Arthur's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

As I stepped out into the throne room with Ty in my arms, Arceana and Elincia, quickly teleported in front of me. They were making quite the fuss over him. Instead of dealing with that, I merely handed him off. The two Priestesses were confused at his state along with his condition.

“He’s malnourished, sleep-deprived, physically and mentally exhausted, along with several small wounds covering his body.” I told them. “Get him fixed up and ready to leave in two days for when we depart.”

Arceana glared at me for a moment before she teleported away with Typhon in tow. “Arthur!” Elincia instantly chastised me. “How could you do something so horrible to a boy!?” As she pointed off toward the medical wing.

Staring at her firmly while holding her glare, I crossed my arms. “Because I need someone to actually support me in ways that matter. Not,” Then my elbows gestured to her before shrugging. “This…”

Elincia took a quick breath before she gestured to me more carefully. “I admit that tensions were high when you returned from your investigation. Not having answers to questions is not something I am used to. Especially after being attacked.” She then continued more delicately. “I was also informed that your energy levels have a direct effect on your emotional state.”

I quirked a brow at that. “As interesting as this is, I already apologized for almost breaking your hand.”

“You did.” She nodded before gesturing to herself. “However, I was unaware of your own state and made things worse. I offer my sincerest apologies. You and I have gotten along rather well compared to you and my sister.”

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“I’d like to say you have a more level head…” I trailed off and didn’t elaborate.

She frowned at that. “Anyway, the point I was trying to make is that just like you were dealing with low energy levels and the loss of a friend, I too was dealing with the same situation.” Elincia told me. “Augustus was a dear friend. An old student, to be sure, but you know I was close with him.”

The Priestess made a fair point, and I closed my eyes as I nodded reluctantly. “I know.” My eyes met her far softer this time. “Both of us made mistakes, Elincia. For what it’s worth, I wasn’t taking my frustrations out on Ty, if that’s what you’re concerned about.”

Before she could reply, the doors opened, and in came Typhon with Arceana healing him. “I didn’t fail!” My student glared at me as he stumbled forward, with Arceana holding her breath watching him. “Do you hear me!?” Typhon asked in a raised voice as he found my gaze again. “I didn’t give up!”

“I never said you did.” Was my simple reply.

Typhon paused at that as his eyes widened while his stance slumped. “What?”

“It was time to return, Ty. That’s why we’re back. You passed. Get some rest because we’re gonna be leaving in a day or two.” I informed him while Arceana pursed her lips, trying to refrain from saying anything. “Then it’s back to training.”

“Why would you not tell me that?” The boy inquired in a tired tone.

“Because I picked you up while you were sleeping in the snow.” Was my retort. “You’re too young to assume the worst, Ty. Don’t assume anything and wait before stumbling back here exhausted.” My eyes shifted to Arceana. “Would you mind?”

Not needing further prompting, she quickly teleported away with him again. “Was that truly necessary?” Elincia asked.

“Is anything I do that you don’t approve of?” She was smart enough not to continue that line of questioning. “I need to go speak with Greigh about a few things and have a few others I wish to talk to before I leave. Do you need anything else?”

Sighing, she summoned her magic, and in a flash, a small weapon appeared before me. “There are a few things you need to know. First, this is yours.” Moving it toward me in her magic, I quirked a brow as I eyed it suspiciously.

Gesturing to it as I looked at her, I asked, “And this is?”

A smirk appeared on her lips. “Surely you must remember that rather impressive tooth that you brought back as a trophy from the Leviathan.”

My eyes darted to it as I replied. “I remember it being far larger than this. Impressive in magnitude, weight, and a disgusting yellowish tint.” Then I looked back at the dagger. “This appears to be a shiny white knife of sorts. Certainly not worthy of the enormity of what was the Leviathan, nor its tooth. We must be talking about different things, right?”

Part of me hoped this was a cruel joke. “Wrong.” Elincia answered, and my hopes were crushed.

“My disappointment is vast, and my day is ruined.”