From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [183]
The small group of soldiers in Noiz would divide into four squadrons and ride the boats on the underground river to the Armonguard dungeon. Upon arrival in Armonguard, Inko would command a squadron to take the northern gate, Captain Demry and his squadron would take the western gate, Sir Eagan and his group would focus on the eastern gate, and Achan and Sir Caleb would take their men to the watchtower, for that was where Duchess Amal claimed Lord Nathak and Esek spent much of their days.
The army was a day’s ride closer to Armonguard, but the rivers should carry Achan and his group faster. Achan’s group would seize the gates and keep them open so that Sir Gavin’s army and Captain Chantry’s men could get inside.
Achan’s task, according to Sir Gavin, would be to kill Esek and Lord Nathak—and if possible rebuke the keliy.
And so the battle plan that would decide the fate of Er’Rets was set into motion. Achan adjourned the meeting and went looking for Sparrow before Sir Caleb could stop him.
But Sparrow had already gone to bed for the night.
The next morning, Averella discovered that the war council had met again the previous evening without her. She begged servants for details, but they claimed the meeting had been behind locked doors. She took to her bed to watch through her father’s eyes and found him in his chambers, getting dressed in his armor.
She walked from her room to the great hall, looking for any familiar face, Achan’s, especially. Soldiers were everywhere, dressed for battle. Something was going to happen, and soon.
She found Gren and Noam in the great hall eating breakfast. There was no sign of Achan at the head table. She sat down beside Gren. “Do you know where all these soldiers are going?”
“They leave for battle today,” Noam said.
Today? But they had just arrived. “When?”
“I heard someone say within the hour.”
“We’re not permitted to go,” Gren said.
“As well you should not,” Noam said. “Nor should I, for I would only be a hindrance.”
Achan Cham.
Averella opened her mind at once. Achan, where are you?
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