Chapter Alazareth's Mission
Deragan Black strode from the Bishop family rental. Rubbing his sore jaw.
That boy’s got a hell of a right hook. Crossing the park, he entered the Forest. Pushing the hood of the slicker back, he tossed the thing off, crouching as he prepared to shift. But the sense of another energy stayed him.
What are you? He assessed whether it was better to be beast or man just now.
A brawny blonde man pushed through the trees.
“Alazareth!” Deragan greeted. Slipping back into human form.
“Captain!” Alazar said with equal enthusiasm.
They quickly embraced each other.
Gesturing to the pendant around Deragan’s neck Alazar added more somberly. “You summoned me?”
An exact replica of Bast. Except Alazareth’s tastes differ as much as night and day. Practical from his manner of dress to the cut of his hair. He always takes himself seriously. Whereas Bast couldn’t grasp the concept.
Alazareth rarely indulged in a visit to Deragan, due to the dangers of them gathering.
“My thanks to you for introducing her to Rosewynn.” Deragan ran a hand through jet black hair.
“She had a lot of questions. I was rude.”
“You had to play the character. No solicitor would’ve been happy to come to a town in the middle of nowhere Grier to cater to a young miss.” Deragan reassured. Turning his ear to the sound of distant hooves of the Bishop horses, he gauged her distance.
I need to get to the Country Road. Opposite the direction Nora left in. I need to intercept the eldest Bishop.
“But she’s my friend, Captain.” Alazareth chided. “I’ve met no woman better…” His words drifted off as he considered the words. “Your Fallen has never wronged me. You know I despise deceiving her.” He finished. Distracting himself from thoughts of Riaura. “Do you have the vaguest idea how many times her talks have spared my brother a thrashing or granted me greater patience? I hate treating her badly.”
“I understand, My Brother. But ’twas a necessary evil.”
Alazar sighed. “She’s going there now? To Rosewynn?” His lips twitched when he noticed the distracted look on his Captain’s face.
“Yes.”
“Does she know you yet?”
Alazar instantly regretted asking at the sight of Deragan’s smile being replaced by obvious pain.
“It’s hard to say. I haven’t spoken to her, in truth.” Deragan drew a steadying breath. “But somehow, I think…she recognizes me.”
“That’s never happened so quickly!” Alazar’s voice rose.
“Never.” Deragan agreed.
“And the moon?”
“Already responding to her.” Pride entered his voice. Refocusing he stated. “I called you about WaterRose.”
“Wh” Alazar looked taken aback. “What about?”
“You’ll take care of it for me. Protect it.”
“But Raese...” Alazar started. “Should not we be…”
“He’s gone for the time being. Let Bast seek him.” Deragan countered. “If anyone is like to find him, it’d be Bast.”
“It’s a great honor, Captain.” Alazareth hesitated. “But I’m not certain I’m the best for the job.”
Deragan shrugged. “I could summon Bast back to help you.”
“For the love of God!” Alazar proclaimed. “I’ll do it. Just do not require me to collaborate with him.” He lifted his hands in surrender.