CHAPTER EIGHT
T errance knocked on the Master's door and waited for permission to enter. He was met by Ira, the Master's personal guard, and escorted to his office. Master DuCane was there, as well as the second in command, Ismael Patronne. They dispensed with the pleasantries and quickly got down to business.
Master DuCane explained the status of the search, and Terrance informed him of Dakota's call back home. Master DuCane nodded and looked pleased. "Their works will help build his strength and fortify him against what the witch has planted. He will be in a good state when the doctors administer the cure."
"I know that we are dealing with a lot right now, but I wanted to make you both aware that Dakota is my beloved, and I have claimed him. He is not unaware of our world, although he admits there were some serious surprises."
“Not the least of which was you, I'm sure." Ismael laughed and congratulated him, as did Master DuCane.
Dakota made his way to the medical wing and entered the outer room he walked to the observation window and peered in at the still and silent body of Eric Blackbird. There was a technician with him but otherwise he was alone. Dakota stood there for several minutes taking it all in before entering and introducing himself to the tech.
“He’s been quiet as you see the entire night.” He told him and offered him a chair so he could sit by Eric’s bedside. He then stepped out and positioned himself in the outer room to give Eric time alone with Eric but also allowed him to maintain his observation of the patient.
Everyone apart from Deputy Lawson had been pleasant and helpful recognizing that they were both seeking the same end which was saving an innocent young man. He took Eric’s hand and held it in his feeling the essence of his spirit in that touch. Eric was strong and he was a fighter. Dakota talked to him telling him about his sister’s concern for his safety and the tribes support for his recovery.
"You're not alone, Eric. You will never be alone." He assured him, and he felt the gentle stirring of his presence. Eric was pushing to return. He sat there and continued to talk to him, explaining to him what had happened and where he was. "The Coven is not like those back home, Eric. These people care about more than just themselves."
He heard a commotion from the outer room, he stood and looked out the observation window. He saw the technician on the floor and a tall man dressed in all black with flowing white hair standing over him. Dakota rushed for the door, intent on keeping the thing out of the room and away from Eric. He sensed the power and depravity of the witch and Eric's vulnerability.
The witch blew past the door like it wasn't even there, knocking Dakota backward onto the hard floor. He was back on his feet in an instant, using himself as a shield and standing between the witch and Eric.
"Move aside your power is no match for me." The voice crackled, and the eyes the color of dried blood tracked Dakota's every move. Dakota remained rooted to the spot and held the monster's gaze. "I will drain the young one, and then I will drain you." It laughed with a sour tone of anger and hatred.
“The boy is weak not worth your time take me I will not resist if you promise to spare the boy.” Dakota made the proposition.
“I don’t care if you resist me the fight makes the blood and the energy that much more delicious.” He said and began advancing on Dakota.
Terrance was just leaving the Master’s office when a sense of distress washed over him. It took him a moment to recognize the source and then it hit him, and panic exploded in his mind. “Dakota’s in danger.” He shouted and took off racing to the staircase with Master DuCane on his heels. His mind was reeling with the possibilities Dakota was not a man to fluster easily.
“It’s the witch.” Master DuCane shouted, and the area was instantly mobilized somehow that fiend and gained entrance to the grounds and ultimately the Palace itself. It was unthinkable.
Terrance burst through the doors of Eric's room and saw the black witch standing over Dakota, who was desperately trying to shield Eric. Terrance had never known such terror and such rage.
"Stay back, or I'll kill them both." The witch yelled and snickered, believing he held the upper hand. Terrance felt Master DuCane and Ira standing behind him, one to the left and the other to his right.
Fear of doing the wrong thing and losing his beloved held him frozen for a few seconds but then he felt the warm presence of his beloved. He and Dakota locked eyes and Dakota was telling him not to worry the witch would not win. Terrance wanted to believe but what stood before him reeked of power and destruction darkness and pain.
He took a step closer, as did those behind him. Master DuCane and Ira moved forward to the left and to the right, widening their circle. Terrance immediately offered himself up in exchange for the safety of Dakota and Eric, but the witch merely laughed.
“Everyone is so eager to die for one another this pain will be a glorious feast.” He lunged forward and the room exploded Terrance, and the Master rushed them, and Ira grabbed Eric from the bed and ran from the room. The moment the witch’s hand touched Dakota there was a flash of light that cut across the room. the white light burned the witch, and he recoiled falling backward into the Master’s merciless grip.
Terrance threw himself in front of Dakota, putting himself between him and the witch. But it was unnecessary because Master DuCane had him in a stranglehold and had run him through with his short sword. The blade was rammed through his back, and the tip burst from his chest.
He was held fast as the Master twisted the sword twice and then pulled it free and slit his throat, nearly removing his head from his body. Terrance held Dakota behind him to protect him from the witch and protect him from the grisly scene before him.
Master DuCane dipped two fingers in the witch’s blood and walked out of the room and towards Deputy Lawson who was holding Eric in his arms. Ira had passed him off to the deputy and returned to the fight. Terrance was unsure why Lawson was there, but he was holding onto Eric with a grip and stance that was more than just duty bound. He would have to look into that later.
Lawson stepped forward as Terrance took Dakota’s hand and they followed after Master DuCane. Neither was sure what was happening, but both thoroughly trusted the Master. “Bring him here.” He said and then Lawson moved to stand directly in front of the Master. Eric was still unconscious and lay almost lifeless in his arms. Everyone stood still and no one spoke.
Master DuCane took his two fingers and placed them against the middle of Eric’s forehead and drew the line of blood from that point down the length of his nose while repeating words that no one understood. Lawson cut a tense glance at the Master and then over at Dakota who was observing him with a shade of mild hostility. Terrance held Dakota’s hand firmly and pulled him close as they all waited.
The awakening happened suddenly, and Eric opened his eyes with a jerk and a loud curse. "Fuck!" He said and drew it out into at least five syllables. Lawson tightened his grip, holding Eric secure, and seemed unwilling to release him just yet. "Dakota!" He shouted. Dakota rushed up to him.
“What’s going on who are these people?” Eric looked up at Master DuCane and quickly dropped his gaze feeling the depth and power of that gaze. He then looked up at Lawson and smiled.
"They found you and brought you back from the nether world. They saved your life, Eric." Terrance noticed that Eric's eyes did not leave Lawson, who was still holding him.
“Thank you.” He said, and Lawson looking like someone had just given him the moon nodded and returned the smile.