To Darkness Fled bok-2

by Jill Williamson

  Achan! Are you hurt? Esek is holding me at his camp in Darkness. He said his men have attacked-Sparrow's ragged scream filled his mind.

  Achan swung his legs off the bed. Sparrow?

  But the connection had vanished. He reached out, looked through her mind and found darkness. Surely she couldn't have fallen asleep in mid-sentence.

  Had someone killed her?

  A man's scream brought him back from the dark place. He jumped off his bed and ran to the window. The bailey smoldered with grey smoke. Achan could barely make out the shapes of men fighting. His men against black-cloaked New Kingsguard knights.

  Sir Gavin! Why didn't you tell me we were under attack?

  Shung told me you were sleeping. I felt it best to leave you. Stay in your chambers, Your Highness. We will deal with this rabble.

  Unbelievable. If Achan's men heard he had slept through a battle, they might lose any thread of respect he had fought to earn. He ran into Sir Caleb's room and found the trunk containing his new armor. He had no way of securing the breastplate by himself, but he could manage the chain coat. He lifted the heavy chain out of the trunk.

  Cole! Ready Dove and Shung's horse to ride.

  Your Majesty? Cole sounded confused. Where are you?

  In my chambers. Achan carried the chain coat back to his chamber and spread it out on his bed. Cole likely thought he was going mad. Do not fear, Cole. I am speaking to you with bloodvoices. I will meet you at the stables in a moment.

  Uh, okay, Your Majesty.

  Achan scrunched up the chain and ducked his head through the neck opening. His hair snagged and the chain hung heavy around his neck. He struggled and finally managed to get it on. It hung heavy over his clothing. He should probably put on another shirt, but there was no time. He seized Eagan's Elk from and the knife from the Roxburg family. He threaded the knife's sheath onto the belt and buckled it around his waist.

  Achan prayed Sparrow hadn't been hurt. He pulled open the door to find Shung standing outside. "Let's go, Shung. We've a battle to join."

  Achan and Shung exited into the castle courtyard. The air was thick with smoke. Cole stood outside the stables between their horses. Achan started toward him.

  "Your Highness!" Sir Eagan's head peeked over the top of the inner gatehouse, looking down. "Come up and take a look."

  "I've no time for that. Atul has taken Sparrow captive. He's holding her at Esek's camp. Shung and I must ride."

  Sir Eagan raised an eyebrow. "Her?"

  "Please. She's not answering my bloodvoice calls."

  "That is wide of the point, Your Majesty. We cannot open the gate just yet. Come up to the tower and you will understand."

  Achan blew out an angry breath. Every second he lingered, Sparrow could be dying. He stormed to the gatehouse, Shung at his heels, and up the narrow, spiral stone staircase to the tower roof above the inner portcullis.

  Sir Eagan stood with Sir Gavin looking over the crenellations. From here, Achan could see the entire bailey. Three tents along the southeastern curtain wall were on fire. The outer gate was shut. The forest outside the curtain wall blazed. But the wooden structures within the stone stronghold had not caught fire. Too moist, perhaps. The smoke had faded, leaving only a few pockets coiling up into the sky, burning the shaft of arrows they flew in on.

  Dozens of men lay on the ground, some motionless, some writhing, some with arrows protruding from their bodies.

  "It is over?" Achan asked.

  "Not yet," Sir Gavin said. "We've pushed them down the road and they have retreated somewhat. Yet their cavalry has yet to come. Once our men are ready, we'll take the battle to them."

  Achan watched his army readying their horses. "What happened?"

  "When we left Tsaftown, we sent scouts ahead. Those who went to Carmine tell Gavin they've seen no sign of Esek's men. Those to Berland have not reported. Without their eyes, we could not know how close Esek's men were."

  "Take my hand, Your Highness," Sir Eagan said. "I will show you."

  "I don't understand."

  "Open your mind and you will."

  Achan held out his hand and opened a connection with the knight. He felt Sir Eagan's fingers grip his palm. Images flooded his mind's eye.

  Sir Eagan explained what Achan was seeing. "I was returning from TempleArman, paused at the northern tower, and saw men climbing onto the sentry walk. While I notified Gavin, they took out the guards at the outer gatehouse."

  Achan saw the scene unfold, felt Sir Eagan's racing heart and sense of urgency.

