Star Eater

Chapter 442:

Elincia's Point of View

Dwarven Coast/Harbor City

I frowned. "Something is clearly wrong, Arthur."

Somehow, someway, he still found it in himself to give me a sarcastic round of applause. "You're a detective, Elincia. Nothing gets by you."

"I'm serious!"

"So am I." He responded snidely. "There's a lot wrong with our situation."

A sigh escaped my lips. "Can you think of nothing else about why this may be happening? Are you low on energy?"

He shook his head. "No. Well, yes... As I said, I've been steadily increasing it to try and combat this damn migraine." Blinking his eyes as if trying to clear away the stars, he groaned in pain. "The only thing I can think of is maybe some pointy-eared fuck is trying to speak to me telepathically or some shit."

"That is highly unlikely."

"You don't know." Then Arthur gestured to himself. "And me being me, my brain knows that this migraine is better than whatever it may be that they want." Then he looked at me and deadpanned. "I swear to god, if this is because Arceana somehow knows I slept with you and she is sending bad juju my way, I might hurt her."

That made me chuckle. "If we assume your entirely mistaken theory is correct, it could be something, or someone else. Maybe someone else is trying to place a curse upon you." Then I activated my magic. "Should I investigate for some manner of long-distance curse? I have been told quite recently that I am a brilliant detective."

"No one said anything about brilliant. Besides, let's be honest, who would be trying to contact me from long-dist-" Arthur trailed off as his eyes slowly widened, and he stood up. "It's Lucia..." He whispered out in disbelief.

"What?" I asked back, confused as my brows furrowed. "Lucia? How would Lu-"

"I'm heading back to Lestrania! There's an emergency!" He cut in as his body seemed to shake.

"Lestrania!? Arthur, that is almost impossible to-" I didn't get to finish as Arthur suddenly opened a portal and disappeared before I could grab him. "Arthur!" My call went unheard as he left with haste and my hand slowly lowered back to my side. "Kheri!" My call was answered, with the door instantly opening after I canceled my spell.

The Zugal General looked around a little wary. "Priestess?"

My thumb and middle finger rubbed together in thought. "Summon all the Elves and Typhon. We need to get back to Lestrania now."

She looked concerned at that. "Of course, but has something happened? Where's Arthur? Is it safe to perform such long teleportation?"

Locking my eyes on hers, I responded. "We have to try. Summon them and tell them they will be making the return journey without us."

"Priestess Elincia." My General said more firmly. "What is happening?"

"Arthur has returned to Lestrania. Something has happened, but I do not know what. I fear what may happen should we stay here." I told her. "The Elves' magic will be enough of a boost to safely teleport such a long distance. Tell them to hurry. We have little time."

Arceana's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

Sitting on my throne as I waited for those I summoned to gather was always a little dull. However, as the time drew closer, there was always a bit of anticipation that would creep in. You never knew what might happen or what one might say. Cassidy certainly surprised me while she was sick by standing by Arthur Pendragon's side over mine.

A poisonous rose with thorns that seeks out those who wish to hold it. That is the only possible way to describe that man. Volunteering to aid the Dwarves was bold. It was also infuriating that he did it without consulting me or my sister. He claims to care not for power, yet he continually abuses the difference in our strength. The man is, without a doubt, the worst hypocrite I've ever met.

The door opened, and one of my guards came in. "Priestess!" He greeted as he kneeled before me.

"Have our guests arrived?"

"Many have made their way to the Temple, but there is another matter that has come up. It's rather urgent." Many of the other guards present seemed surprised at that.

"What is so urgent that you would come a few minutes before our meeting?" I inquired calmly.

His head bowed deeper as he answered. "Lady Aydalia Farro," The guard began. "She's opened her eyes."