03 From Darkness Won by Williamson Jill

Author:Williamson, Jill [Williamson, Jill]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

18

“Head for the main gate, Master Fox.”

“Aye, m’lady.”

Noam steered the wagon through the outskirts of Mahanaim. The road was deserted. In the Darkness, Averella could not guess the hour.

“I shall bloodvoice Master Rennan to see if I can learn his precise whereabouts.” Averella closed her eyes and focused. Master Rennan? May I speak with you, please?

Bran sounded tired. My lady, are you well?

We are, thank you. We approach the gate. Can you tell me the way to the dungeon? Will the front entrance—

Averella, do not attempt this.

We stand a much better chance of success with your guidance, Master Rennan.

Prisoners are being executed daily. Fed to the great tanniyn. I would never forgive myself if you were captured.

Perhaps Bran still cared. We shall not stand by while innocent men are slaughtered. The location of the dungeon would help us greatly.

Bran’s tone rose. Do not be a fool! There is nothing two women can do. Go home. Tell Gren I said the same.

Averella bristled. Women are not so completely useless as you believe, Master Rennan. And as I mentioned before, we have two able men with us. Abandoning you would break Gren’s heart, for she seems intent on being near you.

It’s far too dangerous for Gren. Bran’s voice softened. She could be hurt—or lose her child.

Is this the real reason we have parted ways, Master Rennan? Is this child yours?

Averella sensed Bran’s anger flare. You know me better than that. Even in his mind, he sighed with frustration. Fine. If you insist on this madness, the dungeons are in the lowest levels of the stronghold. Any descending staircase will lead you there eventually. Arman be with you.

Averella opened her eyes. The scene blurred before her. Behind the jagged parapet of the sentry wall, the city of Mahanaim peaked like a mountain of stone. Hundreds of torchlights lit the structure, but the colors of the stone were dull under the shadow of Darkness. The overwhelming smell was like a privy filled with rotted fish.

Before Master Fox could slow the wagon at the gate, two soldiers approached. They wore black armor and black capes with the gold symbol of Mahanaim on them.

One of the men spoke. “State yer name and business.”

“I’m Harnu Poe. We come seeking sanctuary from Darkness and to offer our service to the New Council.”

“What do you know of the New Council?”

“Just that things are changing in Er’Rets. I aim to serve however I can.”

“Who you got with you?”

“My wife and two servants.”

“How do you plan to serve the New Council?”

“My man and I mean to fight. If you’re in need of seamstresses, the women can sew.”

“You’ll need coin to rent a room. Ask the stablemaster about trading that wagon for a boat.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“Come on down and let us search yer wagon.”

The four of them climbed out and watched the soldiers ransack their supplies. They made a mess, tossing everything about, but took nothing but a mouthful of dried fish.

Then they searched Harnu and Noam.

The man searching Harnu took his coin purse—which was really Averella’s.

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