  "I befuddled a few with bloodvoicing, but many of them had shielded their minds. Gifted."

  In the recitation of the event in his mind, Achan saw the New Kingsguard knights lower their weapons and look up to the sky in a daze.

  "By the time Gavin made it out here, our men had already taken arms against the intruders. We took back the gatehouse before they managed to raise the portcullis."

  Achan watched his men sprint across the lawn and enter the gatehouse. He recognized Bazmark at the front of the pack.

  "Archers shot fire arrows over the wall. I moved down here with Gavin and searched the minds of the attackers to see what I could learn. A squadron-likely the ninety-plus men Kurtz saw leaving Tsaftown-came upon us unaware from the north. From Darkness."

  Sir Eagan released Achan's hand.

  Achan shivered as Sir Eagan's memories faded. "How did you do that? Give me your memories?"

  "You saw my thoughts, but I chose which to show you."

  "I too have looked into the minds of these men," Sir Gavin said. "From what I can tell, Esek is not with them. They answer to a Captain Keuper."

  "I know him," Sir Eagan said. "He trained under Sir Kenton. Arrogant fellow."

  "He's a fool," Sir Gavin said. "Why does Kenton not point out that shooting fire at Mitspah is a bootless errand?"

  "Is Sir Kenton out there?" Achan asked.

  "Not that we can sense," Sir Eagan said. "Nor is Lord Nathak. A shame, really. Many good men fight for Esek. I sensed their discord with this mission."

  "Why do they fight for him if they are conflicted?"

  "It is their job. It feeds their families. A man must think twice before leaving his only source of income and trailing after a rogue king."

  "That's me? A rogue king."

  "We have no coin to pay soldiers. For a man to leave his job and join you, he would have to believe the cause was worth the sacrifice his family would be making. Esek sabotages himself, though. He asks his men to die for his personal agenda. Killing you. I am surprised Sir Kenton allows this."

  "Indeed. Something is amiss. Kenton, at least, would know better than to shoot fire at Mitspah stronghold."

  Achan concentrated on Sparrow's face. Blackness. Hysteria gripped him. Arman, please don't let her be dead. He could tarry no longer. He darted between the men and grabbed each of their wrists, opened a connection, and remembered Sparrow's message, her scream, and how she went silent.

  He opened his eyes to see Sir Gavin pale. "She called out to me. Eben's breath: I told her to wait."

  "What are your orders, Your Majesty?" Sir Eagan said.

  Achan glanced at Shung. "We must take the road north, into Darkness. She's at Esek's camp."

  Sir Gavin frowned. "Achan, we cannot allow you to go."

  "I am not asking permission, Sir Gavin. Arman will protect me. I will take Shung."

  "And me," Sir Eagan said. "I will go with you."

  "Thank you," Achan said.

  "Gavin, we will ride out with the men, ride through as they attack."

  Sir Gavin sighed. "I'll inform Caleb. He won't be pleased."

  "You could have put on your helmet, Your Majesty." Sir Caleb looked like a sullen child standing at Dove's side.

  "Do not worry, Sir Caleb. I am wearing my chain armor. And my Shield and my father's Shield are with me."

  "That's one more Shield than Esek has," Sir Eagan said.

  Achan grinned. "See? All will be well, you
shall see."

  Sir Caleb's nostrils flared. He nodded, walked to the gate, and mounted his steed. Kurtz sat atop his horse beside Sir Caleb, looking fierce in armor.

  Sir Caleb heaved his sword into the air and bellowed, "For King Axel and his queen!"

  In response, the men raised their swords and echoed Sir Caleb's cry. "King Axel and his queen!"

  The portcullis rose. Achan's heart raced, expecting to see a melee already in place or arrows flying his way. But the road was deserted. The army rode out behind Sir Caleb and Kurtz, and turned south along the road.

  Then Achan saw them. In the distance, Esek's men, on horseback, riding toward them. Two in the lead fell from their mounts. Achan glanced back to see archers on the sentry wall of Mitspah letting their arrows fly to hold back the enemy.

  Kurtz roared, raised his sword, and his horse galloped into the lead. Dove raced along in the cavalry. Achan reached out for Sparrow again and received no answer. His muscles clenched at the thought of losing her. How could he feel so strongly, having only known she was a woman a few days? He knew only that his life would not be the same without her quirky comments, her easy banter, even watching her clean her teeth.

