Hot Knights

by Rue Allyn

  Upon Sabin’s admission, a serious, deadly quality came over Breasal’s expression, and for a moment, he looked more warrior than king. “Do not tell me that Eris has lashed out once more?”

  Rowen nodded and Breasal breathed in slowly, as if controlling his anger. “The Gods do nothing. They don’t even have a care to control their antics to the demon realms. It disgusts me what they get away with. This is not ancient Greece.”

  Through the castle’s marble floors lined with gold Celtic engravings, the trio arrived to sit in a dining hall. Immediately, beautifully tailored servants brought libations for the Knights and the High King. “Now tell me Knights, what has happened?”

  Sabin spoke first. “Chaos has done much, but it is the actions of mortals that I would like to describe to you.”

  The High King nodded wisely. “Tell me.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  A golden pink sunset seeped through the large window of Tera’s coffee shop. Since it was open mic night, the cozy coffeehouse was packed with locals filling every table, chair and sofa. Gathered at two adjoining tables in the back corner, Tera sat with Sparrow, Melissandra, and Morgana enjoying the show. Duncan and Michelle also shared a chair at the table.

  It had been five days from the time when Sabin left to “take care” of Chaos, and he hadn’t returned since. Nothing to kill a battle victory buzz like a lover gone. Not that Sparrow and the aunts hadn’t tried to drag her into party mode. But tonight was many a lime-and-a- coconut nights later, she was still missing Sabin, and the glory of kicking demons out of the Bay Area was fading quickly.

  The creaky voice of a young local with hair drooping on both sides of her face crooned along with her guitar. The sad song did little better for Tera’s lovesick mood. That and her new honeymoon status friends.

  Michelle’s bright blue eyes sparkled even in the darkness, her long raven hair a contrast against Duncan’s pale immortal skin. “C’mon darling, why don’t you go up there and show these girls how it’s done?”

  Duncan hugged Michelle closer to him and kissed the skin along her neck. As he did so, Morgana seconded the notion. “Yes, Duncan, do go up there and sing something a bit more lively since this girl is only succeeding in putting our Tera into a depression.”

  “Quit looking so mopey. Why don’t you get us a round of scones?” Sparrow poked Tera a couple times in the ribs to provoke some enthusiasm.

  Melissandra swatted the hand away. “Quit being jealous just because you didn’t take your chance when you had it with that hot hunk of dragon-demon.”

  Her sister smiled, the lines by her eyes crinkling faintly as she winked toward Sparrow. “He did have a nice wrist, didn’t he?”

  “Oh I’m sorry,” Sparrow said sweetly before adopting a more sarcastic tone. “It’s a little hard to appreciate a good wrist-sucking when you’re on the verge of death.”

  Morgana laughed and massaged her niece’s shoulders. Tera couldn’t help but smile as well. Leave it to a good ribbing to cheer her up. When the young vocalist was done with her sad song and passed the mic to someone else, she stood up to go get a round of scones and Devonshire cream from the barista.

  The next local artist began to play back at the front of the store. Uninterested, she stood facing the kitchen. She stared like a zombie, counting the various teas on the wall like sheep. When the music came to a sudden halt and the coffee shop became quiet, she whipped her head toward the front door. There stood her man in all his glory.

  She watched him duck under the door and a smile came to her lips immediately. Sabin was so tall he nearly hit his head as he entered. His hair fell sensually against his shoulders in a shiny silver mass and his aqua-gray eyes stood out like lightning in the dimly lit café. Her heart stopped. Obviously, the audience wasn’t quite used to seeing such a gorgeous, otherworldly specimen of a man either, judging from the silence.

  She watched Sabin calmly take in the crowd around him. Turning to the woman on guitar, he extended a palm. “Play on.”

  The young guitarist clumsily began her song once again, and Tera could see her blush from across the shop. Despite the crowd, Sabin was tall enough to spy her from across the coffeehouse and made his way toward her. The crowd seemed to part for him.

  Ahh, l’amour. Smiling like a lovesick puppy, she let Sabin sweep her off her feet and press a needy kiss deep against her lips. Tera could feel the eyes of the barista on them as Sabin parted her lips with his tongue and took the warmth of her mouth within his own.

