From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [67]
Achan let out an audible moan. His great, great grandfather murdered for taking another man’s wife? How long did men in his family usually live? Had every king been murdered? He looked around the assembly room as if an assassin might’ve appeared from the shadows.
“I am believing it,” Inko said. “When I was serving Macoun Hadar in my youth, I always was knowing that he was serving someone who was being even more powerful.”
Achan shook off the shock of the story. “How does knowing any of this matter?”
“Because it always helps to know your enemy’s past.” Duchess Amal’s eyes lost focus, and she pursed her lips.
“We now know we face an enemy greater than Esek and Lord Nathak. And I do not speak merely of numbers of men in our armies.” Sir Gavin’s moustache arched into a frown. “The keliy is an enemy of Arman himself. So, Your Highness, just as you are Arman’s chosen, the keliy—and its human host of the hour—is Gâzar’s chosen.”
That statement so took Achan off guard he couldn’t form a reply. So now, not only must he push back darkness, he must fight one of Gâzar’s supernatural creatures?
“Surely Jibhal Hamartano can’t still be living,” Captain Loam said. “He’d be over a hundred years old.”
Inko turned his grey, pockmarked face toward the captain. “If he has been practicing dark magic all these years, he could easily be prolonging his life.”
Duchess Amal stood. “Please excuse me a moment.” She strode from the room, Anillo at her heels.
Achan watched her go, curious at her departure.
“Jibhal Hamartano would only be one hundred twenty some years old, Tristan,” Sir Eagan said to Captain Loam. “Dark magic could have kept him alive this long.”
“He uses gowzals,” Achan said.
Altair looked at him, confused. “What are gowzals?”
“A cross between ravens and bats,” Sir Gavin said. “Weak minded creatures that black knights use to wield their magic.”
“Berland will help destroy these creatures, we will,” Koyukuk said. “Fowl is best roasted on a spit.”
Achan fought a smile. “You honor us with your offer, Sir Koyukuk.” Yet even Koyukuk’s eagerness to roast gowzals did not keep the Hadad—whoever was the current Hadad for the keliy—from coming back to his thoughts. The man— creature?—had killed his great, great grandfather, and perhaps Achan’s parents. “What if the Hadad is watching through me right now? Shadowing me with his bloodvoice?”
Sir Eagan’s keen blue eyes locked with Achan’s. “Do not give in to paranoia, Your Highness. You are wise to be concerned and on guard, but no one can watch through you when your shields are up. None can hear your thoughts.”
“But it’s been weeks since he spoke to me, and I’ve lowered my shields at least once during that time. If he’s not trying to see through me now, why did he stop trying?”
“He has not spoken to you since you swore fealty to Arman,” Sir Caleb said. “Is that correct?”
“Aye, right.” Arman was with him now. How could Achan have missed that vital difference? Arman, help me withstand this foe.
A flash of heat welled up in the pit of Achan’s stomach.
FEAR NOT, FOR I AM WITH YOU. THE ENEMY SHALL COME IN LIKE A FLOOD, BUT I SHALL LIFT UP A STANDARD AGAINST HIM.
Relief chased after the heat, bringing a peace over Achan. Thank You, Arman. Thank You.
The door opened, and Duchess Amal returned to her seat at the foot of the table. Was it Achan’s imagination or did her eyes look red?
They discussed the plans to depart. Sir Eric mentioned that his brother, Captain Chantry Livna, was bringing a fleet of battleships to Armonguard, but they had not passed Zerah Rock yet. The army would have to march south without their aid and face whatever enemy it met along the way.
When no one had further business to discuss, Achan adjourned the meeting.
He was in his chambers, making sure all of his things had been gathered, when Sir Eagan entered.