From Darkness Won Part 57

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 embarra.s.sment.

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 Marad out of Edom Gate and down the Gate Road. According to d.u.c.h.ess 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 d.u.c.h.ess 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?

Me? It is you who haven't been answering, Sparrow. Last night you were asleep when I came to call, and this morning... still sleeping. I have been up since before dawn.

I heard that you will be leaving soon.

Very soon. Where are you?

In the great hall.

Can you come down to the tunnels to see me off? We won't be leaving for at least another hour, but Sir Caleb will not let me out of his sight.

He was leaving already? Yes, of course I will come.

She could hear the smile in his tone. I shall count the breaths until your arrival.

You are sweet. He would not likely be as sweet when he saw her.

Averella bid farewell to Gren and Noam and returned to her chambers. She had a servant bring her a man's uniform, then help her dress and attach her bronze plate armor. She loathed the idea of wearing it again but would be foolish to go without it. She had seen enough battle wounds to know the value of such protection.

Once she was dressed all the way to her helm, she donned her satchel, which Esper had replenished for her, put on her belt and sword, tucked her small knife into her boot, and followed the narrow rock path to her father's chamber.

She pushed open the door. Being a man with so much more armor than she had, Sir Eagan was not yet ready. She closed the door and leaned against it.

He caught sight of her and sighed. "Averella, you cannot come along. Your mother has already forbidden it."

"She does not have the right."

"She has every right. You are her daughter. And you said it yourself: you are not a warrior."

"But I am able to fight. And helping the wounded was the whole reason I came this far. I will not be left behind."

"A breastplate and helm is not enough armor for this battle." He addressed the valet who was attaching his breastplate. "We shall need some cuisses and greaves for the lady. A gorget as well, if you can find one small enough for her. And a shield."

The valet finished tying the points of Sir Eagan's breastplate and bowed. "I'll see what I can find, sir."

"It is doubtful Sir Caleb will allow this. The less you say the better. You will come with me. My task is to lower the southwestern drawbridge. Promise you will not leave my side?"

"I promise, Father."

"Good."

Soon she was walking stiffly after her father down so many flights of stairs that her legs began to ache. The valet had tied the leather armor to her thighs so tightly it pinched behind her knees, and her shield was heavy.

The sound of water made her hopeful that they were almost there, but they continued to travel down, down, down.

Just when Averella felt she might faint from fatigue, the tunnel walls fell away into a large cavern. Torches lit the scene. Two levels below where Averella and her father descended, the stairs emptied onto a rocky shelf that ran alongside an underground river. Hundreds of soldiers milled about, loading gear into a dozen boats that were tied to the shelf. The boats bobbed on the rushing current, front and back ends clunking against each other.

Though the boats were larger than the one she had taken from Xulon, Averella could not help but think of when she had first met Peripaso. She hoped the reekats were asleep.

Despite her aching legs, she kept on her father's heels. They finally reached the shelf and wove through the mob of soldiers. She wrinkled her nose at the stench of body odor. She doubted these men had bathed since Carmine.

Sir Caleb's voice grew in the darkness, and suddenly Sir Eagan stopped before him. Sir Caleb was dressed in full battle armor as well. He stood with a group of captains, Achan, and Achan's personal guards.

"You know, armor and water are a dangerous match," Sir Eagan said to Sir Caleb.

Sir Caleb hummed his agreement. "But the alternative is worse. The men have been told to be careful."

Averella stayed behind her father, hoping not to be seen, but she could not help looking at Achan. His armor looked impressive. His helm had a long nose guard, which allowed her to see his eyes, cheeks, mouth, and chin. Her maroon sleeve stood out against the brown leather armor on his arm and made her smile.

Shung whistled a sharp sound, and the crowd quieted.

Sir Caleb addressed the men in a loud voice. "You each know your captain. The first three boats will accompany Inko and Peripaso, so if you're on the mission to take the northern gate, move to the front. The second three boats are with the prince and myself. Our group will take the watchtower. Captain Demry will take the western gate, their boats are next. And those a.s.signed with Sir Eagan to take the eastern gate will claim the last three boats. Make sure you're in the right boat before we cast off. Arman be with you all."

Averella stepped back to allow her father room to lead the way to the boats at the end of the line.

Sparrow.

She turned and met Achan's blue eyes.

What are you doing in that outfit?

She pulled back her shoulders. Serving my prince.

His lips pulled into a straight line. I didn't ask you to fight. Just to see me off.

I will not be left behind. I have proven that I can take care of myself.

Sir Caleb tugged on Achan's arm. "Your Highness, come this way and we'll get you into the boat." When Achan did not move, Sir Caleb followed his gaze until it settled on Averella.

"For the love of Arman, Eagan! What is this? Did your daughter forget she belongs in a dress so soon?"

"She has earned the right to fight," Sir Eagan said. "I have put her on my squad."

Sir Caleb groaned. "It isn't proper."

"I do not care whether it is proper," Sir Eagan said.

Sir Caleb shot him a scowl. "Don't use your calming tricks on me, Eagan. The d.u.c.h.ess could not have approved this."

"The d.u.c.h.ess is not her father."

Achan took hold of Sir Caleb's arm. "She can come." As long as you promise to stay with Sir Eagan. And do not come looking for me.

She sighed and tossed her head. As if he was the only reason she wanted to go. Why would I come looking for you?

He c.o.c.ked his head to the side as if it were obvious.

Tears formed in her eyes, and she blinked them away. You really want me to stay away?

Only if you wish me the best chance of life.

What does that mean?

Sparrow. I can do nothing but stare at you whenever you are around. Your mere presence owns my full attention. If you're beside me, I shall be cut down in an instant.

She twisted her lips. Not if you're trying to protect me. Then no one could stop you.

But that's just it. What good is my objective when you might be in danger? I would think of nothing but protecting you. This battle belongs to Arman. I must give it my full attention.