Elincia's Point of View

Capital of Vithari - Dwardew

Arthur and Typhon had left the meeting, leaving me alone with a curious Druid and a few upset Dwarves. “We shouldn’t rely on him, Mother.” The Prince stated. “If we’re going to die, we should do so in a way that allows us to die with honor.”

“Honor means little to widowed wives and fatherless children, Prince Vitar.” I told him. “Would you not trade all your honor for your people’s safety and survival?”

“So, you believe Arthur can do it?” Ventari asked.

“I have been proven wrong time and time again every time I have doubted Arthur. If he says he can do it, I will believe in him. However, that is not to say I think you should just wait. Make any preparations in case of a breach or plan for the worst-case scenario.” I explained.

Tart scoffed. “Then you don’t really believe in him, do you?”

I eyed the Dwarf for a moment before I answered. “Not true.” My eyes then scanned the room. “Know this, if Arthur Pendragon cannot achieve victory in this situation, no one can. Our hopes lie with him. We will either survive with him or perish without him.” My gaze then focused on Ventari. “What did you want me to stay behind for.” Kheri continued to stay by my side.

The Queen hung her head and sighed. “We’re in no position to make demands, but I need you to ensure Arthur stays under control. The last thing I need is him threatening my Dwarves.” She then turned to her son and the General. “Spread the word that no one is to confront him. He’s on edge, and I don’t need any misdirected emotions being placed onto my people.”

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Nodding, I replied. “I understand your concern, However, there is little I can do. Warning your soldiers would be more prudent than having me keep an eye on him.” Then I gestured to my arm. “My magic has been sealed or stolen, and it is not coming back. Words alone will do little to dissuade Arthur if he wants to do something.”

“While I agree that Sir Arthur can be difficult, I have never seen him kill an innocent or even injure them. Threaten, sure.” She said in an obvious tone. “However, I think each of you is blowing this out of proportion. Can you really place your trust in him to save Vithari if you don’t even trust him without a chaperone?”

“The General has a fair point.” Lady Turiel added as she leaned back. “Most of my people started resting the moment your group arrived, and you also said he helped liberate a few of your other cities. Did he show any signs of threatening, or injuring, your people then?” The Druid questioned. “If not, can we not agree that he is focused on his objective?”

“My General and Lady Turiel are saying the same thing, just in a different way. Regardless, both are correct. Without my magic, keeping an eye on Arthur would be difficult. However, I have come to find that Arthur deals with unique situations very differently than he usually acts.” I stated and then sighed. “He gets this presence that surrounds him like he has done this dozens of times.”

Prince Vitar sighed himself as he shook his head. “These are not exactly ringing endorsements.”

The King’s Advisor quickly commented, “Especially with a fake Lestranian army at our door.”

Before I could answer, Ventari did. “They’ve been in Lestrania too. Not just Demons, but a horde of Ghouls dressed just like the army outside our gates. Trust me when I say that the Priestesses are not behind this.” Then she grumbled. “Especially with that Demonic Wraith flying above.”

“If you’re so worried about this, Arthur Pendragon, why would you allow him to wander?” The Prince asked his mother.

“I’m not worried. I’m cautious.” Ventari responded before there was a knocking on the door. “Come in.”

A Dwarf appeared, and he seemed rather disgruntled. “My Queen. Your Highness.” He greeted his rulers. “I have news.”

Vitar was immediately on alert. “Are the Demons making a push?”

“No, my Prince. This is about the one known as Arthur Pendragon.” He reported, and I immediately prepared myself for some horrible news.

“What about him?” General Dwar inquired.

“He’s gone into the city for a ‘stroll.’” Was the report.

Ventari and I looked at each other before we rushed towards the door.