  Tera’s heart swum with bliss, but she pulled away, bashfully aware that she had an audience. “Wow.” The barista holding the scones looked impressed. “I didn’t even realize you had a squeeze. I’d keep him locked up, too.”

  “Melanie, meet Sabin.”

  “Nice to meet you.” The young barista with purple hair and a lip-piercing smiled.

  “Delighted to make your acquaintance as well. There is much time that I am not here. Do spread the word, Melanie, that Tera is very taken.”

  Both Tera’s and Melanie’s mouth dropped, but Melanie finally managed to nod and smile, probably near comedic hysterics. “I can see that. I’ll definitely spread the word.”

  Tera heated to ten different shades of red, even in the dark café. “Uh, he’s a traveling salesman from Yugoslavia. They have different ideas on etiquette and possessiveness.”

  A laugh finally escaped Melanie. “No worries, boss.” With that, the barista handed over a tray full of scones and a heaping of Devonshire cream.

  Sabin took the tray and wrapped an arm around Tera, guiding her back through the crowd. Once at the table, there were no empty chairs, so he scooped her upon his lap. “Good to see all my favorite ladies once again.”

  The aunts fawned over Sabin as he spread some cream on a scone and fed a piece to Tera. “I fear we must eat these scones quickly though and be on our way.”

  More jaws dropped. Tera looked dumbfounded. “We?”

  “What?” Sparrow exclaimed.

  The aunts also questioned in unison. “Why?”

  Sabin laughed. “Yes, we. We as in all of us. I will take you all on a journey to the Realm of Fog, if you are up for it.” Looking around the table, he pressed, “But I would greatly recommend being up for it.”

  The aunts smiled and responded quickly. “We are.”

  Michelle spoke up in a concerned voice. “I thought vampires weren’t allowed to travel through the portals?” Beside her, Duncan’s eyes glinted dark, as if he were constantly prepared to deal with the implications of his violent race.

  Sabin looked at him with respect. “I have discussed Duncan’s gallantry with my order and my king, and he is important for this journey as well.” Shifting his attention directly at Duncan, he extended an arm. “I have great respect for you, Duncan. And know that I think of you as a comrade for protecting Tera while I was gone. Know that I would always do the same for you.”

  Duncan took his hand away from Michelle for a moment and clasped Sabin’s arm in a manly embrace that signified trust and respect, and maybe even friendship. Duncan smiled, “I have grown to love these ladies, but I am definitely grateful to have another man in our midst.” He nodded toward Melissandra playfully, “Another target for Melissandra’s butt-pinching perhaps.”

  Michelle’s eyes went wide and she playfully pushed the aunt’s shoulder. “Heyyy.”

  “My ladies, and gentleman vampire, we really should be going now.”

  “Now?” Tera exclaimed.

  “As soon as everyone has finished their scones, my love.”

  At that, Sparrow and the aunts scarfed down the remaining baked goods.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  The rag-tag group of Wiccans, vampire, were-jaguar and Dryad came through the portal. Immediately, all eyes in the foggy realm were upon them. Pride swelled inside Sabin as he led the group. All of the Knights were aware of why he brought the travelers; Breasal had informed them of the occasion to ensure their secure and esteemed passage. The
Knights looked upon his beloved and the group as warriors now, individuals about to receive a great honor. But that was for later.

  Several of the Knights saluted the group just as they manifested in the foggy realm. “Well done.” The tall, handsome, ethereal men applauded the ladies and one of them held out a hand for Duncan. Sabin hadn’t seen a Knight shake a vampire’s hand in, well, never.

  “Wow, what a lovely reception!” Morgana held a hand to her heart as the tall, gorgeous Knights of the Fog crowded around them.

  Sabin smiled, but began chanting as more Knights introduced themselves. His intention was to put all the travelers to sleep for a time until they reached the mystical passageway to Hy-Breasal.

  Sodor came up behind Sabin and patted him firmly on the back. “Good idea.” Looking to the group of travelers, Sodor bowed slightly. “Good to see you again ladies, vampire.” Despite Duncan’s aid in the battle, the Knight still held a tone of superiority when addressing the vampire.

