Arthur's Point of View

Northwestern Territory

"This truly is a sight to behold." Aurora commented as she watched on from her perch.

"Agreed. I have been overseeing this entire project, and I still have difficulties believing this was possible." Elias replied.

All three of us watched from one of the highest floating stones big enough to hold the Dragon. Over a year had passed since I gave Elias the news. The castle itself had been built and would serve as his new home, which was on the biggest chunk of rock in the sky. Bridges had been built connecting many of the other areas, homes, and stores were built in many places.

Apprentices came here with the hopes of becoming masters of their craft. Builders, carpenters, smiths, and more all flocked to be a part of the new kingdom. Many others had already moved here with the idea of a brand-new start in mind and more were flocking here every day. Several towns and villages scattered about Lestrania heard about Elias's new and upcoming Kingdom. Things were looking up, and with a close alliance with Lestrania already guaranteed, the Dragons were also willing to enter into an alliance themselves.

"It has been rather smooth sailing. I expected things to be much more complicated than originally planned." I pointed out.

With Elves, Zugal, Humans, and Dragons all working together, this place looked to be like a symbol of the future. If it wasn't set in stone, I was looking forward to everything that might be different, but Aydan still wasn't sure how this would affect anything. Regardless, after a year of hard work, Elias's kingdom was almost complete.

While there were some trees and other greenery already on the giant stones, we did bring up several hundred pounds of dirt. Possibly even thousands. Farming was crucial, and aside from Zugal and Skelds, this place would be almost impossible to attack. It was one reason I was so adamant about entering a treaty with the Dragons. They could make things more difficult than Ghouls.

Although farmlands had been flushed out, thousands of people worked on the new kingdom every day. It was truly a sight to behold as it came to life. Aurora and a few other Dragons had come by quite often to check on progress, and they had always been welcomed.

"Quite true. The Demons have gone silent as of late, and the ones that were running about have disappeared." Elias stated and looked at Aurora. "Have there been any sightings in the Dragonlands?" He inquired.

The large purple dragoness shook her head. "No. Only that one time did they intrude on us, and they were promptly handled. I still think it is likely that due to our interference, they fled for fear of us entering your war."

I nodded. "The thought had crossed my mind several times. However, if they weren't willing to risk war, I doubt they would've gone after your people." Crossing my arms, I sighed. "None of this makes sense. Winter was upon us, and I assumed that they were lying in wait till the snow had passed. It was a rough winter, but when spring came, they were nowhere to be found."

"Well, the peace and quiet allowed us to complete this without any interference." Elias commented.

"True."

Aurora then looked at Elias. "Your crowning ceremony will be soon, will it not?"

"Yes. In a few weeks time." The Prince answered. "Once everything is done, King Mordred has stated he will crown me himself."

Holding up a hand, I replied instantly corrected him. "You asked me to crown you, and I agreed." Looking up at the Dragon, I shrugged as I gestured to Elias. "Do not believe such slander that I would dare crown another as if it was some grand gesture." I said playfully.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Big purple merely shook her head. "Your despise for crowns, and the one you hold, will never make sense to me. A more peculiar person, I have never met."

Putting a hand over my heart, I replied overly affectionately. "Aw! Thank you!"

Elias seemed just as annoyed as Aurora but said nothing as the Dragon continued. "Where is Aydan? Avoiding us still?" She inquired.

"When I am away, I try to have Aydan stay behind unless I absolutely need him." Then I gestured to Elias. "Elias has grown quite powerful in the last year or so and could deal with Ghouls by himself easily enough. As could Mara, but there is something about having an 'old hand' on hand." I said with a smirk. "Aydan is still more experienced than both of them, and while they are stronger than him now, strength does not always mean victory."

"Truer words were never spoken." Aurora added and then looked at me with a raised brow. "You claim the Prince and Princess are stronger than Sir Aydan now?"

I nodded. "Yep. Even Arceana is getting stronger and is probably around the same level as most Ghouls I've fought. Give her another year or two, and she'll be the same."

The dragoness seemed slightly unnerved at that. "I suppose them being High Elves makes them quick learners." Elias just shrugged when she looked at him. "Mmh." Aurora hummed out. "What about you?"

"What about me?" I asked back.

