Artorius walked through the crowds of Camelot on his way to the main church. He could see the worry that plagued their faces. Even though they had tried to keep Ulrich hidden, it was impossible to hide him from the eyes of everyone in Camelot. He then noticed some of the citizens' eyes light up. He quickly turned his head, smiling as he saw what it was that they were reacting to. Nina and Eve were walking along an adjacent road, making their way up to the main church as well. Artorius then noticed that, despite the smile that she was wearing, Nina was obviously worried. He let out a sigh before deciding to continue onwards, deciding that he would speak with her at the church after his business was concluded.
He stopped at the steps of the church, deciding to look at the city behind him. While the city was the same as it always was, he did take note of many new buildings that had been created for new denizens that resided there. In the sky, he saw a great number of valkyrie flying and patrolling the city. He then began to think about the fact that they were all functioning quite well, despite the fact that their princess was currently within the church. Her injuries were severe, however, being a valkyrie, the wounds were easily healed. Her second in command, Hilda, was more than likely staying by her side. Artorius then let out a sigh, realizing now, that he would more than likely be the one to have to inform the two most troublesome knights of their king's current condition. "I'll cross that bridge once I come to it, I have something more important to worry about." Artorius spoke out loud to himself, something he did quite often.
He turned from the city and walked into the church. Once he entered, he immediately walked through the beginning hallway and entered the sanctuary. No matter how many times he entered and saw the sanctuary, he was always impressed with the beauty of it. The pillars that seemed to descend from the heavens, the fifteen panes of glass that each represented one of the patron gods of Camelot, and the many different statues that represented them never ceased to amaze Artorius. Though, he chalked that feeling up to rarely ever visiting the church. He turned and began to walk through towards the hospital area, taking a second look at one of the statues as he did so.
Within the hospital, he began to look through the various rooms, taking note of the room that Boudica and Maria were being kept in, before finally finding the room he was looking for. He took a deep breathe and pushed the door open. Within the middle of the room was Ulrich, surrounded by five priests and priestesses, one of which was Saint Elizabeth. She looked at the door and let out a weak smile. "We've already stabilized him, so that'll be all for today. Please, go get some rest." The five inside of the room all gave Elizabeth a small bow before leaving the room without a word being uttered. "So, you've finally decided to pay a visit. I was wondering how long it would take you, but you arrived a lot sooner than I predicted." Elizabeth then finally showed her true feelings. She let out a heavy sigh as the weak smile disappeared from her face, replaced with a solemn expression. "Honestly, I didn't want to see him like this either." Elizabeth turned her head and looked at Ulrich, while also gently running her hands through his hair and moving it away from his face.
Artorius stayed quiet, he walked to the side of Elizabeth, gently placing a hand atop her shoulder. "I apologize, I should have come sooner. I can't imagine what it must have been like for you to have to see him when he first came in." Artorius looked down at Ulrich, a brief flash appeared in his mind. He remembered seeing his body as they were transporting him into the church. Though the wounds on his body had begun to heal, they were so grievous and numerous that they were easily visible despite all of the miracles that were used on him. This was also without taking into account the amount of blood, as well as the burns, that covered his body. That image quickly faded away, replaced with the now current body of Ulrich.
"If you're going to worry about anyone that saw him, then I believe that you should check on little Leanna." Artorius then turned his head towards Elizabeth. The sound of his armor moving was easily noticeable. "She ran to him, despite the immense pressure that he was giving off. She caught him as he fell and was even able to summon forth a miracle of great power. However, despite saving him, I could tell that something inside of her was broken. If our boy wasn't in such bad shape, I would have comforted her as soon as I saw her." She grabbed Ulrich's hand and squeezed, a tear running down her cheek. Artorius could tell she was trying to remain strong. "I should have ignored what he wanted and saved him, I should have left healing him to the others and comforted Leanna and Alicia, even Nina. There are so many things that I should have done, but I didn't. I failed to help them, the kids that we helped raise, who we treated as our own children."
