From Darkness Won

by Jill Williamson

  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 assigned 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 duchess could not have approved this.”

  “The duchess 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 cocked 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.

  You are right, of course. I will stay by my father’s side.

  “Thank you.” He swiped at the strap under his chin that secured his helm, but his metal gauntlets only scraped against the edge of his helm. “It seems I am a prisoner inside my own armor.” He stepped up to her and rested the forehead of his helm against hers. The steel clinked together. His closeness doused the light, and she could barely see the reflections that were his eyes.

  “Be safe,” she whispered.

  “You as well.” He set his hand on her shoulder. His gauntlet scraped over her bronze armor. He lowered his arm and stepped back. Their eyes remained locked together until Sir Caleb stepped between them and guided Achan away. Achan shot one last glance in her direction before he was lost in the crowd.

  “Let us find our boat, Averella,” Sir Eagan said. “My men will be awaiting their captain.”

  She followed her father down the rocky shelf. Will I be a distraction to you too, Father? Should I stay behind?

  I am not concerned. My objective is safer than the prince’s. Once we achieve it, we only need hold it.

  Do not tell the men who I am. I d
o not want anyone fretting over me.

  He sent a wry smile her way. Very well, Averella.

  Her father took her arm and helped her down into the boat. She felt the soldiers’ eyes on her, wondering what pathetic soldier required assistance to climb into the boat. She considered pulling away from her father’s grip, but her armor was so heavy she feared she would topple overboard.

  She settled beside Sir Eagan in the front of the boat on a bench that curved around the left side. She tucked her shield between her knees. A torch had been set into a notch in the nose, warming the left side of her helm. How long since these boats have been used, Father?

  Who knows? But they were checked over as soon as Peripaso and Captain Demry discovered them. They are sound.

  The rocky shelf was now completely empty but for a handful of servants who had carried down supplies.

  “For Arman!” Achan’s shout resonated through the cavern, warming Averella’s heart and igniting her courage.

  A chorus of “Arman” answered, followed by manly roars and cheers. A moment later, the rope was lifted from the tether and the current sucked the boat into the dark tunnel.

  She reached out for Achan and was surprised to find his mind still open to hers. That was an inspiring call to arms.

  Thank you. I only hope Arman will make it clear what I am supposed to do.

  She could only imagine what he must be going through. Still uncertain?

  Aye. Darkness is not a beast I can fell with a sword.

  Perhaps rebuke it as you did in Barth?

  Perhaps.

  The soldier beside Sparrow knocked into her, laughing about something the man next to him said.

  Sparrow?

  Yes, Your Highness?

  I’m glad you’ve come along. I’ve missed you.

  She smiled. I have missed you as well, though I did not know it was you I was missing for some time.

  That’s funny, coming from you.

  What do you mean?

  You say you didn’t know it was me you missed, and yet until now I’ve never known who you really were, though I missed you specifically.

  Hmm. Yes, I suppose that is amusing.

  But how did you manage to come? I am surprised Sir Caleb did not put his foot down.

  You gave me permission. Did you forget you outrank Sir Caleb?

  I often forget.

  Well, perhaps he hopes I will be killed and spare you a marriage to a woman with so little decorum as to wear trousers in public.

  You agree to marry me, then?

  She grinned wide and tipped her head down to avoid questioning stares from her boat mates. I did not say that, Your Highness.

  You did not refuse, either. Do you have your coin?

  I sewed it in a pouch and added it to my necklace.

  It’s in a safe place, then.

  Yes. Very safe.

  The boats moved swiftly down the underground river. The journey was long and cramped. Averella dozed off, and when she woke, her legs had fallen asleep.

  How long will it take us to get there, Father?

  A day and a half, so Peripaso told me.

  So long?

  The men sang songs and told jokes to pass the time and fight tricks of Darkness. Averella kept to herself, but joined them for meals of dried meat and bread. Not knowing there was a lady present among them, the men spoke freely about the battles they had fought in the past days, lingering over gruesome details of wounds and deaths, green fire, chams, black knights, and tanniyn. The whole thing made Averella shiver, but the ride was otherwise so boring she could not help but listen in.

  Peripaso had no intention of stopping for the night or even to stretch one’s legs. The soldiers relieved themselves over the side of the boat whenever the urge struck them. It seemed a cruel fate to Averella. She felt as if she were back on the road to Mahanaim with Jax and Khai. Thankful she had not drunk much water before leaving Noiz, she was careful to only sip from her water skin.

  A day and a half later, they finally stopped along a sandy bank. Her father bid her take a moment to herself while he organized his men. By the time she returned, Inko and Captain Demry’s groups had both left. Achan and Sir Caleb’s squad was crowded in a circle to the left of an opening in the rocky wall.

  “We must keep our voices down,” Sir Eagan said. “The dungeons should be empty when we reach them. We must move swiftly, for more guards may have arrived by then. We will exit into the northern arc of the keep, straight across from the eastern gate. Any questions?”

  No one spoke, so Sir Eagan raised his torch and said, “Then we go. Follow me.” Sir Eagan led the men through the dark opening in the rock.

