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Chapter 68:

Arthur\'s Point of View

Lestrania Capital

Riding into the Capital once more and towards the palace, we were greeted with cheers, waves, and joyful expressions from the people. Ignoring them, my soldiers and I made it to the courtyard of the inner wall where Princess Mara and The Great Sage Aydan were both waiting for us.

Almost two years had passed since the Demons had tried to invade Lestrania and take the Capital. There were small groups much like before, but Demons waned far and few between even after that warning. It didn\'t make sense to send such a large force and then act like it made no difference that they were completely wiped out.

Either it was a bluff or something else was going on behind the scenes, but many didn\'t seem to realize this, and most believed in this false peace that had been presented to them. What disturbed me the most was that no one knew where the Demons were coming from. Most believed them to be locked away in another realm called The Crimson Wasteland, but there was only one gate, and it was far from Lestrania...

"Here come the conquering heroes!" Aydan announced playfully.

Aerowyn, who was riding with me, rolled her eyes. "Not sure how that applies when we only patrolled our lands. No conquering was done this time around." She replied to the Sage.

I ignore the hero comment. Just like all of them knew I would. Mara immediately set her eyes upon me, and I looked up at her. She had grown a lot in these past three years I had been here. Her and her sisters. All three princesses had grown, and the other two were also a problem now. They have all matured, and even Elincia was now interested in vying for my attention. It was exhausting, to say the least.

Elias now ruled to the North with a firm but kind hand. Aerowyn left to visit under any circumstance she could, and I was unsure if the two of them were involved in some manner. Not that I really cared. However, it did amuse all of us that her loyalties were meant to be directed towards Lestrania, but I had no doubt she would someday ask to be stationed permanently in Klasteris with King Elias.

"Has there been any word from King Elias?" Aerowyn inquired as she hopped off her horse.

"There has not." Mara answered. "My brother is likely busy ruling and dealing with the Zugal Clans further North. They have been most unhappy about the sudden appearance of a new Kingdom in the former Floating Stone Forest."

Stepping forward, I spoke as I saw Kandma sleeping off to the side and now was big enough to be seen over the walls. "They\'ll get over it. Elias\'s hold on Klasteris is more impressive than I ever hoped. Enchanting all the dozens, if not hundreds, of floating islands is something I did not expect to be done for quite some time." Then I looked to Aerowyn. "A message will come soon. He\'s gone for longer times without sending word on how things are."

Aerowyn looked down. "I understand, my King." I rolled my eyes at that because it didn\'t matter how many times I asked them not to call me by such a title. "But I still cannot stop myself from worrying. It is all too new, and he does not have as many resources at his beck and call like Lestrania did."

Moving over to her, I put a hand on her shoulder, which got her to look at me. "Elias has all of Lestrania at his beck and call. He knows this. However, as a King, he must find his own way of ruling, and he may be in the middle of a project right now." Aerowyn nodded in agreement and smiled for a moment before it faded once more. "Although, if it would make you feel better, feel free to send a message to the King of Klasteris. I\'m sure he\'d love to hear from you."

With a tap on her shoulder, she smiled once more and immediately headed inside, which got Mara and Aydan to chuckle. "Always out to please everyone." Aydan commented as I approached while the soldiers started putting things away.

"Hardly. Just rather not have the General in such a twist. All she talked about during the patrol was Elias." Then I looked to Mara. "Your brother has bewitched her."

Mara sneered at that. "Possibly, but it may be the other way around. Who can say?" Then she smiled at me more meaningfully. "Are you ready for our training sessions? My sisters and I have been looking forward to continuing where we left off." The Princess stated.

That didn\'t sound appropriate. "We can in a moment." Turning my attention to Aydan, I focused on him. "Why were we called back?"

The Princess seemed confused at that and looked to Aydan as well as a large grin took hold of his facial features. "I may have made quite a bit of progress during this latest expedition of yours. We have a lot to catch up on and more to discuss, but it can wait until after your training." He then chuckled as he patted my arm. "After all, I wouldn\'t dare stand between you and the princesses."

