FOREVER KNIGHTS: #7 King of Assassins
Can't Kill Acharius

“You have many weak moments.” Radix continued.

“No. I do not. You threatened Calisto into telling you why it was built and how. I heard you. If you recall you stationed me outside your door.”

But she kept her promise to me and never gave you a location.

He chuckled. Frail shoulders swaying under his laughter. “She begged me to bring her back to our time.”

I know. I heard. And I stole the cloak that night.

“But you refused.”

“I always do.” He smirked as he wandered from the table to move another piece on the stone chessboard. “You are getting better at understanding me, aren’t you Chavias?” When no answer came, he continued. “Yes, it was she that told me of the castle…”

Chavias recalled hearing her in the cave because Radix ordered him be sentry outside to keep Firoque away temporarily.

“Why do you leave me here?” Calisto’s voice had sounded weak.

Radix laughed coldly. “Why would I not? I gave you ample opportunity to surrender to me?”

“Why would I do that?”

“I could give you everything.”

“You have nothing I need!”

“But I could have given you many things you wanted.”

“I’m not so superficial!” She argued.

Chavias had applauded her strength. Though he heard the distress in her voice.

“Please bring me back!”

Radix had chuckled hoarsely.

Enjoying her pain. Chavias had hoped upon hope, she’d say no more. She’s only bringing him joy.

“I will bring you back, Calisto.”

“You will!” He’d heard her shuffling step as her excitement mounted.

“Yes.” He said tonelessly. “When you tell me about it.”

“What?” She asked warily.

“The stronghold.”

Don’t tell him of WaterRose. Chavias had twisted. Fighting the urge to run in and silence her.

“Sebastian built it for Deragan to protect his mate.”

Don’t! Chavias willed her.

“The Fallen wench.” Radix seethed.

Trust her, Chavias. He’d told himself. Calisto has given him nothing in all this time.

“Tell me where it is and I will bring you back…”

Shrieking in frustration she’d spoken no more. After prolonged silence, Chavias became nervous.

Is she even still there? When Chavias leaned far enough to peer inside, he found her hazy outline absent the chamber.

She hadn’t told him.

“But she wouldn’t tell me where.” Radix said venomously as if reading Chavias’ memories.

Though I know he can’t.

“And you” he turned and pointed a limp finger at Chavias. “You are even more difficult. You refuse me everything. But even a warrior like you breaks eventually.”

“All your torture will never make me tell you of them.”

“Then I shall have you kill them one…by…one. Until the walls in your mind crumble to ash.”

They already have. Chavias was sure. Still, his gut clenched in terror that Radix might one day see his words through.

“I know much about this castle.” Radix said gleefully. “And one day I will know where it sits. Perhaps all the cuts and hot oil, and bleeding you dry, will never make you talk but when a man slips his grip on his mind, he is hard to quiet.” Radix sighed. “Until then, My Foe, I’ll keep bleeding you and drinking you and reading your thoughts. Tasting each of your acrid memories until I know you better than you know yourself. What solace will you have then?”

My travels. Chavias thought bitterly.

When I see the woman. When I leave this wretched body and lose myself in soft hair, flawless features, and the sweet smell of honey. In a painful paradise even you can’t take away. A strange sense of calm filled him as he realized the truth of it.

But Radix was going to order him to kill Acharius.

I’m not sure I can do that.

Not even to save Bast.