  Come back to me, Sparrow.

  Averella looked over her shoulder and locked eyes with Achan. She lifted her armor-clad hand. You as well.

  The distraction had lost Averella her place in line. She waited for the men to pass so she could fall in at the end. But Jax gripped her arm and pulled her in front of him. Their eyes met, and she opened her mind to his knock.

  We shall be partners, Vrell. You watch my back, I will watch yours. Agreed?

  Yes, thank you, Jax. I am glad you are in this squad.

  From that moment on, everything happened in silence. Averella entered the dark tunnel in the rock. It led upward over jagged ground until letting out into a large cell. The iron-barred door hung open. Averella jogged in line through a maze of dirt pathways in the smelly dungeon and up a curling stairwell that emptied into a dark stone corridor inside the mighty Armonguard fortress.

  They turned twice in the corridors and spilled out into a dark night. A cool breeze blasted her face. She barely had time to look around as she sprinted to keep up with the men. A screech cut through the darkness. A gowzal.

  She shivered and told herself, Do not think on it. Focus on the gate.

  Dark shadows circled the ground. She glanced up to see swarms of gowzals gliding past the torches on the sentry walls. Even in darkness, the whitestone walls of Armonguard shone bright against the dark bodies of the creatures.

  A battle already raged around them. She passed by a man in a dingy red Kingsguard cape who was screaming, clutching his arm. She slowed her steps and reached for the strap of her satchel, but a firm grip on her shoulder changed her mind.

  Jax towed her away from the injured man. First we must achieve our objective, then you may help the injured.

  The decorative wrought-iron arch that marked the gate loomed ahead, a lacy tangle of charcoal thread against a black sky. Men in New Kingsguard cloaks shot arrows down from the sentry wall on either side of the gate. Jax pulled Averella behind his shield. She held up her own just as a heavy thud knocked it against her head. She didn’t dare move her shield to see what had hit it.

  She ran blindly after the soldiers until her shin struck something solid. She looked down to see the bottom rungs of a wooden ladder. She raised her shield to see more of it.

  Jax grabbed the back of her belt and lifted. “Up you go.”

  Averella climbed awkwardly, the heavy shield and armor weighing each step. Something glanced off the right side of her breastplate, knocking her sideways. Her foot slipped mid-step, and she fell, holding on with one hand.

  Jax’s strong hands grabbed her legs and boosted her back up. She scrambled to find hand-and-footholds, then climbed as fast as she could.

  It seemed strange that there was not more resistance to their climb, but when her eyes crested the parapet and she saw an enemy soldier crumple without having been touched, she knew her mother was helping them from the Veil.

  Averella heaved herself over the parapet and drew her sword. She stood just north of the eastern gate on one arc of the scalloped sentry walk, looking out over the wall. Torchlight and the ghostly grey castle reflected off the inky black surface of Lake Arman, which surrounded the castle like an impassable moat.

  To her right, Sir Eagan and his men occupied the gatehouse. Clanking chain signaled they were lowering the drawbridge. A
half dozen bodies lay on the wall between the ladder and gatehouse—all enemy. She spun around to look inside the castle walls. Below, red and black cloaks swirled, swords clashed, men screamed, birds cawed.

  She cringed at the cacophony. Shifting shadows on the ground lifted her gaze back to the skies. Gowzals swarmed like houseflies overhead, the thickest cluster over the distant watchtower, which glowed at the top with eerie green light. Her heart clenched at the idea of Achan going up there. Who would he find at the top wielding that light?

  “Look sharp, Vrell!”

  Jax’s voice pulled her attention back to where she stood. A line of New Kingsguard knights approached from the north along the curved sentry wall like a line of ants. There must have been a hundred or more, all coming their way.

  She looked back to the gatehouse. Jax stood outside the doorway, waving her in. She skipped sideways for a few steps, then ran inside.

  “Bowmen!” Sir Eagan stood in the center of the gatehouse. “Two in each door. Quickly!” Three men ran to the southern doorway. Sir Eagan lowered his voice and grabbed the third man’s arm. “Kates, you on this side.”

  Averella pressed back to allow Kates, a bearded, red-headed man, to kneel just outside the northern door. She glanced through the opposite door and saw just as many enemy soldiers advancing from the south.

  “We must keep the bridge down for Captain Chantry’s men,” Sir Eagan yelled. “Take aim and await my signal. And consider the curve of the wall when you shoot.”

  The floor trembled under Averella’s boots. The distant clatter of footsteps sounded like rain. But the thudding of her heart proved this was no spring shower.

  “Shoot! Now! Take them down!” Sir Eagan pushed a quiver of arrows into Averella’s chest. “When the men run out, fill their quivers with these.”

  Averella set down her shield and took the quiver. She sheathed her sword and moved to the doorway. The shuck, shuck, shuck of arrows leaving the bowmen’s strings was constant and methodical. Kates was a quicker draw than the soldier beside him, but both seemed to never miss. Black-cloaked men fell before their comrades and were trampled or tossed over the wall. Still the enemy advanced.