“He has a fine enough steed, this one who escaped us,” the king of the dead murmured, and Rafael saw a ringed hand reach past him to stroke Rayo’s rump. A shudder ran over the destrier’s flesh and he tossed his head. The king chuckled. “Loyal, too. I could tame them both to my hand.” His fingers slid over Rafael’s arm in turn and Rafael froze for a heartbeat in shock before he carried on.
He shuddered elaborately. “It is already cold in this cursed country,” he muttered to Rayo, well aware that the king listened to his words. “We shall be gone to warmer climes soon enough, my old friend.”
“And a pity that is,” the king whispered. “By the time he returns, the portal will likely be closed forever.”
Rafael’s ears pricked at these tidings. It would suit him well for the portal to Hell at Ra
