Lucia's Point of View

Over the Middle Ocean

To everyone's surprise, he grabbed the creature's wing and cranked on it. A sickening pop rang out as the creature screeched, but it came out garbled due to Arthur's foot pressing down in its neck. Using the creature's wing, he wrapped it around its neck and pulled on it from the other direction.

"Now, I know you don't speak, but you do understand commands. When a command sounds familiar to you, you nod." He ordered in an icy tone. "Nod." The creature did as instructed. "You're here for me." Nothing. "Lestranian airships are being targeted." Still, nothing and Arthur growled as he tilted his head at the creature. "I really hope you understand how this works before this gets worse for you."

"Arthur-" Ziah tried to cut in, but he glared at her in a manner that made her back away.

The creature quickly began to flail as Arthur pull on the dislocated and strained wing even harder. "You were ordered to attack anything and everything…" My eyes focused on the quivering creature as it failed to nod. "Lucia is your target." His eyes narrowed on the creature since it still didn't nod. "Very well."

Arthur dropped the wing before he bent down and twisted the creature's neck as several cracks could be heard. It dropped to the deck motionless as our Knight examined it. A frown was on his face as he studied the Demon. Picking it up with one hand, he tossed the creature off the airship like it was the easiest thing in the world. Then he turned to us, and even I felt a little less unsure of being around him after his violent display.

Arthur's Point of View

Over the Middle Ocean

Moving over to the Captain, my expression seemed to make the entire deck nervous. "I want watchers in every direction. Above, below, in front, behind us, and the sides. Rotate them every little bit if you need, but if there are Skelds this far out, I doubt they're alone."

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Captain Adam nodded. "Of course, Sir."

I nodded in return. "Good. Get this ship moving again. I'm sorry for our short stop, but this was important."

Lucia looked up at me as she seemed nervous. "What were those things?"

"Skelds. Demons that are very keen on abductions and swarming their prey." I answered.

Alwin gestured off to the side. "How many were there?"

Ziah then added, "Their numbers couldn't have been that many."

Shaking my head, I sighed. "They weren't. There was less than a dozen, which is odd for a grouping of Skelds. Something about all this feels wrong. Keep an eye open for any more Skelds, and if you see any, do not hesitate to open fire." Crossing my arms, my eyes drifted to the two boys. "You two shouldn't of come."

They hung their heads, and I moved towards the lower deck to head below. "Where are you going?" Sergeant Allen inquired.

"I need some time to think about things alone." I told them and looked to Lucia. "Our lessons will have to continue another time." With that, I left.

This situation was starting to make me more and more uneasy. Skelds didn't have that much endurance for long journeys. That's why they'd always rest on the ground when there was no threat or prey. Even if they weren't needed, they'd be watching from some manner of resting post. The question was, where would they be resting out here in the middle of the ocean.

A group of Skelds on their own was even more unlikely. They were not bright and were obviously given some manner of orders, even if I was unable to guess what they were planning. Something else is likely tailing us or is nearby using the Skelds as scouts. That's the closest I can surmise of these new events.

Sitting down at my desk, I placed my hand on my head. "What am I missing…"

Lucia's Point of View

Over the Middle Ocean

"How in the world is he able to fly?" Alwin inquired as he turned to Ziah.

The Zugal shrugged. "I don't know, Sir."

My attention turned to the Captain. "Please continue our course as Sir Arthur instructed." He gave me a bow before he started barking orders across the deck. "How did he know such creatures as that?" I asked softly.

"What do you mean, Lucia?" Typhon inquired as he looked up at me.

"There is no record of such creatures in any history book, bestiary, or old scrolls. None that I have read." Looking throughout the group, they seemed to understand what I was implying. "How is he familiar with such creatures, that I myself, have never heard of?"

"Perhaps during his travels, he had run into such creatures before." Alwin offered.

"The General specifically said they were Demons." Ziah commented. "I doubt flying Demons such as that are common enough to encounter just by traveling."

My eyes flickered to the boys. "Sergeant Ziah, would you please escort the boys below deck and keep them company?" They looked surprised, but the Sergeant knew exactly why I was asking. "Make sure they refrain from wandering off on their own."

She quickly ushered them down below as Alwin whispered to me. "You think Arthur is hiding something?"

"I know he is." Was my quick response. "The Priestesses suspect the same thing. However, I do not believe it is what they suspect, but instead, a more personal secret." Glancing at him, I continued. "Did you see the way he looked at me?"

Alwin quickly narrowed his eyes. "No… Did he make you feel uncomfortable?"

I waved a dismissive hand. "Not like that. No. It was more like he was in pain just by being near me. Arthur consistently had a pained expression when we spoke at times. It was subtle, but it was there. The first time I saw it, I thought it was something else, but I am almost positive it is me." Hugging my own arms, my voice became softer. "I have never had someone look at me with such regret before…"