation of this 'fortress' Kingdom, but with Zugal, Elves, and Humans working together, this task should be far easier than we originally thought!"

Crossing my arms, I sighed. "It should be, yes, but I am still worried about the Demon's unnatural movements as of late." My hooded visage then locked onto Elias. "This isn't without risks. However, you'll have the full support of Lestrania behind you." Then I gestured to Mara. "Naturally, your family will likely come to visit you often."

To my surprise, Elias gently pushed Aerowyn away before facing me fully once more in a more serious manner. Before everyone, the proud Prince had a few tears in his eyes that I did not expect. Nor did I expect what came next. Elias kneeled before me with his head hung in a low bow.

"If this is your will and you have decided to gift me this task, I cannot, and will not, decline this offer. No words can express my gratitude, but I will pledge here, and now that you will always be my King." Elias stated before all of us.

Naturally, I was horrified. "You will be a King yourself soon!" Aerowyn said excitedly as she jumped on him, acting like a doting mother who was proud of her son. "This will go down in history, my Prince." Then she turned to me and gave a small bow. "My King. I must begin the preparations, and this calls for a celebration!" She quickly ran off as others offer their congrats to Elias as he stood.

However, he merely looked at me and my unresponsiveness. "My King." The Prince spoke. "You have not replied to my vow."

The room became quiet as many looked towards me. "Elias, it was a grand gesture and one I have no doubt you meant, but I will not be here forever." Placing my hand on his shoulder, I continued. "Do not tie yourself to one who is only here to aid you into being the best King you can be. A King need not bow to another King. For if you ever need help, and I am near, you will only ever need to ask a friend." Reaching out my hand, Elias smiled the most genuine smile I had seen in a long time.

It almost made me feel guilty. I used 'friend' loosely and didn't truly mean it. Not that Elias or any of the others had to know that. All of this was for me in the end. Play the game to eventually get a shot at winning it was what was most important here and I didn't work with the people of this world, there was no way I'd get a chance at unveiling the mystery that lurks here.

"Then, I am afraid I must ask immediately. I need your help, for I fear I have no idea what I am doing." Elias replied as he shook my hand with a massive grin.

Many chuckled at that, and Robert playfully shook him. "That is why we are here!" The old man boomed cheerfully. "Now come! We must not let Aerowyn tell everyone the good news herself! Not long now and we will have another King!"

All started to file out of the room, but I didn't move, and neither did Mara. "Are you two coming?" Aydan inquired as he turned back to look at us.

"I'll catch up in a minute."

He shrugged. "Suit yourself." Mara didn't move, so I eventually spoke up. "Something on your mind?" I asked as I turned towards her.