FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins

WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country

SEBASTIAN

Sebastian made his way to WaterRose. Slowly. Painfully. Stepping from the trees, he straightened his legs into human shape. Letting clothes fold around him like a hand reaching to clench from behind, folding around front. Black cloak unrolling down his back to drag the thin layer of snow.

His head hung, steps slow in defeat at his failure. He was exhausted beyond what even he could endure. Fingers black on both hands. Up to the middle knuckle.

I was so close.

How did I lose it?

He made it halfway across the snowy meadow before his legs weighed too much to lift anymore. He glanced up at the windows of WaterRose. I’m not going to make it.

Putting his hand out before him, he slowly closed his fist, drawing the magic, from the windows and doors. In swirls of gold light that moved from the castle out over the field. Returning to his body as he collapsed to the ground. Catching himself with his palms in the snow. She’s free.

If I can’t make it back, she’ll not die in there.

He blew a long breath. Trying to will himself to stand. Suddenly incredibly hot, his body began shaking before he knew what was happening, everything went dark and he pitched forward. Too weak to stop himself.

Everything went blessedly quiet. His body no longer ached, insides ceased burning and everything was still.

***

Sebastian woke to warmth and softness and the scent of wildflowers. Elsabet was here.

He fisted his hands and worked his eyes open. Ascertaining he was covered with a thick fur. Skin sweating. Fingers and insides aching from the damage the cold wreaked on him. Ouch.

He looked at one long-fingered hand. Flexing the limbs. Rather surprised there still there, actually.

How’d I get inside? Sensing a presence near him, he forced his eyes fully open and lurched to a sitting position. But a soft touch on his shoulder stilled him.

Elsabet’s beautiful face floated above him, shushing him. Reassuring him he was okay and just needed to rest.

Her dark blue eyes are so striking in her pale face. Especially surrounded by dense, dark lashes. Pretty lips pursed again as she hushed him, easing him back until he was once again resting on the pillows.

“Sebastian…” She purred. “You’re okay. You just need to heal. Your brothers will have to wait for now.”

If they need me, I’m too weak to hear them.

“I’m fine.” He murmured blearily.

“You’re not fine!” She snapped. “You nearly died. Now shut up and rest.” She barked gruffly. Putting a firm palm to his chest as he tried to rise again.

A smile flitted around his lips, but he was too weary to do anything other than as she bid. “You stayed…” Was the last thing he remembered saying before he was wrapped in darkness again.