  Sabin noticed an irritated glare flare up briefly in Michelle’s eyes, as if she wanted to take Sodor down a notch or two. Luckily, most of the attention shifted to Sparrow, the Knights fawning over her, kneeling in the fog to kiss her palm. If Sabin knew one thing, it was that the only thing Knights loved better than subduing monsters was pursuing maidens. He noticed that Duncan sensed this, and stood protectively near Michelle, as if claiming her from the eyes of the Knights. From next to his muscular form, Michelle’s big blue eyes twinkled with mischief. Sabin clutched Tera’s hand.

  The aunts, on the other hand, ushered Sparrow to the front of the group. The girl handled herself like a pro surrounded by the tall, adoring Knights. “Lovely to meet you,” Sparrow purred. Sabin couldn’t help but admire the young woman’s laid-back demeanor. He counted his lucky stars that Tera’s friends and family were so incredible. He was already beginning to think of Sparrow as a lovable cousin.

  Sabin scanned the fog with his haze-cutting vision to appraise the crowd. Creatures littered the ground in various heaps. “As we make our way through the fog, try to stay behind Sodor and I. It will be impossible for you to see the ground in this fog, and there are many bodies that you could stumble over.”

  “How romantic.” Tera winked at him and he received her teasing look.

  “Bodies?” Sparrow questioned, unable to see anything in the dense fog. The Knights stepped closer to her.

  “There is nothing to fear, milady. Sabin has taken care of the crowd, and we will not be far behind to ensure your safety. The smooth passage of your family is our utmost goal.”

  Sparrow nodded. “Sounds good.”

  “Sound really good.” Morgana added.

  “I like you.” Melissandra patted the Knight’s strong bicep.

  He watched his friend beam with pride. But when Sodor realized he held Sabin’s gaze, he stepped backward. Sabin chuckled, the ladies were causing quite the sensation in the fog. Getting back to business, he communicated with the group to scan the perimeter as they departed. “Already ladies and gent, the tour of the Portal Realm begins.” The rest of the way through the fog, he described the portals they passed, and even let them poke their heads into Heliodor, the realm of the faeries. Eventually he stopped them in a particularly dense patch of fog.

  “Ghehestia varlo . . . ” Spreading their arms out wide, he and Sodor began chanting and the fog parted, revealing a large wooden boat. Their vocals echoed in the foggy abyss.

  “Whoa, talk about cryptic choir boys.” Sparrow interrupted. “You guys sound like the next Lord of the Rings soundtrack.”

  “This is how we will travel.” Sabin announced as Sodor held the boat in place in the dark water.

  “Tee hee.” Tera threw a playful punch at Sparrow. “You’re right.”

  Morgana was next to be helped aboard the twenty-foot boat. “I hate to be the whiner, but that thing does not look large enough for all of us for two days of travel.”

  He smiled, flashing gorgeous teeth, his aqua-gray eyes ablaze. “True Morgana, but nothing is always what it seems in the Realm of the Fog. Take a peek below.”

  As Sabin and Sodor helped the Sparrow and Melissandra aboard, Duncan teleported with Michelle into the raft. Suddenly there was a scream from below the tiny deck.

  “It’s incredible down here!” Morgana’s voice echoed from below. “And guess what I found!” Ascending from the stairwell came Morgana followed by Rowen. Clad in low-slung leather pants and a bared chest, the Knight looked sinfully mouthwatering, and for a moment, all the girls, were speechless. Except for Melissandra, of course.

  “Hot damn!”

  “Good day. I have been preparing your cabins for travel.” Rowen glanced at Sparrow. “It is good to that you are fully recovered.”

  For the first time since they had arrived in the Realm of the Fog, Sparrow blushed deeply and wiped her palms against her blue jeans nervously. When she didn’t respond, everyone glanced her way. Tera jabbed her friend in the back with an elbow to bring her back to reality.

  “Thanks.” Silence. “Nice pants. I mean—leather is cool.”

  Melissandra snickered, but Rowen simply nodded, not seeming to catch Sparrow’s awkwardness. “There is a giant spider in the Asuras Realm that can spin the likes of this form of leather fiber. No animals need to be harmed. Well, save for the spider, which needs to be convinced to part with the fiber.” A roguish glimmer played upon his expression.

