FOREVER KNIGHTS: #4 Battling Black Roses

Acharius lurched forward but stopped himself. Knowing the barbarian, so much like himself, wanted no comfort. Didn’t want to look weak or receive pity.

“My sisters were not obedient.” He swallowed. Tilting his head. “My mother died protecting them. And from what I gather they fought like wildcats. They all were,” He gave a weak half smile. “wild as me.” A note of pride entered his voice.

“They’d not be raped?”

“They’d not have anything they were unwilling for.”

“So, they killed them?” Acharius said knowing the pain it’d cause his friend to say it aloud.

“It was the way of our people. And it was my way to make anyone that killed those I loved pay. That was my way.” Losing his burr and speaking more enunciated as he grew severe.

“You killed them all?”

“All of them.” He said steadily. Eyes flashing red in the dark of the cave. “Everyone that hurt them. Everyone that let them hurt them.”

“Did you have anyone else?”

“No.”

“Then I arrived?”

“And your Viking men loaded me on your boat.” Mardichi said dully.

“You were too tired to fight.”

“I was not.” Mardichi clarified. “I’d plenty of rage left. But no will to live any longer.”

“We knew you were a warrior. My people honored warriors.” Acharius said. Moving a rock near his boot.

“You weren’t like your people Acharius.”

“I was weary of endless raiding.” He admitted.

“How ye decided to drag us on a mission to protect pilgrims is beyond me.” Mardichi’s voice lightened as he shifted. Stretching the necklace between his thumbs a moment.

“I’d no family either. Just ruthless men at my command. I wanted to serve something greater. And when I came across the pilgrim and saw his passion for his journey, I saw something I hadn’t seen before.”

“So ye drug us off ta be knights! A barbarian and a Viking.”

They both laughed at the unlikelihood of it.

“We were good fighters.” Acharius shrugged.

“Were it not for ye. I’d have rampaged through village after village killing, I’ve no doubt.” Mardichi admitted. “So, I thank ye. Were it not for ye. I’d not be in this strange land and wouldn’t have found the vicious, beautiful creature in the Paladines.”

“Your mate.” Acharius finished.

“Of that, I’ve no doubt either.” Mardichi smiled. Clearly somewhere happier.

Thinking of the woman.

“It looks as though that necklace needs find the neck to wear it.” Acharius gestured to the chain still hanging from Mardichi’s fingers.

“It does.” He rubbed it thoughtfully with his thumb. “I’m off. Returning to the Paladines.”

“I’ll get to meet this woman someday?”

“Ye most definitely will!”

Acharius eased through the gate, a dark silhouette. It creaked slightly. He put a large hand on the wood to stay the hinges from groaning further.

Hearing a gasp, he released it. Spinning, he drew his bow and nocked an arrow. Refraining from letting it fly as he saw Chastain in her window, hands on shutters. Staring at him openmouthed.

He froze. I could’ve killed you! What are you doing?

She squinted at his hooded features. Noting his remarkable height and breadth. Her eyes falling to the bow in his hand.

She saw threat in his posture.

Has she ever seen my bow?

Jerking back inside, Chastain fled to the stairs.

By the time she gets there, she’ll find that chair empty.

And she did. Still rocking. Fleeing down, she rushed to the window and watched Agatha crossing the grass with a heavy bag nearly dragging the ground.

Chastain opened her mouth to warn of the weapon but the man’s glittering blue gaze flicked from Agatha to her at the Main Room’s shutters. She watched as mist congealed on the lawn seeping in through the window. Shielding he and Agatha from Chastain’s view.

Cease your spying.

She drew back into the shadows. When she peered out again, he was gone.

“What are you doing?” Agatha’s tone was stern as she stood in the doorway behind Chastain. A dark look painted over her face.

He was far enough away now, shadowed by a plum tree, she could no longer see him. He’d told Agatha she was watching and shooed her back indoors.

“What are you doing?” Chastain hesitated. “I thought he’d hurt you!”

“No. It’s goods. We share.”

“Why do you do it in the dead of night? Why are you hiding it from me? Who is he?” Betrayal tinged every word.

Agatha’s brows lowered, and her lips tightened. She refused to answer.

For days now Acharius heard her in the early hours of the morn.

“Where are you?” She called over and over. Stumbling through the trees. With all the stealth of a lamed deer.

Today is no exception.

He heard her footfalls on the stairs. She discovered the Main Room barren. A flame hungrily lapping a crackling log in the grate. She lit a candle from the embers. Hissing to life, its tiny glow blossomed as the first gilded hues of morning painted the courtyard. She caught her gray muslin skirt and snuck out the door. Carefully closing it behind her.

Where in Ardae are you off to now? He feared he already knew. The same as always. Up the hill.

She’s hunting me?