FOREVER KNIGHTS: #6 Malevolent Attentions

Chavias emerged into the late afternoon light. Hearing Thadeus’ caw, he tilted his head to the side to free his shoulder for the bird to land.

It descended onto his shoulder, gently avoiding hitting his head with its wings. It shifted its feet until comfortable and fluffed his feathers. Leaning his head sideways he made a gruff hissing sound that rumbled his chest.

His usual greeting. Chavias reached up with his fingertips and scruffed the birds back lightly.

“Hello, Friend.”

The Firoque woman sneered. Watching the bird avidly.

You won’t be eating him, wench.

Chavias took the stinking Firoque woman down the mountain, through the Netherwood. Midway through, the Firoque woman grew tired and Chavias unraveled his bedroll in pitch darkness. Catching the sounds of crickets, and twittering night birds. He’d not bothered with a fire since he didn’t get cold and as far as the woman…I don’t give two shits about her comfort.

Tossing his arm, sent Thadeus flying high into the treetops to perch for the night. Chavias settled in and noticed her sitting atop a pile of sticks staring at him with shining black eyes. “If you’re not going to sleep, we might as well continue our trek.”

“I can’t see in the dark.” She complained.

Not my difficulty.

“I can.”

“Will you carry me?” She asked huskily.

No.

“Not in the least.”

“Why are you so cold to me?”

Because you’re a demon whore.

“You’re dead. Your mind just hasn’t realized what your body already has.” He wondered if she’d even noticed her heart only labored a beat every couple minutes.

She’s dying. In the next month or so she’ll lose all remnants of her own will. He shook his head. Rolling to his side he tucked his cheek onto a palm to avoid the rough ground.

“I’ll keep your corpse functioning enough to deliver your message and then I’ll take you back. Beyond that I’ve no care for you.”

“’Tis a shame.”

He realized she was very articulate. Well-educated. Probably a lady or the maid of one. That’s a shame.

Chavias had only begun to relax enough to spirit run when his nostrils were overwhelmed by the smell of rot and he felt a scraping touch. He returned to his body and blinked bleary eyes. Shocked to see the wan ugly creature leaned over him, trying to scramble atop him.

He shoved her away and she skittered back on all fours. Huffing in excitement. He crawled backwards to escape her, but she returned. Drool draping from her chin in sopping strands.

Was she planning to eat me or mount me? Both options were equally horrifying. But being eaten alive minutely less so…He shuddered. Realizing his arms were covered in scratches from where she’d been furiously pawing him in his pseudo-slumber.

“Stay back you hideous thing.”

There were no words to describe how infinitely revolting she was.

She whimpered, huffed and crawled at him again.

Lurching to his feet. He abandoned his bedroll and leapt a log. Stay away from me, Harlot!

“To your feet!” He roared. “We go to Grier, you disgusting, filth! I’ll not have you pawing me in my sleep.”

I’ll be awake to deflect it.

The sooner we’re there and back the sooner I can be rid of your stink!

“I-I…” She whined. Breathing raggedly with need.

“I could not care less, I assure you!” He pointed away from him. “To your feet! You walk in-front.”

He glanced up and saw Thadeus high in the trees. Too dark for him to fly. He’ll have to catch up when it’s daylight.

His focus returned to the woman casting leering looks over her shoulder at him. Nasty wench. He made her walk under his watchful gaze. Keeping her where I can see her.

Still shuddering. Smearing slime from his arms. Unsure if it was drool or something worse.

Please be drool.