Hot Knights

by Rue Allyn

  With that said, Zeth and Pyrrhus leapt off the roof to begin aiding the women. Sodor and Rowen remained with him and the vampire on the roof. “I am Sabin. We need to dig out the astral bullet so that you can heal and regain the ability to teleport.”

  Sodor stepped forward all too eagerly and Sabin noticed the mischievous glint in the Knight’s eyes. Although some vampires were allowed to travel within the Portal Realm, the relationship with leech breeds was certainly not warm and fuzzy. “I’ll do it, since I’m the one that shot him,” Sodor volunteered.

  In response, the vampire sneered and lifted his chin, standing tall before the equally towering Sodor. “Perhaps I should have the name of the foe whose dirty fingers will be digging into my shoulder.”

  “Sodor.” A look of disdain remained on the Knight’s face. “And I’ll have you know that as an immortal Knight of the Fog, I am immune to disease. Unlike some parasitic demons.”

  The vampire glared at Sodor, obviously not used to being insulted. “I think I’ll leave the bullet where it is. I’ve had worse lately.”

  Sabin placed a firm arm against the vampire before it could leap away. “You need your ability to teleport to be most effective. We have closed off the portal. No more demons will be coming through, but many have escaped to this island. We need to make sure they do not leave. I am most concerned about the dragon that remains.”

  The vampire nodded, obviously ready to get back to the battle. “Fine. Start digging.” With that, Sabin and Rowen leapt off the roof to return to the battle while Sodor removed the astral bullet from the vampire.

  He immediately found Tera within the fog and went to her. Just as she finished off the last of the remaining gargoyles, he twirled her around to face him. Catching her by surprise, Sabin caught the fist that she threw at him as she turned and used it to pull her gently against his body. Pressing a devoted kiss against her lips, he savored the taste of his love, the feel of her body against his.

  “I missed you.” He was startled how low and laced with need his own voice was.

  When she smiled, the loud ruckus of battle faded away, leaving only the soft whisper of Tera’s lips returning to caress his own. Sabin felt her pull away, and watched her raise a brow playfully.

  “I love you, darling, but we’ve got a battle to win. After all, the girls have been here doing all the work.”

  He laughed at his woman’s eloquent teasing. Grabbing her once more, he dipped her for another quick, passionate kiss before returning to battle. “All right my love, let’s finish this.”

  “Give me a boost so that I can have a good vantage point from the roof.” Tera said motioning to her quiver.

  “I don’t want you so close to the fog ceiling. It would be too easy for the dragon to get a hold of you before anyone ever realized.”

  Daggers shot from her eyes. “I held up quite fine while you were away. I’ll get up there myself; I need to help my friends.”

  He sighed. “I’m sorry. I can’t help but feel protective of you. I love you.” Reaching down, he cradled Tera’s foot with his palm to heave her upward. “Be safe, Tera.” With that, he used all his strength to propel her body straight up.

  • • •

  Landing gracefully on the roof, Tera began shooting arrows into the nearest demons unhidden by fog. As she shot, she had an excellent view of her friends, her soldiers in action. Melissandra and Morgana were paired together, binding their strength to zap any demon that neared them. Their power was all but drained, but with the Knights and their new friends, the Wiccans weren’t in immediate danger.

  Another screech from a falcon penetrated the sky and she looked up to see Sparrow darting in and out of the fog, slashing talons across the eyes of a massive dragon. It was a peculiar sight—the tiny bird taking on the massive beast. Tera notched three arrows and aimed at the soft underbelly, not wanting to aim anywhere near Sparrow.

  The arrows found their mark, but seemed only to mildly annoy the dragon. Sparrow flew acrobatically around the head of the dragon, narrowly averting flame, a successfully distracting the dragon from attacking the others on the ground. Tera watched the others finish off the remaining demons, but something had to be done about the dragon.

  Not able to help much with her arrows since now there was only close combat left, she jumped down from the roof. Landing hard on her feet, she quickly ran to the nearest conflict. Zeth was pummeling a demon about twice his height, but seemed to be greatly enjoying the fight. Coming from behind the demon, she thrust her astral stake into its back. Zeth took the opportunity to leap onto the body and rip the head right off in a swift, gory move.

