FOREVER KNIGHTS: #4 Battling Black Roses

WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country

RHYERS

Rhyers entered the opulent foyer of WaterRose. Always mesmerized by the triple chandelier dangling from the high ramparts. The three layers were completely encircled with glowing candles. Shining off the polished black and white marble entryway. The red carpeted dais split into dual staircases molding along the walls.

Leading to the second floor and further to the third floor where the specialty solars were.

Bast did a magnificent job designing it. The Luxurious layers were clearly a reflection of Bast’s deep appreciation for beauty.

Seeing the glowing light from the library, Rhyers sought his friend out there. Always his favorite place to haunt. Surprisingly, Rhyers didn’t find him by the fire with a glass of sherry in his hand.

But he’s here. Rhyers sensed his presence in the room. He walked down the line of bookcases and spotted Bast’s silhouette standing at the large cupboard window. The thick doors were ajar and moonlight coasted in casting cascading lights over Bast’s severe profile.

Moonlight through the water walls. Rhyers eyes fell to Bast’s hands where a glass was cradled.

There’s his sherry.

What’s he find so disturbing? He’s usually so unflappable.

“It’s not my place to tell you.” Bast surprised Rhyers by saying. “But I am so angry I feel a need to express it to someone.”

“You heard me come in?”

“No.” Bast took a sip from the glass. His eyes still not leaving the bailey walls, and the hazy image of the meadow visible through the rivers of water. “No one hears you. I felt your thoughts.”

Ah. Of course, you did.

“So?” Rhyers propped a hip on the windowsill. Sitting slightly in-front and to the right of Bast.

“She remembered things today that upset me.”

Elsabet?

“What did she remember?” He asked, curious.

“She was abused.” Bast’s voice cracked marginally.

Who’d be that stupid?

“I assume she slaughtered them?”

“Him. And no, I don’t believe so. She still fears him, so I’d find it doubtful she killed him. Though I’d hazard a guess it was long enough ago that he’s passed by now.”

I doubt that’s the end of the subject.

“But you’re going to check?”

“As soon as I can get some sleep…hopefully in the morning.”

“Want me to go?”

“No, actually I suspect she feels very vulnerable thinking of such things and I’m hoping you will stay and watch over her.”

I can’t remember a time he’s asked me for something.

“You know I will Bast.” He said softly.

He nodded minutely as he took another sip. Gaze falling to the sill.

Bast retired early that night and Rhyers passed his chamber a few times. Catching his deepened breathing.

He’s sleeping. Good. Rhyers was often at WaterRose and knew well how little Bast slept.

Even less than the rest of us.

Rhyers lay awake in his chamber three rooms over and heard Bast rising an hour before first light.

And he’s off.

Soon the front door whispered open and closed. Rhyers rose from his bed and tugged on his boots. Opening his door to step into the hall he was startled to see the valkyrie’s head whip to see him when the door opened.

She stood just outside his chamber. “Where is he going?”

“He has something to check on.”

“I bet he does.” She muttered. A glare still marring her face as she walked beyond his door.

Hateful little creature.

Hard to imagine she was ever anyone’s victim. But Rhyers would do as he promised.

He waited for Bast’s return. Watching the glowering creature pacing WaterRose, purposefully wandering past windows on the upper and lower levels on a frequent basis.

He’d caught her twice in two days, standing at the end of the second level hall staring out the stained glass window, at the bridge.

Waiting for him.

She worries for him. Rhyers was touched to see that. Perhaps strange as she is, she has more depth than I’d thought.

Rhyers haunted the valkyrie’s step. It was early on the third morning that she became highly active.

Screeching loud enough to rattle the household. Pacing her chamber malcontentedly.

Rhyers stood in the library staring at the dust flakes falling from the ceiling as she stalked the floor.

Elengard wandered in. “More tea?” She held the tray.

“No.” He put up a hand. “Thank you.”

She nodded and turned.

“Does she do this often?” He pointed up.

“Yes.” Elengard said in her matter-of-fact way. “Often when he leaves. And always upon his return.”

“He hasn’t come back.”

“He’s on his way or she wouldn’t sound like that.”

“How does she know?” Rhyers’ brow knitted.

“I haven’t the faintest.” Elengard shrugged. “But she’s never wrong.”

Rhyers grunted.

Elengard left the room.

Within minutes the front door slammed.

Rhyers poked his head from the library and saw Bast, looking exhausted crossing the foyer. “Good news?”

Bast jerked and drew back a step before steadying. “You scared the Hell out of me.”

“It’s what I do.”

“Yes, it was successful. As far as I can tell the last Lord Demaron passed away from consumption over a century ago.” Bast looked baffled.

“So, she’s at least that old?”

“She looks good for her age.” Bast shrugged.