FOREVER KNIGHTS: #6 Malevolent Attentions

An eager young voice speaking fast drew his attention to the parked carriage. A child’s voice. An excited one.

The coach stopped behind it.

Boots slid from the driver’s bench to crunch over gravel. Cimmerii stink rising off him like steaming decay. A Grier Guardsman. MacDonald Turner.

Tossing his head, Bast fought the nausea the smell elicited.

Yanking stuff from atop the coach, Mac moved to the carriage. Opening the door to toss a doll on the ground before reaching back inside.

Who are you after? Bast shifted his shoulders. Tightening black paws as he lowered his dark head to assess the distance across the meadow. Sights locked on the corrupt Guardsman. Considering how to rip his head off his narrow shoulders.

A girl’s blood curdling scream split the air.

Roaring, Bast charged through the trees.

Mac looked at Nora as he released Beth. “What the Hell was that?”

Me.

Flushed and furious, Nora had barely heard it.

Watching her carefully, Mac backed to his coach and turned the door handle. Grunting when it was kicked open and knocked the air out of him. Causing him to double over.

That must be her brothers.

Deragan had explained they were volatile and would likely be in a state when they arrived at Rosewynn.

William, the darker of the two, hopped out. Wrists shackled.

Marcus a few seconds behind as he scooted across the seat to drop out, forehead bleeding from a wound at his hairline. He too was chained.

Understandable that they’re enraged. Bast thought.

Eying Mac contemptuously, William waited for him to recover his wind.

The lad fights with honor. Bast noted.

Mac stood and spit on him before following with a wide swing.

Obviously, he does not.

He’ll fit in well with Radix’s minions…

Nora covered her eyes. Reluctantly peering from behind her palm.

Afraid to look, no doubt! Unwilling to watch her brothers be harmed.

Dodging the blow, William head butted the stalky redhead.

Bast could hear the sound of bone on bone as their skulls slammed together. Painful.

“Oof. William has a head like a stone!” Airon cried gleefully.

Grimacing at the horrible cracking sound, Nora futilely tried to cover Airon’s eyes too.

I feel her pain. Bast tore his eyes from the horror on her face back to what unraveled before them.

Determinedly peeling her hand away, the little boy watched riveted.

William barely managed to sidestep another blow and roughly shoulder Mac.

Trying to help his twin.

“Go William! Get the-”

Nora stopped Airon’s encouragement by turning him to face her. Kneeling before him, she gave a shaky smile and opened her mouth to persuade him of the wisdom of avoiding such behavior.

Probably a waste of time. He thinks they’re heroes…

“He’s a born brawler, huh Nore?” Airon interjected, quoting what Marcus often proclaimed. “Don’t worry Nore.” He patted her shoulder. “They’ll be fine.”

Groaning she rubbed her forehead.Surrendering, she pulled him in for a tight hug.

Twisting in her grip he watched Marcus move forward. Only making a few steps before forced to retreat. Leaning dizzily against the coach. Turning he rested his forehead against the cool metal and fought gagging.

Head wound.

I know that feeling. It was hard for Bast to fight the urge to help the brothers. They’re fighting valiantly despite their shackles. He decided to let it play out. Let them garner their bit of flesh in recompense for their miserable ride here.

Seems fair…

“Told you to move slow.” William shouted over his shoulder eying Mac. “How many times did I tell you to watch yourself?” William took a solid hit but managed to shove Mac with his weight. Following the momentum with a knee to Mac’s ribs.

Turning limply, Marcus slumped against the vehicle. Glaring at William’s back. Blowing a long, breath he managed a weak kick to Mac’s face while he was leaned over clutching a cracked rib.

“I can fight my own battles.” William shot him a dirty look.

Unimpressed with his brother’s interference. It was rather amusing.