Wrath of Arthur: The Cursed Bloodline

At the motel counter, the innkeeper said."That'll be one gold coin for the night. Meals and bath included."

Arthur turned to Toren, who smiled at him—innocent, vulnerable, and quietly desperate.He didn't say a word. Just looked.

Arthur stared for a moment, then sighed.

"Fine. I'll pay. Stop making that face."

He reached into his bag and pulled out a gold coin—the remaining from what was left after selling the locket and buying the horse. He placed it on the counter.

They got their keys and headed to their small, separate rooms. Arthur dropped his bag on the floor, exhaled deeply, then made his way to the hot springs tucked behind the motel.

The water steamed gently under the night sky. He walked in slowly the rest of his body, easing in with a long breath. The warmth wrapped around his aching muscles, dissolving the fatigue from his month-long adventures and travels. He closed his eyes, sinking just below the neck, allowing the silence and heat to heal him.

Then—SPLASH!

A wall of water exploded into his face.

He sputtered, only to see Toren grinning beside him, having cannonballed into the spring like a child.

Arthur glared at him, water dripping down his hair and face.

Toren grinned wider. "Ahhh, this is amazing!"

Arthur slumped back, "…I should've left you outside."

He leaned against the edge, resigned, while Toren splashed around happily beside him like an overgrown kid. Finally in weeks, despite the chaos behind him and the trials ahead… Arthur allowed himself to relax.

The next morning, the sun rose, painting golden light across the cobbled streets.

Arthur stepped out of the motel.

"I'm heading to Sir Vale's house," he said. "Promised I'd clean the horse yard, in return for Veltron place."

Toren stretched with a yawn. "Can I come?"

Arthur raised an eyebrow. "You sure? It's not exactly glorious work."

Toren smirked. "I've done worse."

Arthur gave a small nod. "Alright then."

They made their way through the early morning bustle to Sir Vale's modest estate, where birds chirped over the quiet yard. As they entered, Veltron stood tall and alert, his ears twitching as he recognized them.

Arthur stepped up and gave his neck a gentle pat. "Good morning, buddy."

Veltron whined softly, nudging Arthur's shoulder affectionately.

Toren blinked. "He's way too elegant for a wild breed."

They got to work—cleaning the yard, clearing hay, scrubbing the feeding troughs. Then they gathered the available starch and grain to prepare the feed. 

When they finally set the feed down, Veltron whined again, this time stepping closer to Arthur with a low huff and a tilt of the head.

Toren raised a brow. "Is he... asking to come with us?"

Arthur smiled faintly. "Looks like it."

He gave Veltron a nod. "Alright, eat up, before we go."

And with that, the three of them set off walking toward the capital market, the sun climbing higher behind them.

Toren glanced at him. "So, what's the plan for today?"

Arthur thought for a moment. "I wanted to train a bit. Maybe take up some small gigs in the market—earn a little coin."

Toren nodded. "Yeah, and now that we've got Voltren, let's train him too.

As they made their way through the market, a crowd had gathered, murmuring with excitement. Arthur and Toren slowed their pace, following the collective gaze ahead.

A luxurious horse carriage adorned with the crest of Drakoria had just arrived, flanked by a squad of royal guards in silver-trimmed armor. Stepping gracefully from the carriage was a familiar figure—Aeris Nyelle.

Arthur stopped, narrowing his eyes slightly."That's Nyelle."

Toren blinked, confused. "Who?"

Arthur replied calmly, "She's the princess of Drakoria."

Toren's eyes widened. "Wait—what's she doing here in Valoria?"

Arthur glanced at him. "She mentioned she was going to join the academy."

Toren stared. "She mentioned? Wait, what do you mean 'mentioned'—you know her?"

Arthur gave a simple nod. "We met during the journey."

Toren gawked. "Your last journey…? Let me get this straight. In just a month, you found a Veltron, you're carrying a glowing rock with your parents' memory inside, and now you've known a princess. You are giving me a shock every afternoon"

Arthur smirked faintly and kept walking.

Toren, "Man, you're like a walking mystery novel. What's next? A dragon egg in your bag?"

Veltron snorted behind them, almost like he was in on the joke, as the three of them stepped past the crowd.

"Arthur!"

A voice rang out from behind.

Arthur turned, surprised. Nyelle was running toward them, the hem of her elegant dress slightly lifted, royal guards hurrying after her, clearly not pleased.

She stopped in front of him, slightly breathless, but still composed. "How are you?" she asked, her tone softer now.

Arthur began to reply, "I'm fi—"

"Princess, you can't just run off like that," one of the guards interrupted firmly. "You mustn't break formation"

"Enough!" Nyelle snapped, turning toward them. "I never asked for all this—lavish carriages, layers of protection. Your job was to ensure I reached the capital of Valoria safely. We're here. You may return to Drakoria."

"But Princess," another guard stepped forward, "the academy entrance exam is the day after tomorrow. We've already arranged your stay—"

"Then stay," she said coolly. "Enjoy the arrangements. I'll be back by the end of the day."

Before they could protest further, she grabbed Arthur's arm and started walking away. "Let's go."

Toren blinked and hurried after them, with Voltren trotted behind. One of the guards tried to follow, but Nyelle turned her head sharply and shouted, "Don't follow me!"

The guards halted awkwardly in place, while they disappeared into the city streets.

They reached a quiet open field just outside the bustle of the capital—green grass swaying gently in the afternoon breeze. Voltren trotted a few steps ahead before settling down near a patch of shade. Nyelle sat down on a flat rock and looked at Arthur, eyes thoughtful.

"So… did you find anything?" she asked softly. "About your parents?"

Arthur sat cross-legged on the ground, plucking a strand of grass between his fingers. "Somewhat," he said after a pause. "No, but I got my locket back. The one I had when I was taken."

Nyelle tilted her head. "Did it… help?"

Arthur nodded slowly. "There was a marble inside. When it hears my voice, it showed me… something. A vision of them—my father, mother, and me as a baby. Just their presence. Finally I won't forget their faces again."

Nyelle smiled gently, placing a hand on her chest. "That's beautiful."

Arthur continued, "And this guy," he said, pointing toward Voltren, "I found him in Cravendorn. A nobleman was beating him, claiming he was lazy. I couldn't leave him, so I bought him. Took him to Elegen's Rest, where Mr. Boro helped heal him."

She raised her brows. "Mr. Boro? The rider we saved?"

"Yeah, He said… we're always welcome there."

Nyelle gave a small, pleased nod. "I'm glad. He seemed like a kind man."

Just then, Toren plopped himself on the grass beside Arthur with a dramatic sigh. "You forgot to introduce your third major discovery."

Arthur gave him a dry glance. "Right. This is Toren Cale. He followed me from the academy and refuses to go away."

Toren grinned. "Toren Cale, at your service"

Nyelle stifled a laugh. "Well, Toren… it's nice to meet you. Be normal with me, I don't really like formalities"

Arthur smirked faintly, the tension in his shoulders easing as the three of them looked out over the field—strangers just weeks ago, now bound by strange twists of fate.