FOREVER KNIGHTS: #16 To Keep Her

WhiteHall, Paladines

RAESE

Raese was bedraggled. I feel it. So I know I look it.

Rodger was staring at him worriedly. “Raese, My Br-Good Man,” He shook his head. “you like warmed over Hell.”

Probably an apt description.

“I was so close!” Raese paced the Dining Hall, having not touched a bite of his breakfast.

“I haven’t minded being your confidante, and such. But I’ll not be if it entails you shouting at me. We used to have a good time on occasion.”

“I’m sorry.” Raese deflated. “You’ve been the best of friends. You know that. I just miss her.”

My Calisto. Whom I thought I was so close to touching.

“Is she the only thing you can remember?” Rodger took another bite of delectable egg. Seeming to be half-listening.

“No, I’ve heard the names of other knights. There was one I talked to often that I was far closer to. I got the sense that him and I were close before joining the Templars.”

But I’ve never been able to see his face. Nor did I call him by name.

“This all still sounds like nonsense.” Rodger grunted. “Are you certain you’re not fit for the Battling Borderhold?”

The madhouse? He gave Rodger a dark look.

“No, Rodger.” Raese stopped pacing. “I do not belong in a madhouse.”

“Well, this does all sound rather incredulous. You can’t blame me for wondering. You thought you were going to bring a woman to life, you grew super animated and then boom!” Rodger gestured broadly before his hands dropped. “Nothing.”

“You’re helpful, indeed.” Raese gave him a displeased glance. “I was so certain I freed her. I felt it!” Raese was despondent.

“Have you seen her since then?” Rodger ate a bit of bread.

Not so much as a glimpse.

“No.” Raese grunted.

“Then, perhaps you did.”

“For a man so skeptical one moment, you’re perilously optimistic the next.”

“I’m a complex man.” Rodger shrugged. “Your cook is exceptional.”

I’m glad you’re enjoying the food. A muscle in Raese’s jaw ticked. He looked from Rodger and practiced twirling his hand. Noticing that Rodger watched intently. Eyes narrowed.

“What?” Raese asked.

“What the devil are you doing?” Rodger asked baffled.

“Trying to make-well-I had a staff.” He finished.

“Clearly.”

“And we’re back to disbelief.”

“Can you blame me?” Rodger gestured to Raese as though his statement was evidenced by Raese twirling an imaginary staff.

“I don’t know how much more I can take.” Raese’s shoulders slumped. “It felt so real. But I’ve put everything I am into figuring out how to use this but nothing works. Yet it seems when I truly needed it, to bring Calisto back, it was there like a muscle I hadn’t used in awhile.”

“I’m sure it’s still there.” Rodger ate more egg. Looking at him thoughtfully. “If everything you think you remember is accurate, wouldn’t it be a blessing to escape such an existence?”

“For a break perhaps. Which is what I’ve had. But it’s time to rejoin them now.”

“Hmm.” Rodger slid from his chair. Dabbing his mouth with a napkin. “I really must go. I promised Leslie we’d lunch today.”

Leaving already? But I’ve no one else to talk to.

“You’ve only just had breakfast!”

“Yes. But my cook is not as good as yours and I’m certain lunch will not prove as tasteful.”

Raese watched him go forlornly. “Take jewelry!” He called. Grumbling. “It’s the only language she speaks fluently.”

“Not the only!” Rodger laughed heartily.

Raese grimaced at the thought. He can have her.

Rodger let the footman help him into his overcoat and he left without a farewell. At the end of the drive, Rodger paused before getting into his carriage. Giving WhiteHall a troubled assessment. Before murmuring. “I have you.”