FOREVER KNIGHTS: #6 Malevolent Attentions

“Yeah. But you look so damn pathetic dancing about like a grounded bird...” Marcus tossed his head toward William’s shackles.

Expression humorless William closed in on Mac again.

“Get the Hell away from me.” Mac shouted desperately pulling his short sword. Stumbling backward he shakily pointed the weapon.

Pulling a weapon on restrained boys. Bast was overwhelmed with disdain for the Guardsman. Not an honor to the company he serves.

Most Grier Guardsman were good men with a highly developed sense of duty.

William’s voice drew Bast from his thoughts. “Don’t be sensitive.” He told Mac.

“Did we hurt your lip?” Marcus asked in mock concern.

“How’s your forehead?” Mac countered viciously.

Marcus came off the carriage, but William put a shoulder to his chest and pushed him back.

“That’s a sword.” William reminded.

“Don’t care.” Marcus growled under his breath in a warning tone.

“You will if I cut your damn leg off.” Flushing Mac’s eyes darkened, and he took a menacing step forward.

Stay where you are boy. Bast tensed. Creeping closer, in-case the Guardsman tried to slice the boys.

“Leave my brothers alone!” Airon’s high voice cut the air.

Nora barely caught the back of his shirt as he rushed Mac, little arms swinging like windmills, spitting epithets. Pulling him into her arms Nora spoke quickly hoping to distract him from what was happening.

Beth hid her face in Nora’s skirt.

No. Keep the children back! Bast willed. Snarling a long rumbling sound as warning. Silencing owls and crickets. Far closer than earlier it raked Nora’s frayed nerves. Drawing everyone’s attention.

They all stilled like alert rabbits.

Mac’s red-haired head shot up. He edged back toward his coach.

Catching an even more pungent version of Cimmerii, Bast’s eyes moved to the bottom of the coach. Dual sets of orange-red Noni eyes peered over the edge.

It’d take them less time to reach the humans and rake them open then it’d take me to get to them. Stopping his slow creep toward the group, he began swaying side to side, he elected to keep the Nonis focused on him.

That’s right. Follow me, little devils.

I’m the one that’s going to tear you into pieces… In his peripheral he saw the Cimmerii human had the sword pointed at the older boys. Wincing he kept his focus on the Nonis. Don’t slice anyone, you stupid little man.

Nora’s eyes were drawn back to the weapon Mac gripped. Lowering it he turned to see the grove from where Bast was snarling. Carefully backing toward the driver’s side step, he hopped up.

He’s leaving them? Bast was shocked anyone calling themselves Grier Guard could be so callous.

Still trying to decide if she was relieved or appalled, Nora watched him drive so close he almost clipped her.

Bastard! Bast cursed him.

Leaning over the driver’s bench, he flicked a piece of metal at her. Stinging her cheek before falling to the gravel.

He’d throw it at a woman? Bast’s opinion of the man continued to fall lower by the moment.

Gasping, Nora put a hand to her cheek in shock. Numbly touching where it’d struck her, she watched Mac’s wheels tossing gravel. Twisting to shield Beth and Airon while Marcus kicked the side of it as it passed.

Bast felt the protective surge spiraling through him at his friend’s pain. She looks so scared and small by herself.

Oblivious to everything Deragan has done to maneuver her here so he can protect her.

She has no idea that this suffering will pass. But much darker awaits her yet…Anxiety made his heart race. Worrying for her. Hoping that perhaps this time she and Deragan’s tale would have a different ending.