  She couldn’t help but cringe. “Don’t you have a sword?”

  Zeth barely spared a glance at Tera, as if she were a newbie at combat. “I don’t use my weapons against demons who use their bare hands to kill.”

  “Disgusting, but noble. Got it.” Tera noticed a lethal glint in his eyes and she quickly brushed past him to seek out Sabin.

  Searching the mêlée, she saw the vampire and the jaguar working together to finish off a couple of demons. Just when she spotted Sabin, a large thud hit the ground not far away.

  To her horror, she turned to see Sparrow’s human body lying on the ground. Her soft platinum hair was spread across the dirty ground, and her angelic face was lifeless. Feathers were scattered around her body from when she hit the ground, probably still in bird form. But the impact of the fall had obviously shaken off the enchantment.

  How far had she fallen? Tera’s body shook with fear, her legs barely taking her to Sparrow’s side before she collapsed. Tears flooded her eyes.

  The aunts were next to appear at Sparrow’s side, both of them in hysterics. “I saw her fall. Oh my God, it was from so high.” The desperate voice came from one of them, but Tera didn’t take her eyes away from Sparrow to find out who.

  An anguished cry penetrated the night. “Sparrow! Oh God, Sparrow!”

  Rowen and Sodor appeared and swept the aunts into their arms, carting them away to make room for Sabin and Pyrrhus. The aunts struggled, sobbing as the Knights took them from Sparrow. Rowen spoke with calm authority. “Tis for the good of Sparrow. She will be okay. Pyrrhus will see to her now.”

  “How can you know?” Morgana struggled within Rowen’s firm grasp and her voice was full of anger and desperation. “How can you know she will be okay? I must go to her.” Rowen’s voice was rough with resolve. “She will heal.”

  The Quetzalem appeared next to Sparrow’s lifeless body. The hard blue scales of the dragon-demon softened until his skin was smooth. Pyrrhus picked up Sparrow’s delicate hand, and pressed his thumb to her wrist to feel for a pulse.

  Before Pyrrhus could say anything, Duncan spoke from several feet away. “She has a pulse.”

  The dragon-demon appeared to have a weight lifted off his shoulders. “Good.” Tera thought she heard his voice break. “She’ll need to be somewhat conscious for this.”

  Morgana’s voice screamed from the distance where Rowen held her in his arms still. “Don’t you dare turn her into a vampire!”

  “That’s not happening.” Duncan spoke evenly.

  Sabin interrupted. “Dragon blood has incredible healing properties. But we don’t want her to choke or suffocate as the blood enters her throat.”

  Pyrrhus cradled Sparrow’s limp form in his arms, her back slumped against his chest. Taking out a dagger, the dragon-demon cut a deep gash in his wrist.

  Sabin addressed the aunts. “Is there a way you can jog her consciousness?”

  Instead of replying, they began concentrating. Mentally willing Sparrow to open her eyes, all prayed that their efforts would work.

  Tera watched the Quetzalem cradle Sparrow against his chest. His golden eyes turned a dark shade of amber and he looked deeply concerned for a young woman he had never met. Rowen also watched from afar, his gaze narrowed, riveted on the lifeless body.

  Finally, Sparrow’s eyes opened slowly. Her beautiful blue gaze wa
s covered with a pink haze, bloodshot from the impact of the fall. Her face immediately twisted in pain, as if the consciousness caused the agony of her body to come flooding back to her.

  The golden eyes staring down at her became pained as well. Pyrrhus spoke in a soft, calm voice. “I can heal you little one. But you must swallow.”

  As the man placed his wrist against Sparrow’s lips, she struggled, her eyes lighting up in fear. Tera’s throat went dry. “It’ll be okay, Sparrow. I love you, Sparrow, hang on.”

  Pyrrhus held Sparrow firmly, keeping his wrist against her mouth. His gaze began to soften as she swallowed. From her struggle, and probably from pain, Sparrow once again slipped out of consciousness. But Tera was comforted by the hopeful glint in the demon’s eyes.

  “It is probably good that she has fallen back into unconsciousness, because she is in a great deal of pain. She has much healing to do, but it has begun.”

