Arthur's Point of View

Deep Forest

Kandma chuckled as my form dropped. “Understandable. However, we will have to continue this at another time.” She observed our surroundings. “This place is no longer safe. If not for your aid, this might’ve been my downfall. Your energy was quite the boon in this fight.”

“They were here for me anyway. It was the least I could do.”

“Regardless, thank you. We will meet again, my friend.” She told me before she bumped me lightly with her snout. “After all, I have a part of me inside you now.”

“That sounded far worse than you meant it to.” She merely smirked in response, and I rolled my eyes. “I’m sorry about this, Kandma. I’ll be back again.”

The bear shook her head. “Don’t be. Both of us have questions that can be answered later. It was nice seeing you again. Just be careful about that energy of yours.” She told me as she turned away. “I know it affects your mental state, and you already appeared to be in a rather volatile mindset when you arrived.”

Nodding in understanding, I replied. “I know, but there’s nothing I can do about it.” Looking up to her, my hand rested on her leg. “Can we please just talk? After all this time, it’s nice to speak freely about most things. Someone who actually knows me.”

“Be at peace, Mordred. For we have once again reconnected. I can find you anywhere, and you can summon me.” Kandma started to leave as I landed on the destroyed ground. “You can find me, and I can summon you. No longer will we be apart because of circumstance. If either of us is in danger, the other will know. We will meet again soon, but for now, we must part lest those wolves return.”

Part of me wanted to follow her. Yet, I knew getting out of the forest would be smarter. I wasn’t running on empty, but my eyes were heavy along with my body. Gazing at her shrinking form, it wasn’t until I could no longer see her over the trees that I decided to head home.

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Opening a portal to my house, a few Dragons greeted me. All of them looked at me in surprise. Now in the living room, surrounded by Dragons, I sat on my couch. Many of them glared at me from my sudden appearance, while others shied away. It wasn’t until I looked down at my arms and saw the blood from the wolves evaporating into mist.

“Why not use the door?” A Dragon inquired. “We don’t like magic.”

I rolled my eyes at that as I examined one of my hands more closely. “You are fucking made of magic. Hate yourself and leave me out of it.”

“You-“ He tried, but I quickly cut him off.

“This is my home. If you don’t like it,” He seemed to pale as I glared at him along with my eyes activating. “Fuck off.” The Dragon backed away, and I scowled across the room. “You’re guests here, but I’m not in a good mood, so don’t push me.”

“All of you!” Dryritt suddenly appeared in the hall, hunched over. “Leave!” He ordered before gesturing to the door. “Go home.” Came the Dragon’s softer response.

They protested, but I paid no mind. They filed out as ordered, and I was left with an old lizard who looked at me with pity in his eyes.

Greigh's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

Ziah and I headed to Pendragon Estate. On our way, we saw the handful of Dragons flying off. We looked at each other before we landed in the courtyard. They had all flown off, but I didn’t see the representative. Gesturing to the front door, Ziah nodded as we wanted to make sure they weren’t doing anything inappropriate to Arthur’s home.

“What happened to you?” Dryritt’s voice cut in from the hallway on the other side.

“I’m not in the mood, Dryritt.” The General replied, annoyed.

“You were a legend. My son told me stories about your victories! About how you single-handedly defeated the Demon Generals of old and freed him along with many other Dragons.”

“I’m sorry I don’t live up to the legends your people have of me.” Arthur’s voice cut in before he scoffed. “Most of them don’t even remember me.”

“They are young. Many of your tales are still known by those of us who were there when it happened. When word of the Volcanic Curtain had been compromised to the cleansing of the Great Forest, from the birth of Klasteris to a strange man becoming King of Lestrania,” Dryritt replied. “You are a King, Mordred.” My eyes slammed open at that. “The rightful King of Lestrania and its people.”

My head whipped to Ziah, who started to move, but I quickly grabbed her and covered her mouth. Her eyes shifted to me as I held her tight. Slowly, I shook my head, and just as slowly, released her. Bringing a finger to my mouth, she gestured wildly to the door, and I firmly shook my head before gesturing for her to stay.

Nervously, she agreed, and we moved back toward the door. “You’re no mere fairytale. You’re a living legend.”

Arthur bitterly replied. “I’m a man with his own agenda. Legend, fairytale, king, knight. All of these are just fancy words, Dryritt. They mean nothing.”

“They meant something to my son!” The Dragon stated in a raised voice. “They meant something to every one of us who believed in you. They meant something to Aurora.”