Aye, we're entering the Evenwall near Mitspah, though the trail will take us to the valley first. Then we'll come back up along the king's road.
Why must we go around?
'Tis far too dangerous to ford the river here. It's very rocky near the top of the falls. Therefore we'll continue down to the valley and cross there.
How much longer?
Two more days, I expect.
Achan groaned. Why, when they were so close, did their final destination seem so far?
As they descended the mountain trail, shapes in the landscape appeared like shadows at dusk. Achan fidgeted at the idea of sunlight. Leafy trees took shadowed form around him. His furs glistened as the mist of the Evenwall clung to the fibers. The men began to talk about the coming day until a restless energy took hold of the entire group.
Well, Sparrow, we entered Darkness and lived to tell the tale.
No answer came. Achan suddenly realized he hadn't spoken to the boy since the day Lord Livna had died. Too many days ago to count. Maybe Sparrow was upset. He tried again. Or maybe we haven't all lived. Are you still breathing, Sparrow?
I am. Do you need my assistance, Your Majesty?
Achan stiffened at Sparrow's lofty tone. Thank you, no. Not wanting to deal with the boy's attitude, Achan pushed him out.
The light grew brighter, the air clearer, then, as if a fog had lifted, Dove carried Achan beyond the chill of the Evenwall and into a warm breeze. His breath snagged at the view. They'd left the forest and were descending a trail that wound its way down the lush countryside.
A green valley spread to where it met the sky on the horizon, a bright, cloudless blue. Tufts of trees and the occasional cottage dotted the peaceful landscape. The dirt road under the horses' hooves was the color of Poril's ginger cake. The grasses alongside were as tall as Dove's knees and seasoned with yellow, lavender, and white blossoms. A mix of sweet and acrid fragrances filled the air.
His army had gone silent, wonder spread across each face. Ages had likely passed since many had seen such beauty.
The blessed sun beat down as they descended the mountains. Achan shrugged off his cloak and doublet. The warm breeze snaked up one sleeve to his armpit and he sighed at the comfort of creation.
When the river came into view again, the men broke the single-file formation, galloping their mounts to the water. Some dismounted and ran for the shallows, stripping off their clothing as they went. Others jumped in fully dressed. Achan grinned. The men had lost their senses. He could hardly blame them.
When Achan reached the river, he slid off Dove's back, stripped off his tunic, and knelt at the water's edge. The wide and shallow river had little current near the bank. The men laughed and splashed one another. Their horses drank.
Achan's reflection rippled in the water below him. Scruffy. How long had it been since the day he'd tried to shave?
He thrust his hands though his reflection until his palms lay flat on the sandy riverbed. He lowered his face to the water, as if to kiss it, then eased beneath the surface, nose first, then chin, cheeks, and ears. He pulled back and slurped the cool, refreshing water.
"It is never wise to duck your head under completely, Your Majesty," Sir Eagan said from behind him. "If I had wanted to kill you, it would have been all too easy."
Achan sat back on his haunches and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
Sir Eagan seemed taller in the sun. He pointed along the riverbank. "Regard your men. Many have overindulged in-"
"Can you blame them?"
Sir Eagan's round cheeks balled up in a way that made Achan feel as though he had lived this moment before. "Hardly, but if you study their behavior, you can learn who might make the best soldiers. Take Bazmark, for instance. He scoops the water into his hand, keeping his head up so he can see not only who is before him, but any reflection that might come up behind him. He was a Kingsguard soldier, you know."
"I didn't." But he could bloodvoice, so it made sense, since gifted men were recruited. "He said he'd gone to prison for looking too long at the queen."
"Your mother was a beautiful woman. No man could avoid at least glancing at her when she passed, and your father would never imprison a man for that. Bazmark took it too far. Became obsessed."
"Did he shadow her?"
"With his mind. I am sure Sir Gavin has explained how inappropriate it is to use your gift to observe people's private moments." Sir Eagan raised a dark eyebrow.
"I see." Achan glanced back at Bazmark, frowning.
"Do not judge him for his past, for you have pardoned him. But do not forget his weakness, for once a man falls, it is often easy for him to fall again."
"You were saying I should study the men? You think it's time I make appointments?"
"Not yet, Your Majesty. Things will likely play out like this: Each lord who is loyal to you, if he has not already, will appoint his own captain to lead his soldiers. Those captains will take their orders from whomever you put over the army. Those from Tsaftown will follow Roxburg Demry until Sir Eric arrives. You might recommend that Roxburg promote Bazmark to a sergeant or lieutenant. Think about it."
"Okay."
"For now, Your Majesty, if you would like to swim, I shall see your back is covered."
"Thanks." Achan tugged off his boots and waded into the cool water. He couldn't remember the last time he swam for pleasure. The shallows were not deep enough to tread, so he floated on his back, staring at the bright blue sky. So beautiful.
Thank you, Arman.
Vrell steered her mount along behind Inko's, but her gaze wandered the landscape, each new sight stealing her breath. They were back in Light, home nearer than ever. And she had stopped twice to cut plants to replenish her kit. Once for clover and once for wild ginger.
She watched Achan from a distance, admiring how he had changed and how he had remained the same over the journey through Darkness. He looked no different than when she first met him. Tall and strong. But his confidence had grown some, though she bet he still doubted his ability to lead these men. Vrell could only imagine how he must feel. As if anyone should tell the Great Whitewolf what to do. But still, how exciting! Er'Rets would have a king. Arman's chosen.
Behind her, some men laughed. She tensed. Could they be laughing at her? Now that Darkness no longer aided her disguise, she felt awkward and exposed. She kept telling herself she had been fine before. Neither Lord Orthrop, Macoun, Carlani, Khai, or even Lord Levy had recognized her. But she could not help her apprehension. For one woman to travel with three hundred men…beyond inappropriate. Scandalous!
And that there might be a betrayer among them. The thought chilled her arms. If Esek had sent the spy, he would be looking for her as well as Achan. She should flee for Carmine now. At top speed, it would take a day and a half. She would only have to camp once. No reason to think she would not make it. She missed Mother so.
She would be vulnerable, though. If anyone untrustworthy happened upon her, she could not defend herself. She needed the protection of these men. It would not be much longer. Another week, perhaps? There was no reason for Achan and the army to linger in Mitspah. Maybe only be two or three days. She smiled. She could be home before the week's end.
And when they stopped tonight, she would pick some rue and make a juice for Achan to help with his fleas.