The Taming

Stolen Boy

"Yes." Bast acknowledged that he believed it was Caliso relaying the messages to Elsabet. "She says he is where the tree pods are yellowing."

They were talking about Raese, the missing Forever Knight. And his mate. The woman which, as far as they could tell was either dead or bound outside the realms of time.

Something she could do to others...

"The Isle." Deragan filled in. Knowing that the many wooded forests littering the inner sanctum of the island tended to have yellow pods this time of year.

"Or the Paladines."

"So, who goes to the Paladines?" Deragan asked. Knowing they needed to have people searching both directions if they wanted to have a chance of finding Raese.

"Rhyers is. I thought perhaps you might join me?"

Deragan looked him over thoughtfully.

"You have not checked the Isle for her in some time. She may be there."

"She's not. She'll be closer to here."

"It's not good for you to sit here. Wasting years until her next reincarnation."

"It is what I do." Deragan's lips curled in a self-mocking smile. "I wait for her."

"Will you go?" Sebastian persisted.

"I will." Deragan lowered his head. "We will look for our Brother, together."

***

LandingTown, Igonox

It was months before Sebastian returned.

Glad he'd persuaded The Alpha go with him. It'd become a dual mission to find the Fallen.

Nothing in the Paladines.

No trace of either of them on the Isle. Bast sighed, disappointed. He unloaded cargo from the FireStar alongside his crew. Paying careful attention to avoid nudging the spot where boulders had damaged the portside of his ship.

"Don't bump her, men. We've much repairing to do."

It'll take longer than I'd hoped to ensure all is mended. He stared across LandingTown toward the Meadow Mountains forlornly.

I miss her more than I expected. He'd not been lying when he told her he missed her face while away.

Nor was I about the strawberries.

"Be extra careful with those." He patted the cabin boy on the back as he hefted the smaller crates. "Those were brought oversea with great gentleness."

"They still green MeLord."

"I know boy." He patted the youth's shoulder. "But they'll ripen."

The little treasure helped stem some of his grief in not finding Raese. At least we know he's still out there. Bast looked back toward the green mountains of the Paladines.

Somewhere...

A young woman strode toward his ship. She had a round face and dark eyes intent on him as she sauntered up to the plank.

"No." Deragan emerged from the cabins. "Don't let her on!" He urgently commanded.

Bast's head spun to him.

"She's Cimmerii!"

Bast yanked the plank back, making her stumble and fall to her backside on the edge of the dock. Bast shouted for his men to withdraw from the edge of the ship.