FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins

Stone Peak, Black Mountains, Battling Country Border (Radix’s slave for twenty years)

CHAVIAS

“How could you do it?” Chavias roared. Daring to challenge the demonic master of these caves as he rounded into the cut out serving as Radix’s personal chamber. Cimmerii quailed from his step. Knowing, in his current mood, he’d squash them underfoot if given half the chance.

It was innocent!

You vowed!

“How dare you!” Okine stepped into his path. Drawing his rusted blade from the sheath to lay across Chavias’ chest. Stopping Chavias from progressing any further.

I’ll gut you like the pointy eared driter you appear. Chavias’ slate eyes skid sideways to give Okine a malevolent study. Slowly.

Radix turned with a bored look garnering Chavias’ attention. “What idiocy is this? Okine check your pet.” Radix rasped, sweeping his gray robe to take the rickety wooden seat.

No dog. Very nearly a wolf to rip your neck.

“Not my dog. I put down if.” Okine grumbled.

You’d never be fast enough.

“You gave me your word about the child!” He sneered at Radix through gritted teeth.

You said it wouldn’t be harmed!

“The hideous little babe squalling in my ears?” Radix barely spared him a glance.

You know very well what I mean.

“You said it wouldn’t be hurt!”

“I did not.” Radix said blandly.

“You…”

“I said you would only have to find it.”

Chavias’ gray eyes roved over him as he realized the truth of his words, in horror. He carefully worded what he said to me with every intention of murdering the babe. Chavias was sick enough to vomit on Radix’s old robes.

“I never told you I would not kill it.” Radix said snidely.

“You did murder it?”

I need to wretch.

“Technically you did.”

Because I gave him its location. The truth sunk in.

“Of course, I wouldn’t tolerate its constant sniveling shattering my ears.” Radix pulled items from a wooden box on the floor. A worn piece of leathered skin and an ink well filled with red fluid.

Likely my blood. Chavias barely noted. “How could you kill an infant?”

How could anyone?

“Infants, children, women, men…It makes no matter to me. You are all the same breed. Get him out of here.” Radix ordered Okine. Tossing his head toward Chavias.

The fight drained out of Chavias at the realization that the murder was his fault. He’s right. I did this. How could I be so stupid?

Drooling Targue lumbered into the chamber and Okine delved the blade into Chavias. Embedding it until Okine’s fist was against Chavias’ left pectoral. Forcing him back as his steel gray eyes narrowed on Radix.

Refusing to move, his gaze fixated on his enemy. I’ll make sure you suffer one day. As much as you’ve made my brothers suffer!

“Wait.” Radix paused to lift his head. “How did you know I killed it?”

Go to hell and stay this time. Chavias’ lips tightened but he didn’t answer.

“Watch him, Okine. He’s sneaking out somehow.” Radix’s eyes returned to the document he worked.

You’ll never figure it out. No matter how clever you think you are!

“That was Mardichi’s child!” A flare of his fire returned as he accused the withered old demon.

“Yes.” Radix called back. “And now it is dead. I thank you for finding it for me.”

Chavias’ gut tightened. Air poured out of him until he felt even more hollow then before. I may as well have murdered it myself. Cursing himself for a fool, he locked in place.

It took all the animals and Okine’s brute force to remove him from the chamber.

Fists white knuckled in his desperate desire to expend rage. To break Radix. To take something as precious from him. To kill all he cared about.

Or all he valued, at least.

He cares about no one. He reminded himself. In his current state, his eyes yellowed, pupils slitting.

Even Okine watched him warily.