Knight Stalker/Knight Hunter
an excerpt

Outside of Karzok, Madeline helped Matt set up the camp on the flat expanse of high desert near the pristine and frigid waters of Lake Tso-moriri. It would be their base station for their nightly forays into the hills.

At sunset, he brought out the stove and set the water to boil for more dried food.

“I’m looking forward to having some true French cuisine when I get back.” She grumbled as he held out two choices of stew, and stew.

She pointed to the left package.

“French blend coffee and croissants in the morning.”

“Too wussy for me.” Matt said. “A good Italian espresso and prima colazione usually does it.”

She snorted. “It almost the same.”

He gasped with mock outrage. “How can you say that to me? Have you ever had prima colazione? Hmmm?”

“Yes, actually, I have. And while Italians should be proud of it, it’s still bread and jam.”

“True, but it’s special bread and jam.” He said and handed her a metal plate full of reconstituted meat and vegetables.

She blew out a breath and imagined it was Bœuf bourguignon. It didn’t work. Matt, she saw, crumbled up some crackers and dumped them in. “Does that make it taste any better?” She asked.

“No, but it adds body. Want some?”

“No thank you. I’d like to finish this as soon as possible.”

He smirked at her. “Why don’t you make the coffee?”

Madeline shovelled down the food with indecent haste and set her plate aside, watched the glorious orange sun set over the mountains and went about making the coffee.

“Do you think it’s the high altitude that creates such spectacular sunsets?” She asked.

“I hadn’t really thought about it, but I suppose so.” He replied around a mouthful of stew. His expression read: not caring.

She turned away and checked the pot. “If you don’t appreciate the beauty in the world, Matt, all you see is the ugliness.”

“True, I guess, but I do appreciate beauty.” He said and his gaze locked with her’s. “I appreciate the beauty of the lushness of the jungle, of the sky at night, of soft rain and a renaissance portrait. I appreciate the beauty of a finely crafted weapon and the innocence in a child’s smile.” He set his plate aside and kept eye contact with her as he moved towards her. “I appreciate the beauty of a shape of a woman’s form, fields of wheat waving in the breeze and the scent after a storm. I appreciate the beauty of a budding rose, the open highway and mist shrouded forests. I appreciate the beauty of a library and the heart of the fire; of the wild southern ocean and the vast, hot expanse of the Sahara. I appreciate virgin snow, Japanese art and the Haka.” His face was only inches away from hers and she stared at him, wide-eyed. “I appreciate the beauty of a first kiss and a last touch.” He settled his mouth on hers, and then drew back with a smile. “Is that Bull Durham enough for you?” He asked softly.

“Who?” She asked mesmerised.

He hooded his gaze and turned away. “Coffee's ready.”