From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [177]
“Go on with the story,” Achan said, not wanting to rekindle his anger at the deceit his advisors had carried on so long.
“When Macoun died, we saw the keliy for a moment. Strangest thing I ever saw. Then we got out of there. We met Sir Rigil, Master Rennan, and Sir Jax on our way back down. Then we found a boat and left Mahanaim.”
Sir Eagan went on to explain their trip into Nahar Forest, a man called Peripaso who led them past Ebens and through the mountains, their trouble with wolves, and how they arrived in Noiz.
Achan desperately wanted to speak to Sparrow’s mind, but something about the way she carried herself now intimidated him. And she would still not look his way. He forced himself to be patient. The words of her confession repeated like a song stuck in his head. All this time he had been betrothed to Sparrow! The fact made him turn away to hide his smile.
Then, as if he were having to go through it all again, he remembered that Duchess Amal had severed the agreement because her daughter had refused him. Sparrow had refused him. And he’d treated her horribly in the foyer.
Pig snout. But she had just said she was trying to be his flower petals, or something like that, hadn’t she? He needed a moment alone with her to figure all this out. Yet he feared it as well. For it might be his last chance, and what if he squandered it? Win Sparrow, or lose her forever.
Arman, do I even want her? She’s such a trial.
Yes, hang it all. For look how lovely she was. And fun. He missed her teasing barbs. Her nose in the air. Her captivating green eyes. Her pathetic use of a sword, though the fact that she had killed Macoun Hadar impressed him greatly.
Sir Eagan was still talking. Inko had asked him a question. “Going down one of the tunnels. Averella treated him.”
“Master Rennan is having his wound looked at by a healer, or he would be here now,” Sir Rigil said. “He has been a stalwart companion to us on this journey.”
“I’ll knight him as soon as he recovers,” Achan said. “If you have no arguments, Sir Rigil.”
Sir Rigil beamed. “None at all, Your Highness. The lad is due, in my opinion.”
“And I shall knight the man called Peripaso and Lady Averella as well.”
The room fell as silent as a calm sea.
Achan fixed his gaze on Sparrow, but she kept her head down, a torn piece of bread halfway to her lips.
“If not for Lady Averella—” Oh, how strange that name sounded on his tongue— “many of our knights would still be imprisoned, maybe eaten by the tanniyn. And Sir Eagan may never have found a way into the Hadad’s tower or managed to kill him. But she did.”
“But to be knighting a woman, Your Highness?” Bodwin said. “Has ever such a thing been happening?”
“Not that I’ve heard of.” Sir Caleb cast a withering glance at Achan. At least he hadn’t kicked him this time.
“Berland knights women,” Shung said from his place at the door.
“And why shouldn’t they?” Achan said. “Have not men been knighted for far less heroic deeds?”
“Be that as it may, Your Highness,” Sparrow said, turning her green eyes to Achan for the first time since entering this room, “I am no trained warrior. I am simply a servant of my master. I thank you though, for you show me great honor in the offer. But all I have done is for Arman’s glory. The Kingsguard knights, while brave and honorable and respectable, is not a place for me.”
“Well said, my lady,” Sir Caleb said, beaming.
Achan stared into those cat-like eyes. He had hoped his offer might at least make peace after having treated her so harshly in the great hall. Had it done that much?
The meeting went on. Sir Gavin had sent word to Sir Caleb that he had met with the Mârad general, and that Captain Chantry’s ships were nearing Armonguard. Achan did not speak or ask questions during Sir Caleb’s report, for he could focus on nothing but what had yet to be said between him and Sparrow.
“Unless you have something to add, Your Highness?” Sir Caleb said, drawing Achan’s attention to