Greigh's Point of View

The Slums Barracks

Leaning back in my chair, I covered my eyes with my hands. “Arthur succeeded in removing the parasite that was inhabiting Priestess Elincia, but it came at a cost. He was weakened when the other Demons began to gather at The Island.” Ziah informed me.

“And none of the Demons cared about either Priestess?” The question was asked without removing my hands.

“They mostly mocked the Priestesses more than anything or ignored their existence entirely. Each Demon that arrived was more interested in Arthur than either Priestess.” My Sergeant stated in a dark tone. “Even the one that cut off his arm was more focused on killing Arthur than stopping us from leaving.”

Leaning forward, I lowered my hands as I steepled them together and looked Ziah in the eyes. “I thought you said he lost his arm saving you and Cass?” Clarification was needed.

Ziah nodded. “He did, but he likely would’ve been able to dodge the attack altogether had we not intervened.” She replied grimly.

My eyes darted about in thought. None of this made sense, but little has since the appearance of Arthur Pendragon. Not many would ignore the leaders of Lestrania for a Knight that’s barely been here for a year, if that. However, there aren’t any known Demons that could do what was reported at The Island. Well, at least, there weren’t any that we knew of…

Before we could continue, there was a soft knock on the door. “We’re busy.” The door opened without my permission, and I readied myself to yell at the interloper until I saw who it was. “General Kheri.” I quickly stood to salute her, but she signaled me to stop.

“I come bearing bad news.” She said softly while Ziah and I shared a glance.

“It must be more than bad news if you decided to deliver it yourself.” I commented as I slowly stood. “What is it?”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

Kheri sighed and gestured to me. “As two of his officers, you are being informed that Sir Arthur Pendragon has passed only a few moments ago.”

Ziah spoke for both of us as she looked at the General in disbelief. “What?” She whispered out breathlessly. “How!?” The Sergeant began shouting angrily as she stood confrontationally. “He was in our care! Arthur should’ve been taken care of before anyone-“

“Sergeant!” I bellowed in the office and got her to turn to me. “Sit down.” My order was met with a glare, but she did as instructed, and I quickly turned my attention to the General. “How did this happen?”

“Sir Arthur was looked after first and foremost, but his wounds were too grievous to heal without either of the Priestesses. Especially his right arm. From what the doctors said, it’s cursed and wouldn’t close.”

Giving her a nod in understanding, I replied evenly. “Thank you for going out of your way to keep us informed, General. I’ll have a few words with my Sergeant as well.”

She shook her head. “No reprimand is needed. After all, he saved our lives. I understand how she feels.” With a small nod towards us, she moved to show herself out.

However, I quickly held up a hand. “Before you go, General, would you happen to know where Cassidy is? They were rather close...”

Kheri sighed again. “She hasn’t left Arthur’s side. Lady Lucia is rather distressed as well and has also refused to move from the room.”

“I see.” My attention quickly turned to Ziah. “Sergeant Ziah, head to the Temple. Cassidy will likely need a friend in this situation.” She frowned and stood, but I stopped her. “Sergeant,” Ziah looked at me, curious. “Make sure you wear your armor and weapons. You’re no longer on vacation and I expect you to act like it.”

Her eyes hardened as she realized what my words meant, before storming out of the office like I wanted her to. “That was unnecessary.” General Kheri told me with narrowed eyes. “All of us would have been at the Demon’s mercy if not for Arthur. It wasn’t her fault.”

“If not for Arthur and the Priestesses, you mean.” I corrected as I kept a close on her.

Kheri looked back at the open door and closed it slowly before turning back to me. “The Priestesses helped us escape, of that there is no doubt, but both Priestesses admitted to the situation being out of their control. Neither seemed keen or eager to join in the battle, and I doubt either would’ve survived.”

Crossing my arms, I leaned against my desk. “So, Sir Arthur Pendragon is dead, and Demons far stronger than either Priestess are out and about. Did I miss anything?”

“That about sums up our situation.” Kheri confirmed as she hung her head. “I’m going to be honest, Greigh… I don’t know what we’re going to do.”

Sighing myself through my nose, my shoulders slumped. “We’ll figure something out, but I have business to attend to, Kheri. I’m sorry I can’t stay.”

One of her brows rose at that. “Where are you going?”

Moving over to the wall, I pulled my swords from their resting spot. “Patrol.” Giving her a pointed look, she glanced down at her own blades that I was focused on. “I hope you haven’t gotten rusty with those swords of yours. Chances are we’re going to be getting workout of our lives soon.”

A frown came to her lips at that. “Is that why you sent Ziah up to the Temple?” I didn’t reply. “Then I suppose I should join her and inform General Alwin. While suspicions they may be, I’ve never known you to be wrong in these circumstances.”

Without further words, she left, and I followed soon after as I headed towards the Hollow Forest. The only place where the Demons have appeared from time and time again. If they want to make a move, they’ll position themselves there first. My wings carried me faster than they had in a long time, and chances were, they were going to be getting quite the workout in the coming days.