Star Eater

Chapter 87:

Elincia's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

Teleporting back to the Temple with Rudnurth in tow, we left our Generals behind to deal with organizing repairs and then escorting Ayda back. We healed Rudnurth a small amount, but he had passed out after a few minutes. Given his state, I could not blame him, and part of me wished Arthur had killed him before we arrived. The man was a monster, and I had my reservations that he could be anything else.

When he was returned to his seal, I looked to my sister. "Why did you not stop Arthur? Normally you would reprimand him for being so crass and risking his own life in such a way." I inquired.

Moving back to the magic lift, she tapped her scepter on it, and we started to ascend. "Arthur Pendragon is not one we can afford to let leave. He informed me that if I so much as uttered one more syllable, he would leave Lestrania entirely."

"Truly?" She nodded, and I frowned in response. "That explains why you became so silent, and why I thought he told you something else."

"I wish he had." My sister replied. "Such a powerful individual has just saved the Capital of Lestrania in front of many. Word will spread of his deeds, but if he leaves, many will question why. He is clearly still upset with Ayda."

"Our student has much to answer for if his wounds are anything to go by." Then I continued with a shake of my head. "How he defeated Rudnurth in such a state is beyond me."

The lift came to the inner sanctum of the Temple, and we stepped away from it. "Injured or not, Arthur Pendragon has been scorned time and time again since his arrival. From us as well." Then she shook her head in irritation. "Not without reason, for he is a difficult man to understand, but we need to step lightly around him for the time being."

I eyed her for a moment. "Punishing Ayda will also serve towards appeasing him."

Arceana nodded. "That will be our goal for the coming days if he is still alive. With those wounds, I have no idea why he would refuse our help."

"Who refused your help?" Another voice cut in as they rounded the corner.

"Lucia." Arceana greeted evenly.

"And me!" Typhon shouted as he jumped in the doorway next to Lucia.

Smirking at that, I greeted him. "How are you Typhon?"

He nodded politely. "I am well. Thank you for asking, but I am also curious about who refused your help."

Lucia smirked at that as she eyed the child beside her and then looked back to us. "Arthur Pendragon did." Arceana answered with a sigh. "How he became involved in all of this is beyond me. The sleeping spells he was put under should have kept him unconscious for weeks to heal."

Typhon looked up at Lucia, who frowned at that. "It was on my order that he was awakened." My sister and I both looked at her. "Both of you were missing, and I was lost on what to do. However, I am aware that our new knight is rather powerful. I thought he might be able to hold Rudnurth off while you two-"

Arceana stepped towards her, which cut her off as she placed a hand on her cheek. "Very astute thinking, Lucia. Please remember at certain times, my sister and I will not be able to make decisions, and that responsibility will fall to you." Brushing it softly, Lucia blushed at the praise. "Arthur defeated Rudnurth before either of us could confront him."

Both Typhon and Lucia blanched at that. "It would seem the good knight was victorious. To stand against such a vicious opponent should be worthy of much praise, should it not?" Lucia inquired as my sister backed away.

"It is." Arceana confirmed. "Unfortunately, things are never simple when it comes to Arthur Pendragon, and there is the negative outlook he has about some matters."

"What matters?" Typhon inquired innocently. "He is our knight, right?" We nodded. "That means he is doing what he is supposed to! Helping the people and defeating our enemies!"

Smiling at him, my sister moved to him and gently patted his head. "You are absolutely right, Typhon. As our knight, he has certain responsibilities as well, and once he has healed, he will start to address them when he is able."

Stepping next to my sister, Lucia glanced at me before looking back at my sister. "A reward would also be in order. For such a valiant dedication towards Lestrania and the Priestesses, Arthur battled against an invader whilst injured." A smirk came to my lips. "I imagine most will be talking about it for weeks to come."

Arceana was not at all happy about this situation, but she handled it with diplomacy. "He is back at the Reed's Farmstead for the moment." She stated. "Let his wounds heal before we try to approach him, and we will have Cassidy inform us when it would be ideal to visit." Then she turned to me. "In the meantime, we need to ready his home down in the slums on the outskirts of the town."

"On the outskirts?" Typhon repeated, confused. "Should he not get a more lavish-"

Removing her hand from his head, Arceana cut him off. "Normally, Arthur would be stationed up here with us but has requested to be placed at the base of the mountain and on the outskirts of Helmsforth. Given how powerful he is, I have no issues doing so." Turning to Lucia, she spoke. "Please inform the healers to remain on standby. Despite his magic, Arthur can only endure so much. Cassidy will also inform us if his health starts to deteriorate."

"Given how he limped off, it would be best to have them ready for the week. I know not how his healing works, but Arthur seems confident he just needs to be left alone." I informed Lucia. "I am unconvinced."

She bowed. "It will be done."

"Arthur is that bad?" Typhon asked us.

"We are merely worried for him, child. Do not worry yourself. I am sure you will see Sir Arthur again soon." I told him, and he smiled before following after Lucia.

"Perfect! Thanks!" He ran off.

"I hate it when you lie to him." My sister said softly.

"Who said I am lying?"

Eyeing me for a moment, she sighed again as a response and shook her head. "Never mind. We will proceed as if he is being healed as we speak. Get a list of candidates of our most talented young Elves and see if any of them would be interested in a squireship." Then she looked at me. "We will also need to be more open with our new knight. Whatever that may entail." My sister informed me.