From Darkness Won

by Jill Williamson

  “Who tempted you?”

  “A woman that Kurtz… Oh, Gâzar himself. Does it truly matter? The point is, I walked away and became stronger. And I pledge myself to you alone, forever, if you’ll have me.”

  She bit her bottom lip. “Do you truly believe Arman is the One God?”

  “Aye, and Câan His Son, who saved me from myself.”

  Sparrow’s lips parted. “When did you come to believe?”

  “The day you left Mitspah.” He smirked. “I should thank you for leaving, I suppose, for if you hadn’t, I might not have figured all that out.”

  Sparrow broke into tears then, weeping openly.

  “Please don’t cry, Sparrow. I promise to be a man worthy of your love.”

  “Oh, Achan. You already are such a man. As if my behavior has made me worthy of such devotion. I punished you for crimes you had not yet committed while I stood by, blinded by fear and lying like a rogue. But my lies never kept my heart safe. Please, do not believe your weakness is worse than mine. Arman does not put one transgression higher than another. All are disdained by him.”

  He took her hands. “We can help each other be strong.”

  “And you still wish to marry me?”

  “Very much.” He set one half of the coin on her palm and closed her fingers around it. “A token of my promise, from a stray boy named Achan to a stray girl named Vrell.”

  She looked at the coin. “I’d rather have the half with your face on it.”

  “It’s my father’s face, not mine. Though Sir Gavin swears they’ll make coins bearing my likeness someday.”

  Her eyes flitted over his face. “What happened to your hair? Your ear?”

  “During the Battle of Reshon Gate. A black knight—”

  She reached up and ran her fingers over his ear. The sound of her skin on his magnified in his eardrum, like listening to the sea inside a shell. Her touch flustered him, excited him, and kind of hurt the blister that was forming there. The intensity of her green eyes weakened his knees.

  “Please let me kiss you.”

  Her eyes widened. “Here? With our chaperones watching?”

  Achan glanced at the doorway. Shung and Esper were still talking, about what he could not begin to guess. Achan bet Shung had never talked so long in his life. “They’re not watching.”

  She inched back a step.

  Achan had a sudden urge to wrestle her. But she was a girl—which perhaps explained why she’d never beaten him. “Meet me tonight?”

  “Where?”

  “In here.” Achan pointed to two oversized doors on the far wall of the solar. “Those lead to a balcony that is said to have a magnificent view.”

  “Good thing we do not need a view, what with Darkness and all.”

  He stared at her for one long, stunned moment, then laughed. “Why do I feel as if you will always be jerking the mat out from under my boots?”

  She picked up his ring from the table, hung it back around her neck, and tucked in into her neckline. A coy smile curled her lips. “Because I always will.” She curtsied. “Until this evening, Your Highness. And do not forget my sleeve.”

  He bowed, and she swept from the room.

  “Good day.” Esper curtsied to Achan and Shung, then followed Sparrow.

  Shung raised an eyebrow. “Well?”

  What could he say of that conversation? He replayed it in his mind, though it had gone by like a lightning flash. “Only one thing is certain, Shung. She didn’t say no.”

  When dinner ended that evening, Sir Caleb would not leave Achan’s side, first insisting he visit the tombs of kings—which Achan did find fascinating—then demanding Achan get fitted for new clothes.

  Achan sensed the man was distracting him on purpose and hoped honesty might work best. “Sir Caleb, must we fit new clothing now? I promised to meet Sparrow in the solar.”

  “Esper did not mention any such meeting.”

  “We did not invite Esper.”

  “Your Highness, I realize you and Lady Averella took many liberties whilst we all believed her to be a boy. But she is not one. And you cannot sneak off together without a chaperone. Knowing what I do about your experiences together, I am tempted to speak with Duchess Amal.”

  Achan frowned. “About what?”

  “To either expedite this marriage or break the betrothal entirely.”

  Achan did not understand this man. Never would. “In case you’ve forgotten, we are no longer officially betrothed. Duchess Amal released me from my obligation when Lady Averella asked to be freed from it.”

