Thornhold - Elaine Cunningham [162]
Algorind gave her question sober consideration. “I will speak truly. It seems to me that your plan holds grave risks and small chance for success. Nevertheless, I will do as you suggest.”
She glared at him and brandished her knife. “If you’re looking to die nobly, do it on your own time.”
“That was not my meaning,” he said earnestly. “Your bold plan holds danger, but I can think of none better. It is true that I am sworn to follow my duty, even if it leads to death.”
Bronwyn remembered Hronulf”s last battle at Thornhold. The same serene courage shone in this young paladin’s eyes. Suddenly she found herself hard pressed to hate this man.
“But I am not convinced that death will result from this venture,” continued Algorind. “Defeat is never certain while life remains. It may be that Tyr will bless this quest and grant success.” A sudden, bleak look entered his eyes. “And if success is not to be, still I am content.”
His expression alerted Bronwyn. She remembered the fear she had experienced as a child, and again during her brief reunion with her father, that she would never quite manage to meet the mark set for her. That old ghost haunted Algorind’s eyes. For a moment, a very brief moment, she felt sympathy for the young paladin and the harsh life he had chosen.
“Got yourself into a bit of trouble, did you?”
“As to that, you know my failings better than any. I allowed a dwarf to trick me and steal my horse, a child to evade my pursuit-”
“And let’s not forget the incident with the gemjump,” Bronwyn interrupted, “though I’m sure you’d like to do so.”
A pained expression crossed the young man’s face. “I admit my failings and gladly pay the price.”
The calm, steady acceptance in his voice told all. Bronwyn straightened and tucked away her knife. If Algorind failed to rescue Cara, he would probably face disgrace, and possibly even banishment. Had she needed assurance that he possessed enough reason to face the task ahead, this would have outstripped her expectations.
Bronwyn looked around for her horse. The mare had calmed and was cropping at some grass. She turned back to Algorind.
“All right, then. Let’s go. But remember, when we get to the fortress, let me do the talking.”
* * * * *
Algorind had little desire for speech. He rode alongside Bronwyn, his thoughts churning with confusion. Had he done wrong, throwing his lot in with this woman? She had already proven treacherous, and her choice of companions did not commend her judgment. Yet she had agreed to travel with him, to work together.
He had to be clear on one thing. “Understand this,” he said. “I intend to fulfill the paladin’s quest given me. Once the child has been rescued, I am honor-bound to take her back to the paladins at Waterdeep.”
“I never doubted it,” Bronwyn replied, looking straight ahead.
They rode in unbroken silence until the walls of Thorn-hold loomed before them. Algorind had never seen the fortress, and he marveled at the strength of the ancient walls. He scanned the citadel, searching for something that might aid their escape.
“See that wooden door, about halfway up the walls?” he said, nodding toward the stronghold. “That is a sally port. When we are within the walls, look for a way up to it. There should be a ramp, or stairs.”
“Both,” Bronwyn said. “I remember that. When I was in the fortress, Hronulf showed me around.”
“That is good. Once you have the child, we will fight our way up to the port.”
She shaded her eyes against the setting sun and squinted. “It’s a good twenty feet down.”
“Nonetheless, it is our best hope of escape. My horse will come to my call. When we reach the fortress, we will leave our horses outside the gates. if we tie your mare’s reins to mine, Icewind will bring her along.”
Bronwyn nodded as she took this in. “It might work.”
One thing more concerned him. “How will you find the child in the fortress?”
“My brother has not seen me since I was four years old,” she said. “He is likely to ask Cara if I am