FOREVER KNIGHTS: #5 Subjugation of Beasts

Merwood, Dread Hideout (Free from Udora for five years)

ACHARIUS

The red beast watched Chastain. Unobserved from the shade of trees. Yellow eyes dancing ethereally in faded moonlight.

Chastain made her way to the cave. Trapping him in this grove of trees.

I know better than to indulge in flight! He chastised himself. Angry he hadn’t heard her approach sooner.

Her step faltered.

She’s getting too close!

She doesn’t know about the treasures. He reassured himself. That’s not the confident step of a spy. It’s a fearful step. The beast snorted, scenting the air with sulfur. As it crystallized it wafted up into the night. A long red-scaled tail flicked agitatedly, tearing branches from nearby trees.

“Is she Radix’s?” A familiar voice rose next to him.

Acharius’ head spun, recognizing it. He nodded in greeting. Bast.

“I’ll watch her.” Bast sighed. “Change.”

Acharius let Bast stand guard to make sure she stayed far enough away to not witness his changing. Branches snapped off as he adjusted his weight. Swallowing his pain as his body reduced and scales petalled to the ground. Once changed, he walked peacefully on man’s feet to rejoin his friend.

Bast watched the girl fumble over logs and peer through the huge leaves with her little winking candle. “What is she looking for?”

“Me.”

“Oh.”

“Yes. Oh.” Acharius sighed.

“Is she Radix’s?” Bast asked again.

“No.”

“How do you know? Just because she’s beautiful doesn’t mean-”

“I’ve been watching over her.”

“Oh…I’ll just bet you have.” Bast elbowed him in the gut.

“Not like that. She’s delicate.”

Bast grinned over his shoulder.

“Shut up, Bast.”

After a few minutes of silence Bast asked, “Why are you watching over her?”

“A Cimmerii followed her.”

“You certain it wasn’t by her design?”

Yes.

“I’m certain.” Acharius tightened the laces on his breeches.

“That’s good. Since she just found your cave.”

“What?” Acharius squawked. Looking up in time to see her disappear into the dark mouth. Gray muslin dress and brown bodice vanishing into the depths.

“Shit.”

“Well,” Bast said dryly. “looks like you’ve things well in hand here.”

Screw you.

“She needs looked after!” Acharius defended.

“Looked after or at?”

I should strangle you.

Acharius pushed a light fist in Bast’s chest. “After. Look!” He pointed to the ground where a swirl of vines and flowers bloomed from the path she’d walked.

See for yourself!

Bast’s jaw hung. “Those from her?”

“Yes. Whenever she walks the Netherwood.”

Things grow where she goes.

Bast’s eyes narrowed after where she’d disappeared. “You better go find her. Don’t let Radix get his stinking hands on her.”

“That’s what I’m doing!” The giant expostulated before maneuvering to the cave.

“For a big beast, your surprisingly agile!” Bast taunted. “Good luck…” He laughed.

Good luck? He really is a son-of-a-bitch somedays. He reached the entrance as Bast’s voice rose again.

“Oh, Old Friend, don’t forget. Enjoying the company of a beautiful woman can be quite pleasurable.” Bast called after him. Tone insinuating.

She’s not like that.

“She and I are not acquainted like that.” Acharius rolled his eyes Heavenward and tossed his hands.

“That’s a lovely young woman, Acharius. And if I remember correctly…Those were quite fond of you once, before you became so much like my twin.”

Like Alazareth? Bah!

“Some of us must grow up Bast.” Acharius turned from the entrance to spit.

“Shame for you.” Bast plucked a ripe plum from a nearby tree and turned his back to head through the woods. “As I said, good luck with that.” He gestured his hand toward the cave in an encompassing circle.

Clearly meaning more.