From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [117]
“As if I could find my way out of that maze. I’m coming with you. I’ll pretend to be Sir Rigil’s sister.”
Averella choked back a laugh. The very idea of this peasant girl being mistaken for Lady Viola…
“That’s a good idea,” Noam said. “But Lady Averella would be more convincing, don’t you think? Do you know whether Sir Rigil has siblings, my lady?”
“Well, yes. His elder sister is married to my cousin. She is not much older than I am. I suppose I might pass as her. Sir Rigil also has a half-brother, my fath…” A gust of knowledge rushed through Averella. Her father was Sir Rigil’s half-brother. When had she learned this?
“Think I could pretend to be the brother?” Noam asked. “What is his name?”
“Sir Eagan Elk. I don’t think it would be wise to claim to be him, Master Fox. He is in his late forties and is a famous knight from King Axel’s reign.” Averella took a deep breath. These sudden memories made her feel like a woman in the Veil, floating between two realities. “I shall be Lady Viola. And since you are dressed as such, you both will be my servants. First let me call to Master Rennan. Perhaps he can help us find his cell sooner.”
Master Rennan? We are in the dungeons of Mahanaim, past the guard. Can you tell me where your cell is?
How in all Er’Rets did you get past the guard?
Never mind that. We must make haste.
Of course. Well, once you are past the guard, turn left at the foot of the stairs. Follow that corridor to the corner, turn right, and go to the end of the next corridor. Our cell is on the right. I shall watch for you.
Averella squeezed through the crack. Her skirt scratched against the rough rock. She walked along the corridor as if she had done so all her life. She descended the steps, her skirt dragging behind her. The stench of urine and body odor assaulted her senses.
At the foot of the stairs, she turned and continued down to the third and final level. When she reached the floor, she picked up her skirt to keep it from dragging on the filthy floor and turned left. Their footsteps scuffed along. She reached the end and turned right. At the end of the corridor, a guard turned the corner and walked straight toward them.
Arman, help us!
19
Achan’s head still throbbed two hours later as he sat in yet another meeting of the war council that Sir Gavin had called to discuss his discoveries from his scouting mission. Only this time, Sir Eagan and Captain Demry were absent.
The coin Sir Gavin had given him at his coming-of-age ceremony sat on the edge of the table in front of him. Achan sipped his tea, staring at his father’s profile on the gold, numb at the knowledge he now possessed.
Had Sparrow’s accusations been right? Would Achan go the way of the other kings of Er’Rets and indulge in whatever pleased him? Or would he find the strength to flee, as Sir Caleb suggested he could? Would he even remember Arman when such enticements turned his head?
He took another sip. The morning air was cool so near the coast, and Matthias’s tea kept him warm and would hopefully soothe his headache. “What did you discover on your scouting mission, Sir Gavin?”
The old knight leaned forward until he met Achan’s gaze. “Four hundred soldiers, ten black knights, four cham riders, and two tanniyn.”
Achan choked on his tea at the mention of sea beasts. “Tanniyn are real?”
“Aye. They almost never come near shore. The only one I’ve ever seen—until last night—was when I sailed from Tsaftown to Armonguard aboard one of Lord Livna’s ships.”
Achan could only stare. “You saw one last night?”
“Two of them, between the Reshon Gates. The mere fact that the gates still stand is proof enough that the beasts are being controlled. Without careful instruction from a man, they would easily knock down the gates. I messaged you to look through me to see them, but you didn’t respond.”
Achan lowered his gaze back to the coin, ashamed of his behavior the previous night. Sir Gavin had needed him, and he had been caught up in Kurtz’s games. His father’s games. Yet he was almost grateful he had missed the opportunity