FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins

“What?” Alazar asked. Not understanding his meaning.

Don’t give me that.

Bast lifted his brows.

Spit it out.

“What’s that?”

“What’s what?” Bast asked innocently.

Cease your games. Irritation knitted Alazareth’s brow.

“That look you gave me.” Alazar snapped.

“I don’t know what look you refer to.” Bast rose and strode to the fireplace. Hiding laughter by tossing smoked nuts in his mouth.

“Oh, you do.” Alazar’s eyes narrowed on him. “Out with it!”

But a shriek from upstairs saved him. “You’re a wretch! A knave!” There was such scathing, it seemed likely she’d stomp downstairs any minute.

“Elsabet.” Bast explained as he stared at the dust floating from the ceiling above in satisfaction. “She found the dresses I left her.”

Dresses? She’s upset about dresses?

“Is that a bad thing?”

“I thought she might want to display some of her attributes.”

“You bought her brazen dresses?” Even Alazar was appalled.

No wonder she’s furious.

“In lovely pastel shades.”

“Does she wear anything other than black and gray?”

“Blue. Like today. And white occasionally.”

“So, you can see the blood staining it more clearly?” Alazar spat.

Like that rabbit. He recalled Bast telling him that story.

More dust floated from above as she paced furiously.

“They were a gift for staying with me when she could’ve left, last year.”

“Left?”

“I drank some when I poisoned Marod and I couldn’t keep Elsabet bound. I was too weak, you see?”

“So, why’d she stay?”

Bast gnawed his cheek a moment. Fingers tapping on the armrests. “I haven’t quite worked that one out yet…”

Interesting…Why would she stay?

“You’re holding her captive again?”

“Still.”

Alazar clucked and shook his head. “Wouldn’t freeing her have been a more suitable thank you?”

“I can’t have her running about killing people.”

Even I know she wouldn’t without provocation.

“You lie to yourself, Brother.”

“Tell me what Marod says to her?” Bast cut him off.

But Alazar’s gaze was riveted on the rattling ceiling above.

“Whatever crushing thing comes to mind. But she prefers to have an audience when she spits them out.”

“Unusually self-serving.”

“Well, that is the queen of Nightway.”

“Little Riaura is quite bold herself anymore. She tolerates that?” Bast queried shrewdly.

“She knows no different.” Alazar defended. “She dares not.”

Its been her life, for as long as she can remember.

“Even after the poisoning?”

“The woman is weak and afraid. But her gal hasn’t faded. She’s just more cautious.”

“We could poison her again.” Bast offered. Albeit weakly, swallowing.

“No. Especially not if you’re intent on poisoning yourself! Only you could manage that.”

He wouldn’ have unless necessary. Alazar knew.

Bast’s face went a little slack and Alazar hid his amusement at goading his brother. He doesn’t know I know better. His lips twitched.

“It’s time I get back.” Alazar stood and aimed for the foyer.

“Alazareth?”

“Yes?” He spun back around figuring his brother forgot to tell him something.

“You should know…Mardichi’s son was killed yesterday. I figure the killer was some manner of Cimmerii.”

“Liam?” Alazar expostulated. Rage overtaking his face. “Why? He was only a babe! Only a few months old!”

“Because they’re evil! Who knows why they do what they do?” He shook his head morosely.

“Where is he?”

Mardichi?

“Ripping apart taverns, I’m sure.”

Alazar’s face crumpled. “Condolences, you think?”

“Gah no!” Bast shook his head adamantly. “It’ll only worsen it.”

“What should I do to help?” Alazar held his hands out helplessly.

“Nothing we can. Give him space and when he falls be ready to come to his aid. For he will fall.”

“Oh, no.” Alazar shook his head sadly. “What of his wife?”

“She’s gone…He’s not certain she wasn’t the one that killed the babe.”

Alazar grimaced. “Dreadful! After he had a peek at happiness. What a cruel fate!”

“It was horrible.” Bast murmured.

“You were there?”

Of course, he was. Alazar realized. He’s always there. He had the sudden urge to put his hand to his brother’s shoulder but could see his brother was in great physical pain from some kind of injury. Drawing a long breath, he stared down at the back of his brother’s hanging head and decided he too likely needed some time to recover. He’ll let me know when he’s ready to talk.

“Alazar? Alazar!” There was a faint call from far away. Within the Warwood.

His head shot up at the sound of Riaura’s voice.

“That’s her. I must go.” Alazar spun on his heel.

“Run to your lass, pup.” Bast taunted with a lopsided grin.

Alazar shot him a scathing look over his shoulder.