Page 31 of The Death Wish

‘Silas,’ Pitch exclaimed, perching upon the very edge of the seat. ‘That is hardly the question that needs asking. Sweet, holy Celestials, did you say you have been in a priest’s hole, Charlie? You lucky thing. The pious ones are often the most lewd.’

‘Pitch, truly?’ Silas sighed as he dug the poker into the coals, stirring them.

‘It’s fine, Silas.’ Charlie sighed. ‘Edward and I have already placed bets on how long it would take for Tobias to make a crude remark about it.’

‘What? Priest’s holes are quite enjoyable. I’ve known a few in my time. How big is yours?’

‘And you say you are four hundred years old?’ Silas said, exasperated ‘Are you certain you’ve not embellished that with several more centuries than it deserves?’

‘Says the ancient old man whose crows’ feet are showing.’

‘You are idiots, amongst many other things.’ Charlie grinned, sitting down once more, as Silas encouraged the fire. ‘But it is sowonderful to see you in such good spirits.’ He reached for Pitch, grabbing his hand and squeezing. ‘I have missed you both, so terribly.’

‘And you lad, have grown far more adept at a decent lie.’ Pitch pulled his hand from Charlie’s grip, but Silas’s heart danced to see the slight pink in his cheeks. ‘Tell me more of this priest and his hole.’

Charlie gave out a put-upon sigh. ‘Must you make every turn of phrase salacious?’

‘Yes.’

‘Fair enough. But this is not the hole you are insinuating, and you know it. Where Sanu took us may once have been used as a hiding place for a persecuted man of the cloth, but it’s not sheltered a priest from strife in a long while. Now his presence is a legend only.’

‘If you say so.’

‘And I do,’ Charlie laughed, and it was truly a wonderful moment for Silas as he found his place on the settee. ‘You may have known many a pious hole, Mr Astaroth, but I assure you, you haven’t known this one, unless you are prone to rutting about in remote caves in the middle of the Lake District, which, honestly, I just cannot imagine.’

‘But you say you have walked from this place, Charlie?’ Silas said, before Pitch could strike again. ‘How long has this journey taken you?’

‘A full day’s walk.’

Silas and Pitch exchanged a glance, and he felt he knew the daemon’s mind. A day’s walk was not so far. They were upon a brink from which there was no return.

‘But we can do it in far less time on horseback, of course,’ Charlie said, misunderstanding their quiet.

‘I see no need to rush.’ Pitch was sullen.

‘Edward is alone, I cannot leave him –’

‘It’s alright, Charlie,’ Silas said, laying a reassuring hand on the lad’s knee. ‘Of course we will go as soon as we’ve made preparations.’ Perhaps those preparations could take a while, a day, a week. Silas shivered, despite the fire’s substance.

‘I was being very cautious. Too slow, I’m sure,’ Charlie said. ‘It has been a harrowing time, not knowing what has become of everyone.’ He grew thoughtful. ‘Sanu tried very hard to show us, but about the only thing we truly understood was the loss of Hastings. The mare grieves, I do not need her language to know that. I’m so sorry to hear the news.’

Pitch’s gaze shifted to the window, his focus distant. ‘Our enemies have paid their price. There is only one left to bother us still.’ He shrugged. ‘Perhaps two, if my dear Pappa changes his ever-shifting mind, again.’

‘Your father seeks you harm?’ Charlie glanced at Silas, his concerns clear. But Silas shook his head.

‘He is no longer a concern, I’m certain,’ he said. ‘There was a misunderstanding, but all is well now.’

He expected a curt, vile rebuttal from Pitch, but none came. The prince was still worryingly lost in his own thoughts. He rubbed at his finger, as though he still wore the scythe there.

‘Pitch? Everything alright?’

In answer he got to his feet, turning his back on them. ‘Stop fussing, Silas. I’m going to bathe. I’m certainly not going to traipse about the countryside with dirt between my arse cheeks. ’

‘Oh, what a wonderful idea,’ Charlie sighed.

‘If you think to join me, best you clear it with Silas first.’ Pitch was careless. ‘We could have him watch, I suppose? In time, he may be convinced to join us.’

Charlie’s eyes went wide. ‘I don’t want to bathe with you.’