Ventari's Point of View

Dwardew Ruined Gate

I didn’t realize how bad the situation was. Only a few hundred got past Arthur, and even with all the civilians present, we were exhausted. The sounds of battle started to die down both inside and outside. We had captured five prisoners. A few of them were injured, and I wasn’t sure they would actually make it. Still, given our force’s exhaustion, it was a miracle we only had a few on our own side killed.

Dwar stood next to me, barely winded. “It would appear we are victorious.” He commented and looked up to the Dwarves on the ruined gate. “Lady Turiel was a blessing in this battle.”

Vitar looked out the gate where the sounds had completely stopped. “Maybe so, but it would appear that Sir Arthur was a godsend.”

My eyes glanced toward the gate where the sounds had completely stopped as we all stood there waiting. “You’ll learn not to mention such things in front of Arthur. I don’t know the whole story, but the man hates gods for some reason.” I then turned to my son. “It usually follows with him insulting them or worse. Just so you know.”

Many of our Dwarves stood there waiting to see if more enemies would be coming through. My people were on the verge of collapse. Arthur had given them some peace of mind, but it hadn’t even been a day since we got here. They’ve had no time to rest and went right to battle once more. Without the civilian forces to support us, I fear this might’ve gone far worse.

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I paused when footsteps could be heard coming from the stone walkway under the gate. Arthur soon appeared a moment later, coated in blood. However, given his unique nature, it was also slowly dissipating. Thus, giving him a red trail of mist floating into the air from his body. It was a rather dominant and foreboding look.

His eyes quickly snapped to mine after he looked around. “I apologize that so many got through.”

Quickly shaking my head, I replied. “There’s no need. If you took care of all the others, I can only say thank you, Arthur. Thank you for saving my people.”

He nodded. “They’re safe, but only for the moment.” His head then titled back as he looked up to the mist still covering the capital. “The Wraith hasn’t returned. Until it does, your people are still in danger.”

Although he said that, I really looked at him. Parts of his body would convulse randomly, and his fingers were shaking. Even his gaze seemed distant. When I thought about it, I realized that fighting that many foes was unheard of. If he truly wiped out that entire army, then he singlehandedly faced insurmountable odds. Of course, he would be tired.

“Regardless, this is a cause for a celebration! Our enemy’s forces have been vanquished, and our people are still here!” I announced. “Break out the ale! Fire up the smiths for some good old fashioned Dwarven culinary! Tonight, we celebrate!” Cheers rang out as I looked out across the people.

I turned back to Arthur, expecting to see some look of relief, but all I saw was indifference. He watched them celebrate, and that was all. The man soon walked off toward the palace without waiting for anyone else. Biting my lips at the uncaring attitude, I felt conflicted. Was he that nervous about the Wraith?

“Mother?” Vitar’s voice called out.

My attention shifted to my son. “This victory is yours as much as it is his.” I told him. “Arthur may have been the one to save us, but we wouldn’t have had anything to save if you had not stepped up in the way you did.” With a smile, I put my hands on his cheeks. “I’m so proud of you. You’re going to make a great king, my son.”

He smiled as I hugged him, and I heard him whisper back to me. “This glory isn’t just mine. If not for General Dwar, and the men and women of Dwardew, none of us would be here right now. I could only lead those willing and try my best to convince those who weren’t. What you see is the result.” Vitar stated. “Had I not had you and father as my predecessors, I fear not many would’ve been willing to listen to such a young and foolish prince.” It was a nice hug, and I pulled away after a moment.