  “I wouldn’t mind a pair of those. What spider do I have to wrestle?” Duncan spoke aloud, asserting his presence for the first time.

  Rowen and the Knights laughed heartily at the successful ice breaker. “After we meet with the King, you will be welcome to visit and I or one of the Knights could take you to the realm. But I must warn you, the Arachnyd is the size of a tanker.”

  Michelle kissed Duncan on the cheek. “Um, I think we can stick with jeans. I don’t like the sound of dangerous tank-sized spiders.”

  Duncan tugged Michelle close against his body and nestled her tight against him. “Say no more, my love. Jeans it is.” They lost themselves in a passionate kiss and Tera could have sworn she heard Sparrow harrumph jealously.

  Sodor punched the vampire playfully when the kiss ended. “I believe the current term in your realm is ‘whipped.’”

  Sabin laughed at the jab and brought Tera closer against his body as well. “Well, Knights, I’ll be the first to admit that I, too, am whipped. I shall wear whatever my beloved prefers, which hopefully, is nothing.” He pressed an adoring kiss to her lips and Tera nearly melted into a puddle at his feet.

  “Rowen,” Sodor piped up teasingly, “I think we may be on the wrong ship. This rig is the fucking love boat.”

  Melissandra perked up at that and spread her arms out toward Sodor’s shirtless, chiseled body. “That’s right, baby. Come to mama!”

  The whole crowd laughed, save for Sodor whose skin flushed bright pink all the way up to his electric silver hairline. Tera had never felt so happy so far from home.

  • • •

  Sabin had been quiet about the reason for the journey, treating it as if they were on a top-secret mission. Tera was excited, mostly because he was showing her so much of his world. With every moment, she felt more and more a part of his life. Even now, he stood behind her, his arms wrapped around her, his fingers intertwined with hers.

  The dense fog that had crowded them during the trip had been cold, but now as the fog lifted, the bright sunshine that caressed the Kingdom Hy-Breasal kissed her skin. A bright golden light shined a contrast against the fields of green grass that stretched all the way up to the beach. The salty mist of the ocean tickled her nose. The pale pink hue of the ocean swirled with the foamy white lace of waves. High up on a hill was the most glorious castle that she had ever seen. No travel guides or National Geographic specials had ever boasted an image of such a castle.

  As their boat landed at the end of the semicircular inlet, the townspeople that had gathered bowed, their faces smiling. Her first
impression was that the men and women and children of the kingdom were very happy.

  Sabin jumped into the water and placed his hands gently on her waist to hoist her out of the boat and carry her gently to the sand. Duncan had already embraced Michelle, and teleported them both to shore. Rowen turned to help Sparrow from the boat in the same fashion, but before he could move toward her, her body disappeared and a dove fluttered gracefully above the water. Once over the sand, the dove turned into a young woman once again. Rowen turned next to Morgana, followed by Sodor who moved to carry Melissandra.

  Morgana yipped as Rowen’s hands wrapped around her knees from where she stood on the edge of the boat. “Oh, no you don’t. I’m not a skinny waif like my niece. I can make it to shore myself.”

  Sodor and Rowen looked aghast. Rowen glanced at the crowd, who, although still bowing on shore, seemed to have heard the remark and appeared quite entertained. Sodor laughed and was nearing hysterics. “My ladies, we battle demons for a living, you are but a waif for us.”

  Rowen moved swiftly and grabbed Morgana gracefully into his arms as if she were nothing more than a feather. Melissandra squealed delightedly and held her arms out for Sodor. “My turn, hot cakes.”

  From shore, Tera, Michelle, and Sparrow giggled, but didn’t look; instead, they gazed around at their surroundings. Sabin’s lips were creased together in a peaceful smile as he clutched Tera against his body comfortably. He’s a thing of beauty. She could feel the eyes of many women riveted on her, as if they longed to be in her spot.

  When they were all ashore, Sabin released her from his close embrace. Clasping her hand, he led their group up the stone staircase built into the hill toward the castle. Bringing up the rear, Melissandra patted her fluffy mass of blond curls and teased, “What ever happened to the waif idea? I’m definitely out of—” But before the huffing and puffing woman could finish, Rowen scooped her up into his arms.