Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

Most people looked forward to going home. Resting, eating in peace, and no need for outside stress. That was most people. I didn’t get nice things, so, when I arrived home with the rest of my group in tow, imagine my surprise to find multiple people waiting for me.

“It is good to see you, Father.” Marina greeted me along with Lucia and the others as Camoa quickly disappeared with a drunken Vome with the help of Rock. “How was your trip?”

“It went well enough, I suppose. Another High Elf appeared, but this one didn’t attack me, for once. He might be the only one to do so.”

“Ahem.” Lucia cleared her throat as I glanced at her as she raised a brow. “I’ve never attacked you either.”

“I mean, you have technically in sparing.”

Rolling her eyes, she smacked me and went upstairs. “How are things here? Anything suspicious happen?” My question was directed at Marina as I headed into the living room where Breeze was sleeping. “What happened to him?” I asked with a thumb jerked in his direction.

“Nothing overly suspicious happened to my knowledge, nor were there any spies who tried to break into our home.” Marina flowed beside me as she spoke softly to let her brother sleep. “Breeze encountered a Demon inside the Dragonlands beyond the Ashen Curtain. One made of living magma and lava.”

I sat down across from the couch he was sprawled out on. “It must’ve been rough.”

“Possibly. Cooling lava might be a simple thing, but I imagine it would be difficult to do when surrounded by volcanic fields and rivers.” Marina pointed out. “Several people are looking for you.”

A sigh left my lips as my head rested across the back of the couch. “Of course, there are. Anyone of note?”

“Elincia and Arceana I believe from what Greigh implied. Cassidy, Austin, Ty, Aydalia, Breeze, and possibly a few individuals in town as well.”

That got my attention. “Jesus.” My head popped back up as I looked at her. “What people in town were looking for me?”

She shrugged simply. “I am unaware. It is likely due to some of the rumors circulating through Helmsforth. People are likely curious to see if there is any truth to them. They also miss seeing you more often. You used to visit quite frequently from what I understand.”

A scoff left my lips. “That’s because I had business in The Slums often. My train project being one of them.”

Her eyes focused on mine. “What happened with this new High Elf of yours?” I quickly explained what occurred. “That is… Disturbing…”

“A little bit, but I’d rather a disturbing encounter than one where he was trying to kill everyone. Obsidian seemed rather docile all things considered.”

“He would be the first.” Marina replied dryly.

“On that we can agree.”

“What happened with King Vitar? Did you acquire his aid like you wished?”

Vitar's Point of View

New Alliance Capital

Days Prior

Being ‘King’ was not entirely what I was expecting. I expected to rule the Dwarves and Vithari. Now I was the King of a new alliance between Dwarves and Druids. I expected to work for the people and see to their happiness. Yet here I was. With news that we’re on the cusp of another war and that Demons are planning to kill us all. I’d have laughed a few years ago. No longer. Not after recent events and certainly not at the one delivering the news.

Arthur Pendragon joined me in a private chamber, and he sat beside me. My headache was already growing as he continued on about a Summit including all the world’s leaders. A bold move, one not before attempted, and one I was curious to see how it would turn out. Especially since the more I spent with the man, the more I deemed him godly.

He acted aloof. My mother, General Dwar, and even Lady Turiel would agree with me. However, he was also the strongest person I’ve ever met, saved out people, repelled the Demon forces, fought an ancient High Elf, and recovered from being torn in half. Arthur Pendragon was the closest thing to being a god that I’ve ever encountered. That meant dealing with him was crucial, but how was even more so, and I knew exactly how I was going to do so.

Very. Carefully.

Before me laid several plans, blueprints, and schematics. A project unlike anything I’d ever seen. Something that looked to be impossible, but as my eyes glanced at the silver haired man, I had a feeling it wasn’t. This project, this ‘ship’ of his, was otherworldly. Slowly, I lowered the papers down and brought a hand to my brow in contemplation as I considered what to say.

“Lord Arthur,” I began.

“Please,” He cut in, “Just Arthur.”

My lips thinned before I nodded slowly. “Arthur.” I corrected. “Tell me truthfully,” Meeting his gaze, I spoke in a polite tone, “Are you a god?”

He laughed. Laughed! “No.”

Gesturing to the papers, I continued. “This ‘project’ of yours is magnificent. Something that anyone would be blessed to be a part of, but this is not something that seems feasible, nor operational as best I can tell. Can this really be classified as an airship?”

Of course, I began wondering if this is why he supported my rule as King. Was he aiming for this? What would happen if I told him no?

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“Lets just call it an airship of the future for now.” The man said with a knowing smile. Like he knew something no one else did. It was unnerving and curious at the same time. “This is something I’m committed to working on, and the rewards will be phenomenal for anyone who participates.”

“Rewards?” My brow rose slowly. “How would you even find the resources for such a project, let alone the funds?”

