From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [185]
Only if you wish me the best chance of life.
What does that mean?
Sparrow. I can do nothing but stare at you whenever you are around. Your mere presence owns my full attention. If you’re beside me, I shall be cut down in an instant.
She twisted her lips. Not if you’re trying to protect me. Then no one could stop you.
But that’s just it. What good is my objective when you might be in danger? I would think of nothing but protecting you. This battle belongs to Arman. I must give it my full attention.
You are right, of course. I will stay by my father’s side.
“Thank you.” He swiped at the strap under his chin that secured his helm, but his metal gauntlets only scraped against the edge of his helm. “It seems I am a prisoner inside my own armor.” He stepped up to her and rested the forehead of his helm against hers. The steel clinked together. His closeness doused the light, and she could barely see the reflections that were his eyes.
“Be safe,” she whispered.
“You as well.” He set his hand on her shoulder. His gauntlet scraped over her bronze armor. He lowered his arm and stepped back. Their eyes remained locked together until Sir Caleb stepped between them and guided Achan away. Achan shot one last glance in her direction before he was lost in the crowd.
“Let us find our boat, Averella,” Sir Eagan said. “My men will be awaiting their captain.”
She followed her father down the rocky shelf. Will I be a distraction to you too, Father? Should I stay behind?
I am not concerned. My objective is safer than the prince’s. Once we achieve it, we only need hold it.
Do not tell the men who I am. I do not want anyone fretting over me.
He sent a wry smile her way. Very well, Averella.
Her father took her arm and helped her down into the boat. She felt the soldiers’ eyes on her, wondering what pathetic soldier required assistance to climb into the boat. She considered pulling away from her father’s grip, but her armor was so heavy she feared she would topple overboard.
She settled beside Sir Eagan in the front of the boat on a bench that curved around the left side. She tucked her shield between her knees. A torch had been set into a notch in the nose, warming the left side of her helm. How long since these boats have been used, Father?
Who knows? But they were checked over as soon as Peripaso and Captain Demry discovered them. They are sound.
The rocky shelf was now completely empty but for a handful of servants who had carried down supplies.
“For Arman!” Achan’s shout resonated through the cavern, warming Averella’s heart and igniting her courage.
A chorus of “Arman” answered, followed by manly roars and cheers. A moment later, the rope was lifted from the tether and the current sucked the boat into the dark tunnel.
She reached out for Achan and was surprised to find his mind still open to hers. That was an inspiring call to arms.
Thank you. I only hope Arman will make it clear what I am supposed to do.
She could only imagine what he must be going through. Still uncertain?
Aye. Darkness is not a beast I can fell with a sword.
Perhaps rebuke it as you did in Barth?
Perhaps.
The soldier beside Sparrow knocked into her, laughing about something the man next to him said.
Sparrow?
Yes, Your Highness?
I’m glad you’ve come along. I’ve missed you.
She smiled. I have missed you as well, though I did not know it was you I was missing for some time.
That’s funny, coming from you.
What do you mean?
You say you didn’t know it was me you missed, and yet until now I’ve never known who you really were, though I missed you specifically.
Hmm. Yes, I suppose that is amusing.
But how did you manage to come? I am surprised Sir Caleb did not put his foot down.
You gave me permission. Did you forget you outrank Sir Caleb?
I often forget.
Well, perhaps he hopes I will be killed and spare you a marriage to a woman with so little decorum as to wear trousers in public.
You agree to marry me, then?
She grinned wide and tipped her head down to avoid questioning stares from her boat mates. I did not say that,