From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [16]
“What,” Achan asked. “Is there something more?”
Sir Gavin took a deep breath. “We simply wonder how long this man has been scheming. How deep and far his designs may go.”
A silence hung over the table, as if Achan had suddenly lost his hearing. He glanced from face to face, taking in solemn expressions and averted eyes. Realization hit him like a fist to the jaw. “You think he killed my parents.”
3
“We’ve always known someone else was involved, someone with a powerful bloodvoicing ability,” Sir Gavin said. “This Hadad fits that description.”
Achan’s thoughts circled. The Hadad had bloodvoiced him not long ago, asking him to join him, to betray Sir Gavin, to turn from Arman. “Why would he want me to join him?”
“Because you are powerful,” Sir Eagan said. “Because you are crown prince. And because if you join him, he does not have to figure out how to kill you.”
Achan slouched in his chair and rubbed his face. “How can we know for sure he killed my parents?”
Sir Gavin lifted one shoulder. “We can’t.”
Achan slapped his hand on the table. “There must be a way. Sir Eagan, the trick with touch and giving me your thoughts— could I use that in reverse?”
“You cannot take a man’s thoughts. Only receive those that are offered.”
“I could ask him.”
“Your Highness, please.” Sir Eagan squinted, making him look all the more serious. “Do not toy with this man. His mystery hides his true power from us, but if you go to him, you make yourself vulnerable in displaying your weakness.”
Achan wanted to yell but kept his tone civil. “Why is asking a question weak?”
“Because you reveal he has something you want. That gives him power over you. Do not let him suspect you have anything more than indifference for him.”
“But if he killed my parents…”
“I know. Believe me, no one wants justice for the king and queen more than I.” For Sir Eagan had been King Axel’s Shield. “But vengeance belongs to Arman. We must focus on the path He has set before us and nothing else.”
“But it won’t hurt to pinch off the Hadad if we get the chance, eh?” Kurtz winked at Achan.
“Who serves on this New Council?” Sir Gavin asked.
Sir Eagan consulted Sir Caleb’s scroll. “Lord Levy, Dovev Falkson, and an Eben named Rapha Gibbor. Duchess Amal suspects there are more, but the title ‘Council of Seven’ has not been mentioned. The New Council may have only four members.”
“Lord Hamartano was not mentioned?”
“No,” Sir Eagan said. “But if what you told us about his leaving Jaelport was true, he now serves Lord Falkson and the black knights. He would no longer hold rank of his own unless the Hadad gives him one.”
“Which reminds me, Your Highness,” Sir Caleb said. “You should begin lessons with Duchess Amal tomorrow, if she has time. The sooner you learn to storm, the better.”
Achan’s heartbeat quickened. He was going to learn to storm. Finally.
Achan shivered in the dark, stone passage. After the meeting, Anillo, Duchess Amal’s steward, had offered to give Achan a tour of the hidden passages within the walls of Granton Castle. Shung, of course, had come along.
They had begun their journey in Duchess Amal’s study, inched their way along the second level of the great hall, climbed a tower stairs, and were now stepping through a panel that slid to one side and emptied into Achan’s bedchamber.
Achan stepped inside. The secret corridors had been cramped and narrow. He stretched his arms out wide now that there was space. “The stairwell we took. Does that lead to the first level?”
“It does, Your Majesty.” Anillo slid the panel closed. His white hair belied his lithe body. “But you must promise not to go exploring without a guide. I would be happy to show you more.”
“Perhaps another time. It has been a long day and I require rest.”
“As you wish, Your Majesty.” Anillo bowed and departed through the regular door.
Achan sat on his bed and pulled off his boots. It was not even time for dinner, yet he was ready to sleep.
• • •
A whimpering pup woke Achan. He blinked, found his surroundings dark,