Arthur's Point of View

Over the Middle Ocean

A few hours had passed since the Skelds attacked in a large number. Captain Adam informed me that they had appeared from thin air. That made me suspicious that we were being followed by likely a Ghoul or something stronger that could summon the Demon flyers. Afterward, I had been by myself since I had saved the Drunken Cloud.

“Arthur!” A voice called out from the other side of my door.

Quirking a brow at the voice, I moved to the door and opened it. “Typhon?” My attention then turned to the boy next to him. “Austin? Can I help you two with something?”

“We wanted ta say thanks for saving us.” Austin informed me, and my eyes shot up in surprise. “Can’t say Ah’m surprised ya could handle a few flying demons after the way ya saved my Grandpa.”

“That, and you saved the Priestesses from assassins and have fought several Ghouls. It seemed to be the most likely outcome, but still…” Typhon began before he trailed off slightly. “Thank you. Without you, the situation would have been far worse.”

It always amazes me how that child talks. “Both of you are very welcome. Glad neither of you are too scared of me. Especially after I had to get a little serious given how many of them there were.”

Typhon looked up at me in amusement. “That was you only a little serious?” He then turned to Austin. “What is he like when he is completely serious?”

Austin shrugged. “Ah don’t know. Ah’m mostly used to him doin weird things after livin with him for a few weeks.”

I chuckled at that. “Why don’t you kids go and try to get something to drink or eat?” My suggestion got them to look back up at me. “Try to relax after what just happened.”

Another voice cut in, and we all turned down the hallway. “That sounds like a marvelous idea.” Lucia said and turned behind her. “Alwin, Ziah, would you mind? I need to have a word with Sir Arthur.”

Both bowed. “Of course, Lady Lucia.” Ziah commented. “Come on, boys. Let’s get you down to the galley.”

“Ty.” I called out to the boy, and they both stopped for a moment. “How did you launch a Skeld across the ship to me?”

“Sir-“ Ziah began, but I held up my hand to silence her.

All eyes were on Typhon. “Well, the Sergeant was protecting us and doing an excellent job, but she can only do so much.” He started. “A Skeld landed in front of me while the Sergeant was dealing with others. I just did what you instructed from your advice.” The boy explained.

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My gaze was focused on him to the point he looked down away from me. “I see. Well, I am glad my advice helped you.” Then I looked to Ziah. “Treat them to something nice if you can. The boys did well in that situation to stick by your side.” Giving her approving nod, she smiled at the following praise. “Thank you for keeping them safe.”

“Of course.” Was her chipper reply.

Alwin looked at me as he moved past. Whether he was expecting words was beyond me, but I had none to give him. Maybe Ayda was the one with all the talent because Alwin paled in comparison to Aydan. Both siblings did. He merely looked down when I said nothing to him.

Watching them leave, my eyes found Typhon’s back, and I couldn’t help but be impressed. Not many boys his age could launch a Skeld across the deck like it was nothing. Especially not without magic. He and Austin playfully shoved each other as they walked down the hall, but there was no denying that my curiosity was rising.

Lucia cleared her throat as we stood there, and I sighed. “Didn’t we just talk?”

“We never finished. We were interrupted, and I want to discuss the recent attack.” She replied.

“I feel like there are more important matters to address.”

She crossed her arms and gave me a womanly look. “Matters so important they require you to brood about in your room alone?” Lucia shot back.

I shrugged. “Maybe. Brooding usually leads to people living, so it’s definitely not a bad thing.” Pausing for a moment, I continued soon after. “Then again, brooding also leads to me killing people.” Shimming my hands up and down, Lucia looked at me unimpressed. “You know how it is.”

Rolling her eyes, she let herself into my room, and I frowned. “While I did not ‘know how it is’, I am certainly learning.” Following her, she quickly turned back around to face me. “Why did you react in such a violent manner?”

Scoffing, I gave her an amused look. “Probably because we were being attacked by Demons. I could’ve just asked them to leave politely, but I doubt they would’ve taken my offer.”

“Not that.” Lucia immediately corrected me before gesturing to herself. “When that Skeld almost took me away, a pressure washed over the entire airship crippling almost everyone. It mattered not if they were friendlies or the Demons. Each of us felt your power weighing down on us.” Her eyes narrowed at me. “Why?”

“You believe it was because you were almost kidnapped that I reacted in such a way?”

The High Elf’s eye twitched at my implication. “Am I wrong?”

“I’ve dealt with Skelds plenty of times before. Was I gentle with the Skeld I tried to interrogate?” Crossing my arms, I continued my tirade. “I massacred the first group, and I did the same with this recent group. However, when the woman I am tasked with protecting is almost abducted right next to me with no others to help since they are overrun, my options are limited.”

Lucia frowned, and I struggled not to show it, but it hurt. Lucia was most likely Mara’s daughter. She had to be. I thought perhaps she was a secret love child of Arceana’s; however, after spending more time with her, I was certain. She was Mara’s. That frown was just like her when her brothers would irritate her.

To my surprise, the girl pointed at me with a huff. “Why do you keep looking at me like that!?” Lucia demanded. “Every time we talk, you-“

Turning from her, I cut her off. “I am sure you are imagining it. There is a lot on my mind, and I have no time for-“

My door burst open as Sergeant Allen let himself inside, slightly winded. “The Captain needs you at the helm!”

Lucia and I exchanged a look before we quickly followed the Sergeant. I expected more Skelds as I ran to the deck, but we were greeted with people running about wildly. Confused, I quickly made my way to the helm where the Captain was barking orders. However, as I made my way to him, there was a drop of rain that landed on my lips. Looking up revealed that the Sun had been hidden behind a ferocious-looking storm that was brewing in the distance.

“All hands to stations!” He roared across the deck. “Prepare to take evasive maneuvers!”

“What’s happening?!” Lucia asked as we stopped beside the Captain.

He nodded upward in front of us. “A magical squall is brewing.” His explanation left me confused.

Sergeant Allen quickly explained. “It’s a magical storm that is impossible to predict or maneuver through. Waterspouts that reach above the clouds. Lightning that is blinding and strikes relentlessly.” He explained. “That is just the outside. No one has ever ventured into one and lived to explain what truly happens inside the storm.”

Frowning at that, I looked to the storm ahead of us. “Can we just wait for it to pass?”

“Nay. She’s looking to ram into us full bore.” The Captain answered in a resigned tone. “Turning back now would just make it worse.”

“Well shit.”