FOREVER KNIGHTS: #4 Battling Black Roses
Cornered by Karina

No denying that.

“Very.” Rhyers agreed. “But hunting him at this point would likely be as dangerous as hunting Radix directly. You know how lethal he can be.”

No one fights with more skill and precision. He winced.

“I don’t fear him killing me.”

I fear losing my honor in failing the Captain.

“You have to be realistic. He was our best fighter.” Rhyers expostulated mistaking Acharius’ statement for arrogance rather than resignation. “Rivaled only by the Captain…And Bast. I worry he could damn near take any of us in direct combat.”

Acharius was quiet a moment. “You’re right. Except them.”

The Captain could best all of them, but it was rare he got to participate in combat as the other knights tried to keep him away from it.

But Bast…He’s everywhere. And he fights like a lion. The Protector’s passion and determination had seen him killing even more dangerous foes than Chavias.

“Do you think Chavias fears him?” Rhyers asked thoughtfully.

“He’d be a fool not to. Why do you think he hunts us?” Acharius asked thoughtfully. “I’d have never thought the demon could get him to do it.”

“We don’t know what he’s been through.” Rhyers sighed and his shoulders fell against the chair back. “After centuries of torture, I think Radix just finally broke him one day. I don’t think Chavias feels anything about the acts he commits anymore.”

“Then he’s become as evil as the Cimmerii. Worse, for turning on his own kind.”

Rhyers nodded and there was silence between them a long while.

“Acharius.”

The voice made him cringe. What a dreadful sound to wake to. His sensitive sinuses were already drowning in the overpowering scent of basil oil. Why so early?

Doesn’t she have someone else to annoy?

She arrived in his caverns with the morning sun sparkling in through the holes in the cave ceiling.

“I mus’ talk wit’ ye!” She called.

You must go away. He threw an arm over his forehead. I really ought to introduce her to Bast.

She’d never arrive in my caves again.

She might follow him all the way to the bridge of WaterRose though…That thought made him smile as images of Bast trying to duck around her to get out appeased his annoyance.

“What do you want?” He roared through the corridors. Forearm still shielding his face from the sparkling light.

“Ye mus’ tell me why ye like ‘er bet’er. She’s clumsy, foolish and weak for those women. Nothin’ like me.”

Thank God. All reasons why she’s better spirited.

“To love is not weakness, Karina.” He told her as she rounded the wall and intruded in his personal chambers.

Again.

“That isn’t what I taught you.”

“Nay. Is what me learn. Me love me mother and father and they abandoned me in the woods. I love ye and ye’ve become cruel to Karina.”

“I’m not cruel to not desire you.” He shook his head as he sat up. Sensing this argument would not quickly be over.

As I’d hoped.

“Why do you no’? Because of ’er?” She gestured agitatedly toward Meredith House. “She’s same age as me but ye’ve told me I’m too young fer a woman.”

“You both are.” He sighed, massaging his forehead.

“Then why ye speak ta ’er in eve!”

“How do you know that?” He demanded, hand falling. He unfolded, tossing back the coverlet and rising to catch her forearm. Ushering her from his cave, despite he was absent shoes.

Getting her out is more imperative, this moment.

“I’ve heard ye in the dark.”

“You shouldn’t be out in these woods at night. It’s not safe.”

“Me grew in these woods, as ye well know. I dunnot fear ’em anymore then me do the wolves tha’ lurk ’ere.” She said pointedly.

His head whipped to look at her dragging behind him. Perhaps I wasn’t as careful as I thought.

“Why do you speak ill of your friend?”

“She is no’ me friend.” Karina said angrily. “She’s yer friend.”

He didn’t appreciate how she drug out the word.

“Then why go pick plums with her?” He demanded.

“Me needs the food. And me laugh to ‘ear wha’ fool she is. And ta see how ye are fool to favor ’er.”

“When did you become so hateful?” He wondered aloud.

Karina shrugged and passed him at the cave entrance. Heading out into the morning sun with a stiff back.

“Goodbye Karina.” He emphasized that she wasn’t welcome.

Get out of here.

She cursed at him in response. “Fer a dim-wit’ed twit!” She announced in an ugly tone.

He waved her away and lowered his shaking head to return to his chambers. Hateful wench.