?????'s Point of View

Unknown Location

“We have a situation.” Tor suddenly said while I was working on my project.

Since I was trying to finish it, my attention was slightly distracted. “Oh?” I hummed out in thought. “If it’s about Flare and Sulva, they’ll recover their magic eventually. Retreating from such a pointless battle was the correct choice.” He was silent as he listened. “After all, losing three of my generals in one swoop would’ve been rather annoying.”

The shadows shuddered slightly in the green glow of the room. “Thank you, my Queen, but I’m afraid I was referring to something else.”

“Speak your mind then. Whatever it is, I’m sure it will be an easy enough fix. Unless it’s Fluffy or Arthur coming to The Crimson Wasteland, we can ignore it for the time being.” Injecting another tube, I quickly added. “Although, if all three from The Island came here, that would also be somewhat of an issue, I suppose.”

Hooking up a tube to my arm, I readied to feed some of my magic into the Experiment. “It would appear that Graham has left.”

My brows furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean Graham left?” I asked. “As in he left the castle, the lab, or-“

“Left. As in nowhere to be found.” Tor explained quickly. “A few guards had reported seeing him leave when we returned a few days ago.” His shadows began to whirl about the room. “Wherever he went, he left The Crimson Wasteland entirely.”

My nose scrunched up in irritation as I snarled at the news. “He’s gone after Mordred.”

Tor nodded. “That seems likely, but it will take him quite some time to reach there, given his current form.”

I scoffed at that. “Graham is about as disarming as they come. It’s only when you underestimate him that he becomes an issue.” A small smile came to my lips. “One of my better creations, if I do say so myself.” My smile quickly faded as I brought my thumbnail to my teeth in thought. “We won’t be able to track him down until it’s too late, and I don’t want to risk getting close to Lestrania right now.”

“Arthur Pendragon is powerful, but surely you would be able to best him.”

“I can best him. Given everything I’ve seen, I’m still stronger than him, but not every battle is about strength. Considering he sent you running just from his magic alone, twice, you should be aware of how dangerous he is.” I replied in an annoyed tone. “He almost killed himself trying to kill me once. I’m far stronger now, but I’ve waited so long to get this far. Risking everything just to kill him makes no sense.”

“And if we can’t proceed without killing him or risking everything?”

Patting the container I was invested in, I spoke. “We must be patient. Everything will finally be as it should be. All this time won’t be for nothing.” Resting my head on the glass, I sighed through my nose. “No one understands what is at stake... But we do. Only those that remain are the ones who continue to suffer endlessly.”

“And Graham?”

Another sigh escaped my lips. “Leave him. He doesn’t matter. Creating Demon Lords take time, but he is replaceable. They all are. Besides, it’s not like his death matters.”

Lucia's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

Arthur moved about the room. Alwin pulled Typhon off to the side once he had realized what was transpiring. He had transferred more and more of his energy into all the Elves who were at The Island. Ayda included. Each looked like they were sleeping peacefully compared to their tossing and turning moments prior.

As he moved about, the entire wing became quiet. Not only had Arthur transferred enough to help the two Priestesses recover, but he also aided dozens of Elves. Something that was quite literally impossible. The process itself was dangerous enough for any Elf. Maybe the Priestesses could’ve done something similar, but to do so for the Priestesses themselves and everyone else while on the brink of death? For many, gears were starting to turn in their heads as all eyes were on the wheezing and coughing form of our Knight.

He turned towards us once he was done with one of his eyes closed and the other open but silver in appearance. “Where’s my sword?” Was all he asked.

No one in the room spoke. Even those little in tune with magic knew what he had just done, and I had no doubt word would spread. Aydalia smiled down at her daughter, but I noticed she was looking over the room. As I glanced about, several people seemed on edge. Sergeant Ziah was one of them and so was Cassidy.

There was tension in the air, and I couldn’t figure out why. “I’m going to ask again,” Arthur began in a weak tone. “And I’d like an answer this time. Where is my sword?”