  Sabin placed a comforting hand on Tera’s shoulder where she hovered near Sparrow and Pyrrhus. Zeth finally returned to the group, his body covered in blood. “The last have been finished.”

  No one said anything, the mood somber instead of victorious. Duncan was the first to break the silence. Beside him, the large black jaguar was crouched on the ground gazing intently at Sparrow, its golden, feline eyes appeared wrought with worry.

  “I can mist her to someplace more comfortable. It would be unwise to move her much in her condition.”

  Tera nodded. Melissandra and Morgana approached the group. “Take her to Nine Hundred Grand. We’ll be right behind you.”

  Pyrrhus stood, his strong body still clutching Sparrow against his chest so that there was little movement of her broken bones. Tera noticed the dragon-demon glare at the vampire. Obviously handing Sparrow over to the leech was against his will. She quickly realized the vampire relations were even worse in other realms than the human one. But after today, she trusted Duncan whole-heartedly; Michelle, the were-jaguar, as well. Duncan disappeared with a limp, Sparrow cradled against his chest. Her heart hollowed as she watched them disappear. Sparrow was like her sister, her daughter, and her best friend all wrapped in one.

  Sabin seemed to sense her thoughts, and he brought her to his body and hugged her. She let her face nestle comfortably against his chest. As she heard the other Knights depart, she let her tears escape. Overwhelming emotion set loose the flood that been hiding behind her lids.

  Reaching his hands down to where she was nestled against him, Sabin cupped her face, his palms catching her tears. “I love you. Sparrow will heal, and she will be the better for it.” He smiled gently. “After all, she’s a war hero now. I will tell High King Breasal of her bravery, and of yours and the others.” Tera watched his gaze turn dark. “And Chaos will be punished. I will see to it myself this time.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Hours later, Sparrow was miraculously, and magically, fully recovered. Everyone was gathered at the house and now Tera, Duncan, Michelle, and the aunts delighted in her speedy recovery. Sabin had left as soon as Sparrow awakened to return to the Realm of the Fog and meet with King Breasal to discuss the Goddess of Chaos’ actions.

  Now Sparrow was up and at ’em with her usual enthusiasm. “See, aren’t I a great hiring director?” She ran her fingers through her straight blond locks. Bowing toward Michelle’s direction, Sparrow smiled appreciatively. “Badass.”

  Tera laughed. “Sparrow, someone as angelic as you should really not use language like that.”

  Not impressed by her sentiment, Sparrow lifted a quizzical blond brow. “I just fought a demonic war and was nearly killed; I think I get to use profanity.”

  Michelle had been shy at first, but quickly became more comfortable with the playful banter. “Anyways, you both were, um, quite badass yourselves,” she assured with a smile.

  Tera couldn’t help but chuckle, and gave the young woman a hug. “I’m sorry we had to meet for the first time covered in demon guts. I’m Agrotera. Tera for short.”

  “Michelle. That’s long for Ixchel, my Mayan name. Which is news to me as well. But that’s kind of a long story.”

  Tera gave the girl a big hug and smiled appreciatively at the vampire by Michelle’s side. “And you. I knew I kept you around for a reason.”

  Michelle lightened the mood. “I’m glad you did.” And then the black-haired, blue-eyed beauty leaned against the vampire’s hard body for a kiss that almost made Tera go weak in the knees herself. Instead, she sighed, missing her man. Eventually, Duncan and Michelle left so that Sparrow would finally rest, despite her own protests that she was fine, and Tera was left alone in her bed. Drifting off slowly, she let herself dream of her man who was away in the fog . . .

  • • •

  The large boat carrying two Knights sailed magically through the water. Like a magnet, the boat was pulled through fog-shrouded waters toward the mystical Kingdom Hy-Breasal. Located in the Human Realm, the island was in a hidden plane beneath the sea. According to legend, which the Knights knew to be true, the mystical island was only visible to the human eye once every seven years. Only then would it rise from the depths of the ocean somewhere off the coast of Ireland, shedding its mystical shield. On numerous occasions throughout history, traveling seafarers caught sight of the island only to watch it vanish. The island had long driven sailors and archaeologists mad with the desire to find it.

