FOREVER KNIGHTS: #5 Subjugation of Beasts

Merwood, Dread Hideout

ACHARIUS

Chastain saw streamers of fog creep in her shutters. And thoughtfully murmured. “I got lost in a cave earlier today.”

I’m aware.

“Did you?” Acharius asked warily.

“I did. But I noticed something odd.”

Such as? He gave a slow wince, fearing her answer.

She’s apparently been waiting for this conversation all day…Delightful.

“You did?”

“Yes.”

He sensed dangerous waters. “What?”

“Fog.”

“Fog?”

“Yes. There was fog in the cave.”

Uh-oh…

“There’s fog in many places throughout Merwood.” He said slowly. “During the day. Where there is moisture, there is fog.”

Good job. Sounds plausible. He applauded himself.

“I didn’t tell you it was in the woods, Acharius.”

Shit. He winced.

“Woods is all that’s around.”

“And a smell, Acharius.”

“A smell?” A tiny part of him died as this conversation progressed. Obvious in the rising notes in his voice.

“Yes. A familiar smell.”

He was quiet.

“And a bag.”

My bag. He swallowed. Hard.

“A bag of glass jars. Probably food.”

Accurate.

“Oh.” He decided not to say anything more.

“And a bat.”

“A bat? My Dear, you are making no sense.” He softly accused.

“Aren’t I? When the bats scared me, I noticed there was dim candlelight coming from further in the cave. A little glow.”

Perhaps it was you. Screaming like a banshee.

“Wouldn’t someone only be keeping food in the cave if they were living there?” She persisted.

“Do you think you could find it again?”

“I’m not certain.” She mulled it over. “It makes me sad to think someone might be living in those woods with only candlelight and bats for company.”

“I imagine it is lonely.” He said hesitantly.

“Did I use the word lonely?”

This is a quiz I’ve not tutored for. He winced.

“Why aren’t you sleeping?” He desperately attempted to change the subject.

“What would it be like for someone living alone like that?” She rolled it over.

His teeth gritted, and jaw went tight. “You shouldn’t worry about such things.”

“What better things to worry about than the well-being of others?”

“There are bigger things to worry about then how a man fares in a dark cave.”

“A man now is it?” She asked

Dammit.

“I merely meant it subjectively.”

I’m being massacred in this conversation. He folded into the wall behind him and grass below. Horrified.

“Of course, you did…” She said thoughtfully. “You are wise Acharius.”

The silence went on forever. “If I don’t look at you. Will you come in?”

He held his breath and studied the ground next to him. Bad idea.

It’s a trap. He was certain. But the temptation drove him from the wet grass to eye the window above. Whether it’s Radix’s trap or hers…it’s a trap.

“Are you still there?”

Yes. But I shouldn’t be.

“I am.”

“Come in Acharius.” She whispered the siren’s call.

He’d no more power to reject that beckoning then he did to stop breathing.

“I’ll look away.” She assured.

“Your word?”

“With every fiber of my being.” She banished his last reservations.

Blowing a heavy breath, he hoped his trust in the girl wouldn’t land him in the hands of Radix. I know better.

Leaping to catch the high seal he agilely put a boot on the side of the wall and cleared the ledge. Boots scraping the floor.