The Fearless (Star Legend Book 2) by J.J. Green

Author:J.J. Green [Green, J.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: InfiniteBook
Published: 2021-03-12T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Four

WHEN TAYLAN STEPPED into Arthur’s cabin, a huge grin broke over his face. He said something in his first language to Merlin, and the two of them talked while she stood there holding Boots in his bag.

The newcomer had changed from his red robe into civilian clothes. He was no longer wearing his cap either, revealing short, gray hair that matched his beard. If Taylan had passed him on the street, she wouldn’t have looked twice. He appeared to be a very ordinary, rather lean, man approaching his middle years but looking good for his age.

“Taylan,” said Arthur at last, rising from his bunk and stepping over to grasp her by the hand. “Come in. Come in.”

The door slid closed behind her.

Boots gave away his presence with a plaintive miaow, and the ancient king’s features achieved new heights of delight. “You brought the cat?”

Taylan handed him the bag. She hadn’t spoken yet. As Arthur put the bag on the floor and unzipped it, she and Merlin sized each other up.

Arthur pulled an unprotesting Boots out and held him to his chest, stroking the animal from head to tail. A loud purring filled the room. Still, Taylan hadn’t spoken.

As if suddenly noticing the awkward silence, Arthur said, “Taylan, this is my old, good friend, Merlin.”

“Hello, Merlin.”

“But he’s survived all these years too,” Arthur went on. “I never thought I would see anyone I’d known in my former life. Merlin is...different from most men.”

“Oh, I know,” said Taylan. “I know.”

The corner of the alien’s lip lifted in a sardonic smile.

It was as if a second, unspoken conversation was going on between them, to which the king was entirely oblivious.

“It was Merlin who tended me after my last battle. He saved my life.”

Taylan’s ears pricked up. She asked the alien, “Was it you who preserved Arthur in the cave, so if the BI fell he could live again and help us?”

“It was I,” he replied. “The land of your forefathers was split along different lines in those days, but the principle is correct.”

A giant piece of the puzzle regarding Arthur slid into place in Taylan’s mind. When she’d argued with Wright about the mummy he’d found in the cave, he’d said it was impossible for a human being to have remained alive so long. But here was the explanation. Merlin had kept him alive via some alien technology. It also explained the alien’s legendary status as a wizard. He could do things that were impossible for humans then, and now.

Arthur spoke to the alien in his own language, and another conversation started up.

She was irritated. It was rude for them to talk together knowing she couldn’t understand. She resented being excluded from the dialogue, and she resented her special connection to the king being usurped by this interloper.

She was about to make a remark when Arthur said, “I was telling Merlin you’re an excellent fighter at staves. He doesn’t believe me. Shall we give him a demonstration?”

“What, now?”

“Why not?”

“I thought Merlin was supposed to be treating the people who still need his help.

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