FOREVER KNIGHTS: #17 Marked As Mine

Stone Peak, Black Mountains, Battling Border

CHAVIAS

“I don’t know what to do to help you.” Chavias confessed in disgust. Slamming a hand through his fist. “You’re getting weaker.”

“But you’re right. If he sees me, we’re both finished.” Calisto greedily shoved hunks of bread and cheese in her mouth. Tucked under Chavias’ cot she shivered against he chill.

Chavias had stolen his gray armor from the armory and had her wearing it under the blue cape but he knew that it was no way to ward off the cold indefinitely. Especially because it’s now Winter.

“What’s been happening out there.” She nodded to the corridor beyond the cell.

Chavias sat across from her. Guarding the cell door as he did every waking hour. Trying to keep anyone from seeing her.

“The Cimmerii numbers are higher than I’ve ever seen. They’re filing down here in hoards.”

“Targue?”

“And Sarabi and Firoque. Yearners and Temptresses.” He sighed. “So many of them. He’s planning to overtake all of Ardae.”

“What are they doing to stop him?”

The Forever Knights.

“I don’t know.” Chavias’ dropped his head back. “I’m not precisely in their confidence any longer. But I know there is one fighting him on every level.”

“Every level?”

“Yes. He’s undermining Radix by overtaking the commerce in Ardae. He’s stealing the hearts of the people. His magic is growing and I’ve no doubt soon he’ll be using that. And when the opportunity arises he fights Radix directly. By taking his minions on in straight combat.”

“That’s foolhardy.” She paused chewing to stare wide-eyed at Chavias.

“You don’t know this young man.” Chavias half-laughed. “It’s more foolish to challenge him.”

“You sound proud.”

“He’s an amazing man.”

“And is that due to you?” She asked thoughtfully.

“Only in part. He’s chosen what he is to be.”

“Is he the one that came down her to see you?”

“He didn’t come for me, but yes that was him.” Chavias murmured. “If he comes again, I want you to go with him.”

“With him?” Calisto stared wide-eyed. “Are you sure that’s wise?”

“I see no alternative.” Chavias gestured limply. “You’re starving to death. And Okine could find you any minute. And we both know what he’d do to you. With or without Radix’s consent. I couldn’t bear that.”

“You won’t have to.” She said. “We’ll find a way for you to get me out of here.”

“I’ve racked my brain. I’m not sure there is any other way. I’ve even considered sending you with the one man that might still have some decency.”

Garix Trembath.

“But it’s too risky.” Chavias finished.

“You’ll figure out something.” She said confidently. “You always do.”