Chapter 40: Chapter 40
Arthur's Point of View
Unknown Location
The female High Elf and the blonde male Elf both were exhausted, and fell to their knees as the magic barrier disappeared. "Thank you, Stranger." The male Elf said as he panted heavily as sweat dripped from his chin.
It seemed that the entire encampment, or rather the survivors, assumed I was an ally. They were right for the moment, but it was still foolish to assume I wasn't going to kill them. I even had on a Ghoul's cloak. How could they know this wasn't some manner of cruel ploy to get them to drop their guard? They didn't and I closed my eyes at their stupidity.
The entire group was covered in sweat, mud, and some had wounds. "Mmh." Was my dull reply as I began to look over the group.
My gaze drifted to the High Elf, who was looking over the wounded. "Davost is watching over us for the moment. Use this time to mend your wounds." She then bowed her head. "As for those who have passed... May Davost bless their valor."
Didn't know who Davost was, and I didn't care. "They died for Lestrania and you, Princess." The male elf stated as the others began to look over their wounds.
"They died because I was not strong enough to protect them." The High Elf stated to the male before looking at me. "Thank you for your aid, kind Sir. Shall I look over your wounds personally? It is the least I can do."
"That won't be necessary." Gesturing to the few remaining survivors, I continued. "You should focus your attention on your own people first." A Princess of Lestrania? "Maybe even rest a bit since you seem so exhausted." Did that mean the Priestesses were just a front?
"He is right, Princess. After using so much magic, I would advise you to recover your strength." The male spoke once more as he worried over his princess.
"Maybe so, but how can I turn a blind eye to the man who was injured saving us. There is no need to be so humble. Approach, and I shall mend your wounds." She informed me.
Moving my cloak to reveal my bare chest, I replied. "I'm not wounded, so don't worry about me. Your offer is appreciated, but unnecessary."
Everyone who was paying attention looked surprised. "Do you know you just killed a Ghoul?" The Princess inquired after a moment had passed from the shock of realizing I wasn't injured.
I nodded. "Not the first time, and I doubt it will be the last."
Murmurs broke out amongst the fodder, and the Princess narrowed her eyes at me. "What is your name?"
"..." The question made me wary because I wasn't aware of the entire situation.
If I wasn't supposed to know that Lestrania had a Princess, and the Priestesses were keeping it hidden, it's likely I would be forced into another altercation. However, if it was true that she was really the one in charge, I could use that to my advantage as well. From what I could tell, we didn't appear to be in Lestrania, and I could possibly use that to escort the Princess back to safety. The chapters is up by N0vEI__bin
"The Princess asked you a question." My gaze drifted to the male Elf.
"I'm aware of that." Was my dull reply. "However, when asking for someone's name, it's proper to give their own first."
The blonde didn't care too much for my attitude and moved towards me but stopped when a roar caught everyone's attention. Screams could be heard as people moved behind the Princess, me, and the male elf. Kandma had arrived and was making her way through some of the tents that she towered over. Many readied for battle, but I walked toward the giant stone bear with my hand raised.
"Kandma," I called out evenly. "The Demons are dead. Calm yourself."
Growling slightly at the Elves with magic at the ready, she replied. "Yet they scream at the sight of me."
Rolling my eyes, I gestured to her. "Probably because you're a giant stone bear creature!"
"I am not a bear!" The bear replied.
"Uh-huh." Was all I said in return and then looked back at the stumped looking soldiers and Princess. "Apologies!" I called out as I patted Kandma's snout. "She can get a little defensive at times. Cancel your magic, and there will be no further incident." I told the Princess.
Everyone glanced back and forth between Kandma and I. "Do as he says." The Princess ordered.
Many of the soldiers formed a formation of some kind to receive this 'Aydan' and his men. Hundreds of soldiers surrounded the encampment in formation in a defensive line, which was impressive. They were on horses, and each was fully equipped in armor. Looking around at the Princess's remaining forces, I quirked a brow as I realized that most of them looked unprepared for battle of any kind.
"Make way!" A soldier shouted as they approached.
