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Chapter 158:

Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

No one asked about my descendent comment. Likely due to Arceana's reaction. She essentially told them not to dig further, and they followed orders. Did I think Greigh and Ziah were completely on my side? No. Were they likely relaying information to the Priestesses. Probably. Did I think they had good intentions? Maybe.

Cassidy assured me that they could be trusted, and the two Priestesses have been caught off guard time and time again by my actions. Thus, my opinion of the two was improving. Ziah performed admirably during our mission and followed every one of my orders. On the other hand, Greigh held down the fort while I was away. Our projects continued, and he had several messages from me about my business dealings.

So, now I was in my estate with the two Zugal looking to me for answers. Greigh was sharp, and he knew things didn't add up. Ziah and I grew closer during our trip, but she trusted Greigh far more than me. If he thought something didn't seem right, she trusted his instincts. Thus, I was in my office with my two officers, who were waiting for answers.

"We need to talk about this, Sir."

Leaning forward, I placed my arm across my desk. "Tell you what, I'll answer some questions depending on what you have observed so far and what you think is coming."

Greigh didn't even hesitate. "War is on the horizon, Arthur." He used my first name in a serious tone. "I know you know."

My respect for the Zugal Captain grew. "I know many things and am in the dark in several others." Then I gestured to him with a small smirk. "Continue."

"These attacks are somehow linked to this kingdom, as are you." Greigh stated as he put his hands behind his back at attention. "How? I am unsure, but you know things about Lestrania and our enemies." He then gave a small shrug. "Part of me thinks you were chased here and used Lestrania for sanctuary, while another says you came here intentionally."

Rubbing my knuckles over my stubble, I replied in a thoughtful tone. "You are very perceptive, but it's not enough."

Ziah slammed her hands on my desk as she pushed past Greigh. "That's not fair! We've been nothing but loyal to you and done everything you've asked of us! Even outside of work, we believe in you and continue to aid you, but we want answers!"

My hand lowered back down to the desk as Greigh pulled Ziah back. "I am also in search of answers, but just because I want them doesn't mean I get them." Steepling my fingers together, I continued. "However, since I was on this topic earlier, you're right, Greigh. War is coming." I confirmed with a nod.

"You spoke about this to someone else?" Greigh inquired as Ziah calmed down and listened to us once more.

"While Elincia and I were at the Reed Farmstead. War is looming over Lestrania and likely everywhere else. Otherwise, there would be no reason to cancel our communications with the East. They're likely the first target." I stated simply while leaning back.

Ziah looked between the two of us. "Then we need to do something!"

Greigh sighed. "We can't. Their Queen is here, and if the Dessert Kingdom is at war, it will be too volatile to even try to take her home." Then he crossed his arms. "That doesn't even cover the number of Ghouls that have been coming and going throughout Lestrania, and especially Helmsforth." His face took a grim expression.

Tapping my desk got their attention. "If the Priestesses were stronger, I'd feel more at ease leaving, but Elincia proved that even a few dozen Ghouls is too much for her to handle. Even with Arceana, they might've been overpowered. Plus, there is another issue that has come to my attention." Namely the demonic magic inside Elincia.

"Then we'll have to wait until our next airship heads there and comes back." Ziah said softly.

Greigh nodded in agreement. "We don't have any other choice." Then he turned to me. "Do we?"

"No. We don't." Rubbing my face in annoyance, I sighed. "There is so much I have to do, but can't..."

"We can help." Ziah commented before gesturing to herself and Greigh. "That's all we've wanted to do up until this point."

"Continue getting that wall around the city." I ordered, and they both nodded. "It should be done soon. However, I also want all the documents on our forces. Every soldier in every city or town. All of it." Gritting my teeth, I spoke with an edge in my voice. "I need to know how weak our armies are."

Greigh was silent while Ziah gestured towards herself. "Sir, all our forces have been trained by the best and were even granted the approval of the Priestesses themselves."

Standing, I looked at her. "The Priestesses approval in this regard is not something that should be sought after." My eyes drifted to the Captain. "Get me those records and our numbers. I have a feeling we're going to need to do some recruiting." Then I frowned. "Unfortunately, I doubt Lestrania is going to be enough."

A sinking feeling had come over me the more I'd come to interact with the Ghouls. Something about the entire situation felt off. Even in the past, it was strange, but it was worse now. Maybe prolonging the lives of the Elven Ghouls would make sense, but it's not just them. It's all of them. All of them seemed to hold unnatural hate for me or knew me in some way.

"An alliance of sorts would be best..." I mumbled in thought.