  “But she had lost her memory.” Sir Caleb tugged on the sleeve Achan now wore proudly on his left arm. “It’s clear to my eyes that you both have moved past that.”

  “Then why would you ask to expedite the marriage?”

  The look on Sir Caleb’s face could smelt iron. “The last thing you need is a distraction. We are at war. I need you alert and focused on the task at hand, which is not sneaking off to steal kisses with Lady Averella.”

  Achan checked the shields around his mind, wondering how Sir Caleb could have known his plans so entirely without having read his thoughts.

  Sir Caleb chuckled. “I was a young man once, Your Highness. I don’t need to read your thoughts to know them. Now, if you promise to pay attention, you may invite Lady Averella to join us in the solar for a meeting. Sir Gavin would like to talk with all of us.”

  Not an hour later, a dozen or more men—and Sparrow and Esper—sat around the table in the solar. Sparrow had changed into a red gown that made her look like a flower in a garden. You look lovely, Sparrow.

  Thank you. How unfortunate that all these people invited themselves to our meeting.

  He matched her smile with one of his own. Sir Caleb insisted. Esper and Shung are not chaperone enough to please him.

  Then he is a smart man, for I could disarm your Sir Shung with a leg sweep and Esper with hopps tea.

  Might she be suspicious if you take down Shung then offer her tea?

  Truly you are wise, Your Highness. I shall give them both tea and save my energy for you.

  Achan laughed aloud, earning a glare from Sir Caleb. You’re a bold woman, Sparrow.

  If my thoughts offend you I shall keep them to myself.

  By all means, I long to hear how you will spend your energy on me.

  Why, by dancing, of course.

  Dancing? Couldn’t Shung and Esper be present for dancing?

  Why, no, Your Highness, because you are so poor at it. I would hate to see you embarrassed in public.

  We would do nothing more than dance?

  Certainly not. You do not think I intended something sordid by my words? Really, Your Highness. I am a lady, well-bred and disciplined in such matters.

  Well, I planned to kiss you as I did in Mitspah, until you grabbed hold of my hair for fear of the joy sending you straight to Shamayim.

  How she kept a straight face after that comment, Achan would never know. Now that would be entirely improper, Your Highness. Sir Caleb would definitely not approve.

  Which is why we are here and not on the balcony.

  Yes. And you no longer have enough hair to grab hold of.

  He ran a hand over his short hair and grinned.

  Straight to Shamayim… Sparrow smirked. You think very highly of your kisses. You believe they hold such power?

  At least that much. I am a cham bear, after all.

  Little Cham, so Sir Shung calls you. But how would he know the power of your kisses?

  Ha ha, my lady jester.

  Sir Gavin Lukos.

  Achan jumped so fast his chair scraped against the floor. He opened his mind to Sir Gavin. Lo, Sir Gavin. How do you fare with the Mârad?

  Well, thank you, Your Highness. Sir Caleb tells me that Vrell Sparrow has made her way back to you.

  She has. Achan met her eyes, and his stomach waged war within him. But as you well know she is really Lady Averella Amal. No need to deceive me any longer.
She has confessed.

  I am glad of that. Now that you know all, have you two reconciled?

  Somewhat. Though Sir Caleb is careful not to leave us alone for even a moment.

  I daresay he has his reasons.

  Achan frowned. The men appear restless, Sir Gavin. Might we start this meeting?

  I’m ready, if you will call it to order and be my voice.

  One moment. Achan stood. “Could I have silence, please, as I offer this meeting to Arman for His guidance and glory?”

  The men quieted, and Achan closed his eyes. “Arman, we come together to fulfill Your plans for Er’Rets. Thank You for bringing us this far. Guide us the rest of the way. Provide a plan to take Armonguard as peaceably as possible. So may it be as You decree.”

  “So be it,” everyone said.

  “Sir Gavin is watching through my eyes,” Achan said. “I will speak for him.” Achan raised a hand to command silence. Speak, Sir Gavin. What have you to say?