  Every other day, the only way the island could be reached was through the Realm of the Fog using a special watercraft, laden with a magickal incantation that allowed it to reach the otherworldly location. When they reached the perimeter of the island, the fog would lift from all around them, and they would be able to land.

  “You have been awfully quiet this journey, friend.” Sabin spoke curiously to his friend Rowen as dense fog sifted past them. “What matters are you thinking on?”

  Silence followed, but he noticed a change come over Rowen’s face, as if he had been caught red-handed. “It has been an interesting couple of days is all.”

  But he recognized the Knight’s preoccupation. “You are thinking on the girl aren’t you? Her name is Sparrow.”

  Rowen smiled and looked through the thick haze before him. “She fought bravely for one who looks so sweet.”

  He nodded. “It is a good thing that Pyrrhus’ blood healed her well and quick. Do not worry, she was fully recovered when I left.”

  At Sabin’s admission, the wood siding on the boat under Rowen’s palm cracked and splintered from the pressure. Sabin lifted a quizzical brow at his comrade.

  “I am ashamed to have responded so, but when the demon dragon had its lips on her, a vicious heat stirred within me.”

  Sabin laughed at his friend, who seemed truly disturbed. “You’re just used to being the hero, my friend.” He slapped a hand against Rowen’s shoulder. “Do not worry, I’m sure you made an impression mid-demonic battle. If not, her aunts will certainly remind her of your gallantry and good looks. Her aunts are quite playful that way.”

  “So, you think I’m good looking?” Rowen winked, but then threw a punch. Sabin received the blow to the gut, smiled and threw one back, happy to pass the time sparring.

  Suddenly the fog began to lift and the kingdom came into view. A gigantic castle stood atop a hill, a breathtaking picture of heavy stone and elegant golden towers. An inlet wove through the town toward the hill where the castle lay. The homes that lined the cobblestone streets glittered with golden shutters and thatched roves. The Kingdom of Hy-Breasal was a sumptuous one, all the townspeople dressed in gold-stitched clothing and fine silk. No one was left wanting in the Kingdom of green pastures and fruit-laden trees.

  As their boat made its way through the semi-circular waterway, the townspeople waved to the Knights, who were among the few to visit the town. Vibrant shades of mustard and lavender dotted the landscape, and vibrant red tulips were dotted here and there between village homes. When the boat finally reached the end of the waterway, the Knights were received
by the villagers—the young female villagers that is.

  Sabin tried not to offend as he squeezed through the crowd of lovely young women that descended upon him. The only body he craved to touch was Tera’s. “My ladies,” Rowen placed two of his hands upon two of the young ladies. “Please allow us through. We have pressing business with the High King.”

  Sabin continued, “But after, I’m sure that Rowen would be happy to spare some words over an ale recounting our most recent adventures.” Chuckling to himself, he thought he could hear Rowen’s growl coming through the abundant cooing of the women.

  Ever the gentleman, Rowen kissed the top of each palm in polite dismissal before joining Sabin in the trek up the hill. “I’m going to get you back for that one, comrade.”

  “It wasn’t so long ago that you would delight in the company of the townswomen over ale. What has changed?”

  But Rowen didn’t answer, instead motioned to the top of the hill. “He has come to greet us. He must have heard the women.” The Knight smiled as their high King approached.

  Standing at the entrance to the grand castle, the High King was a handsome immortal who appeared to be in his late thirties. He had the look of an Irishman, with dark black hair and fierce green eyes. The King wore no crown, but evidence of his nobility was apparent in his stance and fine clothing. The gold thread and cloth stretched across his strong body with great imminence. The High King was not as tall as the towering Knights, but he still stood near six feet.

  “Welcomes, my friends. It is good to see you again.” Throwing open his arms, Breasal pulled Sabin into a fierce embrace. “I know that bad news brings you to me, but it’s good to see you well all the same.” Releasing him, the High King hugged Rowen. “The Goddess of Chaos is wretched. I will do my best to see her in Tartarus or another plane of punishment.”

  “Yes, we have much to discuss that I think you do not yet know.” Sabin said darkly. Anger still simmered within him from the battle the Goddess of Chaos had instigated. But the thought of Eris in Tartarus, the deepest level of the underworld, did offer some light at the end of the tunnel.