Star Eater

Chapter 89:

Elincia's Point of View

Reed Farmstead

It was always nice coming to the outskirts of Helmsforth. Near the edge of the forest on a farm was a wonderful thing and reminded me of days long since passed of being surrounded by trees and wildlife. How things have changed...

Knocking on the door, Augustus answered shortly. "Why, Priestess, Ah had no idea you were comin today." He said with a small bow.

"No need for that Augustus." My smile got him to respond in kind. "I was actually wondering if my student or Knight was available." I told him.

His smile faded. "Ah see. Well, my Cassidy is out doin her chores. As for Arthur..." The Reed family patriarch trailed off. "Best ya come inside, and we can talk."

Nodding, I followed Cassidy's grandfather to the kitchen and sat down as he prepared a few drinks. The man was quiet for a bit as he moved about, and I wondered how Arthur was. It felt like he was upstairs. Being so close, it was easy to feel his magical presence, but that was because it always felt so different.

Augustus set a drink down in front of me and sat across from me. "Ah know it's not my business, but what do ya want with Arthur? He's still healin."

"I assumed as much. His wounds were horrible, and I doubt they would heal in the time span of three days." Taking a sip, I continued. "My sister and I were worried about whether or not he was still alive."

"Oh, he's very much alive. His wounds are healing. Some are almost entirely healed while others are taking more time." Augustus answered. "However, Ah'll admit it disturbing to see his wounds healing so quickly. Among other things..."

"What do you mean?" I inquired more cautiously.

Gesturing to the second floor, he answered. "Arthur hasn't moved an inch since he got ta his room. Cassidy said she saw him do something disturbing before he sat down in his chair and hasn't moved since."

That was alarming. "Is he truly okay?"

"His wounds are healin, and he is alive, but as Ah said, it is unnerving to see him still sitting there." He took a drink with a small frown. "Ah talk to him when I deliver him food as well. Austin spends some time with him every now and then, but he is always in that same chair."

Frowning, I looked down at my drink. "Perhaps it is to help his healing proceed faster? His magic is vast from my understanding and possibly helps his recovery process." Not moving is odd though. "What did Cassidy see him do that disturbed her?"

To my surprise, Augustus merely shook his head with closed eyes and shrugged. "Ah don't know. She wouldn't tell me. However, she was clearly distant when she came down after checking on him the first day he returned. Whatever happened was enough to shake her." He frowned. "Ah know he didn't threaten her, but my Cassidy was practically quivering in disgust or something of the like."

"I see." Looking up at the ceiling with a small frown, I spoke. "Do you think he would be willing to see me?" I asked the older gentleman.

"Ah couldn't say, Elincia." He said more seriously. "Ya'd have ta find that out yourself." Then he gave me a look. "And Ah'd appreciate it if ya don't ask my granddaughter about nothin she don't want ta talk about."

Always so serious and protective over his grandchildren. "You have my word." Standing, I looked to the stairs. "I think I will go check in on Arthur for a quick moment."

Augustus nodded. "Ah'll be here."

Moving up the stairs, I felt some manner of trepidation take hold of me as I made my way to the second floor. I knew where Arthur's room was. After all, my sister and I had both been in this house several times before. Cassidy was important for moving forward, but when I finally stood outside his room, something stopped me.

My hand was reached out for the door's handle, and I froze. Almost as if my entire body was warning me not to open the door. Even trying to knock felt impossible. With many reservations, I moved away from the door and eyed it. Something was certainly happening in there, and whether or not it was what Cassidy witnessed, I'm not sure it would be a good idea for me to disturb whatever he might be doing.

With a frown, I moved back downstairs and stopped by the kitchen before leaving. "I have decided to return at a later date." Giving him a small nod, I teleported away before he could see me out.

As I appeared back in my own room at the Temple, my thoughts were focused on Arthur Pendragon. It felt like a rabid animal that had been backed into a corner and was ready to lash out at anything that might be seen as a threat. Given how our relationship has been, I am uneasy about pushing my luck with the good knight at this time. However, there was no denying that my sister was right to try and win him over.

Meeting with him would have to wait for the moment, but he has done a lot in the public eye that could no longer be ignored. Saving our lives and then saving all of Helmsforth while my sister and I were absent had made him a hero in the eyes of many. People in the Lower Rungs talked about him almost every day at this point if Kine and Floyd were telling me the truth.

A reward would be needed for him. Something I would need to discuss with my sister after we finish his new home. Moving to the bathing room, a part of me wondered what Arthur was doing in his room. Perhaps it was an ancient technique or spell that was allowing him to recover. Either way, the ominous feeling I got back then was still with me.

Arthur's Point of View

Reed Farmstead

"...I have to shit so bad..."