Mathieu (White Flame Trilogy) - By Paula Flumerfelt Page 0,103

began to clean up her cuts.

~*~

After five hours, it seemed apparent that Nathan wasn’t getting any better. In fact, Nathan was getting worse. His convulsions were getting closer together, he spent more time unconscious than not, and even then he was delirious or insanely thirty, and his fever had spiked again.

Solomon hadn’t moved since Mathieu had forced him to sit, Adele had left the house to find Josette, and Elise was pacing the length of the room; Avanon was searching for Elric in town, and Darcia was sitting next to Solomon, occasionally patting his back. It was clear to all of them that this was hardest on the General.

Mathieu excused himself and retreated to upstairs, crossing to the bookcase. Looking the shelving unit up and down, he rubbed his forehead in frustration. This is horrible… He just needed a second away from the group, a moment to think. Nathan was getting bad and he wanted to help, but there wasn’t anything he could do. If a healer hadn’t been able to help, he knew he’d be useless.

What’s wrong, Matt?

Yes, Mathieu, what’s the matter?

Mathieu closed his eyes, comforted by Tesla and Nikola. It’s Nathan. He’s very sick and I don’t know how to help him. I’m trying to keep everyone calm, but…

But you aren’t their leader. You’re a newcomer. Tesla finished.

Something like that.

Nikola purred into his mind. What’s making him sick?

No idea. He got worse after Adele tried to heal him.

Sighing, Mathieu flopped into a chair, draping an arm over his eyes. “What are we going to do if he really does die?” He asked himself out loud.

Nikola scampered up the stairs and across the room, hopping into his lap; she looked up at him with big eyes. Everything will be okay. If it comes down to it, I’ll take you away from here. Keep you safe.

I’ll come, too. Tesla came in about the size of a dog and curled up at his feet. Your sadness is filling the room, Mathieu. Try to cheer up.

“And how should I do that? If Nathan dies, all of this dies with him. He keeps the peace, provides a stable figure in everyone’s life. Should he die, there are too many dominate personalities here. Fighting will start and…and this family will fall apart.” Mathieu ran his nails down the back of the reddish Shadowrider. Nikola’s back arching into his hand. “You’re a good girl, but I don’t want to lose a second family…especially after Avian…”

Thank you, Mathieu.

You sure play favorites… Tesla grumbled.

“Oh, Tesla, don’t be sore. You never want to be pet and have me cuddle you, so don’t complain. Get up here and I’ll pet you, too. But really, you guys; we need to think of a plan, just in case.” Mathieu smiled as Tesla hopped up in his lap too, in kitty form.

Nikola rolled onto her back and wiggled. I dunno….

Petting his companions, he gave them a thoughtful look. “How does one create a Shadowrider. You’re created, right?”

Of course we are. From the purest power of one’s soul. We are made of darkness because that is what fills Solomon. Why? Tesla licked his hand.

“I was…thinking of making one. Is that okay?”

That’d be splendid! Nikola jumped to her feet in excitement. We could have someone else to play with us!

Tesla gave him a quizzical look. One created from your heart would be interested.

Mathieu nodded his head absently, saying, “I wonder how it’s done…”

Tesla purred in a condescending manner. I know how to make one. It’s very painful, however, because you’re extracting part of your very essence.

“I can live with that. Listen, you two,” he picked both of them up and looked them in the eyes, “I get it if you guys need to be with Solomon more. He’s your creator and so, well, yeah…”

The black cat swatted out at him with his paw, sans claws. It was one of Tesla’s trademark moves with him. We walked out on him because he didn’t keep us in his heart. If he loved, cared, and relied upon us, we’d never have been able to be parted from him. You came along and we found you as much as you found us. We need you. If you make one of us, that’s fine with me, but don’t forget us.

He hugged them both against his chest suddenly, “Thanks, Tesla. Now, lay it on me. How do I make one?” It wasn’t quite the grand plan he had been aiming to construct in case Nathan didn’t make it, but this