FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins
So Close to Raese

Bast heard the faint words but didn’t have the time to analyze them. Did she mean me or just the panther?

When did I start to think of him as separate from me? The answer was instantaneous. When I realized she could grow close to him.

Shaking his sleek black head, he focused on the voice he’d thought lost. Raese Merlinus. Calling to me.

“Merlinus?” She whispered the word he’d nearly shouted.

The table shook as white hands emerged from nowhere to slam down on the table just in-front of Elsabet. Rattling the dishes. Calisto’s face appeared from her forehead down. Becoming clear. Eyes vivid blue.

“My Raese!” She shrieked.

“What?” Elsabet jerked back. Stunned at Calisto’s urgency. She saw Calisto standing now where Bast had sat, leaned over the table toward Elsabet to be nearly face to face with her.

“He’s heard him! He’s called to Bast!” Her hands slid back across the table as she straightened. Turning sideways as though she’d walk from the room. Closing her eyes. She dropped her face to her palms. “Please God, let him replace My Love.”

“You don’t know where he is?”

Calisto’s head snapped sideways, blue eyes darkening to an almost gray as she eyed Elsabet over one shoulder. “I can only travel to people, not places.” She snapped.

As Elsabet only stared at her patiently she continued. “I go see him as often as I’ve the strength, but I can’t tell where he is.”

“Can’t he tell you?”

“He can’t hear me!” She shrieked in frustration. Hands working in fists at her side.

“Calm down!” Elsabet said softly. Sensing her friend’s deep need.

“How can I calm when help is so close to reaching the man I love?”

Elsabet stared back at her, silent.

Sebastian followed the sound deep into the Paladines. But as it faded from his mind, so too did its direction. He was unable to track it any further. The miles had worn on him. And despite that he couldn’t feel it, the cold had worn away the pads of his paws.

Call me again, Old Friend. I heard you. Bast silently willed.

In the body of the panther, he wove through the meadows where he’d lost the sound. Rushing through the trees. He searched every direction but found nothing.

He climbed a stack of boulders on a hill overlooking the forest. There’s no one here. His stomach sunk.

He’s out here somewhere. Bast’s heart dropped as he feared Raese only called to him because he was dying or being attacked.

I can’t replace you. Bast’s pants turned to fog in the cold air. Call me again, Brother. I’m here! I’m close…He closed his eyes and stilled. Trying hard to call to his friend’s mind.

Bast could always hear the others, but it was rare they heard him back. Only the Captain.

Despite all his efforts Bast could spot no man wandering the woods. Or hiding amongst the trees. Or bleeding in the bushes. Tipping his head back he roared in frustration.

Dread filled him. I can’t hear him. I can’t get any closer. Only silence welcomed all his desperate pleading.

He considered praying. I gave that up long ago…Before I became immortal, I learned the futility of it.

He searched through much of the night. Ignoring the bitter cold, he couldn’t feel. Aware the chill bit through his fur to permeate his skin. His footpad began to ache and as he took another slow step, sinking through the snow, he lifted his front foot to inspect it. The flesh was darkening from frostbite. His breathing became tight, lungs burning, and he knew he was in danger.

I’m entering the critical stages.

If I stay much longer, I’m going to die. Surrendering, despite his every instinct screaming to look further, he turned back to WaterRose, head hanging in defeat.

So close…