The Gravewalker's entrance into Finn's cave marked the beginning of a tense confrontation. He stood there, his soaked form glistening in the cave's ambient glow, eyes fixed on Finn.
"Where is Arthur?" the Gravewalker demanded, his tone firm and resolute, even as he attempted to fit within the jovial atmosphere that surrounded Finn.
Finn, with his ever-present humor, maintained a lighthearted facade but couldn't entirely conceal the seriousness in his eyes. "Oh, dear me, straight to business, aren't we? No time for small talk or corny jokes?"
The Gravewalker's patience wore thin, but he played along. "Your jokes can be as elusive as Arthur himself huh. So, where is he?"
Finn's smile wavered for a moment, his joviality fading as he responded, "Arthur has already left, my friend. He's ventured back to the world above, to face the challenges that await him there."
The Gravewalker's expression darkened, and his frustration was palpable. "You expect me to believe that? Where is he really?"
Finn's gaze locked onto the Gravewalker's, his voice lowering in seriousness. "I'm being honest, but I can see that you're not going to take my word for it. Arthur left a while ago, determined to bridge the gaps between races, rather than continuing a life of thievery."
The Gravewalker remained skeptical, but Finn's words carried an undeniable sincerity. It seemed that the pursuit had led to yet another unexpected turn, leaving the Gravewalker with more questions than answers.
The Gravewalker felt an overwhelming desire to unleash havoc upon the cave, to leave a trail of destruction in his wake in the search for Arthur. But he knew that he must keep his composure, his emotions in check for the sake of his master, Cedric.
With clenched fists and gritted teeth, he took a deep breath, resisting the urge to wreck the peaceful sanctuary that was Finn's domain.
Instead, he chose to check the cave's surroundings, looking for any sign or trace that might provide clues about Arthur's departure.
As he moved through the cave, his sharp eyes scanned every nook and cranny, searching for any indication of the young thief's presence. Yet, the cave remained serene, untouched by the chaos that often swirled in the world above.
After thoroughly examining the cave's interior, the Gravewalker decided it was time to return to the surface and report to Cedric. He had no choice but to admit that, at least for now, Arthur had eluded their grasp.
The Gravewalker made his way back to the entrance, the same one he had entered with such determination. As he emerged from the water, he couldn't help but cast one last glance at the tranquil underwater world that held so many secrets.
With the knowledge that Arthur had slipped through their fingers, the Gravewalker began the journey back to the surface, his heart heavy with the weight of the unfulfilled pursuit.
Back on the surface, the Gravewalker reported to Cedric, his voice tinged with disappointment. "My lord, it appears that the thief has once again eluded our grasp. He managed to slip away before we could apprehend him."
Cedric, a frown marring his features, received the news with a deep sense of frustration. His eyes reflected the disappointment of a pursuit that seemed to be slipping through his fingers. "This is becoming quite the vexing chase. It's as if the rat knows every escape route in this wretched maze."
As Cedric turned to leave, the Gravewalker couldn't suppress the pity he felt for Finn, who had offered the thief refuge. He took a step forward, his voice a mix of eagerness and desperation. "My lord, may I be permitted to fulfill my desire? The merman Finn, I—"
Cedric, without even glancing back, dismissed the Gravewalker's request with a wave of his hand. "Don't waste too much time on inconsequential matters."
For a moment, the Gravewalker's face contorted into a maniacal smile as he interpreted Cedric's response as a silent confirmation of his request. With newfound determination, he prepared to return to the underwater world to continue the pursuit.
Just as he was about to dive, Cedric, his mind perhaps reconsidering the situation, called out, "Wait! Gravewalker."
Gravewalker paused and turned back to face his master.
Cedric's voice held a different tone as he shouted, "Don't kill the merman. Capture him. We'll suspect him of harboring criminals beneath his sanctuary."
The Gravewalker nodded, his disappointment at Arthur's escape still evident in his reply. "As your command, my lord."
With those final words, he dived into the water, disappearing beneath the surface, on a mission to capture rather than kill.