FOREVER KNIGHTS: #17 Marked As Mine

“It’s time. You have to find it.” The man’s voice entered Riaura’s dream.

“I can’t.”

“His mark on your hand sealed the dreams in your spirit. Forcing them deep.”

“Who can remove it.”

“You.” The man told her.

“How do you know?”

“Because I heard Radix telling the Queen years ago.”

“How’d you hear that?” Riaura asked fearfully.

“Because,” The man stepped from the shadows in her chamber. He was a hazy silhouette. With black hair pulled fiercely back so it was smooth along his head. His brows were dark and deepened the shadows over steely eyes. The hilts of two swords were visible above his shoulders. “I’m his warlord.”

“Chavias?”

He lowered his chin in acknowledgement.

Alazar heard her whisper the dreaded name, amongst her usual murmuring, and sat bolt upright. Catching her upper arm to roll her over in the bed next to him but movement from the shadow next to her stopped him.

A man took a step further out. Confirming Alazar’s fears. He put a finger to his mouth. Shushing Alazar. And pointed to Riaura.

Next his hazy finger pointed toward Alazar’s breeches on the stool.

“You best not harm her, Brother.” Alazar warned as he covered himself with the coverlet as he snagged his pants and hopped into them.

“How do I unlock it?” Riaura murmured.

Chavias’ spirit stood over her. Coaxing. “You imagine the scar opening and dissipating.”

Though her eyes didn’t open she lifted her hand and the scar began to flake away. The bits of pink skin floating off her hand to hover in the darkness before being caught by a slight breeze and carried out through the crack in the shutters.

Alazar leaned over and found her eyes closed. She’s in some kind of meditative state.

Riaura began to seize. Shuddering and vibrating.

Alazar cried out her name and rolled her onto her back. Looking angrily at Chavias. “I’ll kill you for this.”

Chavias only blinked at him.

Suddenly Riaura levitated. Floating slowly off the bed. The coverlet slipping off her and her nightdress glowing. Her hair moving around her as though caught in stirring water. She was coated in green and gold luminescence. Seeming to carry her.

“Follow her.” Chavias said quickly.

Alazar was well aware there was a high probability this was a trap but he saw no alternative. I won’t let them just take her!

The shutters swung open and when Alazar tried to stop her from floating out, he found his hand simply coasted through her.

As though she’s only in spirit now. I don’t understand!

She went out the window. Still in the strange sleepy state.

Alazar leapt out the window after her. Dropping from the third level and landing in a crouch. His eyes yellow to see in the dark.

The Wall Guards shouted in objection at the sight of him bare-chested, bare footed and with shining yellow eyes.

But he pointed up and they glimpsed the shimmering figure of their queen.

“Let me follow her.” He roared as he ran to the bridge.

The Bridge Guard lifted the gate and let him out.

She was coasting above the trees.

Alazar had no choice but to run through them. Despite the falling snow. He was barely keeping up. Glimpsing the shine of her through breaks in the trees above.

He caught movement next to him and saw Chavias weaving through the trees parallel to him. “Stay with her!”

Chavias leapt a trunk and ran faster.

Not about to be left behind, Alazar ran faster. Keeping her in view. “Riaura!”