Chapter 12: Bast is Still Hurt

Mardichi roared with laughter.

Serdephe hiccupped, looking from the red barbarian back to Tev and putting her hand to her mouth as though she confided. Though the words were nearly shouted. “He’s so huge.”

Mardichi only laughed harder.

Don’t say whatever foul thing is in your barbarian head.

Tev frowned. “Yes, but unfortunately, like most large men he is all aggression and no brain.” Tev tapped his skull pointedly.

Noticing for the first time, that his other hand was already tangled in her violet hair and stroking her scalp methodically. Making her blink sleepily. When did that happen?

Mardichi laughed.

“You are beautiful.” She pointed to Bast, but her finger swayed so much she had to close one eye to see if it was aligned with the correct man. “And you, you’re huge.” She pointed to Mardichi.

His chest puffed in pride. “Women oft tell me tha’.”

“They do not.” Bast contributed. Taking another drink. “He lies.”

Mardichi gave Bast a rough elbow which caused him to gasp in pain. Clutching his side as he panted for air.

Both Mardichi and Tev’s look suddenly turned severe as they realized, despite all of Bast’s bravado, he hadn’t touched his second drink.

Unlike him. Very unlike him!

“You’re looking a smidge pekid.” Tev murmured. “Bast are you okay?”

“No.” Bast admitted, face falling to the table. “I heard him.”

Him, who?

It can’t be…

“Who?” Tev asked.

“No.” Mardichi said in shock.

“Raese.” He confirmed what they were both thinking. “But I couldn’t pinpoint him.”

Why not?

“How could you not?” Mardichi barked.

“He thought of me. One time. I heard him once and trailed it to the Paladines but couldn’t find him.”

He lost the trail. Teverius realized.

“The Paladines?” Tev asked slowly. “None of us looked there.”

“I have.” Bast said. “But I couldn’t find him.” He was clearly despondent.

“I’ll find him.” Tev vowed. “Bast, I will find him.” Tev reached across the table to catch Bast’s bicep. Gripping it tightly. “I can redeem myself for the crimes I did.”

“Crimes?” Serdephe asked blinking. “What have you done?”

“Not yet, Sweetheart.” Teverius said dismissively. Promising himself he’d tell her how he failed to protect the Watchers, if he could find Raese.

“You’re hurt Brother.” Mardichi murmured thoughtfully. Noticing how Bast propped one shoulder against the edge of the bench as the night progressed. “We didna know.”

“I’m fine.”

“You don’t look it.” Tev agreed with Mardichi, for once.

“I almost died getting back to WaterRose.”

What the devil!

“What?” Tev demanded.

“I nearly froze to death.”

“What happened?” Serdephe was breathless. Staring at Bast with that glazed look again.

But Tev was consoled by the fact that it was his chest she now cuddled against.

“Elsabet…”

“The valkyrie wench?” Mardichi jerked backward in shock.

“She saved you?” Tev’s brow furrowed. “Mayhap we’ve all been wrong about her.”

“You have.” Bast said certainly. “I certainly was.”

“Well Methanks to her then.” Mardichi murmured under his breath. She’ll hear it from me own mouth when next I see her.

“If she’ll talk to anyone after this.”

“If?”

“I’ve locked her back in, even though she didn’t leave me when she had the chance.”

“If she were loose, she could kill many a man.” Mardichi acknowledged.

“She could’ve gone while I was bedridden.”

“You were bedridden!” Tev was stunned. Having never seen Bast weak enough to not get right back on his feet.