Page 66 of An Unlikely Knight

His stomach tightened, as Gunther appeared. Was the guard there to help Meliot?

Gunter walked in with purposeful steps. “Our forces are failing. You must leave before they overcome us.”

Taking advantage of Meliot’s distraction, Padriag scrambled to stand. The guard’s gaze barely flicked to him, but he didn’t warn the wizard. “You must leave, my lord.”

“I have something to see to first. Then we leave.” Meliot turned to face Padriag a satisfied look on his face. “Are you prepared for death?”

A flash of gold caught Padriag’s attention, the guard tossed something to him. Padriag caught it mid-air. It was a golden dagger.

Meliot glanced over his shoulder to his warrior.

Time seemed to still, every movement in slow motion. The dust in the air flowed at a meandering pace. Silence enveloped them.

First quiet, then louder, Erin’s voice echoed in his ears, it was as if she stood there in the room, it was so clear.

“By love unbroken, by bond unshaken,

I summon the heart that fate has taken.

By moon’s soft glow and sun’s first light,

Break these chains, undo the night.

Through endless time, through veil and mist,

Let not our bond be lost, dismissed.

By whispered vow and promise sworn,

Return, this knight, from where he was torn.

From shadows deep and silent grave,

Rise once more, be strong and brave.

By fate’s design and heart’s decree,

The knight’s return will come to be.”

In an instant, the silence shattered—the sounds of battle crashing back into the world.

Meliot spun, hands raised, fingers curled like claws, and with a terrifying screech he lunged at Padriag only to gasp his black eyes widening.

The golden dagger was buried deep in his chest.

The warlock staggered, his trembling hands reached for the dagger's hilt. “Wh-where did you g-get it?” His voice was weak, breathless.

“My fairy Dutch mother.”

Meliot’s body swayed—then collapsed. His lifeless eyes open. As malevolent magic left him and floated in the air, it surrounded Gunther, who stood stock still. After a moment, the mist dissipated and both men let out a breath.

“Thank you,” Padriag managed.

The guard gave Padriag a nod, glanced at the dead warlock and walked out.