From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [169]
“Oh, yes.” Averella smiled. “The wolves are taking note of your age, I am certain. The real question, Sir Rigil, is whether or not you like to be yoked.”
Sir Rigil raised a finger. “To a cart, never, but if the lady were pretty enough—and sincere, mind you—I would climb Mount Bamah for lava rock, fetch a snowball from the roof of Ice Island, and swim around the Shelosh Islands—despite the tanniyn that live there—all because she asked me to.”
“To prove your love?” Averella asked, amused.
“Nay. My word is enough to prove my love. I would do these things just to please her.”
Averella laughed and rolled onto her stomach. She crossed her arms on the ground and set her chin on them. “I have never seen any woman pretty enough to keep your head turned, Sir Rigil. I do not think this ‘perfectly sincere’ woman exists in all Er’Rets.”
“Oh, she exists, my lady. And I will find her. Minstrels will sing of our love for years to come.”
“Mercy. To think that I once wished to marry you.”
This silenced Sir Rigil. He stared at Averella, his eyes wide and pondering. The fire crackled, painting shadow and light across his face. “Did you? Now that would have been a happy match. If only I had not lost you to the boy.”
“If only you were not my uncle.”
“Hmm. That too. Strange, that.”
“Achan is not a boy,” Gren said.
“Barely,” Sir Rigil said. “Do not mistake me, the prince is a fine fellow, smart and brave. And you can trust him, which I feel is the kind of man you need most, my lady. But I’ve always felt a woman would be wise to marry an older man. For we have lived long enough to figure you women out. Years will pass before our steadfast young prince will know what to make of you, Lady Averella.”
Heat flashed up Averella’s spine. “And what of Lady Tara? Is her husband old enough to meet your approval?”
“Unfortunate situation, that. But Carmack will redeem her broken heart one day, for sturdy though he is, even Old Lord Gershom will one day perish.”
Averella’s mouth gaped at this statement. “You insinuate that Carmack Demry cares for Tara?”
“Oh, yes. He has loved her ever since he was placed on her guard. He was the only man I know who was disappointed to be promoted to his brother’s Fighting Fifteen. For it meant he would no longer see Tara as much.”
Averella sighed, stunned by this secret morsel. “So goes yet another tale of thwarted love.”
“Always you focus on the dark side of things, my lady. You must focus on the light, for there is much joy to be had in this world. Open your eyes, and you will see it. And in time, all will be well—for all of us.”
“You sound as if you truly believe that it will.”
“Why shouldn’t I? For Arman has given us the end of the story, has he not? Shamayim will be a wonderful home, even if this one remains dark. So fear not, and get some sleep. Tomorrow you shall see your young prince. And when you look into his eyes, just you see if you do not remember your true feelings.”
Averella rolled her eyes at Sir Rigil, earning one more deep, hearty laugh from the knight. Then she settled back onto the hard ground. She focused on Gren’s thoughts, curious what she was thinking after Sir Rigil’s honest words.
Heavy sorrow pierced Averella’s heart, bringing forth tears. She closed her eyes and looked through Gren’s. She found herself staring at Bran’s face, barely visible on the other side of the fire. Flame and shadow flickered over his skin. He was handsome. But Averella knew now for certain that she did not love him as a woman loves a man.
Tears stung her eyes, but they were Gren’s. Then came Gren’s thoughts.
Cetheria, why did you allow Bran to protect me if nothing was to come of it? If he doesn’t love me, what will become of me and my baby?
Gren? Averella said.
Gren gasped and lifted her head, meeting Averella’s eyes. Do not do that without warning. It frightens me.
I am sorry. I only wanted to say, take heart that Sir Rigil does not make Bran’s decisions.
What he said made sense, though. I can see that Bran is still in love with you. What if he decides