Arthur's Point of View

Rudnurth’s Prison

Stopping my assault, the ring stopped glowing. That is until I grabbed Rudnurth by the neck and lifted him in the air to choke him. However, as the man tried to gasp for air, the ring glowed again. My lip twitched in anger, as did my nose. Reluctantly, I dropped Rudnurth.

A voice called out softly. “I love that boy.” Rudnurth’s eyes widened as Aydan’s voice came from the ring. “Spare my son. Please.” My friend’s voice pleaded.

Closing my eyes as my shoulders slumped, I placed my hand over Rudnurth’s mouth. My grip tightened slightly, but only for a moment. I grunted in frustration before slowly pouring some of my energy into him. Given this cell restricted his magic, this was about all I could do for him. Thankfully, he immediately put it to use, and his wounds started healing.

I pulled away before he was fully healed because I still wanted him to feel some manner of pain in here. Crouched down in front of him, Rudnurth and I stared at one another as he licked the blood on his lips. Most of his broken bones were healed as his limbs were no longer bent in strange directions, but he still had many cuts.

“That’s twice now I’ve held your life in my hands, and twice I have given it back to you. The next time,” Standing, I opened a portal. “Your life is mine.” Before I stepped into it, Rudnurth’s arms went limp at his side as he just studied me. “You know, when I first met you, I did want to help you.” He didn’t reply as he lay there quietly. “A boy at the head of war he had no business in. Your recklessness gave me the easiest opportunity to help. It’s a shame you focused on what you lost instead of considering what you might’ve gained.”

“…” No reply.

“Kodnar was just as bitter as you. Aydan had his focus elsewhere, and he resented that. Maybe you should consider that before assuming his words are completely true.” Without anything else, I left.

Elincia would need to know she needs to start looking into darker magics. Then again, Aydan did just give Ayda a book of unknown content. It’s possible he gave her something that would help. Arceana could wait for a little longer, though. Her sister would keep her away. Well, her supposed sister. It crossed my mind several times before that the Royal Family might not be entirely related by blood. The hair situation here is fucked up so that just threw me off more.

When I reappeared in the throne room, it was mostly empty. Only two people were there aside from me. Breeze didn’t appear to be too concerned about being in the heart of power of Lestrania. The second was Typhon, who was keeping an eye on Breeze. At least he was until I appeared.

“Arthur.” Ty greeted unsurely.

“Ty.” Was my usual reply before I looked at Breeze. “Head home. If Arceana hasn’t shown herself yet, I doubt she will. Look after Lucia and the others.”

“As you wish, Father.” Breeze nodded, and I opened a portal for him to go through.

With him gone, that left only the two of us. “Do you hate me?”

Ty’s fingers curled into a fist. “Yes.” He said through clenched teeth. “And no.” The boy added a moment later. I waited for him to continue as we stood there silently. “I want to hurt you for what you did to the Priestesses.”

“Your mothers-“

To my surprise, he raised his voice and cut me off. “I know!” His fingers uncurled. “I know.” Ty said softer the second time. “Elincia explained it to me. I understand why you did what you did, but I still hate that it happened.”

“How is Arceana?” I asked.

“You didn’t ask Elincia?”

“I had other things on my mind, Ty.”

“She’s recovering. Elincia placed her under medical supervision so Arceana cannot leave until she gets permission.” That was probably smart. “I’m sorry about Lucia.”

I waved his concern away. “Lucia is alive. She’s been healed and is recovering with Alwin at my home.” He was obviously surprised at that. “We found a healer that was able to save her and regrow her fingers.” Giving Ty a brief explanation only seemed fair.

The boy looked down. “A coma so close to death would be hard to deal with. Was it worth it, though?” Ty inquired. “Coming here and attempting to kill Arceana… Was it worth it?”

Stepping closer to him, he only watched as I approached. “I’d like to say that it was the poisons’ fault and my body being horribly damaged with my energy incredibly low. That being said, many have already made that excuse for me, and it seems like a copout.” Turning away from him, I looked out one of the windows as the memories came to me. “Truth be said, I wouldn’t say it was anything. I feel no regret or embarrassment for what I’ve done. There were many things that led up to that moment.”

“None of us could stop you.” Ty commented.

“I wasn’t in the mood to be stopped.” I told him. “Elincia seems to think I wouldn’t’ve gone through with it. As someone who can look back on it, I can assure you I had every intention to kill everyone on this mountain if I needed to.” My shoulders shrugged a little. “There is a reason for my reaction, Ty. One I cannot explain to you, and I won’t ask for your forgiveness. I wouldn’t give it if I were you. Just know that I am sorry if I hurt you. Truly. Whether it be emotionally or physically, I’m sorry.”

My student seemed to think my words over before he replied. “I will not respond to your apology. Given that you feel no regret, I think it would be pointless.”

“That’s fair.”

“I’d also like to continue being your student and ask you to continue making me stronger.” I raised a brow in surprise at that as he looked up at me. “That way, I can stop you the next time if something like this happens again.” He held a small glare for me.

“Why do you think I’ve been training you up until now?” I asked rhetorically.