"Is the Royal Family starting to grow more powerful than the great King Mordred?" She asked me.

Holding up a finger, I immediately replied. "Okay, first of all, I am not a King!" My response got the two to roll their eyes. "I am merely an advisor who has taken to teaching the Royal Family and will step aside when it is the right time."

Elias just sighed. "This again…"

Ignoring him, I continued. "As for your actual question, no. They're not even close!"

Moving her gaze back to Elias, he answered her unspoken question. "He is correct. 'King' Mordred has been untouchable for all of us. Even with the aid of Aydan, Aerowyn, and my sisters, it seems we will be unable to beat him for quite some time."

Fake flexing because of my cloak, I made the poses but didn't actually see a point to do so. "It hurts being this good sometimes."

"All of you have faced him at the same time, and still you fail to best him?" Aurora pressed further in disbelief.

"Correct." Elias confirmed with a nod before looking at me, still flexing, with an annoyed expression. "He is almost invincible."

"I doubt it, but I can understand why you feel that way. Don't worry though, Elias. Defeating me was likely never an option for you as young as you are." I told him.

Aurora just sighed. "It is disturbing that you are so powerful and so carefree. Not many can render a group of Dragons powerless without harming them as you did."

I shrugged. "Not going to lie, I kind of assumed that was part of the reason you agreed to this alliance in the first place. Aydan was one thing, but I am another."

She nodded. "That you are. Although, I think the Dragons might have surprised you if we had gone to war. The Elves learned that lesson the hard way."

"That they did." Elias agreed before turning to me. "However, given the time of the year, I am surprised you are out and about, my King."

Groaning at that, Aurora immediately took an interest in my annoyance. "Why would he be hiding away?"

"Our dear King hates this time of the year." Elias stated.

"That's not true!" I quickly corrected. "Winter is my favorite season, and there is a holiday that I celebrate during this time. Unfortunately, it doesn't exist here, so it's just me to celebrate, which is rather depressing."

Both looked at me waiting, for me to explain. "Do you want to share?"

With a sour tone, I replied. "Not really, but I will."

"This should be good." Aurora mumbled before snaking her long ass neck down towards us.

"During this month on the 25th, when Elias is going to be crowned, there is a holiday called Christmas. It revolved around spending time with loved ones and sharing gifts with them. A time of peace, comfort, love, and joy. Truly a warm holiday that many loved." I explained. "Of course, it's been a long time since I've truly been able to enjoy the holiday and no longer celebrate it."

"I am confused. Your people just decided that on this day, you would do these things?" Aurora questioned.

Shaking my head, I explained further. "No. Our God's son was born on this day and was his gift to us. Himself in the flesh to walk among us." Then I shrugged. "Well, that's how it was told to me. Anyway, Jesus Christ, God's son, was born this day and was given the name Christmas. A day to celebrate the birth of our God and his son." Both looked confused. "Trust me, I know how convoluted it sounds. His book and teachings were even worse." I mumbled.

Elias seemed surprised to hear all this and gestured to me. "This is the first time you have ever mentioned your God. Do you still worship him? Is that why you refuse to worship Davost?" He inquired. "Because you have your own God?"

Aurora seemed to agree with Elias as she craned her head back up. "That would make the most logical sense."

"To be honest," I began as I looked back at the workers and away from them. "No. I don't. I did once upon a time. Then I grew up and realized if someone was really in control and allowed these things to happen, then it wasn't someone I wanted in my life." I replied emotionlessly.

Elias and Aurora both looked stunned at my words. "The Gods are there to guide us when we are lost! They delivered my family and I to this place, so we could lead and bring about peace! Davost must have known what she was doing because she also sent us you!" Moving over to me, the Prince put his hand on my shoulder softly. "Something I am grateful for every day."

Removing his hand from my shoulder, I turned towards him. "You will be king soon, Elias. A new kingdom and its people will rest heavily upon your head and shoulders. Not a god or goddess's… Yours. Remember that." I told him and looked back at the castle. "For Davost won't protect them like you would. Remember that the next time you thank your goddess for anything."

Elias took a step away from me as he was almost speechless. "Mordred…" He dropped my title almost pitifully.

"In my experience, Gods are nothing more than beings who are as imperfect as the rest of us. Remember that when you become king." I told him.