FOREVER KNIGHTS: #13 Salvaging Souls

Then came the fateful night an interloper entered their camp. Wearing a gray cloak, trimmed in white fur. He’d managed to get past the sentry. Striding purposefully toward the Captain’s tent.

Bast had awakened from his slumber next to the fire, with the urgent sense all was not well. A quick glance verified the other knights seemed to be asleep. He sat up and glimpsed the gray cloak disappearing into their Commander’s tent. Leaping to his feet, he charged in after it. Seeing the shine of a blade pulling from the intruder’s belt, Bast shouted and moved to attack but found he’d underestimated his Captain.

Captain Deragan Black had moved from where he rested on his cot, to sweep the feet from underneath the would-be assassin.

The man landed with his gray cloak tangled around him.

Captain Black was never one to hesitate. Standing, he pulled his sword from his scabbard hanging from the cot post.

By the time the stranger untangled himself, a sword was at his throat. Lifting his hands slowly, he shoved the hood back.

Both Knights were appalled at the sight of ancient man. Far too old to be a threat.

“He had a dagger.” Bast defended. Realizing the weapon was now haplessly sheathed back on the old man’s belt.

The Captain lowered his sword slightly. “Who sent you, Old Man?”

He didn’t bat an eyelash. “I come to stop you.”

“From what?” Deragan raised his sword once more and Bast drew his.

“Dying in the pass on the morrow. I’ve foreseen it. You’re far outnumbered.”

“Foreseen it?” The Captain queried. Face betraying nothing. Tone holding the hint of sarcasm.

“You’ll all die!” The old man said. Ire heightening and face becoming ruddy. Abruptly, he swept his hand before him and the knight’s swords were torn from their hands. Spinning as they landed on the dirt floor.

Deragan and Sebastian exchanged a startled look.

The old man climbed to his feet much too easily for someone of advanced years. “I’m warning you, you’re in great peril. Turn back!”

“Who are you, old man?” Deragan asked.

“Lord Radix, a Master of Sorcery and Visions.” He stated. Vanity creeping into his voice and echoing in his expression. “I speak of your demise!” He shouted as if they were running out of time.

“You’ve been fairly warned.” Turning, he aimed to exit without saying anything more

Bast stepped to the side to avoid the stink of him.

Both Deragan and Bast were stunned.

“What was that?” Bast asked. Stepping in and sliding down to sit on the trunk next to Deragan’s cot. “We cannot go back, Captain. They’ll destroy the few of us left and call it Holy Work.” Bast stated.

I’ve no desire for that end. Bast thought.

Deragan nodded. “But if he’s correct, we’ll die tomorrow.”

That’s true. We already knew that was a possibility though.

“My Captain, I’d rather die at the side of my brothers in arms then tortured to coerce an untruth, for which I’d be publicly executed anyway.” He paused. “I’d rather defend my comrades and our brotherhood.” He looked at the Captain after having plead his case.

But if he orders me to leave, I’ll go without objecting. So great was his loyalty to their leader.

“And what of the sacred things?” Deragan asked consideringly.

Our treasures.

“They’re searching for us, not our artifacts.” Bast said sagely. “There was a cave a short way back. I could take them there while it’s still dark. No one will search for them with no man standing guard.”

I hope.

“You suggest we abandon them?” Deragan’s voice rose. “It’s a risky move!”

Beyond risky. But do we have any better options?

“It may be the only way to protect them…If our fates are already sealed.” Bast shrugged.

The Captain’s confusion was written over his face. Blue eyes burning into Bast’s soul as he considered the unlikelihood of the plan’s success.

“Do it, Bast. God be with you.” Deragan bade.

Bast hopped to his feet. Careful to handle the objects with the reverence they were due. Carefully hiding them. When he returned the knights were circled around the fire. Pensive expressions on their faces as the Captain finished explaining the risks.

“Do we go, or do we turn back, men?” He asked despite that he could order them either way.

Their vote was unanimous.

We trudge the canyon.