FOREVER KNIGHTS: #5 Subjugation of Beasts
Lead Them Away

That’s cryptic.

“I’m confused.” Acharius took a step back.

“Me too.”

“Explain.” Acharius directed as he dropped back to the edge of the cot.

I’m all ears. With nothing but time!

“The valkyrie. She’s a rare devil of a woman.” Bast explained.

“Yet you like her?”

“She fascinates me.”

I can’t imagine a woman that fascinates you.

“And she’s enamored of you no doubt?” Acharius probed.

“Oh…There’s doubt!” Bast grimaced. “Much doubt.”

“What?”

“She won’t have me.”

Won’t have you? What kind of woman…?

“That’ll change.” He said tentatively.

“I hope so. She’s in WaterRose.”

WaterRose?

Why in Ardae would you take her there?

“You’re keeping her in the Stronghold?” Acharius’ indignance rose.

“Careful Acharius. Your tone is sounding perilously like my twin’s.”

Alazareth? I suppose it is.

“I apologize.” Acharius deflated. “What did she do?”

“She tried to steal my pendant.” Bast touched the chain at his collar.

Bold.

“The Dragon Eye?” Acharius gasped.

“Yes. Twenty years ago.”

Twenty years ago!

“You’re still keeping her for that one sin?”

“And she scratched me once.” Bast nodded. “So, there is your lady…” He hoped to change the subject. Baiting Acharius for an objection. Excited to comment on Acharius’ overly emphatic denials. When none came, he continued with a frown. “Lovely, sweet, quiet and in utter awe of you.” He shook his head despondently.

I wonder if she really is all that?

“In comparison to your valkyrie?” Acharius asked.

Bast rubbed his forehead. “A constant headache, that one.”

“She’ll bend to your will, Bast. Everyone does…” Acharius told his friend reassuringly. “Now tell me, what’ve you come to see me for?”

“Tev.”

What?

“Tev?” Acharius asked. “He doesn’t come to see me much the last few years. I suspect he’s got his eye on a pretty maid.”

Bast cleared his throat, avoiding his friend’s prodding for information.

“Nay?” Acharius’ brow knitted. “Then a comely man?”

If there is such a thing?

Bast looked appalled. Making an awful face and shaking his head in horror.

Little brother does like maids then…I always wondered…

“He was the closest to Raese.” Bast surged. Desperate to change the disconcerting subject. “He knows the most about the spear and how to work it. I’m wondering if Raese may’ve hidden it somewhere thinking Tev would find it?”

Interesting thought.

That would be like Merlinus.

“And?”

“Tev and I went out a few nights back and he reminded me he and Raese trained in these woods with you. You taught them both the art of the bow amongst these trees.”

Archery.

“Yes.”

“Is there anywhere in these woods you can think Raese may have hidden it?”

The staff?

Not that I can think of so quickly.

Acharius rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Let me mull that awhile, Bast.”

Bast nodded absentmindedly as he leapt to his feet. Head whipping to scan the trees.

I feel them. Cimmerii lurked in these woods. But not yet close enough for Acharius to sense. Bast’s keen eyes followed his friend, and he knew Acharius was oblivious.

Acharius slapped him on the back as they headed for the entrance of the cave.

“I think it’s time I head back.” Bast detoured.

If you must. I like your visits.

Acharius looked disheartened but nodded. “Do come back soon. I yearn for a long talk.”

“I will.” Bast promised before heading through the woods at a run.

Chavias could be with them. Acharius worried.

As Bast headed through the trees and toward the meadow, he stopped to sniff. Catching the stink of ash, he knew what trailed him.

Without looking back, he turned into the panther, moving faster. Increasing speed as he crossed the meadow. Three black Targue shot from the trees after him, snarling.

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