FOREVER KNIGHTS: #5 Subjugation of Beasts

Outside Gilwynn Village, Netherlands

TEVERIUS

Teverius woke next to Bast. Both panthers lay in the moss. Bast snoring loudly, a dry rumble in his throat. Tev’s own mouth rasped from lack of hydration.

Drinking with Bast never ends well for me. He’d known this for years, yet always fell into the same dreadful trap.

Baited with heavy doses of ale and punished with a brutal headache. Grumbling in his throat he rose and padded to the creek nearby to lap at it. In moments Bast joined him there.

Tev straightened into a man. “I’m bloody well out of practice. How’s your head not throbbing?”

Bast straightened. Black fur faded into his gold mane falling to frame gold eyes. “I’m far from out of practice, if it saves your pride. I get through my days with thick doses of ale or heavy drams of sherry.”

“Is that how you tolerate your valkyrie’s sweet company?”

“It’s how she tolerates mine.” He smirked. “Come now. That was a fine time last night!” Bast thumped the slimmer man on his shoulder. Sighing contentedly. “In The Silver Stallion…”

Making Tev wince as his head jostled.

“You say that, but I noticed you strategically pushed those tavern wenches my direction.”

“I noticed you did just as well passing them on to those Wilhelm Guards.” Bast mentioned.

Damn you for missing nothing. Tev thought.

“I don’t recall you passing up on time in the company of a woman before?”

“You neither.” Tev defended.

“You know well I’ve not lain with a woman since I’ve had my eye on my captive.”

“How’s that faring by-the-by?”

“Are you trying to sour my mood?” Bast glared.

“Not so fine, eh?”

“Should we go get some breakfast of greased eggs and bacon from the Silver Stallion?” Bast said cheerfully.

Tev turned even more pale before going green. “I don’t think I could stomach it!” He glanced at his friend. “I suppose that’s why you mentioned it, you deviant.”

“Will you be rejoining our brotherhood, or will I need to begin coming down here to see you once a month?”

“I fear I could no longer do this once a month…”

Bast waited patiently for his answer.

Tev sighed. “Actually, I was coming to check on you and the Captain. I needed some time away from the Netherlands, anyway.”

“Oh?” Bast’s blonde brows lifted in question. “Away from a woman?”

“An incredibly beautiful, dangerous one.”

“Oh, you’re quite fond of her.”

Tev tilted his head grudgingly.

“Does she know of you?”

“Not for many years now.” Tev murmured. “Since she was a child. I’m sure she’s forgotten me by now.” He sighed. “It’s for the best.” But sorrow tinged his voice. Making Bast’s brows lower.

“Don’t.” Tev put up a staying hand. “I recall how you like to intervene in budding romances.”

“Only to abate the loneliness of my brothers.”

“I need no assistance, I assure you.”

“Are you so sure?”

“Bast.” Teverius said sharply. “You won’t be playing in the middle of me and this woman.”

“Then you’ll talk to her on your own?” He asked slyly.

Tev glowered.

“As I thought…You may need my backing.”

“I most positively do not!”

Bast’s jaw ticked.

“I said no!” Tev knew that look. “If you play games with me, I shan’t forgive you, Old Friend.”

“Fine.” Bast turned on his heel.

Relenting far too easily. It made Tev’s stomach sink. What are you up to, Old Friend?

“Bast.” Tev needed to change the subject.

I must tell you something. I can’t keep this secret any longer.

Bast stopped. “Yes?”

“He may’ve missed one…”

I hope.

“One?” Bast looked confused. Then his eyes rounded in surprise.

“I missed one.” Tev said slowly.

It’s painful to admit.

“Are we speaking of Watchers?” Bast turned fully. Boots sliding.

“We are. The last star that fell.”

I looked everywhere.

“Teverius, I’m not so sure he killed them all.”

“What?” Tev’s white brows shot up. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve seen at least one recently.”

“Where?”

“With Lucien.” Bast explained.

That’s good. He’ll take care of her.

“Where did you lose her?” Bast’s voice broke into his thoughts.

He knew they were all female.

“Her star fell somewhere near Battling Country.” Tev explained. “But was gone too fast. I couldn’t track it, couldn’t find it.” He blew a pained breath. “She’d be younger than the rest.”

“I will look.”

I pray you find her.

If we could find even one…

“I wish you better luck then I had. You and your ability to see their light may fare better than I did…I hope.”