“Finances won’t be an issue. Resources will be a little more difficult given how airtight this ship will need to be, but with Rock, it should be possible.” Arthur explained. “Without him, and the magic of this world, this would be impossible. It might still be impossible, but I’m hoping with some ingenuity, we can overcome any hiccups we might run into.”

“Hiccups…” I repeated in disbelief before sighing. “Arthur, our aid would be extremely limited right now. Our mines are shut down, my people scattered to new towns and cities, a new capital is being built as you’ve seen, and I’m still a new King of an even newer alliance.” The hand on my brow ran down my face in exhaustion. “We’re in no position to help you at the moment.”

To my surprise, the man smiled. “I’m aware. However, a new alliance, a new Kingdom, needs financing. As you’ve said, your mines are down, but I’d be willing to pay for some of your services.” His fingers steepled together as he leaned back in his chair. “For your men, the services they provide, and your resources. With my backing, you can rebuild faster, and better than before.” He nodded toward a nearby window. “Rock is able to manipulate the earth, which could probably help with building tunnels, homes, and more depending on what you require.”

“Give and take…”

“That is what I’m offering. I’m not expecting your subservience for saving you and your people. You can say no. I am a petty individual, but I also know what you’re going through. This is an offer that is negotiable on both sides. If there is something you need, I will do my best to provide it in turn. That is what I’m offering…”

Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

“Well,” I began as I glanced at her, “I didn’t threaten him. So, there’s that.”

Marina snorted. “How kind of you. In all seriousness, though…”

Her curious gaze made me crumble. “It went well enough. The Dwarves and Druids are in a tight spot. I offered some aid if they gave it in return. Building a new capital from scratch must be taking quite a large sum of gold.”

“Somehow I doubt they had much to work with unless they were able to recover their old treasuries.” She commented.

I shrugged. “Who can say? It’s certainly possible, but most of the new capital appeared to be built from Druid magic if anything. Not that they’d find any value in gold from what I could tell. It’ll be interesting to see how they get along.”

There was a slight pause before she continued. “Do you wish for me to inform the others you’ve returned?”

“Not really.” I answered. “I’m sure they’ll all find out with Camoa, Vome, Rock, and Lucia wandering about. Are there any pressing matters that you believe need my attention?”

Another voice cut in before she could answer. “I asked Marina to wake me up if you returned while I was sleeping.” Both of us turned to Breeze who now righted himself as he lay across the sofa like one of those french girls.

Marina quickly replied. “You looked like you needed your rest.”

“I’ll be fine. It was a long couple of days is all.” Breeze shot back as his gaze shifted to me once more. “There are demons in the Dragonlands.”

“So, I’ve been told. One made of lava specifically if I’ve heard right.”

“You are, but what you don’t know is that there is a dragon there powerful enough to stop it.”

My eyes narrowed at the implications of what he said. “Marina suggested it was just a bad match up for you.” I shot back. “Was there more to it than that?”

Breeze shifted as if to stretch, but it appeared he was also quick sore as he winced upon doing so. “It was a bad match up for me.” He admitted. “But that’s not what I’m referring to. Apparently not all the dragons are happy with you as some others.”

A frown came to my lips. “I don’t imagine they would be. Can you explain what happened?” As Breeze nodded and began his quick explanation of the powerful dragon who ate the demon and captured him, my frown deepened. Most dragons are powerful, but to eat a demon made of lava? That was surprising. However, the part where Breeze was threatened caught my attention. “He threatened you?” I asked.

“He did.” Breeze confirmed.

“Did you get his name?” A shake of his head was his reply. “What did he look like?”

“I couldn’t say what his more human form would look like, but he definitely fit a ‘last boss’ kind of feel for dragons. Not as big as Kandma, not many are, yet certainly the largest dragon I’d ever seen.” Breeze answered.

Marina quickly chimed in. “Dragons flew over the heart many times, so we do have several examples of their size and what they would look like.”

“Hmm.” I hummed out.

Continuing, Breeze described him further. “He was black and crimson, but they almost melded together in some parts. He had three legs, or two legs I guess, and one arm. The dragon was dismissive of both you and Pyrite. Nor did he seem to care for Arceana or Elincia. Their names were said with quite a bit of venom.”

“No doubt he hates them. I’ve heard some rumors of what they did, and Pyrite did insinuate a few things that happened in my absence. The dragons are right to be suspicious, but I certainly don’t like you being threatened.”

“I also don’t like being threatened and held by a giant lizard who just ate living lava. It was quite the interesting experience.” Breeze commented.

“One that I didn’t think you go through. I apologize, Breeze.”

He shook his head. “Don’t be. It wasn’t your fault. You were going from your previous interactions and couldn’t plan for this.”

Marina cut in once more. “Perhaps there are factions among the dragons. Some are interested in your return, while the others are suspicious.”

“Leaving a divide between the two and liking splitting them.” I added as my hand came up to my chin in thought. “It’s certainly possible. If we follow that logic, there may be more than two factions in the Dragonlands, but it would all be speculation to continue further.” Holding up both my hands, I extended my index finger on one, “I’ve received one invite.” Then did the same on my other hand. “And I’ve been told to stay away by another. Quite the conundrum.”

