Chapter 280:
Arthur's Point of View
Deep Forest
"That's quite the story. You surprise every ti." We traveled deeper into the forest before she stopped at a large crevasse. "We cannot go any further." Her head looked around for a mont as I sat on top of it. "It'll be too dangerous." We could see the other side, but the fissure's bottom was covered in shadows.
"Dangerous?"
"There are things in this world, that despite my size and your strength, still give pause," Kandma answered before she slowly laid down with her front paws hanging off the cliff. "Although we would probably be fine together, neither of us are in any shape to travel further. I've not moved for who knows how long, and you are grieving."
Sighing, I laid down on her head as she ca to a rest and looked to the other side. "It feels like I'm always grieving, Kandma."
A hum rumbled in her throat. "Since you're coming to this world, many have passed. However, even you must understand that if you lead, others will follow. Those that follow may die. Even those that don't follow may die." She told before her head shook slightly. "Even a leader may die."
Another sigh escaped my lips. "I know. I'm well aware. Part of wishes it was who died."
"Who's to say you didn't?" Kandma asked . "If you were declared dead once, it seems to that your wounds from the Demon Queen were just as fatal." She stated. "It's possible you've died multiple tis coming to this world without your knowledge."
"Thanks, Kandma. That makes feel so much better." I replied dryly.
"I try to help." She chuckled playfully. "On a more serious note, if you truly cannot die, your curse is not one many would expect." Her tone turned more serious. "If you are ever captured and restrained..."
Closing my eyes, I replied. "I know." Patting her head, a comforting feeling ca to . "Thank you for being here, Kandma. It must've been tough."
Scoffing, the bear quickly shot back as I opened my eyes. "It was. You died, and Rudnurth returned to power. Aydan had been killed as well, and with Mara gone, no one was left to challenge him." Her voice sounded distant. "Even with the passing of a few years, it didn't take long for people to begin wondering why they were letting an Old-World creature stay."
"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, Kandma."
"In tis past, no one would've dared challenge removing . However, I was still a cub then and without you..." She sighed. "I know it wasn't your fault. Still, the ho I had found and beco accustod to was ripped from . Elincia tried to defend , but that just drew her brother's wrath."
"She was just a girl back then."
"I don't bla her, just like how I don't bla you, but Rudnurth beca a monster. Those poor girls were tornted by him. Even Elias changed, and soon his visits beca nonexistent..." She beca quiet for a mont as I just waited. "It was one of the weirdest things I've ever experienced. A place so full of life, joy, and laughter all erased by a few changes."
Rubbing the top of her head for a mont, my arms eventually rested on my knees as I looked up at the sky. "Well, almost everyone who was in charge died... Part of regrets that I wasn't by their side when they passed." Closing my eyes again, I sighed. "Did you see how it happened?"
Kandma went silent. "..."
Looking down, I called out to her. "Kandma?"
I felt her body inhale greatly as I watched the boulders practical increase in size. Part of wondered if she was going back to sleep. She looked like a mountain range once again lying down. However, this was no place to sleep. Not next to a fissure like that. It was deep enough and wide enough for her to fall in, which was saying sothing. Thankfully, her size went back down as she let out an extended exhale.
"Robert, Aerowyn, and Varvara all perished trying to save the three Princesses." Then she snorted. "Well, I suppose they go by a different title now. But yes. I was there when it happened." Lifting her paw, she wiggled it in front of . "Co here."
Standing and moving to her paw was simple enough. She probably wanted to talk face to face, which was sothing I also wanted. Once on her paw, it swung back over the bottomless chasm. It ca to a rest in front of her, and she looked down at as I sat on her paw. Kandma rested her head on her leg as she looked at .
"They were waiting, Mordred." She told in a dark tone. "The Demons... All of them were watching and waiting for you to leave. It was no secret how powerful you were. So, they drew you away."
"It was a trap," I told her. "Waiting for in Klasteris. Elias was the bait."
Kandma nodded slowly and only once. "I rember it all. How it changed in an instant. Chaos ensued monts after your departure. As much as it pains to say it, it only took two Demons to fell the Old Capital." Her eyes focused on . "You would've been proud of Mara. She fought tooth and nail for her family. For her people." Then she gestured to with her muzzle. "And for you."
Closing my eyes, my fists clenched. "Tell ."
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