  Captain Chantry’s ships are currently anchored off the coast of Arman Duchy. They will wait for my order to time their attack with ours. We will march south toward Armonguard. Depending on Esek’s army and how long it takes to defeat them, we will need to breach the fortress itself to open the gates so our men and Captain Chantry’s men can get inside. This is no easy task.

  Achan repeated Sir Gavin’s words to the men.

  “If we could get New Kingsguard cloaks, we could send a squadron down the Gadowl Wall,” Sir Jax said. “They could join the enemy army and find a way inside.”

  “It leaves too much to chance,” Captain Demry said. “First and foremost, the uniforms. Do you have the resources to create uniforms quickly, Bodwin?”

  Bodwin shook his head. “I’m having seamstresses in the village, but not the cloth. We are having plenty of red…”

  “Could we dye the red fabric black?” Sir Rigil asked.

  “Possibly. I would have to be asking my weavers.”

  “Any other ideas?” Achan asked.

  “What if we managed a dozen New Kingsguard uniforms, then took another dozen of our men down as if they were prisoners?” Sir Rigil said. “We get inside and—”

  “Too risky,” Captain Demry said. “They may not allow us to escort the prisoners inside. We might end up surrendering our men.”

  “May I speak?” Sparrow said.

  Achan nodded to her. “Of course. For those of you who have not met her, this is Lady Averella Amal of Carmine.”

  She addressed the men in a confident voice. “Our group made it to Noiz due to the direction of a man named Peripaso. He knows the tunnels underground better than anyone. Years ago he took a tunnel out of Armonguard. With his help we might enter the castle from underground.”

  Bodwin laughed. “I’ve been serving Noiz as warden for thirteen years. Never have I been hearing of any tunnels.”

  “Nor had I until I met Peripaso,” Jax said. “We would be wise to ask him, at least.”

  I’ve heard of tunnels under the fortress, Sir Gavin said.

  Achan repeated Sir Gavin’s claim, then said, “Send a man to fetch Peripaso, then.”

  Bodwin groaned and folded his arms, but Manu darted out the door.

  “Thank you for your suggestion, Lady Averella,” Achan said.

  She bowed her head. Bodwin son of Inko seems to have inherited his father’s paranoia.

  I’ve noticed that as well. Have you thought any more about my offer?

  Which offer do you mean, Your Highness? Your offer of a secret meeting no longer applies. And the offer of a dance was actually my offer to you. You could not mean that scandalous offer of kisses? Surely you were only teasing.

  I was not teasing. He dug his half of their coin from his pocket and tapped it against his chin. But I meant the offer that accompanied the coin I gave you.

  Oh, that. Well, I must confess it—

  Children, do not forget that I am here, Sir Gavin said in a singsong tone. And I hear your every word.

  34

  Averella’s face flamed. She could not look at Achan. Thankfully, Shung and Peripaso entered the solar, and the distraction spared her further embarrassment.

  By the time she looked back to Achan, he bore no signs of Sir Gavin’s rebuke on his face. He looked so different with short hair and a beard, and had grown much in confidence since she last saw him. How she had missed his company. But now that she had returned, being Lady Averella had only erected a different kind of wall between them. Protocol.

  Sir Caleb would never permit them a moment alone now, especially if Sir Gavin told him what he’d overheard. It had never occurred to Averella how little time most couples spent together alone. Mother had trusted Averella with Bran more than she probably should have. And Sir Caleb would never give that freedom to Achan.

  Shung set up a chair for Peripaso at the end of the table.

  “You are Peripaso, I presume?” Achan said.

  Mercy. Achan behaved so formally now, so educated and commanding. Sir Caleb had taught him well.

  “I am, Your Majesty,” Peripaso said. “It’s an honor to make your ’quaintance.”

  “Likewise. I understand you have performed admirably, and I wish to knight you for your service to my men.”

  Peripaso ducked his head. “Many thanks, Your Highness, but I’m not a fighting man.”

