Arthur

Captain of the Guard

Being the only male of Karli's line to stay with the clan and not join the TideLord, Arthur felt a little overwhelmed at times. His grandfather was his grandmother's advisor, watching her back when she couldn't. His aunt and mother each had their positions in the clan, as next in line to lead or as an advisor. Everyone seemed to expect him to follow in their path, training to either lead or be an advisor to one of them. But he always saw a different path for himself.

He started training at an early age with King, finding all things military fascinating. King found him to be a quick study, picking up on military strategy much faster than anyone else he had tried to train. King recommended he be appointed Captain of the Guard, King's second in command. While there were some grumblings among the others about this appointment, it didn't take the others long to come to agree with King's decision. With fast whit and a charming attitude, Arthur won over any who doubted him.

Contralto seemed especially interested in his grandson, requesting him as a guard during many a night. Arthur went, not wanting the others to feel he was getting special treatment. He took more shifts than the others even, hoping that they would see this as his willingness to help. While many agreed, others, including his mother, worried that he would be tempted by Contralto's promises of glory. She sat him down one night to voice just that.

"You can't trust him."

Arthur gulped down another morsel of food. "Who?"

"Contralto. I know he has pretty words and tempting things to say, but he doesn't have your best interests at heart."

"It's not like I listen to anything he says." Arthur looked at the fire, not at her. He felt sorry for his grandfather, locked up in a den-like cell. After the attempt he had made on Cyanna's life, Karli couldn't trust that he wouldn't do something again.

"But you do listen. I know it's a grand idea, to be leader. Anyone would want it." Arthur looked at her, the desire in her voice matching the one in his heart. "But those of us who are near the top must know when and where we are needed. The leader position is not for us. It is up to us to protect it for our family."

"Did he tempt you?"

She shook her head. "No. By the time I came along he was long done talking to any one of us. He attempted with your Cousin Lucrezia though. Made her believe he was her friend, that he was going to help her when she ascended the throne after her mother. Then he turned on her." Her eyes filled with pain. "Accused her of being an idiot when she chose Current as her mate."

"But Current is an ambassador. The other clans love him. He's so gentle and sweet."

"That's exactly why Lucrezia chose him. But Contralto objected because he wasn't a 2nd or 3rd generation clan member. He was an adoptee from our nature clan friends."

"And that was a problem?"

"For Contralto. Just watch your back, Son. He's your friend until you do something he doesn't like. Don't forget that." She left him at the fire to think it over. By the time he stood his next watch at the den-cell, he had decided that no matter his grandfather said to him, he would no longer listen.