FOREVER KNIGHTS: #6 Malevolent Attentions
Acharius & A Bit of Blood

“It’s how my unfailing logic allows me be unendingly selfish whilst still telling myself I am a reasonably good man.” Bast grinned.

“You’re the best sort of man.” Acharius corrected. Before striding into the trees in the direction of the Netherlands. He lunged and when he landed there was only the glimpse of a furred silver tail vanishing into the leaves.

As are you, Old Friend…

Glancing around the side of the carriage, Nora saw the Constable’s coach tailing them. Repeatedly jerking to a stop when the driver maliciously yanked rein.

Nora recognized Mac handling the reins.

Airon peered out the back window. Before calling to her. “Will the twins think that’s funny?”

Compressing her lips Nora stared ahead, easing lower in the seat.

“Whoa! Look at that.” Airon shouted. Spotting the iron fence bordering the dirt road. The gates peeled open to usher them up the drive.

“It’s like a Hallow’s Eve painting.” Airon said in awe.

Staring down the drive was a terrifying sight. And sorrow was tangible here. Like a thousand souls had come and gone, coating everything like toxic frost. Heavy darkness made clouds swirl across the moon. The absence of street torches made even the stars reluctant to offer illumination.

Nothing dares shine here tonight. Bast agreed with her assessment.

Their fear flavored the air.

But Nora Bishop hitched her chin and focused on candles jouncing on the corners of the carriage. Then on the Manse at the end of the drive.

A haven for the Bishop family.

To Bast the little streamers of light moving under Nora’s skin were visible. Am I the only one that can see them?

Trees clustered on both sides of the winding drive, dull browns and faded oranges, full of dark leaves. Unlike everywhere in Meadowbrook. There were a few stationed on the lawn, long since turned to skeletal versions of spring density. Sentries for the mansion’s dark silhouette. A bleak structure which looked chained to the sky by tendrils of charcoal cloud streaming from the roof. Grasping wooden fingers clawed the white siding. Twining remains of rose vines.

Nora shivered.

“I’m afraid Nora.” Beth whimpered. Dark eyes looking hollow in her pale face.

Nora glanced over her shoulder. “I’d never let anything hurt you.”

“I know.” Beth nodded solemnly. Before being yanked back inside the carriage.

And a blonde head jutted out again. “I heard monsters live in these woods! I wonder if they eat people?” Airon’s voice quivered with anticipation. He made howling shadow sounds. “Who knows what’s out there...Just waiting to gobble us up!” He laughed. Clearly tormenting Beth.

“Airon!” Nora snapped. “You’re not being cute.”

“You say I’m always cute.” Airon withered. “It does look like demons are out there. Those colored lights could be eyes.” He insisted.

“Airon!”

“What?” He flopped back inside.

Only when the vehicles turned up the winding gravel drive, did Sebastian lift his head. Concealed in the dark by his black panther’s coat. He was still, avoiding detection as his yellow eyes watched their arrival avidly.

But the coach chasing the Fallen’s carriage was troubling. Bast felt the taint of Cimmerii energy on a mortal minion.

Someone is falling into Radix’s sway. Rising he shook dirt from his fur, kneading the ground restlessly. Lip curling.

I’m ready. Step into view.

The curtain of Ground Fey scattered from in-front of him. Changing colors faster in fear and anger. A rainbow of blooming lights.

Scared from my path.

A whiff of blood drew his attention and made his stomach growl. Lurching forward he stayed himself from lunging into the open meadow.