Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

“You? Nervous?” She asked back, playfully. “What could possibly make you nervous?”

I shrugged. “There’re so many unknowns right now. I’m not a very big fan of being in the dark.”

She rose a brow at that. “I know that feeling all to well.” Lucia grabbed my arm with both her hands as she squeezed me slightly. “Is this about me?” That surprised me. “Do you think I’m not your-“

Cutting her off, I quickly spoke. “No!” Her eyes quickly met mine, and I continued more calmly. “No. I know we’ve discussed the possibility, but no matter what, I am here for you. No matter what you might need.” My freehand patted the top of her head which got her ears to wiggle. “Elias… He’s going to return.”

“What?” She whispered in disbelief.

“That was my vision. He returns, along with Klasteris, and for some reason, you’re there. I don’t know why, but…” I sighed in frustration. “When he returns, we need to be ready. That’s why I’ve been pushing your training. That’s why I’ve moved up Rock, Breeze, and Marina leaving. Thana is likely on edge right now, but who’s to say that’ll stay the same when Elias returns.”

“I see…” Pulling her into some manner of hug, I looked down at her as she looked up at me in surprise. “Arthur?”

“Don’t worry. My vision also showed me coming to the rescue. Nothing’s going to happen to you. That’s one of the reasons I’ve been pushing Typhon in his training.”

“Because of Elias and Klasteris returning?” Lucia asked for clarification.

My head bobbed back and forth slightly. “Sort of. If I’m gone, I want someone here who I know will be able to fend off an attack.” I gestured to the front door. “That boy is stronger than you and Alwin if you can believe it.”

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Lucia pursed her lips in surprise as he eyes widened. “I’d seen the training, but Alwin’s been doing well enough to fend him off.”

“’Fend him off’ being the keys words. Alwin can no longer incapacitate Ty or restrain him. He mostly just defends, which also works in his favor because he’s been getting creative about not losing face in front of the boy.”

Lucia's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

I couldn’t help but giggle at that. Alwin had done such a good job staying calm and collected when we talked about Typhon’s training. Arthur smirked as he watched me. Those soft caring eyes that he always has when he looks at me. They were always so comforting to me. Even before I knew why he looked at me the way he did, I could find solace in them. We’ve had a few moments like this. More recently since I recovered from his training.

“How long until Typhon is able to defeat Marina or the other two?”

“Well, given how they’re thousands of years old, I think he’s still got some time. Those three surprised me with how well they worked together.” He told me. “Facing a far superior number of foes, but able to hold them back is quite the feat. Especially given how strong those wolves are.” Arthur explained. “If Ty defeats one of them, he’ll likely be far stronger than them at that point.”

“This is one of those things that experience comes into play, isn’t it?” The man nodded. “Is that why you keep having him face people stronger than himself?”

“Yes. He needs to know what it’s like to struggle. His life, while it may have not had the best start, has been one of luxury. Maybe not in recent times, but if he wants to be a pillar for people to rely on, he’ll need to face countless dangers and overcome them.”

“You should really tell him what Arceana and Elincia have done… Alwin talked to me about Arceana’s plan to sell me to you. Aydalia gave me the specifics, and Cassidy told me what Elincia did when she came to you at the Reed Farmstead.” Tugging his arm slightly, he frowned. “Maybe it would help put things in perspective for Typhon?”

He seemed to ponder my words for a moment before he answered. “I already bad mouth those two often enough. Not to mention I slept with Elincia. They are family. Typhon truly thinks of them as his parents. Two mothers. Two headaches for me.” Arthur looked away from me. “Maybe I’m biased, but I don’t think telling him about the horrible deeds of the ones who took him in would be right.”

I scoffed a little at that. “This coming from the same man who continually talks about how annoying they are?”

Arthur actually chuckled at that. “True, but it’s usually about more mundane things. What do you think Ty would do if he found out about them trying to sell you? What would he do if he found out that they had continually tried to murder me?” Arthur looked back down at me. “Would he come here like many others?” He asked with a knowing look.

Reluctantly, I nodded. “Likely. Ayda, and I, along with everyone else, is here.”

“And how do you think our lovely Priestesses would respond to that?”

“Does it matter?” I questioned. “You already destroyed Arceana’s throne. Alwin’s told me she just spends most days in her room with few attendants.”

“I-“ Arthur started, and stopped just as suddenly as one of his hands went to his head. “Marina?” He whispered, but quickly stepped away from as both his hands clutched his head.

Rushing to his side as he cried in pain, I tried to comfort him. “Arthur!? What’s wrong?!” I asked him as he fell to his knees and curled over. “Arthur!”

Taking a deep breath, he spoke. “Marina!” A portal appeared under him, and he disappeared.