FOREVER KNIGHTS: #15 Insatiable Beasts
Change of Heart

“We will war with him again. And when that day comes I’d have you at my side, not the end of my sword. I’m certain many of us would. They could forgive your betrayals to this point, for that fact.” Bast shook his head slowly. “But following this course will seal your fate in my eyes.” Bast’s tone was convincing. “At my side, Derenoe.” He urged. Reaching for the sword.

Chavias eyed Sebastian, his eyes fell briefly.

When he looked at Acharius next, his face was impassive. When Chavias Derenoe jerked abruptly, Acharius braced himself.

I’m dead.

But Chavias was sheathing his sword in the back scabbard. “You fought well, Sevence.”

Face still unreadable, Acharius found his mind impermeable. He held out his arm. Acharius linked forearms with him. Chavias pulled him to his feet. At length, he gave Acharius a nod of respect. Then he turned and made his way into the darkness of the trees.

Sealing his own fate with the demon, no doubt.

Bast stepped to Acharius’ side.

When the treetops burst near them, shattering trunks and scattering leaves they both tilted their heads up. Spotting the dragon cutting the sky above them.

Chavias heading back to Radix’s lair.

“It was calling him Derenoe again that did it, I suspect. Well done.” Acharius said, slapping Bast on the back.

The Knights had said it with respect when Chavias had been among them. They’d begun spitting his first name when he began his service to Radix. To the knights Derenoe and Chavias had become different people. This belief was well-known...even to Chavias.

“Saying his thoughts summoned you was a good ruse.”

“It was no ruse, my friend. It was Derenoe that called me here. It’s Derenoe living within Chavias still. And it appears to me that Chavias Derenoe grows weary of Radix’s games.” Bast said without looking away from the dragon in flight.

Acharius understood what that meant. He was more afraid of killing me then I was of him killing Chastain. That was an astounding realization.

“He isn’t the same man we knew. He’s done evil things in Radix’s name.”

“Yes.” Bast’s gaze dropped to him. “And I’m sure he’s suffered for that an more. Don’t you?”

Acharius didn’t want to admit the likelihood of the truth in it. He wanted to hang on to his resentment toward their fallen warrior then feel the guilt over letting him fall.

Bast spoke again. “You’re undeniably wise Acharius. Yet when incited you’re the most unforgiving.”

That’s fact. Acharius gave a grudging nod in admonition.

Bast continued. “Don’t forget he didn’t choose this life for himself.” Bast gestured above. “He was knocked from the sky protecting Deragan and me. And from there taken prisoner which he’s been ever since.”

Acharius’ hateful expression softened. There was no denying that. “I remember. But he ordered us not to help him.” Acharius reminded bitterly.

“They were carting him off already and it would’ve been at great cost for us to try. Even if we’d succeeded, who would we have lost?”

“I don’t like thinking his actions haven’t been his fault.”

“They have been.” Bast said. “But we don’t know what tortures he endured at Radix’s hand. Nor do we know how he’s managed to cope with those torments without losing his sanity.”

“Perhaps he has.” Acharius grunted. Dusting off his breeches.

Seeing Bast’s annoyed expression he sighed.

“Radix wouldn’t have been kind to one of us.” Acharius acknowledged. Looking to the sky he observed the dragon fading into the distance. “Do you truly believe we may get Derenoe back?” Acharius was unsure he wanted to hear the answer. Still, he couldn’t help hoping that the warrior they’d known would rejoin them for the final battle.

We could sorely use his help.

“I think you and I...just did.” Bast stated cryptically.

They watched the pearl white dragon gliding through the air until disappearing from sight.

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