Page 22 of The Missing Sentinel
Outraged that anyone would consider his clothes ugly—especially a fellow sentinel—Ducarius scowled. “Some of us occasionally opt to dress in other things, but we predominantly wear gray. We do not consider it ugly. Our formal uniforms were designed by a renowned tailor, and we were lucky to have her expertise and skill.”
“I did not mean to offend you.”
“It was rude to call me ugly.”
“I did not callyouugly,” Drexley refuted. “I said that your uniform is not pleasing to the eye. To be honest, I find you pleasant to look at.”
“You are extremely handsome, and I think Fate has been far too kind to me to give me a mate with such an attractive face. I assume your body is nice too, but it is disguised by your heavy robes.”
Delighted with the way Drexley’s cheeks reddened, Ducarius grinned.
“I like that your uniform allows me to see the muscles of your upper half. Your pants are much like my robes and too roomy.”
Ducarius would have made another comment to hopefully please Drexley, but his senses told him a necromancer was nearby.
Adney stepped into the dining room with a mutinous expression. “I hate to interrupt this inappropriate conversation, but I require your aid, Drexley.”
“Let me help you,” Drexley said, springing out of his chair.
Fully prepared to growl with fury at Adney’s assertion that he had any right to voice an opinion about a chat between two mates, Ducarius’s attention was caught by Drexley, who mouthed a question.
“Library later?” Drexley asked soundlessly.
With a nod, Ducarius assured Drexley he would meet him in the library. Ducarius was eager to be with Drexley, so he gathered his dishes and brought them to the poor skeletons trying to do their best in the kitchen. Then he raced outside to squeeze in some training before he was reunited with his other half.
Chapter 11
Still smarting after a thorough tongue-lashing from Adney about unsuitable things to discuss with weapon-toting barbarians, Drexley walked into the library. Ducarius was already there, but his welcoming smile died as Drexley approached the seating area where the other sentinel was planted with a book on his lap.
“What is wrong?” Ducarius asked.
Drexley took a moment to breathe out slowly and relax the muscles of his face to disguise any expression. “Nothing, did you read more of the book?”
“I am a sentinel and am often accused of lacking facial expressions. You are freer with yours, and I could tell there was something on your mind as you walked in. While we are newly acquainted, I would like to be your friend at the very least. You are welcome to tell me to fuck off, but I can be a shoulder for you to lean on. There is a great deal of turmoil in your life right now, and it cannot be easy to handle it alone.”
Touched by Ducarius’s kindness, Drexley decided he could use a friend, and perhaps that was why Fate had sent the other sentinel to Adney’s realm now. “My heart aches for what Adney is enduring. I do not want him to die.”
“You may find it hard to believe, but I understand. I lost a dear family member, and the grief never truly goes away. Adney is lucky to have you. Nothing you are going through is easy, and I want you to know you can count on me to be here for you. Scream, cry, yell, or do whatever else makes you feel better as you face this tragedy. I will be here to listen or do whatever else you need.”
Tears threatened, and Drexley offered a grateful smile to Ducarius. “Thank you. I believe you; I can see the sorrow in your eyes. I am sorry for your loss. Each morning, I wake up telling myself I can handle this, but then I am confronted with the agony on Adney’s face. What I want most is to take away his pain, but that is impossible.”
Ducarius opened his mouth to speak, but it snapped shut. He hopped to his feet as the castle shuddered around them. The grinding of stones made Drexley wince. A loud boom followed, but Drexley did not move.
“What the fuck was that?” Ducarius demanded, his hands reaching for the hilt of his daggers.
“More of the land surrounding the castle has crumbled,” Drexley explained sadly. “The first time it happened was long ago now. It was infrequent at first but is now happening weekly or quicker. Adney’s magic is failing along with his health. I am afraid it will not be long until the castle itself is torn apart.”
“This is unsafe, Drexley. What if Adney is hurt? It is his magic holding us here. He is the only one who can decide whether you leave. Have you considered that it might be better for you both to travel to the Council now? It would give you a chance to acquaint yourself with everything that has changed in the last five centuries and give Adney every resource available so he is not suffering needlessly or hurt by his home turning to dust beneath his feet.”
Drexley bit his lip and wished he could hide his feelings, but Ducarius was right. Lying for a sentinel was either impossible or difficult. Much too damn hard for Drexley to contrive untruths when his heart was aching.
“Adney wishes to die in his castle. Even if he wanted to leave, he already told us he lacks the magic to change the spell containing us. I cannot perish, so I will survive the destruction of his realm. And the last thing I want to do is speed up my trip to somewhere beyond this place. I like my life. It has been wonderful being here with Adney. I have no choice but to start fresh, but I am in no rush to go anywhere.”
“Drexley, I know you are frightened, and I do not blame you for your fear, but you already know you will have to face it. And while I applaud Adney’s desire to stay in the realm he created, I believe it will make his end that much more difficult for you both. There must be a way to leave. Another necromancer could fuel his power far from here perhaps.”
“I will honor Adney’s wishes whether you like it or not,” Drexley stated firmly.
Ducarius bobbed his head and returned to his seat. “I appreciate your determination, and I respect how much you love Adney, but I hope you will give my words some thought.”
