Chapter 61: Chapter 61
Arthur's Point of View
Lestrania
Several more months had passed since Aydan's and my little excursion to the border. There had been some movements by the Demon Horde, but nothing major. Small troop movements here and there that were spotted and then soon disappeared. Something dark was happening behind the scenes, and I had no idea what it was.
Not that they celebrated it, but Christmas was getting closer and closer as the air grew cold. "You really should get out of this room." Elias's voice cut through the silence in the council chambers.
Looking up from my seated position, I groaned. "Don't I know it." Was my tired reply. "We haven't heard anything in weeks... Demons have been roaming around without a care in the world, but they've gone silent. It worries me." I told him.
Moving next to me and looked over the map, he nodded. "It worries all of us. However, staying in the confines of this room for days on end will do nothing for you or us."
A pair of arms wrapped around me from behind and over the chair. "Come take a break. You have been in this room for days trying to figure out what the Demons are planning. Let us be thankful they have not attacked in quite some time to enjoy ourselves." Mara said as she hugged and hung over me.
"I could use a break, but before we do, Elias..." I called out his name and slowly turned to him.
"Yes?"
"Can you tell me what you think of the Floating Stone Forest to the Northwest?"
He crossed his arms and looked at where I had marked the map. "It is an area where magic has affected the stones' gravity there. Thus, creating a sky filled area of some mountain-sized rocks."
Mara was hugging me slightly tighter, but I ignored her as she nuzzled me. "Yes, but why doesn't it affect anyone who goes there? I've asked this same question to Aydan, and he has no idea." The chapters is up by N0vEI__bin
Elias gave me an amused look at that. "So, you thought I would?"
Robert then entered the room and continued for all of us. "Large parts of this Kingdom are unused or going to waste just sitting there. We have a plan to change that, but it is ultimately up to you to make the commitment." He then smiled more earnestly. "Naturally, you will not be alone. Lestrania would welcome you with open arms into an alliance with us and the Dragons." The former Human King smirked in my direction. "It was one of the conditions His Majesty brought up to the Dragons during our talks."
Elias and Mara were looking around the room in shock. "You have planned this for months without telling us?!" Mara asked in surprise.
Aerowyn moved next to Elias and hugged him. "We wanted it to be a surprise. Naturally, I would go with you to help organize the creation of this 'fortress' Kingdom, but with Zugal, Elves, and Humans working together, this task should be far easier than we originally thought!"
Crossing my arms, I sighed. "It should be, yes, but I am still worried about the Demon's unnatural movements as of late." My hooded visage then locked onto Elias. "This isn't without risks. However, you'll have the full support of Lestrania behind you." Then I gestured to Mara. "Naturally, your family will likely come to visit you often."
To my surprise, Elias gently pushed Aerowyn away before facing me fully once more in a more serious manner. Before everyone, the proud Prince had a few tears in his eyes that I did not expect. Nor did I expect what came next. Elias kneeled before me with his head hung in a low bow.
"If this is your will and you have decided to gift me this task, I cannot, and will not, decline this offer. No words can express my gratitude, but I will pledge here, and now that you will always be my King." Elias stated before all of us.
Naturally, I was horrified. "You will be a King yourself soon!" Aerowyn said excitedly as she jumped on him, acting like a doting mother who was proud of her son. "This will go down in history, my Prince." Then she turned to me and gave a small bow. "My King. I must begin the preparations, and this calls for a celebration!" She quickly ran off as others offer their congrats to Elias as he stood.
However, he merely looked at me and my unresponsiveness. "My King." The Prince spoke. "You have not replied to my vow."
The room became quiet as many looked towards me. "Elias, it was a grand gesture and one I have no doubt you meant, but I will not be here forever." Placing my hand on his shoulder, I continued. "Do not tie yourself to one who is only here to aid you into being the best King you can be. A King need not bow to another King. For if you ever need help, and I am near, you will only ever need to ask a friend." Reaching out my hand, Elias smiled the most genuine smile I had seen in a long time.
It almost made me feel guilty. I used 'friend' loosely and didn't truly mean it. Not that Elias or any of the others had to know that. All of this was for me in the end. Play the game to eventually get a shot at winning it was what was most important here and I didn't work with the people of this world, there was no way I'd get a chance at unveiling the mystery that lurks here.
"Then, I am afraid I must ask immediately. I need your help, for I fear I have no idea what I am doing." Elias replied as he shook my hand with a massive grin.
Many chuckled at that, and Robert playfully shook him. "That is why we are here!" The old man boomed cheerfully. "Now come! We must not let Aerowyn tell everyone the good news herself! Not long now and we will have another King!"
All started to file out of the room, but I didn't move, and neither did Mara. "Are you two coming?" Aydan inquired as he turned back to look at us.
"I'll catch up in a minute."
He shrugged. "Suit yourself." Mara didn't move, so I eventually spoke up. "Something on your mind?" I asked as I turned towards her.