Arthur's Point of View

Depths of the Hollow Forest

The group came down with Breeze as their escort. Naturally, all of them were confused. Lucia may have seen him before, but that didn’t mean she knew what was happening. The four landed and stared at Aydan before they looked at me. Their eyes shot back and forth as they waited.

Aydan moved forward as he began to circle them. “Which one is Ayda?”

“The youngest.” I said as I pointed at her.

“Fascinating.” He mumbled as he moved in front of them. “At least one of you doesn’t seem surprised. You must be the mother.” Aydan commented.

Aydalia nodded. “I am.” She eyed him for a moment before giving a slight bow. “I’ve read the book passed down by you.”

The Sage nodded. “Ah. That makes more sense. Part of me didn’t expect it to last.” He then gestured to her. “Would you like to ask me anything?”

Her children looked at her for a moment, and she merely smiled. “No. I know not all of this is what you intended, but I’m not upset. My children mean the world to me, and if things had gone differently, they may not be here.”

Nodding, Aydan smiled for a moment. “True, but I would still like to apologize to all of you. The last thing I wanted was for you to be used by the Royal Family.”

“They were hunted down, Aydan.” I told him, and he turned to me surprised. “Rudnurth was rather upset learning about your line still being alive.”

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“And when they finally escaped, the Priestesses made their move to have us join their side. I was taken from my parents.” Aydalia admitted, which got her children to frown. “I’ve not seen them since.”

Aydan’s lips tightened in frustration before he replied. “Rudnurth, along with the rest of the Royal Family are not to blame.” He spoke. “They are merely copying what we did to them when they were growing up. They learned by imitating us. For that, I am very sorry. I wish things were different.”

I crossed my arms. “Not sure I agree with that, and I’m still deciding how to deal with him going forward.” Aydan turned to me at that, and I shrugged. “This started with him. You can’t deny it.”

He shook his head. “And I don’t.” Aydan’s shoulders slumped. “But I can’t really accuse him-“

“I’m not having this conversation, Aydan.” I told him.

The ghost nodded solemnly. “Just, if you’re going to save Elias, maybe you could save him as well. They’re like my own children, Arthur.”

“…” I didn’t reply as I looked down.

Another sigh left the ghost as he returned to speaking to the other pointy ears. “Anyway, which one of you is the most talented in regard to magic?”

“Ayda.”

“Ayda.”

“Ayda.” Lucia, Aydalia, and Alwin all said simultaneously.

“Bwuh!” Ayda let out in surprise. “I would argue that point since magic technically-“

I looked up to see Aydalia place a hand over her daughter’s mouth. “It’s Ayda. She may be young and inexperienced, but she far surpasses either of us.”

Removing her mother’s hand, Ayda started once more. “Again, it is easy to speculate, but I would argue-“

Alwin stopped her this time. “It’s Ayda.” He then turned to his sister. “I have more experience now, but once you do as well, it will be hard to compete with you. That, and your ability to adapt is astonishing. Those runes you placed on Cassidy are incredible from what I briefly saw.”

“Highly illegal, but very impressive.” Aydalia added.

“Runes?” Lucia asked out loud, surprised.

“They were-“ Ayda began to explain, but Aydan cut in.

“Regardless, I have something for you.” The ghost stated. “That is if you’re willing to accept it." His gaze drifted to me. “This is something that she will have to learn on her own.” He then turned back to the other Elves. “None of you will be able to help her.” Then he focused on the young Elf once more. “You will not be able to share it either.”

Ayda seemed a little intimidated. “May I ask why?”

Aydan sighed. “Everything is explained in this.” A bright flash shot through the area and cleared to reveal a book floating in the air. “This will help you with your magic. It also explains the dangers of what is in here and why it cannot be shared.” She reached out for the book, but Aydan stepped in front of her. “Do not think of this as a gift, child. Only expect to receive a great burden.”

I quirked a brow at that. “Is this even safe?”

He looked at me over his shoulder. “No.” Aydan answered simply. “But this is all I can do now. Pass on my knowledge to the one most likely to succeed.” Turning back to Ayda, he continued. “Will you be my successor?”