Chapter 336: Chapter 336
Arthur's Point of View
The Eastern Continent
This was just like two thousand years ago. What did they need that many people for? Did the ones that survived whatever cruel treatment they went through, become Ghouls? Were they responsible for more missing people in this time? There were so many questions running through my head.
"Arthur." Elincia said suddenly and snapped me out of my contemplation. "We need to leave."
I nodded. "It would be best to move on. See if you can get the Queen to hurry up." Continue reading on No_veLbIn
To my surprise, neither moved. "Arthur..." Elincia said again.
Kheri seemed hesitant as they both looked at me, and realization dawned on me. "Ah." Was my simple reply. "You meant leave Vithari entirely." The Priestess nodded. "Very well."
Both women looked at me, surprised. "You agree?" Elincia asked.
"No." I crossed my arms and shrugged. "This is where we part ways." Moving past them, Elincia quickly stepped in front of me. "What?"
"We cannot fight a war alone with only a single airship as support." She told me.
"They've already returned to the Realm of Demons?"
I nodded. "Most likely."
Many Dwarves sobbed and sniffled. Most already knew it was likely a lost cause. That didn't make it any less painful to hear.
All of them looked very similar to what you would expect. Short, hairy, and hardy looking. However, there were some big differences. They did not have what one would expect for dwarven armor. Instead, they kept their clothes to a minimum. Most men were shirtless with only their natural body hair to cover them. The women were clothed a little differently for modesty's sake.
However, every single one of them was heavily tanned. Desert dwarves indeed. Armbands, wristbands, and ankle bands seemed to be their decoration of choice. Each was lined with something to keep the metal heating up in the sun and burning the skin. Silver, gold, and other manner of jewels lined their metalwork. That told me they were most likely still artisans and forge workers like how I had expected.
"Arthur, I know this wasn't part of our original deal, but-"
"You want me to clear out other nearby towns just to make sure they're safe?"
Ventari nodded. "Yes, and to stop any more children from being taken from us. I've never heard of an enemy that takes away only children."
"Take away an entire generation from a nation, and you could cripple them in time." I then shrugged. "I doubt it was for the reasons you think. Demons have a habit of claiming more than just children. In this case, I just think this town was unlucky."
The Queen's frown deepened, and Elincia spoke up. "Arthur!" She chastised.
"I will not blame him for the truth. In this instance, a lie would be a horrible thing. False hope is not something I want for my subjects." Ventari stated, and she sighed. "Would you be willing to look into the nearby towns? There's a few on the coast and a few more inland."
Many of the Dwarves were disinterested, while others waited for my response. "Do you have a map?"