  The realization struck him like a gauntlet to the gut. She was the one for him. No matter what, he had to bring Vrell Sparrow back. He saw it as clearly as if it had been there all the time. He had to make her his, despite what Sir Caleb or any of the other knights had to say.

  Sir Caleb, Kurtz, and Bazmark led the fray. They peeled aside one by one to engage the enemy. Achan, Shung, and Sir Eagan rode straight through.

  A familiar voice cut through the clatter of hooves and swords. "There he goes, Sir Kenton! The white horse! The big one!"

  Esek would give chase. Achan spurred Dove on. Faster, boy. We must go faster.

  Twilight had fallen and the trees filtered most of the remaining light. Dove did not slow until a mist coated Achan's arm. The horse flattened his ears, his apprehension prickling Achan's arms.

  Achan agreed with Dove. He loathed the idea of entering Darkness again. I know, boy, but we must go back in. Sparrow is there.

  Dove slowed to a trot, tossing his head in protest. Achan urged him on, patting his mane.

  Yellow light flamed behind him. Sir Eagan now held a torch in one hand.

  Achan nodded, holding Dove back so Sir Eagan could lead. "Make haste, if you can. I'm sure Esek is not far behind."

  Sir Eagan spurred his mount through the mist, torch fire streaming. Achan and Shung followed.

  They found Esek's camp just past the Evenwall, a couple dozen tents erected in a clearing beside the road lit by torches mounted on wooden stakes. Sir Eagan rode into the camp and dismounted where two horses were tethered by a squat tree. Achan and Shung dismounted as well.

  They weaved between two tents and stopped before a large, round pavilion that glowed with firelight from within. Judging by the drab tents surrounding it, this extravagant one had to belong to Esek.

  Two armed New Kingsguardsmen stood at the entrance, swords drawn. Achan recognized both immediately. Atul and Khai. Achan drew Eagan's Elk.

  An itch to Achan's temple preceded a knock. Eagan.

  Achan opened his mind. What's your plan?

  Shung and I will lure these guards aside. Achan will go in and free Vrell. Keep your minds open to each other.

  Shung nodded. Apparently Sir Eagan had forged a connection with him as well.

  Achan hung back while Sir Eagan and Shung approached the guards.

  "Atul, you dog," Sir Eagan said. "The punishment for treason is death, you know."

  "I serve my king faithfully."

  "Ah, but Esek is no one's king. He is just a poor sap like you. So who is the bigger fool? The insane man who thinks he is king or the man who follows him?"

  "It ain't crazy to follow the Council's anointed."

  "Again, if the Council is filled with deranged men, I have to disagree. We have come for Sparrow. We believe you took her. Mind if we take a look in that fancy tent?"

  "We do mind, actually," Khai said.

  "A shame. For we shall have to kill you then." Sir Eagan's battle cry ripped through the quiet.

  Steel clashed, feet scuffled over the moist dirt. Sir Eagan instantly drove Atul away from the entrance. Achan kept back, waiting for Shung to get Khai out of the way.

  But why wait?

  Achan charged and chopped Eagan's Elk at Khai's back. It grated against the chain he wore underneath his cape. Khai spun, swinging his gargantuan sword Achan's way. Achan ducked. The sword slashed into the canvas wall of the tent. Khai grunted and pulled it out, but Shung knocked him out with a crack to the back of his head.

  Well done, Shung! Achan sheathed his sword and ran inside. Incense filled his lungs. A brazier crackled in the center of the round room. A small form lay curled on a bed on the other side of the brazier. Achan raced to the bedside. It was indeed Sparrow. She was wearing a red and blue dress. The deep colors against her fair skin made her look like a goddess, though her face was swollen in two places: below her left eye and on the left side of her forehead.

  He scooped her onto his lap and tucked her head under his chin, stroking her soft hair, inhaling her rosewater scent. She felt so small in his arms. Warm. That was good, right? Warm meant alive.

  "Sparrow." He shook her gently. "Wake up." He heaved to his feet, holding her against his chest. Her long skirt draped over his left hand and down to his knees, the beads on the skirt rattling against his chain armor as he carried her to the door.