Aydan made himself scarce, and I just shook my head. "Thanks." I replied dryly before looking back to Mara, who was beaming at me. "Shall we?"

Taking my arm as if everything was right with the world once more, we began our walk to the training grounds. "We shall, as always." She giggled. "I must inform you that my sisters have been looking for ways to sneak into your chambers. I fear I have led by a horrible example."

"You come to my chambers to relax and rest by the fire. Whether it is reading a book, writing poetry, or asking for advice, you have a purpose for being there. I\'ve allowed it because I thought you mind need some time away from it all." Was my response as we continued through the halls.

"And I am most grateful. However, my sisters are starting to see it as a challenge." Hugging my arm tighter and bringing herself in closer, she looked up at me. "Seems they have taken quite the interest in you."

"I am sure I will find ways to focus their attention elsewhere." I replied evenly.

Years of this, and it was getting harder and harder to ignore. After all the time we spent together, it is becoming more and more difficult to redirect her advances. I knew what the overall issue was. It was with me. I\'d grown accustomed to this world and being in the past. The people had grown on me, and despite me being at the lead, things were going well. Problem was that I was starting to lower my guard around Mara, and I hated myself for it.

"What of me?" Mara inquired.

"You\'ll do what you\'ve always done. I know better than to deter you." That made her smile and put some pep in her step. "I do feel like training right after my return is a little unfair. I haven\'t had the chance to practice."

Giggling at me, the Princess replied. "You do not need any more practice. Only man I know who could possibly stand against the entire Royal Family, Aerowyn, and Aydan all at the same time."

Coming to a large open field, I smirked under the cover of my enchanted cloak. "Good times. Always amuses me at the challenges all of you issue me."

My powers had grown substantially. Using my energy, I was able to manipulate the surrounding area. Whether it be the air, earth, or anything else in the vicinity. Could even wrap it around another person without there knowing. That was fun finding out and amusing to see people\'s reactions.

All in all, Aydan was right about my powers. Using my energy as a substitute for things seemed to work well, and it was extremely versatile. Using pure energy was still difficult for me, but if I had a catalyst or conduit to channel my energy into, an ordinary blade could cut through anything.

"It would seem your return time was accurate." Arceana said as she leaned against her lance. "Always wonderful to see you uninjured, your majesty. Did you find what you were looking for?" She inquired.

Elincia stepped forward as her magic gathered into her hands slightly as she readied herself for the coming bout. "If the King had found what he was looking for, he would not have returned so soon." The youngest princess then looked up at me. "Is that not so?"

A frown came to my lips. "You are correct, but I fear that I must keep looking."

Mara joined her sisters but gave me a worried look. "Are you still concerned about the Demons?"

The two younger sisters looked to their older sibling. "The Demons? Were they not routed two years ago by the King and his plan?" Arceana asked.

"A Demon Army was routed, but was it the only Demon Army?" I replied. "Demons come and go as they please. None of the groups that pop up are under any distress to regroup or flee from our lands. That tells me that they\'re not defeated yet and that they\'re planning something."

"What?" Elincia questioned as all three princesses looked on eagerly.

"I do not know. That is why I have been setting out on patrols across Lestrania and through the Hollow Forest. Demons keep entering our land, but we have no idea how. Either a large number of Elves have been captured or defected and are aiding our enemies."

Elincia scoffed at that. "No Elf would willingly work with the Demons."

"Agreed." Mara nodded in agreement as she summoned her sword with magic.

"So, I continue to search for where these Demons are coming from. We find that, and we can stop them from entering our lands so freely." With a smirk as they all readied themselves, I continued. "We do that, and whatever plan their hatching will be useless." Then I have them an amused look. "Although, I\'m sure Sir Aydan has mentioned this a few times."

"He might have." Arceana commented, which got a giggle from the other two.

As I began to summon my energy, all three darted away from me to get some room. Each took up a different position. Arceana was on my right, Mara to my left, and Elincia was in the back with several magic swords floating overhead. All of them gave me determined looks.

"However, we can save that for later. Now it\'s time for your lesson." I told them and spread my arms wide.