Kheri's Point of View

Dwardew Palace

Using my wind, I created a barrier of sorts, but I didn’t have a lot of magic left, as I had just said. Gritting my teeth, my vision started to get blurry from the wound. It wasn’t a serious wound if it was taken care of. There was just no way to do that at the moment. This was the result of someone inexperienced charging blindly ahead. If I didn’t have to use so much magic, I’d be able to last longer, but that dust was likely poison.

“Harlow, get Typhon and Priestess out of here. I’ll keep the Ghoul trapped here. See if you can find help, or better yet, get Arthur!”

As if summoned, a portal appeared, and out stepped Arthur. He quickly took one look at the situation and gave me a surprised look. Not many Zugal could use magic like me. After a moment, his attention shifted back to the Ghoul before studying the dust in the air. To my surprise, my magic was redirected.

“Stop, Arthur!” I cried out. “It’s poison!”

Arthur was taking the largest inhalation I’d ever seen. The dust, my wind, and even the air in the area seemed to get sucked in. It felt harder to breathe, only for a moment before everything stopped. No more dust remained, and I was finally able to catch my breath as Harlow supported me. Tart’s body twisted grotesquely before his voice altered.

“I win!” A familiar voice cut in.

“Because of some poison?” Arthur then pulled the Ghoul’s body, which was now being used by Thana, to him as his palm slammed into its mouth to silence it. “Again, I’ve broken your siege. Another trap lies ruined before me, and you have failed once more.” He started to squeeze, which resulted in cracks shooting throughout his head as the golem couldn’t withstand the pressure. “If you think you’ve succeeded, come here yourself to find out.”

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All three of us backed away from how cold and dark his tone was. His eyes seemed to shimmer as he crushed the Ghoul’s head before it fell to the floor dead. It crumbled away to nothing more than a collection of rocks. Arthur eyed it for a moment before his gaze flickered to us.

He then eyed me specifically. “It would seem you three had your hands full yourself.” Moving over to us, he stopped in front of me. “I’m sorry it took me so long to notice. Those Wraiths were more annoying than I thought they’d be, but at least they weren’t as dangerous as I expected.”

Gesturing to my wound, I replied with a hiss. “It’s worse than it looks.”

“A puncture wound can be debilitating on its own. You’ve been run through.” Arthur stated as he kneeled down to look at it. “True, none of your internal organs were injured, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t serious.” To my surprise, he put his hand over the wound, and I felt a rush of adrenaline course through me. “I hope this works.”

My body started to tingle as if I had far more energy than I knew what to do with as he pulled away from me. “What did you do?” I asked.

“Magic is essential for everything in this world. The Wraith was stealing that magic. Maybe not as fast as he did with the Elves, but magic is kind of like an immune system for you. It helps with healing,” He explained as he gestured to the wound that had scabbed over. “And more. Magic can restore grievous wounds, but most healing magic is actually just boosting your own natural healing capabilities.”

“How do you know that?” I asked him as he stood up.

“Had a friend who was a bit of a master at healing spells. Of course, there are some exceptions to the rule, but that’s how it was explained to me. My energy is kind of like a boost for your magic.” He was so tender as he looked at my wound and prodded it. “Does it feel better?”

“It does. Thank you.”

Arthur nodded. “Don’t thank me just yet. The wound will still feel like it’s there, so be careful you don’t get too excited.” He then turned to Typhon and eyed his wound. “Wrap your wound and meet me up top.”

Grabbing him quickly, I gestured to Typhon. “His wound is rather serious, Arthur!” I told him. “Your student needs your help!”

He turned to Typhon once more. “How did you get that wound? It’s almost identical to the one Kheri had.” Arthur questioned.

Typhon averted his gaze. “I was reckless… It was my fault that the General got hurt. If not for her-“

“Then deal with it yourself.” Arthur cut him off. “Like when you broke your arms out of your own inexperience, you can deal with this yourself. That, or wait until Elincia heals it. It would seem you are learning bad habits, Ty.” Without warning, he jumped up to the floor above and left us there.

The young lord looked downcast, and I sighed as I tapped his shoulder. “I’ll speak to him when I get a chance.” He nodded solemnly. “Let’s figure out how all of us can get back up there.”