FOREVER KNIGHTS: #13 Salvaging Souls

WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country

SEBASTIAN

Mardichi was sitting in the Parlor. Drinking tea with Elsabet.

A strange sight. The barbarian and the valkyrie sipping tea…Humor made Bast’s lips twitched.

Sebet was playing with dolls near the window. Little blonde ringlets shining.

Elsabet was laughing with Mardichi as he told stories of saving Teverius and then goading him. “I don’t think I’ve yet met him.”

“He’ll stick out in yer mind. He’s a white ‘un, he is.” Mardichi grumbled. “And always needin’ me ta save his hide.”

“Good thing you were there.” She cooed.

Mardichi posed prettily on the settee across from her. Giving her a glimpse of his profile as though he were a grand hero.

She laughed at his jesting behavior.

“Am I disturbing something?” Bast entered.

“Yes!” Mardichi declared.

“No.” Elsabet’s smile turned to him. Brightening her whole face, a moment before she caught herself.

Bast returned it. White teeth gleaming. “Don’t believe all his tales, Els.” Bast sighed and dropped to the settee next to her.

She chewed her cheek looking at him but to his surprise, didn’t move away.

“Daddy!” Sebet had turned at the sound of his voice and now ran across the parlor to launch at him.

He caught her up in a tight hug. “Hello, Sweetheart.”

She leaned up and he tilted his cheek to her, to meet her smacking kiss.

“I see you’re still tending your new doll?” He petted his daughter’s hair.

She grinned. “Yes! And Rhyers said he’s going to get me another one just like it!”

Bast groaned in objection.

“I tried to show, Mardi.” She peered darkly at Mardichi. “But he said he wanted to take her home because he has no toys.”

“Mardichi!” Bast feigned horror.

“’Tis true.” Mardichi sniffed. “And she’d not share.”

“She’s my doll!” Sebet declared. Hugging her close and giving Mardichi a venomous look.

Both men laughed.

Sebet abandoned her father’s lap to return to the window.

Bast leaned back on the divan and pushed his luck by stringing his arm across the backrest behind her. Averting his attention to Mardichi to keep from making her feel so cornered. “I called to you because I was curious how things went on the Isle.”

“Short.” Mardichi snorted. “And she stole me horse. Took a bit to find him tethered outside a tavern. Poor Mead. She’s a right wild maid, fer certain!”

“I’d noticed that.” Bast leaned forward and lifted Elsabet’s teacup, giving her a questioning look.

She lowered her head in assent and he took a sip from it.

“Was comin’ ta see ye when me found the lad in Dread Hideout.”

“Your Savage Jack?”

“Sounds like he’s your Savage Jack.” Mardichi countered.

“Aye.” Bast tilted his head acknowledgingly. “It does…” He sighed. Leaning back next to Elsabet to rub his chin thoughtfully. “Sounds like he was damn lucky you and Acharius were there.”

“I’d say.”

“Thank you for bringing him here, Mardi.” Bast said.

“Wasn’t fer ye.” Mardichi nodded toward Elsabet. “Was ta get ’im ta the best healer in Ardae.”

He’s said that a few times now. Bast gave Elsabet a thoughtful look.

Apparently, she impressed him when she tended him. So many things I don’t yet know about her.

“She is very talented at most things she does.” Bast remarked. Voice absent any sexual inflection.

She gave him a quick look. Blushing slightly at the compliment.

“Well I’ve something interesting awaiting me back at Wilhelm Castle so I must return.”

“Oh?” Bast lifted a curious brow.

“Not yet.” Mardichi stood. “But I’ll tell you soon. Once I have handled some problems arising.”

Bast tilted his head. Brow knitting. “Do you need my help?”

Mardichi grunted. “Definitely not!”

“Farewell, Barbarian.” Elsabet tilted her head toward him.

“Until next we meet, Fair Maiden.”

Bast scowled at him. “Careful, Brother…” He warned.

Mardichi grinned broadly. “What’d be the fun in tha’?”