Arthur's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

Like the rude individual she was, Elincia ignored my comment. “Arthur…”

“Fine!” I groaned and gestured to her. “What do you need me to do?”

“Arceana still wishes to have dinner with you. However, given her condition as of late, I am worried about her.”

“Her condition is serious then?” I inquired in a more serious tone.

She shook her head. “I do not know. My sister has not woken up yet. When she does, no doubt she will still be thinking of her plans with you. I ask that you be a little more lenient when with her.” Then Elincia gave me a knowing look. “Not as frustrating or challenging.”

Crossing my arms, I eyed her. “That will depend on her, but I’m not one to shy away from confrontation. If she’s pleasant and a delight to be around, I will return the favor. On the other hand, if you’re sister is acting like a bitch, she can expect the same from me.”

Elincia closed her eyes and took a breath before looking at me. “Very well. Please, though… If you see anything that seems like she might not be well-“

I cut her off. “I will return to the Temple with her in tow. Not that it matters until she wakes up.”

“Arceana and I are fast healers. I have no doubt her recovery will be swift.”

“Do you know what your sister wishes to discuss over dinner?”

“Many things about you are a mystery and do not add up, Sir Arthur.” Elincia stated and waited for me to respond, but I just looked at her silently. “Your hate for Rudnurth was unnatural, and I have no doubt my sister wishes to discuss how you two know each other.”

“Rudnurth will get what’s coming to him sooner or later. He’s lucky his sisters arrived when they did.” Elincia’s eyes widened at that, and I gave a firm nod at her look. “Oh, I’m very aware of your relationship, and I don’t care. Former king or not, you two should’ve killed him.”

Elincia seemed unnerved and on edge. “How do you know that?”

Figured it was worth taking a risk. “I’m sure you’ve surmised that I’m older than I look at this point.”

She leaned to one side before crossing her legs as she continued to study me. “We are aware that you are not a normal Human and is more to you than there appears.”

“Let me put it this way, I’m older than both you and Arceana, Elincia.” Her eye twitched. “In fact, long ago, a little group of mine traveled to save you from certain death.”

“I have never met you before in my life, and I would remember if we had met before.” She replied uneasily.

No reaction or flare-up like Arceana. My eyes studied her and waited to see if there was a change in her magic, but there was none. Arceana was beset upon when memories of old were brought up. Elincia remains unaffected for some reason.

“You don’t need to believe me, but believe that I lost essentially two brothers that day.” Giving a small shrug, I continued. “It matters not. They’re gone, and Rudnurth remains.” Elias and Aydan were the cost of my foolishness.

“Do you have proof of these events?” Elincia questioned as she leaned forward slightly.

“Just my word.” Then I gave another shrug. “It doesn’t surprise me that you don’t remember, but feel free to dismiss my words as the ramblings of lunatic.”

To my surprise, the Priestess responded rather firmly. “You are many things, Arthur, but a lunatic is not one of them. Not that you have shown anyway. I will think on your words and perhaps look into things a little deeper.”

Something was going on behind the scenes and I needed to find out what. My mind immediately thought of Rudnurth being behind their strange behavior, but how. Did he do something to them when he escaped, or was it before he was sealed away the first time? Elincia could be affected differently due to the Demon inside her.

Giving another nod, I spoke. “Let me know what you find, and I’ll do my best to keep Arceana under a watchful eye. I’ll even go out of my way to be extra nice. Even if she isn’t.”

“Thank you, Arthur.” She tapped the stone for a moment before she continued. “I would like to discuss how much about our past you are aware of if you would not mind.”

“Not much else to share, honestly.” Gesturing towards her, I explained. “I’m sure your students know just about as much as I do.”

Elincia frowned at that. “Doubtful. We have done our best to make sure they are trained properly before learning about their past. Although, you seem determined to reveal certain information not many know about.”

“And what do you mean by that?” I questioned back.

“Your visits with Augustus are one thing but seeking out Aydalia, and Aien Farro is not normal. None of the three would come forth in what was discussed between you all.”

“So, you are still spying on me.” I commented. “Good to know.”

Elincia narrowed her eyes. “Spying is having someone follow you around. When your presence is felt up the mountain, and you are not at the Temple, my concern for our Elves grows.” Then she gestured to me. “After all, you do not have the best record when it comes to Elves.”

“Your love for magic slingers never ceases to amaze me, and I’ll stick my nose where I damn well please.” Then I tapped my nose and pointed at her. “I thought for sure you’d have learned that by now.”

“Keep your thoughts and speculation to yourself. Whatever you are discussing with our student’s parents needs to be kept a secret.”

“Yes. We definitely wouldn’t want secrets being found out…” I trailed off.

The High Elf seemed to be getting more and more agitated. “I am putting my trust in you, Arthur.” A book materialized in front of her, and she floated it down to me. “I hope you will show me the same kindness.” It was the Book of Mordred. “An interesting tale, but not one I know to be true. Perhaps this book will mean more to you than my sister or I.”

A bribe in the form of my book being returned to me was amusing. “We’ll see. Do you need anything else?”

She merely leaned back. “Your understanding will do for the time being.”

The confidence of these two is mind baffling. Trying to buy me with my own fucking book was one of the stupidest things I’d seen in a long time.

“Until next time, Elincia.” Without waiting for her dismissal, I opened a portal and returned home. “Now I got more shit to figure out about what the fuck is going on with those two…” I mumbled as I got to my office before throwing my head back and groaning in annoyance. “I forgot to ask her about my fucking Leviathan tooth!”