FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

Rosewynn Manor, Outside Meadowbrook, Grier Country

DERAGAN

Deragan was working on revealing the fountain today. It’s taking forever by hand.

But doing it by magic would take away from the subtle inch by inch reveal. So he went back to working the hand saw.

The twins and Nicholas had gone in awhile ago but Deragan had refused to leave the task. Hoping to have much of it done by this evening.

When Nora likes to come out.

There was a crack in Phalanx Forest behind Deragan. Deragan whipped around. Face changing instantly to the wolf and eyes lighting to glowing blue in his dark head. He huffed in warning.

He heard a returning rumble that he recognized as the greeting of a feline.

Sebastian. Teverius’ is higher.

Deragan switched back to a human form, clothes melting back over him as fur dissipated.

“You’re far smoother at changing now then you were a short year ago.” Bast commented. Striding from the trees in a turquoise shirt and black breeches. Gold hair free along his shoulders shining in the waning light.

“You have that look.” Deragan tilted his head sideways and sighed.

“A look?” He gestured. “What look?”

The look like you’re reluctant to tell me something.

“The look that says you’ve news.”

“I do but it may be good news.” Bast shrugged.

“What is it?”

Good news would be appreciated.

“Likely a problem, Captain.” Bast clarified.

Deragan straightened and set the saw aside. Rubbing his palms on his pants. “What is it?”

“Wolves and coyotes.” Bast clarified. “Real wolves.”

What about them?

“They never come near us.” Deragan’s brow furrowed.

Why are they now?

Magic must be involved.

“Exactly.” Bast pointed before gesturing to the trees. “What’s more they’re closing in.”

That’s never happened before. Deragan shook his head unsure what to think.

“Precisely.” Bast agreed. “It can’t be good.”

“Those two beasts don’t even associate.” Deragan murmured uneasily.

“That’s what I thought.”

“Well,” Deragan sighed. “Warn the others. Keep an eye on the animals. We’ll see what Radix is up to now.”

“I think it best we see if Rhyers can figure out what’s moving them. Something is calling them together.”

He’s right. And none of ours can do that.

“Put him on it.”

“Done.”

Deragan resumed sawing the vines clambering over the fountain. Wondering if it’d been necessary for him to shroud it so completely.

“There’s more.”

Deragan paused, saw lifted and turned to look over his shoulder.

“Lucien has sent me word that his little Watcher-”

“Watcher?” Deragan’s blue eyes went huge.

The Carter girl?

Why haven’t I been told of this. A low snarl crept up his throat.

Seeing his look, Bast danced a wary step away. “I didn’t tell you because I wanted to ensure she was safe before I told you. You’d be less disappointed then if something happened to her.”

“Bast!”

I don’t appreciate you making command decisions for me.

Do not try and protect me.

“You are right.” Bast said quickly. “I overstepped. I just worry about causing you more pain. You’ve suffered so much.” Sincerity was clear in your voice.

“Do not keep things from me!”

“I won’t.” He lowered his head.

“If I am to make sound decisions, I must have all the information!”

And I’d have ensured she had additional protection.

A little part of him was skeptical at that thought. I’ve already sent all of them I could spare to the island to pursue her.

I’d have been more careful in ensuring her safe travel there. He corrected. Satisfied with that thinking.

“Do you want the rest of the message?” Bast asked, leery.

“Tell me.” Deragan snapped a bit rougher than he’d intended.

“Apparently there’s a woman with a particular skill in hunting demonkind.”

“A Watcher too?” He asked harshly.

Better not be hiding more.

“Not to my knowledge.” Bast’s blue-green eyes rounded. “But I suppose she could be, if there are more…” He mulled it over.

“Bast!”

Focus.

“Ah, yes, yes. Anyway, Lucien believes she may be linked to us and could help our cause.”

“That would be excellent. Where is she?”

“Well,” He hesitated.

And this is why he didn’t want to tell me.

“We don’t know.” He finished quickly with a flinch.

“What good is to know she exists if we have no idea where!” Deragan roared. “Nether fey exist as well. I’m sure there’s one with a particularly docile personality. Care to tell me which one she is?”

They’re everywhere in the Netherwood.

And their virulent.

Should convey my point adequately.

Bast looked pained. “Not without much painful research.” He grimaced at the thought. “But Lucien thinks its likely that a Forever Knight may already know her.”

“Helpful.” Deragan conceded. “Which one.”

“Nether fey…” Bast whispered through teeth gritted in dread of Deragan’s response. His head ducking.

“We don’t know that, either?” Deragan tossed his arms.

“Yet…” Bast offered.

“Do you have a plan to find out.” Deragan’s chin lifted as his face calmed.

Bast squirmed.

He hates when I get overly calm.

Because he knows it means inside, I am the opposite.

“I thought perhaps you’d rally them and ask.”

“And potentially endanger them all?”

“Fair point. Then you could send someone to bring them one by one? Or to ask.”

“Exceptional idea.” Deragan rounded. “Bring me Teverius, Acharius and Alazareth first.”

“I didn’t mean me!” He squawked.

“Then shouldn’t have offered.”

By coming to me with very little information then offering a painstaking resolution.

Next time you’ll come to me with more information.

And not hide things from me in future! His annoyance still made his eyes glow blue as he resumed watching Rosewynn Manor.

Who knows a Huntress? It didn’t take long for his gut to offer him an answer. It’s Tev. He has a woman he’s hiding from us and he gave up his dogs to protect someone. Who’d need them more then a woman hunting demons.

Sounds like something Teverius would do. Deragan sighed.

Acharius, Alazareth, or Teverius. Those three are the ones I know have women they’re sniffing after.

It’s most likely one of them.

Tev…His gut was urging.

And my gut is rarely wrong…