Cassidy's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

Arthur wasn’t moving, and he wasn’t breathing, but that didn’t mean anything to me. I saw this man rip out his own heart, place it on a dresser, and regrow a new one like it was a mere afterthought. Anyone that could do that shouldn’t have to worry about blood loss. Cursed wound or not, I had faith he would wake up.

Unfortunately, the rampaging Ghoul needed to be addressed. I moved outside the room to help Alwin and Kheri while Lucia stayed back to cast spells. Kheri was doing her best to keep it distracted, with Alwin focusing on defense. However, if we could stop its movements altogether, we could get rid of it. It was all the other Ghouls that were heading our way that was the problem.

Something about this Ghoul felt wrong though. Its giggling didn’t fit with what you would expect from a Demon, and I didn’t see it signal its friends. If it wasn’t for how hard the plating was protecting its skin, it’d been dead already. Lady Lucia might not’ve been as powerful as the Priestesses, but that was still some powerful magic.

Before any of us could make a move or deal with the Ghoul in question, another two landed beside it. “What do we do?” Kheri asked as Alwin created a shield around all of us. “None of our attacks can get through, and we’re in no position to fight more of these things.” Then she glanced around to see more Ghouls above. “We can’t even mount a counterattack or rally our forces.”

“Ah’m more surprised Ah haven’t heard any screams or other fighting goin on yet.” I commented.

The three Ghouls landed in front of our shield. “That’s because I’m not here for you.” Our attention moved to the Ghoul we had been fighting as her lips oozed black sludge. “I have other matters to attend to.” She gestured to the area where Arthur was, and I seethed internally.

“Why are you here?!” Lucia demanded suddenly. “Why have the Demons gone to such lengths to harass Lestrania over and over again!?”

To our surprise, the Ghoul started laughing. “You think I care about Lestrania?” It continued in a mirthful tone. “Lestrania means nothing in the grand scheme of things. It is merely a stool to be stepped on later when I need it.” Then her mirth completely faded. “No… I am here for one reason and one reason alone.”

Immediately after she said that, she exploded. All of us stared in horror as her body essentially disappeared as blood fell onto the grass below and across Alwin’s shield. My eyes widened as I looked up in the sky to see all the Ghouls were frozen and unable to move. Each seemed to be in some manner of pain, and that was when I felt it.

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Like a weighted blanket washing over me, the entirety of Helmsforth shook once, and then once again. Both happened in quick succession. Almost like a heartbeat moving through the entire mountain. It took me a minute to realize there was something in the air surrounding me. Purplish and blue energy coated the entire area.

Greigh's Point of View

Above Helmsforth

Every Demon in the surrounding area was frozen in place as they shook slightly. My eyes widened as I saw a wave of magic surge down the mountain and into the surrounding area. Part of me wanted to flee, but it covered everything so quickly that I had no chance to even process what was truly happening. The Ghouls started to explode and twist in horrific ways, one by one as blood rained down below.

Even the mass of shadows waiting on the outskirts started to gather and formed into a Demon of shadowy wisps. It flew into the sky as it examined what was happening and proceeded carefully. This was no ordinary Demon. That was obvious from how it was able to move about freely.

However, it had no chance to approach the mountain when it began to contort into all manner of shapes. Screeching in pain as its body stretched in a forced manner, the Demon eventually disappeared into itself. Spinning rapidly, it broke free of whatever grip held onto it and seemed to teleport away.

“What in the world…” I whispered as the magic seemed to recede just as the Demon fled before my head whipped to the Temple. “Arthur…” He was the only one who could be behind this.

With as much strength as I could muster, my wings pushed me toward the top of Helmsforth. Parts of the Temple had been destroyed, but I noticed that Cassidy, Ziah, Lady Lucia, General Alwin, and General Kheri were frozen as they looked inside a destroyed wall. Swallowing nervously, a part of me knew that it was likely where Arthur’s body was placed, but another part of me was concerned about what had all of them so mystified.

Landing softly, I approached cautiously. “Lady Lucia.” I greeted. “Generals.” None of them replied.

Furrowing my brows, my feet carried me next to the group to look inside the room. However, as I came to see what had stunned the others, my arms became limp, and my mouth went dry. Widened eyes that tried to comprehend the scene before me fell short as nothing could explain what I saw.

A room glassed black, full of small stars, that fluttered about softly while Arthur laid motionless on the table. While the rise and fall of his chest told me that he was alive, his wounds remained. He appeared to be unconscious, but that made no sense. The Priestesses couldn’t have done what just happened. No one on this mountain could’ve. No one, but Arthur Pendragon.

Cassidy moved forward and slowly extended her arm, but I grabbed her quickly. “Stop!” This snapped all of us out of our stupors. “I don’t think anyone should approach the room containing Sir Arthur.”

Lady Lucia nodded in agreement with a frown firmly on her face. “Agreed. Set guards around the entire area. No one enters Sir Arthur’s room. Not even the doctors or healers.” She ordered General Kheri, who quickly nodded and flew off. “Alwin, get reports from the lower rungs. We need to know if any damages occurred other than here.”

“Of course.” He saluted and teleported off.

Letting go of Cassidy gently, I spoke softly. “I’ll gather up some of our forces and do a sweep of the entirety of Helmsforth and the surrounding area. However, I request that my Sergeant remain here to keep me posted on the situation inside.” My eyes darted to the room. “Maybe have an Elf cast an illusion spell to prevent any Nobles or civilians from peering inside out of curiosity.”

Lady Lucia nodded. “I can cast an illusion well enough. Sir Arthur instructed me quite well.” Then she turned to Ziah. “You may stay as well. However, I may need you and Cassidy to assist me from time to time until we get everything under control.”

With that well in hand, I gave a salute to Lady Lucia, a quick look to Ziah, and shot off to make sure we were safe. Regardless of what happens going forward, Arthur will be essential to the continuation of Lestrania.