From Darkness Won - Jill Williamson [70]
“I suspect that was because you focused on her body and her mind was not there.”
Achan closed his eyes and sought Sparrow’s mind. This time he sensed her. And her shields were down! Sparrow? You must return to your body.
Hello? Her voice sounded far away. Confused. Is someone there?
Sparrow. It’s Achan. You’ve been stormed. Return to your body right away.
Who are you?
Achan. Achan Cham.
I cannot see you, Master Cham. Where are you and why do you jest? It is a lovely day. I cannot imagine it would storm.
Sparrow! Achan tried to enter her mind, to see through her eyes, hoping to hear her thoughts, but he was unable to see anything. How could that be?
He growled and looked at Duchess Amal. “She’s not herself. She called me Master Cham, and when I mentioned her being stormed, she thought I was talking of rain.”
The duchess sighed and closed her eyes.
Sir Eagan set a hand on her shoulder. “Nor must you fret, Nitsa. We will all reach for her and, in time, convince her to return.”
Duchess Amal’s eyes flashed open, wild with fright. “We must not. Only one person should speak with her. Too many and she might close us out. If her memory is gone… If she does not know what bloodvoicing is…”
Achan knew too well how frightening it was to suddenly hear voices and not know why. “I will talk to her.”
Duchess Amal’s eyes filled with tears. “But I do not think you are ready, Your Highness. I should be the one—”
“But you don’t know Sparrow at all, my lady. And Sir Eagan has only known her a few weeks. She was closest to me. I should be looking for her.”
A tiny sob escaped Duchess Amal’s lips. Achan did not understand why the duchess was so upset over a missing stray girl she’d never met. She knew Achan cared for Sparrow, and clearly Sir Eagan had brought the matter to the duchess’s attention. Perhaps she was simply a compassionate woman.
Sir Eagan gripped the duchess’s hand and turned her face to his, looking into her eyes. “We will find her, Nitsa. But we will not decide this now. Since Achan has already spoken to her, he will keep messaging until we decide how to proceed. All right?”
She nodded, a calming breath restoring her regal posture and demeanor. “Of course you are right, Sir Eagan.”
“And now we must go.” Sir Eagan helped Duchess Amal stand. “The army is waiting for the prince so it can depart.”
Achan scowled. “I cannot leave when Sparrow is lost!”
“You will have nothing to do but search, Your Majesty,” Sir Eagan said, “for you will not be riding a horse. And I will ride with you should you wish to enter the Veil, but we must move south today. You understand that, do you not?”
“Aye.” It wouldn’t be so bad as long as Achan could keep looking for Sparrow. “But I’m not riding in a litter, am I?” He recalled Esek’s fancy portable bedchamber.
“Duchess Amal has given us three litters, which will be filled with supplies. Decoys, you see? You will be riding in one of five covered wagons. No one will know where to strike. I did not start taking care of royalty yesterday.”
Duchess Amal locked eyes with Achan. “Please continue to speak with… Miss Sparrow, Your Highness. Sir Eagan and I will stay in contact. Should we discover a better way to find her, Sir Eagan will advise you. Will that do?”
“Yes, my lady. Thank you. I will not rest until she is found.”
She nodded. “I will assist in battle from here. I dare not leave Carm unguarded with Lord Levy’s orders to take over. And I must stay with my daughters.” She reached out and cupped Achan’s cheek. “Worry not, Your Highness, for Arman will guide you. When next we meet it shall be your wedding day.”
His wedding day. Pig snout. Here he was going on about Sparrow when he was betrothed to Duchess Amal’s daughter. “My lady? Might you tell me where Lady Averella resides at present? If we were to pass near, I might take the opportunity to—”
Duchess Amal dropped her hand from his face. “I am sorry, Your Highness. But taking an army to my daughter’s location would not be wise. Besides, she is not along your path. Arman give you patience until