The Taming

Spotted

Meadowbrook in Grier Country

"Why is Rhyers in my caves, and us here?" Acharius asked, curiosity tinging his voice as he eyed the Grier Tutelage and the students meandering out of it as the day came to an end.

The men all stood, leaning against the wrought iron fence surrounding the circular drive at the entrance of the tutelage.

"Would you rather be at your cave?"

"No." Acharius said decisively.

"There are demons running rampant in Meadowbrook right now. They can sense the Fallen is here, but they can't pinpoint her unless they see her."

Acharius nodded. "I know all of that."

"Well, that's what we're doing."

"In Meadowbrook yes, but why are we at this..."

"Tutelage?"

"Place of gathering children and merciless lecturers." Acharius corrected contemptuously.

"Apparently you didn't like your studies?"

"My studies were on a boat." Acharius said flatly. "And with a sword and bow."

"More to learn in the world then mapping and raiding." Sebastian reminded.

"I'm aware!" Acharius said affronted. "That's why I joined you? Do you not recall?"

They all knew that despite Acharius' origins, he'd spent years studying the countries in the Upperlands then those of Ardae upon their arrival. He'd quickly adapted to their customs and people, as he coached them all to evolve enough to blend in with their new home.

Now by far, the most cultured of the Knights. Regardless of his previous lack of education.

"I do," Bast admitted. "but you're being exceptionally complicated today."

"You mean because I've had to protect your delicate behind the whole way here?" Acharius suggested. Reminding Bast of what Elsabet had made Rhyers's vow. Then Rhyers, in turn, had told Acharius the same. And Acharius had been ruthless in his tormenting ever since.

"Ugh." Bast groaned. "I believe we are at this precise place, this moment to help our alpha not reveal his connection to the woman."

"What?"

"To keep him from being ontoward."

Acharius snorted. "He's already wedded and bedded his mate, how can he now be ontoward."

"As you well know," Bast said, forcing patience. "She does not recall any of that in this life."

"Ugly, ugly thing that is." Acharius muttered.

That was one point Bast could agree with.

"I'd assume that the captain wanted our presence instead of Rhyers because Rhye would surely try to persuade him to dive into a reckless conversation, headfirst."

Deragan, standing a bit ahead of them must've heard that. He turned to give Bast a pointed look over his shoulder.

"What?" Bast said.

"I do believe that look, meant he expected the same from you."

"Me?" Bast gasped in dramatic affront. "I would not."

But he was already spilling over with ideas as to how to nudge 'Nora', the name the Fallen went by in this lifetime, into Deragan's path.

"I'm not wrong about Rhyers." Sebastian pointed out matter-of-factly.