  “Anything you desire, then. You only need ask.”

  Another bow. “You are most gracious, Your Highness.”

  “Can you tell us if there are tunnels that go underground from here to Armonguard? That exit inside the stronghold?”

  “’Course there is, Your Majesty, sir. There’s a river that’ll get you there. One leads straight to the dungeon. You’d only need to break out of the cell, if it was locked. Other than that…”

  “You have taken these tunnels recently?” Achan asked.

  “Naw. Been ten years since I gone down that way.”

  “So the tunnels may have caved in?” Sir Caleb asked.

  “Suppose they could’ve, though it ain’t likely. I’ve been livin’ thirteen years in the Nahar Caves. Only tunnels caved in was the ones I caved myself.”

  “Why would you cave in tunnels?” Achan asked.

  “Keep the Ebens away from me.”

  Achan raised his hand to signal that Sir Gavin was speaking to him. “Sir Gavin wishes that Captain Demry explore the tunnel’s entrance with Peripaso and submit a plan of attack.” He dropped his hand. “Inform me when your plan is ready. Meeting adjourned.”

  Averella stayed in her seat as the men filed out of the chamber. She caught Achan’s eye and sensed he was lingering as well. Perhaps he would get his chance to show her the balcony. She blushed at the thought, until she glanced up and met Sir Caleb’s narrowed gaze.

  “And now we have time to work through your wardrobe, Your Highness,” Sir Caleb said.

  Achan rolled his eyes at Averella. “Splendid. I was just thinking how I needed a dozen new pairs of trousers.”

  Captain Demry came to Achan’s chambers to report that the tunnels were there, along with a dozen boats that could sit twenty each. Achan bloodvoiced Sir Gavin with Captain Demry’s plan to enter Armonguard. The Great Whitewolf liked it enough to ask Achan to call yet another meeting where a final battle plan was hashed out.

  Sir Gavin would lead their army and the Mârad out of Edom Gate and down the Gate Road. According to Duchess Amal, Veil Scout that she was, Esek’s southern army had backtracked to the fields north of Armonguard. Whether they remained at that location or headed north up the Gate Road, Sir Gavin’s army would meet them at some point.

  The small group of soldiers in Noiz would divide into four squadrons and ride the boats on the underground river to the Armonguard dungeon. Upon arrival in Armonguard, Inko would command a squadron to take the northern gate, Captain Demry and his squadron would take the western gate, Sir Eagan and his group would focus on the eastern gate, and Achan and Sir Caleb would take their men to the watchtower, for
that was where Duchess Amal claimed Lord Nathak and Esek spent much of their days.

  The army was a day’s ride closer to Armonguard, but the rivers should carry Achan and his group faster. Achan’s group would seize the gates and keep them open so that Sir Gavin’s army and Captain Chantry’s men could get inside.

  Achan’s task, according to Sir Gavin, would be to kill Esek and Lord Nathak—and if possible rebuke the keliy.

  And so the battle plan that would decide the fate of Er’Rets was set into motion. Achan adjourned the meeting and went looking for Sparrow before Sir Caleb could stop him.

  But Sparrow had already gone to bed for the night.

  The next morning, Averella discovered that the war council had met again the previous evening without her. She begged servants for details, but they claimed the meeting had been behind locked doors. She took to her bed to watch through her father’s eyes and found him in his chambers, getting dressed in his armor.

  She walked from her room to the great hall, looking for any familiar face, Achan’s, especially. Soldiers were everywhere, dressed for battle. Something was going to happen, and soon.

  She found Gren and Noam in the great hall eating breakfast. There was no sign of Achan at the head table. She sat down beside Gren. “Do you know where all these soldiers are going?”

  “They leave for battle today,” Noam said.

  Today? But they had just arrived. “When?”

  “I heard someone say within the hour.”

  “We’re not permitted to go,” Gren said.

  “As well you should not,” Noam said. “Nor should I, for I would only be a hindrance.”

  Achan Cham.

  Averella opened her mind at once. Achan, where are you?