Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

Tucked away in my estate, I read the Book of Mordred. A pretentious title, but I think Aydan did that on purpose, knowing that I would find it one day. The book detailed Mordred’s, or rather, my achievements. The Great Sage was vague in my description and only spoke of my cloaked form.

How I was a powerful entity, who appeared during Lestrania’s greatest need. United the three rulers of the alliance to serve the Royal Family. That I trained the Royal Family and was declared the King when Rudnurth locked himself away. Luckily for me, Rudnurth was the only one mentioned aside from Elias. None of the three Princesses were, which meant I didn’t need to explain how I knew about Mara.

A reveal into the past that many would question and fewer would believe to be the truth. No wonder Arceana and Elincia seemed unconvinced. However, after Arceana’s little reaction earlier, I had no doubt something happened behind the scenes. Even Elincia was affected, but not as heavily. This book stirred up memories in Arceana, and that seemed to trigger her outburst. Although, it didn’t appear that Elincia was able to draw the connection.

Setting the book down, I sighed and rubbed my eyes. “What did that other book contain?” My mumbles were met with silence. “Not that I’ll find out now. Fuckin wolves.”

My thoughts then drifted to the Farro Family Journal. The knowledge it contained was… Disturbing, to say the least. Aydan’s line was hunted down after they went into hiding. Afterword reached Aydan’s children that he had been killed, along with their mother, they ran. Rudnurth was no doubt responsible in one way or another. Whether it was directly or indirectly, I was unsure.

Given his hate for Ayda when they had their brief encounter, I wouldn’t put it past him that he looked for them. It was Aydalia’s Great Grandparents who suffered the most. Well, her Great Grandfather, to be more precise… Elves live a long time, and Aydan’s son spoke of how he had settled down in an unknown land with a lover of sorts.

They were never married officially, but they certainly said their vows. Anyway, they had several children before they decided to stop and after he was sure they were safe. Far from the wars, Lestrania, and any manner of conflict. Unfortunately, an agent of sorts found him, and given his lineage, was forced back into the war with the Demons. After all, either he went, or his wife and children would’ve been at risk.

After I fell and wounded Thana, a new leader arose from the Demon Horde only a few years later that was far more vicious than his predecessor. A Demon with great power that Rudnurth himself struggled with even with his own Demonic Magic. The Demon and Rudnurth clashed near the remains of Klasteris, which was apparently still around despite what I saw. There were even mentions of the King who ruled Klasteris being involved, but there were no clear mentions of Elias.

The Demon in question was said to have the power to control the dead, which made the war long and hard. It would raise friend and foe alike. Each added to his forces only made him stronger as he fed off the lingering remains of whatever magic the dead possessed when they passed.

Details become sporadic here, but after the Demon was finally defeated with Rudnurth, Arceana, and Elincia at the helm, he returned home without further prompting. Unfortunately, when he finally made it back, there was nothing remaining. His home was burned to the ground along with the surrounding area with his wife’s and children’s bodies decorating the area.

It was something that resonated with me as I dealt with something similar back on Earth. I, too, had lost the one I loved and had my future stolen from me. Much like me, Aydan’s son was betrayed, and he fled from the scene while taking the bodies with him. Unlike me, he gave his family a proper burial and the respect they deserved.

So, he led a quiet life by his lonesome. For hundreds of years, he stayed hidden. His spells, while not comparable to Aydan, still aided him in his life of solitude. Illusions that rerouted explorers and weary travelers. Special spells were placed in case anyone made it through his illusions. The man became paranoid more and more as his life continued. This became apparent with his journal entries spanning from years to decades as they became darker with each written word.

Eventually, they stopped altogether until several hundred years later. It was unclear at the time, but he had once again abandoned his home to return to society. Apparently, Rudnurth was gone, and he learned of it through a few explorers who were stuck in one of his illusions. Still wary, due to Arceana and Elincia ruling, he hid himself in a town near the Capital.

There, he met another woman who he eventually fell for, and despite his age, they married. Two more children were born, but he was far older than Aydan at this point, so it surprised me that it was even possible. Then again, he was a magic slinger and might’ve used some magic to help with the process.

Moving on, his children and wife were informed of who he was. That they were now members of a lost line and had the blood of a Queen running through their veins. However, taking Varvara’s name, or Farro, would be ill-advised. So, he took his wife’s name and bestowed it upon his children. I’d like to say they lived happily ever after, but no one gets what they want.

The book was passed down as Aydalia had told me. Unfortunately, Arceana eventually received word about Aydan’s line persisting and got involved once more. Aydalia’s parents were the ones who were found and were confronted when she was just a little girl. Naturally, they were wary after reading the journal, but Arceana wanted to make Aydalia a Noble and her private student.

However, there was a catch. Her parents would have to let her come alone. No doubt she wanted to start fresh and raise a child who was loyal to her. Nobility with respect for the Priestess and having been raised from ‘mediocrity’ would feel a sort of thankfulness towards their savior. It wasn’t until the journal appeared before her many years later that she read it and understood what her parents had done. Saved her life.

I was unsure if Aydalia’s parents are still out there or if Arceana killed them. Neither would surprise me, and I hope she wouldn’t take such actions, but she is a politician, if nothing else. Amuses me that she wouldn’t take the title of ‘Queen’ so her people wouldn’t feel as if she was ruling over them but merely guiding them. That’s some brainwashing bullshit if I’d ever heard it.

Rubbing my face in annoyance, I sighed. “Aydalia is far smarter than she lets on. Not a single entry into that journal has been made by her, and I doubt she showed it to either Priestess.” Tapping my desk, I wondered how to proceed from here. “Arceana has several copies of kings and queens in her back pocket, and I got fuck all…”

My musings were interrupted when a knock came from my front door. “Sir Arthur?” Rennal’s muffled voice cut in through the door. “May I come in?”

Quirking a brow at that, I made my way from the office to the door and opened it. “I see you brought a few people with you.” I commented as my eyes rolled over Cassidy but focused on Ayda. “Lovely.”