FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins

Iron Hide Gambling House, Mane Country

CHAVIAS

By the time the first cuts began Chavias had projected out and was elsewhere. His spirit leaving the constraints of his body, even as he heard himself shouting in pain.

He floated from the Stone Peak, caverns, over the Netherwood’s towering trees and higher. Covering the landscape, until hovering over the Iron Hide Gambling House. His image landing on a grassy meadow. Boots crunching over the field as his shape darkened and became as real as flesh and blood. Black overcoat floating into place over a green and red undervest. Gray gaze purposeful and jaw set.

The towering blue roofs of the floors of the gambling house were well above those of the Country Homes in the area. Windows were luminescing from the glow of swinging oil pans in each room. It was wider so it could be broken into several chambers so wagers of all flavors could be made. Everything from Driter races in the stable room. To beni birds, with their fleshy wings, coasting the longest distance. And then the upper floor was broken into card rooms and dice halls.

And there will be Lord Delacroix. He could feel the small man’s meager energy lurking within. Notorious drunk you are you will be at cards or dice.

Chavias had heard Radix’s thoughts. Arrogant in his power. Never considering the possibility someone else could be undermining him from his own lair. Chavias felt a sense of satisfaction at the thought.

Sabine. Her name was unique and beautiful, even in his mind. A name to match the achingly lovely creature.

Totally naive to the power of her captivating face.

And she’s powerful. An uninhibited child of magic capable of incredible things. Chavias could feel the magic she generated. But how much can she really do? He was immensely curious.

I intend to find out. He wanted to know why Radix was so excited to get his clawed hands on her. Other than that face…

Radix had been trying to figure out how to tame the Winter Dread and bring her to heel. He’d set on essentially paying her father coin for her and dragging her back to Stone Peak.

I’m not going to let that happen.

Chavias crossed the grassland and took the two stone steps up to the tavern door. As his fist gripped the handle, Thadeus flew from his shoulder to land on the roof.

Until I come back. Chavias knew the ritual.

Glancing over his shoulder he saw night still cloaked everything in hollow blackness. Still, Chavias could smell, feel, everything. Two torches burned on either side of the doorway. A sign swung hollowly above. Declaring it the Iron Hide Gambling House.

Sabine’s father was easy enough to find. A short balding man with ample girth pushing him back from the table where he threw cards. Shouting triumphantly. He slammed his ale mug down. Sloshing fluid across the surface of the table and onto his lap. Heedlessly laughing as he leaned precariously over in his seat.

A seductive server decked to the hilt in finery wandered by to whisper in his ear, pushing another drink in his hand and giving him a hint of her lavender perfume. He blinked blearily.

Liking the sound of whatever she said.

He’s pitiful. Already many cups into his drink, Lord Delacroix clutched the handle of his mug in one fist and a pile of cards in the other.

Chavias manifested white gloves. Curving his hand made an ornate cane appear. Giving him a wealthy, distinguished appearance. Reaching up as a top hat materialized on his head, he tugged it down over his forehead.

He was greeted at the door and aimed for the stairs. Reaching the top level he headed to the first card room. Delacroix is lazy. He won’t go far.

As he entered the room everyone turned to look at him. People stilled and went silent. Not an unusual reaction.

Now, where is my prey.

Chavias was aware he was an intimidating sight. People always reacted that way to him. Except in Radix’s lair where I’m hardly more than a Noni.

These people don’t know I’m only a shell of who I was.

The demon has succeeded in that. Much of my soul has died in his tender keeping. He pushed such thoughts aside as he took a seat at Lord Delacroix’s table.

The old man’s eyes had likely been shrewd once. Now they were just bleary from drink. He leaned forward in interest. “You look like you have much money to lose.”

Arrogant. Good.

This shouldn’t take long. Chavias gave a lopsided smile. Gray eyes burning a hole into the man.

You should be at home. Looking out for your beautiful daughter.

If you don’t want to. I will.

“I do. I’d like to learn to play.” Chavias said silkily.

Learn. He’ll latch onto that.

Lord Delacroix’s brown eyes brightened greedily. “And if you lose coin in the process?”

I won’t.

“Then I should learn quickly, no?”

Radix intended to visit Lord Delacroix next evening. He’d bully Delacroix into writing over his daughter. And hand her to Radix as his new ward.

Chavias instantly flashed to the sound of Udora Novavax’s screams from the Stone Peak dungeons. That agonizing, wrenching sound that Chavias had been powerless to stop. Hours of hopeless wailing. Echoing though the caves like scraping glass.

A horrific image of the gorgeous Winter Dread covered in blood and mud as Udora had been flashed nightmarishly through Chavias’ mind.

That’s not happening to Sabine.

I’ll steal her first.

Looking at her father now it was clear. He wouldn’t put up much fight. For a bag of coin and a stiff drink he’d gladly hand her over.

We’ll see how gladly he does when called upon to do just that.

Continued in BOOK EIGHT:

Forever Knights -Hollow Remnants