Mother had said he still cared about Vrell Sparrow.
She should confess the truth and accept his proposal. But the proposal was breeched now that her lineage was confirmed.
"Ahh!" Vrell screamed out her frustration and sank to her knees. Three birds fluttered out from their perch in the roof's rafters, startled by Vrell's cry. She watched them fly away, wishing she could fly too, like a real sparrow. Wishing she could start over fresh, honest.
She hugged her knees to her chest. True, she did not want to be queen. Such a life would be so difficult, so demanding. But what else could she be? She was a decent healer. Perhaps she could serve in the coming war, use the gifts Arman had given her to help Achan's cause.
A thought sprang up at the back of her mind. It seemed insane, wild, scary, and completely reckless.
She sought the face of Jax mi Katt and sent a knock.
Vrell! It's good to hear from you. How can I be of service?
Are you still in Carmine?
How did you know I was in--
Never mind. Could the Marad use another healer? A healer who is a woman?
A long silence. War is coming. We can always use healers. But you must be able to defend yourself. I cannot watch over you.
I do not need a nursemaid. When you are ready to ride south, I shall join you.
Vrell broke the connection. She would ride south, join the Marad rebels as the stray healer girl Vrell Sparrow, a name that now fit her in every way, since her father would not publicly claim her. She would serve her king.
But she would do it her way.
NOT THE END
This is the end of book 2 of the Blood of Kings trilogy. Book 3 continues the adventures of Achan and Vrell as they fight for Light to overcome Darkness. Sign up for newsletters from Marcher Lord Press or Jill Williamson's website to get updates on the status of From Darkness Won (Blood of Kings, Book 3).
A Note from the Author
Thanks for reading To Darkness Fled, the second installment in the Blood of Kings series.
I'd love to hear from you. E-mail me with your thoughts on the book, join my Facebook page, or sign up for my free newsletter to get updates on the third book and my upcoming events.
If you'd like to help make this book a success, tell people about it, loan your copy to a friend, and ask your library or bookstore to order it. Also, posting a review on Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com is very helpful.
My email is: [email protected].
If you'd like to download discussion questions or explore Er'Rets a bit more with my interactive map, check out my website: www.jillwilliamson.com.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to God for getting me through this last year. It has been an amazing journey. God is good to me, all the time.
Big thanks to Brad, Luke, and Kaitlyn for their patience and support.
Thanks to Jeff Gerke, a brilliant editor. He points out the best things, like magically appearing freckles and chairs. I have learned so much from him.
To the members of the Christian Young Adult Writers and Readers critique groups--Ann, Bridgett, Carman, Christopher, Crystal, Claire, Deb, Diana, Durga, Gretchen, Jacob, Kasey, Katie, Kathleen, Laura, Lynn, Maria, Mary H, Mary W, Nicole, Patrick, Shanti, Shelley, Stephanie, and Vernona--for your wisdom, support, prayers, and encouragement. You all are the best!
Thanks to my local readers: Philena English, Rachel Bentz, and Kylie Emery. I appreciate you taking the time to help me.
Laura Schuff, thank you! You are a brilliant young woman. What an amazing help you were.
Thanks to Cheryl Secomb and her friends JoAnna and Tamar for helping me with my Hebrew translations.
Hugs to all my readers. Thanks for reading about Achan and Vrell. One more book to go!
To Darkness Fled--Kindle Page 53