Page 55 of The Last Knight

Chapter Eighteen

The darkness consumed, ate through flesh and bone, the pain so unbearable, screams erupted from Gunther’s throat over and over until he was unable to make any sounds.

When he struggled to get to his knees, to look for Aubrey, it felt as if his muscles were being shredded. Every part of his body quaked with the exertion, but he had to beg for help, he needed to be released.

He would never willingly go into an eternity of cruelty, causing death and destruction to the world. The darkness promised that and more, feeding from his fear, his desperation, growing stronger and easily overcoming him.

Finally, he managed to kneel on the ground and began the fight to raise his arms, giving Sterling a wider target. He met his friend’s tortured eyes and had to blink back tears at the raw emotion on the prince’s face. With monumental effort, Gunther met Aubrey’s gaze, holding it as the dagger flew through the air, behind it a beautiful trail of light and promise.

There was no pain as the blade plunged deep into him, piercing past skin, sinew and bone. Instantly there was relief as everything turned to black.

The last thing he heard were the shrieks emanating from the darkness and Gunther knew he’d won.

He’d always enjoyed the rustling sound leaves made when the wind rifled them. It was like a melody; one he’d never heard in the alter realm. For centuries, he’d not felt the warmth of the sun on his face or heard the melodic sounds of bird’s song.

In the distance the sounds of rushing water added to the imaginary world around him as he floated in and out, his body seeming to fade and reform. Unable to open his eyes, Gunther accepted that he was in the in-between, a place where the dead traveled through, memories of the past resurfacing. He was thankful that the earthly sensations were the forefront of his experience.

If only he could see the beauty of the world where he once lived and not just hear it. But he was grateful for whatever the moment gave.

The sensations continued, the sounds and scents of daylight, followed by those of night. The chirps of crickets, the frogs’ croaks mixing with the melody of babbling water.

Once again, the sun’s warmth caressed his face, and Gunther took a shaky breath, wanting more of it, wishing to see it. A beautiful bird’s singing soothed his battered soul as he prayed for forgiveness and was sorrowful for those he’d hurt in his long, long lifetime. His prayers were more fervent, asking for transport to a good and peaceful place.

The silence was shattered by a shrieking sound, something like a repetitive wail.

“Over here!” a voice sounded nearby. It was followed by the sounds of footsteps.

It was time, he supposed. But it felt so strangely real. As if whoever hurried toward him was earthly. Strange, he’d never imagined it that way.

Hard as he tried, his eyes would not open, nor could he move.

Something pressed against the side of his neck.

“He has a pulse.” The masculine voice was deep.

The sound of heavy breathing, followed by something cold and wet pressed against the opposite side of his face.

“Please move your dog back,” the same voice said.

Moments later something rigid was placed around his head and he was jostled, then the sensation of being lifted came.

Repetitive beeping sounds brought Gunther out of a haze…somewhat. At least he could finally open his eyes, but only to slits.

The room he was in was much too bright. It was stark, the walls an ugly light gray. On his left the rhythmic beep, beep, beep continued. He tried to look to see what caused the noise, but he didn’t have the energy to turn his head.

He closed his eyes, allowing sleep to come.

The next time he woke, the continuous beeping penetrated first, followed by the sounds of a disembodied voice from somewhere. “Doctor Patel to ICU. Doctor Patel to ICU.”

Moments later, voices sounded, and two faces appeared looking down at him. One was an olive-skinned woman, her black hair pulled away from her face.

“Can you hear me?” she asked, peering down at him and holding something against his chest. “Nod if you can hear and understand me.”

Gunther tried to speak, but there was something in his throat. He nodded.

“I am Doctor Patel. You are at St. John’s Hospital in Livingston. In the Intensive Care Unit.” She waited for him to nod.

Although he had very little idea what the woman said, other than being in a hospital, he nodded.