“The Dragonlands attendance to the Summit is detrimental.” Marina pointed out. “If they attend, along with the Dwarves, Druids, Seafolk, and Lestrania, the others will have to join. They’d be too curious not to, and likely do so anyway out of fear of some manner of alliance being proposed and formed. They need to be addressed.”

That was something we all agreed on. I was personally hoping for Pyrite’s attendance as a representative. Unfortunately, that is now up in the air because of this new dragon. Biting my lip in frustration of nothing quite going the way I had hoped, my eyes darted back to Breeze.

Another sigh left my lips. “If you had to guess, how powerful was this dragon that captured you? I doubt any of them would be so quick to dismiss an older dragon like Pyrite without the strength to back it up.” I inquired.

“He was able to capture and hold me while dispatching a powerful demon. I’d say this dragon is likely the reason that Thana has stayed away from the Dragonlands.” Breeze stated, and that immediately got my attention.

“This dragon was that powerful? I know you referred to him as a ‘last boss’ and whatnot, but do you think he could face Thana?” I was leaning forward now.

Breeze paused for a moment. “The only other person who has been able to subdue me so easily would be you. Could I have fought against him? Probably, but I had the distinct feeling it would not have ended well for me.” He explained. “I’m not sure if he could face Thana, but in the Dragonlands, with his homefield advantage, I’d say he possibly possess power on par with a Demon Lord.”

Immediately, I sat back at the claim. This changed things. It also made sense. Rudnurth was enough to keep Thana out of Lestrania while she lurked in the shadows despite his imprisonment. Vithari had two Aridians present that kept her at bay until just recently. Crawlana had Undine, and now the Dragonlands had another warrior capable of holding their own against her generals. Maybe, just maybe, if I could collect them all, or at least get some manner of cooperation, Thana could be stopped permanently.

On top of all that, with Credo’s crew, we might have more even numbers than I originally thought. The Aridians made me nervous, but my thoughts also shifted to the Zugal Kingdoms and their neighbors, the Beast Kingdom. Did they possess such guardians that made Thana weary? It felt like I was missing something. Some piece to this puzzle that just stayed barely out of sight.

“I need to go to the Dragonlands.” I started as I stood. “Marina is right. With their attendance, everyone else will agree to come regardless of circumstances.”

Marina looked at me in alarm. “Right now?” She asked as she followed me along with Breeze. “You just returned home. Why not rest for a day?”

“You’re leaving?” A voice called from above as I walked into the main entryway with the other two beside me. Looking up, I saw Lucia with Austin, Ty, and Cassidy. “We just got home.” Lucia said softly. It was nice to hear her refer to this place as home.

“Something came up in the Dragonlands.” I told her as I adjusted the armor I had yet to remove. “I’m hoping this will be a quick visit since I can portal right next to the Ashen Curtain.”

“May I join you?” Lucia inquired.

“Not this time. Breeze said some of the Dragons might be aggressive.” My attention shifted to Ty for a moment. “I’d take a few of you if I could, but if all goes well, then maybe the next time you can go.” I told both her and Ty.

Cassidy spoke as I turned. “Don’t ya think ya should rest?”

I stopped and glanced back at her. “I’m not too tired. Vithari was more relaxing than anything since there was no fighting, and I’m hoping there won’t be any in the Dragonlands.” My answer made a few of them frown. “If anything too extreme happens, I’ll come right back, so don’t worry.”

“Greigh wanted ya ta know that Elincia said Arceana is up ta somethin.” Cassidy called quickly and I paused at that. “Maybe somethin ta think about.”

Lucia eyed her for a moment before looking at me again. “Marina, Breeze, Rock, and I will all be here, so don’t worry. She won’t try anything with us around.”

I nodded slowly at that. “Pendragon Estate is under your care while I’m gone, Lucia.” Her eyes seemed to widen a little at that and the implication. “Be safe.”

After a moment, she closed her eyes and nodded. “You as well.”

“One more thing,” Marina spoke quickly and held out her hands with my orb. “You might want this back.”

“Keep it. Just in case.” With that said, I ran to the kitchen, grabbed some bread to munch on, opened a portal and was gone. The only area I’d been to before was when I saved those young dragon children from Demons with Adyan. “Been a long time since I’ve been here.” I mumbled to myself as I looked off to the distance to see billowing stacks of smoke forming the familiar curtain I had never crossed before. “Hopefully, this will be a quick visit and I can go home to get some sleep.” Something told me it wouldn’t be.

Arceana's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

“I have news.” Floyd spoke from behind me while I sat at my vanity and glanced at him through my mirror as soon as he teleported in.

“Speak.” I instructed.

“Arthur’s group has returned back home, but it appears he has left again, without Lucia this time.” He informed me.

A smile came to my lips at that. “Then I suppose we should go pay her a visit.” Standing, I ignited my magic as I held out a hand towards him. “Shall we?”