FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

Warlock Grove, Nightway

SAVAGE JAXSON

The Nauvree, Alazar, was pacing in Warlock Grove.

“Waiting for your twin or upset?” The disembodied voice came from above him.

Alazar twisted to look up. Shifting several steps until he could glimpse the figure shadowing out the sun near the canopy of the trees.

“Savage Jack?”

He dropped. Landing smoothly before Alazar. “Killed anymore of my assassins?”

“Not I.” Alazar shook his head.

He’s telling me the truth. Savage could tell instantly.

“So, what weighs so heavily on the mind of the Nauvree?”

“The Nauvree no longer.” Alazar sighed. “I’ve been so busy with my duties as NightGuard I’ve had little time for assassinations.”

“Less coin.”

“Definitely less coin.” Alazar mourned. “But better work for me currently.”

“To watch over your princess.” Savage nodded.

It wasn’t a question so Alazar didn’t answer that. “She’s engaged.”

“To Danbury?” Savage queried. Frowning.

Why would she pick him over the Nauvree?

“Yea.”

“Poor choice.”

“Thank you.” Alazar’s gaze had gone back to the ground. Mind heavy.

“So what do you intend?”

“To seduce her mercilessly.”

“An appealing proposition.” Savage’s lips twitched in what may’ve been humor.

“I think so.” Alazar ran a hand through his spiked hair.

“Let me know when you need my assistance.” Savage ran and one footed off one trunk and then another. Travelling up into the trees inhumanly until landing atop a branch and swinging himself up higher. Moving through them more like a squirrel than a man.

A hazy, womanly, figure walking the woods below drew his attention. Making him pause with one hand on a branch. What the hell are you?

The image of the woman in the dragging black dress flickered and then became substantial. Walking purposefully through the trees. Face confused. Seemingly lost as she looked around.

“Who are you?” He called down.

She lifted her chin to look up at him but her image was flickering again. Disappearing and then reappearing. She stared up through purple eyes.

A Dread? A wraith?

She’d gone as fast as she’d come.

He twisted around on the branch to get a better view. She’s not down there now.

When he lifted his head, she was floating in the leaves just before him. Sunlight slashing through one invisible eye.

His brows shot up as he assessed what he was staring at.

Her skirts floated around her ominously.

“What are you looking for?”

“H-h-husband…” Her voice floated from somewhere far away.

He frowned. Whose her husband.

“Who are you, Woman?”

“Calisto…”

Chavias’ friend, Calisto?

“Raese Merlinus.” He said reflexively. Recalling every conversation, he’d ever had with his mentor.

Shock was written over her face as she nodded slowly. “Where is he?”

“I don’t know.” Savage cocked his head at her. “But if you find him, come tell me where he is.”

“How can you see me?” She queried.

“No idea.” He paused. Icy blue eyes meeting hers. “But the better question is why can others not?”

WaterCourse Hamlet, Dread Hideout

Savage had been waiting for Chavias’ return. And had glimpsed the heavy track coming down off Stone Peak and determined the direction. He’s slowing his trek more each time.

Giving me time to clear the storehouses. Which Savage had already sent word to have done.

My Seditious will have it done and gone long before Chavias reaches WaterCourse. It was obvious that was the direction he and the Targue were going.

Savage was waiting for Chavias in the storehouse when he arrived.

“I know you’re here, My Lad.” Chavias turned looking in the corners.

Why does no one ever look up? That’s what always made it an ideal ambush direction for Savage.

It dawned on Savage there was true excitement in his mentor’s voice. “There’s a hint of happiness hovering around you.” Savage was crouched on the center beam above.

Chavias tilted his head back. “Ah. There you are.” He squinted into the dark to see Savage straightening there.

The beam creaked underneath him. Sending a film of dust floating in the dancing firelight from buildings outside the storage house.

Buildings Chavias has already set ablaze.

Buildings I had evacuated hours ago. Which he’s aware. He’d have sensed the emptiness here before he even entered the hamlet.

“What has you trying not to smile like a fool?” Savage asked perceptively.

“A woman.”

“A woman?” Savage’s voice rose. “One of Radix’s?”

It’ll be another trick. Another of Radix’s evil control games.

“No.” Chavias shook his head. “She’s pure. Untouched by Radix’s filth.”

“How’d you manage that?”

“Spirit Running.” Chavias smiled proudly.

“I was hazarding a guess you’ve gotten quite good.”

“Very good.” Chavias admitted. “I can look and feel totally human while in spirit form.”

“Impressive.” Savage paced the beam thoughtfully in the dark. Seeing it perfectly despite the utter blackness.

“How are you doing that?” Chavias asked.

“What?” Savage looked down at him. Unaware his eyes were glowing gold in the dark.

“Lad?”

“Yea…”

“I’ve long wanted to ask you something.”

“I’m all ears.” Savage crouched again to look down at Chavias.

This is important. He could tell from Chavias’ whispering tone.

“Are you certain Nial Ocnomad is your father?”

“Not in the least.”

“I don’t think he is.”

“Who do you think is?”

You have a suspicion or you’d not have brought it up.

“I-”

“Chavias!” A man yelled.

A Firoque.

“Radix wants the storage house burned! Where are you?”

“Get out!” Chavias whispered to the rafters.

But Savage was already gone.