  Shung stood in the doorway, holding the curtain open. Achan turned sideways to duck past, shielding Sparrow's head with his own. He paused outside to adjust his grip, and Sir Eagan's posture sent a shock of cold through him.

  The man stood, crouched, sword ready, facing two men who were dismounting.

  Esek Nathak and his Shield, Sir Kenton.

  Esek cried out. "Atul! This is not finishing him!"

  Sparrow moaned, shifted in his arms, opened her eyes.

  Praise Arman! "Oh, Sparrow. I feared the worst. If anything had-"

  She squirmed in his grip. "Achan, we must hurry. Put me down."

  "It's too late to run, Sparrow." He set her on her feet, keeping one protective arm around her shoulders, holding her against his side. "Look."

  Her face seemed to pale further in the surrounding torchlight. He took her hand and squeezed.

  Dove is just beyond those tents. Achan nodded toward the tents behind Esek and Sir Kenton. Get to him and ride as fast as you can back to Mitspah.

  She shook her head. We go together, please.

  If we all run, Esek gives chase. If it's just you… He looked down on her face. It's me he wants. Let me fight him, distract him while you get away.

  I will not leave you.

  Achan paused to knit this information together in his brain. She did care for him.

  Sparrow. I have two Shields and Esek only has one. I will be safe. When the fighting starts, you run for Dove? Do you understand?

  She nodded, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks.

  "Here we are again, stray." Esek sighed. "This does grow old. I abhor all this traveling. Why won't you simply die?"

  "Arman will not let me die." Achan took in his surroundings. Sir Eagan stood before Esek and Sir Kenton. Shung stood on Achan's left, Sparrow on his right, clutching his hand. Atul lay gasping by the tent opposite Esek's.

  Achan scanned the area. Were did Khai go? His sword is gone. I thought he was unconscious.

  Shung did not see.

  He ran off, Sir Eagan said. Must not have hit him hard enough, Shung.

  Esek snorted. "Arman, indeed. Sir Kenton, finish the gnat. I am tired of his charmed existence."

  Achan pushed Sparrow behind him and drew his sword.

  But Sir Kenton hadn't moved. "I'll tire him for you, toy with him if you like, Your Majesty, but I won't kill him."

  Esek's eyes widened. "Explain yourself, Sir Kenton."

 
"I'm your Shield, true, but I serve Lord Nathak. He's my master and he ordered me not to let this man be killed."

  Esek's posture swelled. "Have you always informed Lord Nathak of my plans?"

  Sir Kenton bowed his head. "I have."

  "Of all the insolent-" Esek thrust an arm in Achan's direction. "He is the only one who stands in my way. If he is dead, the throne is mine!"

  Sir Kenton shook his head. "Do you honestly think your father would have let him live without good reason?"

  Esek narrowed his eyes. "Do not refer to that man as my father."

  Go, Sparrow, while they argue. Now!

  She released his hand, and he heard her soft footsteps retreat around the back of the tent.

  Sir Eagan's order came next. Shung, you take Esek, I'll take Kenton. Your Majesty, stay back.

  Sir Eagan and Shung attacked. Achan stood, furious at being coddled yet again. Sparrow's raspy scream stifled his anger. Khai!

  Achan ran around the tent, the way Sparrow had gone.

  *

  Of all the men to catch her! Khai?

  His strong hand gripped Vrell's arm. A sharp point pricked the back of her neck. "Silence, my lady."

  The clash of swords sounded from the other side of the pavilion. The men were fighting, but Vrell had failed to escape.

  Khai's stale breath blew hot in her ear. "You and I will wait right here while the king kills your pathetic hero."

  But Achan raced around the curve of the pavilion, sword in hand. He stopped a few paces away. "Let her go."

  "Or perhaps I will kill your pathetic hero." Khai's knife punctured her skin. Vrell released a ragged breath at the prick of pain. "You must give up this charade, boy. The Council's word is law, unfair as it may be. Esek is king and you are not. If you want to see this girl live, give yourself up. That's all it will take."

  Khai's grip slipped suddenly. Vrell ripped free.

  Khai groaned to a yell. "No!" He stumbled and dropped his knife on the moist dirt, limbs shaking, face twisted in fury.

  Vrell darted forward and snatched it up.