Cassidy's Point of View

Kandma’s Head

His gaze shifted to Aydalia, who was doing her best to cover her face and scars from the burns. “Arthur wanted people he could trust who would side with him.” Greigh gestured to the burned Elf. “I didn’t know about Lucia or her mother.”

Aydalia sighed. “I did. Arthur cared for Mara deeply, from what I could tell from his memories.”

“Mother, you took his memories by force?” Ayda’s voice cut in. “That-“

“Forbidden. Yes, I’m aware, Ayda, but I felt I had no choice. As your mother, Arthur was a great concern for your father and I. Especially given you and your brother’s relationship with the man.” Aydalia responded. “I had to know if he truly was planning anything against you.” Her lips shook as she gestured to herself. “I knew how he viewed Lucia, which is why I did my best to protect her.”

“So, father-“ Ayda began, but her mother cut her off with a nod.

“Yes. I informed him what I saw.” The Farro matriarch informed her daughter. “He did the same out of loyalty for the man known as Arthur Pendragon. What I did was wrong, and I was completely wrong about him.” She then looked at me. “No doubt your grandfather knew about this.” Her gaze moved away from mine as she looked down.

My own lips shook at that. “He knew?” I asked.

“He might’ve known more than anyone. Arthur held your grandfather in high regard, and Augustus felt the same.” Aydalia smiled weakly at that. “What I saw was mostly of Arthur thousands of years ago. Who knows what Augustus might’ve known, but if he protected Lucia, I’ve no doubt Arthur trusted him probably more than anyone else here.”

Greigh spoke once more. “I was informed by Lady Aydalia of what she had done. Apparently, she realized I knew more than most others after having a few tails put on me. Arthur and I conversed more often than most.” He gestured to me. “Besides, perhaps you, Cass. We’ve been working together to ensure there would be no need for Arthur to clash with the Priestesses...”

Aydalia continued. “That time has come and passed. Arceana will spread word of this. Regardless of what Elincia does, the people will hear about what happened, and I doubt many would be willing to side with Arthur. Not many realize he’s the one responsible for all the good things happening recently.” The Elf looked down.

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My eyes looked down at Ziah, who seemed to be shaking nervously as she looked over at Arthur. Ayda looked lost at everything that was being revealed, and there was still a lot being withheld from us. Glancing over to Alwin, he had sat down off to the side as the Druid continued to watch us carefully as we spoke.

Ayda looked at her mother. “Why would you choose Arthur over the Priestesses?” Her question was met with sad eyes from a scarred face.

“I was stolen from my parents at a young age, Ayda.” She started softly. “The Priestesses selected our families for very specific reasons. Ours was no different. Did you not think it strange that your father took my name instead of me taking his?”

“You had higher status than him-“ Ayda began but stopped at her mother’s look.

“I did, but it was at the Priestesses insistence. Not because of my status or my previous role as their student.” Aydalia turned back to me. “The Reeds, and possibly even Floyd Galis or Kine Qelo, were purposefully recruited. It wouldn’t’ve mattered your status or rank. You would’ve been selected either way.” She then gestured to Arthur. “And he knew it.”

Greigh sighed as he looked at me. “I know about your family, and Arthur suspects that a few others are selected on purpose. It gives the people the idea that they have a chance the same as everyone else.” He then shrugged. “We’re getting off topic, though. This creature is obviously protecting Arthur, but I have no idea where we’re going.”

To my surprise, the Druid spoke as she approached us and stopped beside Alwin. “We’re taking Arthur to a place where he will be safe.” She informed us. “Some of you look wary of me, while others might’ve heard about me. My name is Camoa.”

“Yer the Druid that Arthur talked about.” She nodded. “The one who saved Typhon when he was a child?” I inquired.

“The very same, but I would argue he’s still a child.” Camoa answered.

“He looks completely different than he did before he left for the East.” Greigh stated. “It’s almost alarming how tall he’s grown.” His eyes then focused on the Druid. “Were you the one who brought this creature to aid Arthur?”

Aydalia answered. “No. Kandma was in Arthur’s memories from thousands of years ago. They are friends. I have no idea who this Druid is to Arthur.”

“That is correct. Arthur called for both me and Kandma.” The Druid merely smiled. “I would like to say I am a friend. After all, Arthur came to me to save Lucia instead of any of you.” That irked many present. “Just like how you don’t trust me, my trust in all of you is almost non-existent.” Her eyes then drifted to Arthur. “However, you did help him without the need for me to recover him.”

“So, what is it ya want?” I questioned. “Ah doubt ya joined us just ta talk about Arthur.”

Some vines started to come from the top of Kandma’s head where the mountains were. Trees and other greenery were on top of the creature. That was most likely what the Druid was using. They came together to a point before a bowl of sorts appeared. It held some sort of green liquid that looked rather disgusting. Almost like thick swamp water.

“I would like to assist Arthur by giving him this. After what I saw, I’d like to be safe by keeping him in a more meditative state.” The Druid stated. “If he wakes up and starts-“ A growl gained our attention as Kandma came to a stop, and the Druid quickly explained. “It won’t hurt him. Just help to keep him asleep or calm should he wake up.”

The giant creature huffed at that before starting to move again. “Well, the giant stone bear seems to trust her.” Ziah stated and looked at Greigh. “Sir Arthur also informed us about Camoa. I think we should trust her.”

Greigh sighed as he nodded. “As much as I don’t want to, none of us could stop him at the top of Helmsforth. We also have no idea how much energy he has left or what was happening to him. Has anyone seen something like this before?”

“The lines down his face, yes.” I answered. “Even the weird chirping… But his arms and that woman’s voice…” Shaking my head, many looked concerned. “If ya can keep him out of it until we get him better, do it.” I told the Druid.