Artorius understood how Elizabeth was feeling, for he had the same thoughts within his head. "Elizabeth, try not to place so much blame upon yourself. I also thought the same things. However, all of that is now in the past and we can't change any of it. We can only focus on the present and the future. While we both could have done more, we must also remember that they are not as helpless as we may believe. These children, they have grown into strong individuals. Remember Elizabeth, we must allow them to follow the paths that they chose for themselves. We can only provide them our guidance, for they cannot grow if we protect them from everything." Elizabeth turned her head and looked Artorius in the eyes. All Artorius could see was the sadness that lay within them. Thinking of a way to get her mind off of the current situation, he remembered someone whom they both remembered. "I think we raised these children just fine Elizabeth, though Ulrich may be here in this state, he did it because he believed that as a king, he was obligated to cut down any threat that meant to harm his people, because of his title. I'm sure his parents would be proud of him and Alicia's father as well. Nina and Leanna's parents would have also been proud to see their children today, if they could. I'm sure you remember them and what they asked of us before they rode forth to their deaths." Elizabeth's eyes seemed to recall a distant time, a time when the two of them were in their primes, before they raised the Pendragon children.
"Sometimes, I wonder why they believed in us so much. Why they chose to go forward, rather than allow us to take their place. But then all I have to do, is to look at those children and I'm immediately reminded of why they did it. I see their faces when I look at our children. Specifically, when I look at Ulrich and Alicia, I see the hopes and dreams of their mother and respective fathers within them." Though Elizabeth had calmed down and the look in her eyes had softened, her hand remained atop Ulrich's. Artorius could tell what thoughts were now filling her mind, knowing her for as long as he did. No, it was more accurate to say that he knew what she was thinking about, because he was also thinking the same. King Hector, Ulrich's father, was a powerful magic knight who commanded flames so hot, that many believed he descended from dragons. King Logan, Alicia's father, was a sorcerer of ice and shadows, however, his magic power was so intense that he regularly sealed his power, many believed he was a demon.
"Do you think those two would want their children to inherit such things? Their mother maybe, but in all honesty, despite how much she loved them, I believe that she wanted you to fill in as their mother. Meaning, they would have wished for them both to follow in your footsteps, not theirs." Artorius looked down at Elizabeth, making sure she was looking towards him. "In my opinion, they resemble you much more than you may think. I'm pretty sure the way you're thinking right now, is only because Ulrich almost ended up like them. The thing you fail to understand, is that Ulrich is nothing like his father or mother. Neither is Alicia." Artorius put his hand on her shoulder once more, before beginning to walk towards the door he entered from. "If we intervened, I'm sure Ulrich would be fine right now, but I'm pretty sure that he would begin to doubt himself and his strength. A king who second guesses himself can be detrimental in a war."
"So can a king who does not rely on his companions." Elizabeth responded quickly at Artorius, who stopped before walking out. He turned his head towards her.
"Yes, and I will say that what he did was indeed very reckless and stupid, however, he was able to use all of his power and completely exhaust himself because he was relying on us." Elizabeth's face was clearly puzzled at Artorius's words. "He has always been at war with himself, but we were able to see him in a state that I'm sure no one thought they would ever see. I'm not sure if you saw, but there was someone with him in that battle. His body housed another, who or what it was, I do not know, but I know that he would have never been able to do that if he wasn't able to trust in someone other than himself. With that being said, he wouldn't have risked his life like this if he didn't believe that we could handle this kingdom in his absence. I believe that more than anything, and it is because of that belief, that I will assist Alicia until his return." Artorius then walked through the door, leaving Elizabeth in the room with Ulrich.
Amidst the silence of Artorius leaving, Elizabeth could only ponder on his words. No one ever saw Elizabeth angry, nor did anyone think that such a thing was possible, but it was in that empty room filled with the sound of silence that such a sight could be observed. There were many things that she was angry about, but there was one thing that stood out above all others. It is said that those who become saints are endowed with the ability to wield miracles, abilities that would seem impossible even to magic wielders. Saint Elizabeth was an exceptional saint, one that was fully deserving of such a title and to wield such power. Indeed, there are many ways to attain that title and to wield those abilities as often as they do, but Saint Elizabeth was someone who attained that through faith and righteous actions. A truly loving, kind, and just person, who was beloved by all. Many wondered how such a person could serve on the Council for as long as she did.
