Star Eater

Chapter 540:

Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

"I fail to see the point in this." Ayda stated.

"That's fine." I told her as Camoa was mixing her potion together.

Alwin stood next to Lucia with his arms crossed. "My sister has a point. If time is unchanging, why go to such extents?"

My favorite Druid answered that. "The past is unchanging. No matter what one does, they cannot change it, but the future is always changing. What one sees can be changed should they have the power to alter the course of events leading up to it." Camoa explained. "Visions of the past have always been more harrowing than ones of the future. I do not know why, but many who have traveled down this path have gone mad. What Arthur has asked of me is taboo."

I nodded at that as I spoke. "That means it works."

Lucia seemed anxious. "Perhaps it would be best to listen to Ayda and Camoa?" She suggested. "What point is there risking you falling to whatever blight might come from these visions?"

The Farro's felt like ganging up on me as Aydalia agreed with the others. "This does seem rather pointless." She told me.

"I'm sure father has his reasons." Marina told them.

"I do. These potions clearly affect me differently than others. Who knows what might happen? Besides, I think it's worth the risk. Nothing happened last time despite my weakened state." I explained.

"It is taboo for a reason, Arthur." Ayda insisted more firmly.

An amused snort escaped me as I quirked a brow at her. "This coming from you?" I shot back. "Didn't you delve into rune carving on a living person?" Then I turned to her mother. "Didn't someone else here look at someone else's memories without permission when they were vulnerable?" Raising my hands, I looked around the room. "So maybe, just maybe, we can agree some taboos are just bullshit or more like warnings than anything else."

Camoa cut off any replies they may've given. "The Elves are correct. This is unnecessarily dangerous. However, I am also curious at your resistance to these types of potions. As such, this potion will dive into the past before springing you into the future."

I quirked a brow at that. "Wasn't looking into the past more dangerous than peering into the future?"

She nodded. "It is, but as you pointed out, nothing happened last time. I'm curious to see if the result will be the same this time."

Many were quiet at that as I slowly replied. "Uh, okay. Note to self, be wary about drinking things from Druids without verifying what they do. Let's be honest, what's the worst that could happen? I lose my mind? Doubtful."

"Should we wait for Cass?" Camoa inquired.

"I wasn't expecting anyone to be here, so no. She's a big girl. Not like any of them are gonna be helping you."

The Druid nodded. "True." Vines started to appear in the room from the Druid as they encompassed me. "Open your mouth." I wanted to comment on that, but just complied instead. "Yes. Just like that." Marina stifled a laugh as the others just seemed confused.

"Only for you, Camoa." I told her.

She quirked a brow at that as she stood next to me. "Do others often ask you to open your mouth?"

"Usually, they're supposed to buy him dinner first." Marina told her, amused.

"Marina." I said in a chiding tone, but also entertained. "What should I expect?"

"And should we put up any shields?"

Camoa looked to the Elf first. "Shields will be unnecessary. Looking through time only attacks the mind." Then she paused. "However, we should be on the safe side incase Arthur's body becomes more active this time." She then patted me. "You were physically unable to move last time. This is just a precaution."

I shrugged. "Whatever you think is best."

"If that's the case, shouldn't we ask Elincia for help?" Lucia inquired. "Her magic still far exceeds our own."

Ayda quickly replied. "That would likely be wise, but your magic is just as strong. However, you lack experience and practice. We should be able to substitute the Priestess's aid with yours should it be necessary. Marina, Breeze, and Rock are also present."

Alwin then turned to Lucia. "If the worst happens, I'm sure the Priestess will come down to investigate."

"Loving the optimism." I told the group.

Lucia sarcastically replied. "Thanks. We learned from you."

Rolling my eyes, I looked back to the Druid. "So?"

"Prepare your mind. For even I don't know how this will affect you entirely." Camoa told me before roughly shoving the vial to my lips. "Nothing worse than bracing for it."

I think she gave me straight tar as the sludge went down my throat in clumps. "Oh, god!" The words left my mouth in disgust. "That was the most vile-" I turned to her. "I'll never open my mouth for you again."

She merely shrugged. "You asked for this."

I sighed at that. "So, now what?"

Her vines grabbed me and began to wrap around me pinning my arms and legs down together. "Now, we wait for you to come back." Camoa told me as everything went dark.