TBATE-ALLIANCE

Chapter 35

Arthur Eralith POV

My stomach dropped at the tone in Seris' voice. All the times I had met her, she always showed such confidence. But now, she sounded shaken. Something terrible had to be happening.

"What's going on?" I asked faster than I meant to.

"First off, don't panic," Seris said, though I could hear the uneasiness in her voice. "I need you to think clearly right now. First and foremost, Agrona has found the floating castle."

"What?!" I yelled, going wide-eyed and feeling the blood drain from my face.

My eyes flicked up and darted between Grandma and Tess, who both visibly paled. Grandma's gaze fell to the ground, and she slightly shook her head, almost in disbelief. Tess' breathing had obviously increased, with her chest rising and falling rapidly. I could see the fear and uncertainty behind her eyes.

"Not only that," Seris continued, and my eyes flicked back to the stone. "He's sent Viessa and her retainer, Briar, to the floating castle to kill the council."

Tess eyes darted to me, with her eyes the size of moons. I didn't blame her; the name Viessa was one I would never forget. My grip on the stone tightened, and an immense shiver ran down my spine. My eyes narrowed on the stone, thinking it was vibrating, but it didn't take long for me to realize it was from me shaking.

Images of my encounter with Viessa flashed behind my eyes. How she had defeated me... humiliated me. There was something about that just struck fear in every nerve I had. I didn't know if it was because of our last battle or because I knew she was undoubtedly a dangerous opponent. 

"How long do we have?!" Tess said in my stead, with worry heavy in her tone.

"I-I don't know. I called as soon as I learned about it," Seris said.

Grandma's gaze flicked to me, "Arthur. We need to inform and evacuate the council. Dicathen's morale will take a major hit if they're killed, and our forces will be in chaos."

"That's what Agrona is counting on," Seris commented, and we all looked at the stone. "He's preparing a major invasion force into Darv once the castle has been taken and the council has been killed."

"Shit," I cursed.

Tess shook her head in disbelief, "T-This can't be happening."

"It is," Seris said sternly. "You don't have much time, Arthur. You need to jump into action now. I'll try to slow down things here."

"She's right," Grandma said. "We need to start taking action now. Who knows how close this Viessa is."

I nodded before I narrowed my eyes on the stone, "Seris. Tell me. Agrona is waiting for Viessa's word before he launches his forces, right?"

There was a brief pause from Seris, like she knew where I was going with this, before she answered, "Correct."

My grip on the stone tightened, shoving down my fear, knowing what I had to do, "Then I'll make sure he doesn't get that message."

"What?" Tess called out, concern evident in her voice. Her eyes were locked on me, filled with worry.

"Do not underestimate her, Arthur," Seris warned. "Viessa is powerful, cunning, brilliant, and will not hesitate to kill you."

"Don't worry," I said, trying to sound confident though I was shaking with fear. "I won't."

"Good luck," Seris said before the communication ended.

I quickly stored the stone and looked at Tess and Grandma. Tess stated at me with a worried, watery gaze. Grandma looked deep in thought, with concern laced on her face.