The seats of the Council were not simply filled with the heads of the respective families, no, to be able to sit on the Council, one had to be exceptionally gifted and powerful. In fact, this was the reason why Boudica took over for her father, she had surpassed him. To remain on the Council for as long as Elizabeth and Artorius was indeed rare, though no one questioned why Artorius remained, as none could surpass him. So, many wondered why Saint Elizabeth was able to maintain her position. To the average knight and citizen, none knew the answer, but the Council did.
Within that room, Elizabeth's anger was aimed only at the world that forced the children that she loved, to never know what a peaceful life was. One where they could enjoy their childhoods and not be forced to grow so quickly. The only other thing she aimed her anger towards, were the gods' who were forcing those kids to engage in a war that could very well take their lives. Elizabeth's appearance didn't show anger, it was very doubtful that she would even know how to express such an emotion, but that did not mean she was unable to feel it. The answer to everyone's thoughts could be answered if they ever stepped foot into this room, however, they wouldn't be able to share the answer. The stone walls of the room began to creak and moan, before they finally began to crack underneath the pressure. Everyone within the church, felt a deep sense of dread within their hearts. Even Artorius felt like his life would come to an end if he took another step. It felt like even the church was trembling from the fear. Only those who were children or unconscious were spared this sense of dread.
Artorius knew what the cause of this was. He had felt it before, and if it was the same as back then, he hoped that no one walked into the room after he left. He was thankful that she was surrounded by walls and that the door was shut behind him. He could only hope that the next few moments passed quickly, for if he attempted to enter the room to calm her, it would be the same as committing suicide. Elizabeth was a saint, but that did not mean that she was weak. She was one of the most powerful people within Camelot, though not many people knew that. She may not have had very much magical energy in her body, but she had no need for that. Even before she was a saint, Artorius remembered that she had no need for magic power. For many people who fought on the frontline, they would use magic to enhance themselves. However, Elizabeth never needed to, because it was as if her body was blessed by a god. Her abilities were completely divine in nature as well. In fact, such power would probably cause a normal person to act superior to others, but her demeanor could only be described as being angelic.
She was always like this, for as long as he knew her. In fact, she only accepted the title of saint, because she didn't want people to keep referring to her as a goddess. However, Artorius thought that she could have been a goddess. He saw what she was capable of many times. When she became serious or if she became angry, it was almost as if some unseen force would begin to emanate from her, and just like now, he would feel a overwhelming sense dread. There was only one way to describe what he and the many others felt inside the church. To put it simply, it was the wrath of God. It only lasted ten seconds, but inside that church, it felt like a lifetime. The feeling subsided quickly, but everyone inside was shaken by the event. It was then that Artorius noticed Nina and Eve walking through the church, completely unaffected by what had happened. He thought about returning and checking on Elizabeth, but knew that she would probably rather be alone with Ulrich. As such, he decided to move on to the second reason he came to the church. He stopped in front of the room that Boudica and Maria were in and let out a heavy sigh.
Along the road that lead to Camelot, two figures were currently walking beside each other. One was wearing a ragged black cloak that covered her body. Her face was pale, though one could say it was more of a porcelain color. She had long, jet black hair and her topaz eyes glittered underneath the sun. The other, wore a red dress made of silk that accentuated her slim body, her wavy hair being the same shade of crimson as her dress. Her skin was a light brown, slightly darker than Ulrich's. Her eyes were a golden orange, though the pupils were narrow, which made it obvious she wasn't a human. An onlooker noticed that, while the two seemed to be walking by each other and conversing peacefully with smiles on their faces, the aura surrounding the two of them was incredibly hostile. "Why is a loner like you leaving behind your lonely mountain to visit a city like this?" The black haired girl spoke with a kind intonation.
"I don't feel like sharing that with a gloomy woman who only spends her time in the dark underground, pretending that she's a ruler." The red haired woman responded in kind, causing the black haired girl's face muscles to slightly twitch. Robert was on top of the wall and could see the two in the distance. He could feel their magic presence from so far away that he knew that these two were not ordinary. He let out a sigh as he told someone to inform the princess of the situation. Whoever they were, Robert felt that they could be dangerous.