A man rode in the encampment with a few others in tow, but they didn't seem to be too important. However, many saluted as he stopped in front of the Princess and the whiny male Elf. Looking at the man known as Aydan, I saw that he was also an Elf, but that wasn't too surprising. What was surprising was the amount of magic flowing off of him. My eyes narrowed as I realized he was likely close to the two Priestesses in terms of magical power.
One thing that stood out to me is that he looked to be an older Elf. "Princess! Are you alright!?" Aydan cried out in concern as he hopped down from his horse.
Seeing an older Elf was odd, as was his overall appearance. He had wrinkles, but not too many, which made him look like a middle-aged man. However, given he was an Elf, I had no idea how old that actually made him. His hair was light green with magic to match. His eyes were gold, and he wore silver armor mixed with robes that hung down by his legs.
The Princess rolled her eyes and whined playfully as the man began to inspect her for injuries. "I'm fine!" It came across as if she was slightly annoyed, but also amused as she swatted at him.
Putting a hand to his chest, he sighed in relief as he hugged her suddenly. "Thank, Davost!" After a moment, he pulled away and studied the dead demons sprawled about before looking back at the Princess surprised. "You held your own against the Demons and even defeated them with only a few dozen soldiers?" He chuckled and shook her shoulders in a proud manner. "Well done!"
"You are mistaken, Sir Aydan." Backing away from the man with her head hung low, she explained. "We were unable to hold our own. The Demon's surprise attack wiped out most of my forces, and several more are wounded." The Princess gestured around to the stragglers that stood on standby. "The soldiers you see before you are the only ones who survived the onslaught."
"Going into that forest was a fool's errand, and your brother should never have put you up to it. Not with such a minuscule force. Having a scouting party would have been better, but it is too late now." He said with a frown before resting a hand on her shoulder. "You did well for your first mission."
"Almost all of my men are dead."
Aydan nodded in understanding. "Yes, but you are alive. So, they completed their duty. Each one passed on with honor." Never believed that bullshit for a second.
"Princess," The beta male spoke up once again. "If I may... My master is right. With your barrier, we were able to save as many people as possible, but it is our duty to fight for you, bleed for you, and die for you if necessary."
Rolling my eyes, I crossed my arms as Aydan nodded once more. "Precisely." However, he paused when he looked around and saw the wounds on the Demon's bodies. "If you didn't do this, who did?"
Both the Princess and the beta male pointed to me. "We were under attack from a Ghoul and about to fall when he appeared out of nowhere and killed every Demon present. Ghoul included." The High Elf stated, and Aydan looked at me.
Scratching his head as he looked at me, surprised, he chuckled as he nudged his student's arm. "Am I getting old, or is there a creature of the Old World sitting in your campsite, and I just completely overlooked it?"
"Master." The blonde Elf said as he shook his head, exasperated.
Kandma leaned closer to me and whispered, "Do you have any idea of what they're talking about?"
Quirking a brow at her, I replied. "What's the point of those big ass ears of yours if you don't pay attention?"
The bear huffed and rose her head, annoyed. "I can't understand them, okay?"
Confused, my arms fell to my sides. "You can understand me, but not them?"
"You can understand me, but not them." Kandma repeated mockingly. "You're a stone bear!" She continued, and I just rolled my eyes.
Looking back towards the group startled me since they were now only a few feet away from me. "Hello there!" Aydan greeted me cheerfully.
"Hello." I replied more evenly.
Holding out his hand, he smiled very earnestly, which surprised me. "Thank you for saving Princess Arceana. She and her siblings mean the world to me but allow me to introduce myself. My name is Aydan Farro! Knight of Lestrania, but more commonly known as The Great Sage!" His smile widened. "But please, call me Aydan."
Part of me died inside when I heard this, and my eyes immediately drifted over 'Princess' Arceana before moving back to 'The Great Sage' himself. I saw the similarities but dismissed them because I figured it was impossible. However, there was no denying the words I just heard that revealed what had happened with Ayda's spell and portal. I was in the past.
"God damnit, Farro." I mumbled as I closed my eyes in a burning rage.
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Our new goals for the coming week are going to be hitting 850 Power Stones again! Should be an easy first goal since we've done it already and had a rather clean margin! Our second goal is going to 900 Power Stones! We were only 27 Power Stones away from hitting this, so I think it should be very doable! Hope everyone is as excited as I am! Thank you for your continual support!