FOREVER KNIGHTS: #17 Marked As Mine
Merlin's Return

Whiting Hall, Paladines

RAESE

It took Raese a moment to realize that as he had zeroed in on the intention of rejoining his brotherhood, he’d reflexively summoned the staff. He felt it in his fist. Familiar and solid. Slippery in a way he didn’t remember but connecting to him as though a missing limb had returned.

Raese blew a relieved breath. His step slowing as he slammed the house door behind him as he stepped onto the stoop. He slammed the staff down and it compressed into a portion of its length. Immediately illuminating Raese’s eyes in a vibrant emerald matching the orb topping the staff. A green hooded robe folded down Raese’s back.

Raese felt the surge of power vibrating through the staff. Feeling his strength returning.

I’m restored. And peace coursed through him.

He immediately envisioned the white castle atop Meadow Mountain, built of cascading waterfalls. He could see Sebastian standing atop the bailey walls. Watching.

Waiting.

He knows I’m coming. And Raese was filled with excitement at the prospect of speaking to him. I’ve missed him.

I’ve missed them all! Something akin to joy breathed to life. And Raese was stunned at the sight of a sliver of lightening weaving through the trees heading for the townhouse at an astronomical pace.

Laughing Raese rushed toward the gate and threw it open, dropping to a crouch to await its strike. It slid to a stop before him, so close it threw grass and mud up with its paws as it slid sideways. Halting just before him to bathe his face in flood of warm licks.

“Snowman!” Raese ruffled his shoulders. Open his arms so the wakkon could put its paws on his shoulders in a familiar hug.

Hello my Buddy.

“I’m so sorry, Old Friend. I didn’t know it was you. I couldn’t remember you.”

The animal seemed heedless as it happily greeted him. He squeezed his arms around it in happy companionship.

As Raese’s eyes now adjusted to the dark as he viewed through the gaze of his beast’s eyes, he saw through the woods. Saw the bulges of recently deceased Noni’s. Already lengthening and turning pink as they returned to human form.

He just killed them. Raese could see at least eight bodies.

“That’s what you’ve been doing. Good Boy!”

And it made sense. With Raese walking around powerless so many years he should’ve been easy game for Radix or his Cimmerii but none had come close enough to advise Radix of Raese’s location.

Because Snowman was picking them off.

He’s been looking after me all this time. And Raese was deeply touched by the animal’s loyalty after so much time. Despite that he’d given it no attention, no praise.

No contact.

How’d he even replace me? Raese knew instantly. He tracked me from the battlefield all those years ago.

And the animal had protected him despite his neglect and the cruelty of his staff chasing him off every morning as he sought to visit Raese. Or grab a scrap to eat for his labors throughout the night.

“You’ll never be hungry again, My Friend.” Raese knew there’d be food aplenty in WaterRose to share with his companion. “Let’s go.”

The white creature bobbed his head in assent. Moving aside Raese as he stood and began walking toward the woods.

Rodger Merlinus watched his brother walking away from the Parlor window. “I need to steer you clear of them until you’re ready. Just a little longer…”