Page 169 of Keeper of the Word

“Watch it,” Crevan interrupted, but Tolvar recognized that his brother considered Hux’s words.

“You need them,” Hux repeated. “Or him, I suppose.” He shrugged, and Turas wriggled against the blade. “You Weslyn brothers certainly relish the idea of killing first and then asking questions.”

He’s never going to release all of us.

Stars, Crevan could have them all shot in moments.

Elanna lay motionless on the ground.There is always a choice.

“Cease,” Tolvar said. “Release everyone, and I shall give you something in return.”

“What could you possibly have that I desire?” Crevan asked.

“Me,” Tolvar said.

Casta blanched.

“Two fools,” Hux whispered. “What are you doing?”

Tolvar waved his hand to silence Hux. His eyes darted to Kyrie, who narrowed her eyes at him with interest.

Crevan guffawed. “Why would I possibly want you?”

“For one, I would be out of your way. But two, I have this.” Tolvar held up the Edan Stone, making certain that it caught the eye of the witch. As he predicted, the witch whispered wildly into Crevan’s ear.

“I could simply take it,” Crevan said.

“You could. Stars know you’re accustomed to that. But if you do and you kill me, you will not have thewordthat accompanies it.”

The witch filled Crevan’s ears with more whispers while Kyrie looked on. She inclined her head slightly.

Stars.

Everyone froze as Crevan considered.

“Be ready to run,” Tolvar uttered softly to Hux and the others.

Hux sighed. “I ne’er heard tales of the Wolf’s stupidity.”

Tolvar glanced back, nostrils flaring at Hux. “This is the only way. Get them to Ghlee and Alvie and finish this. I made a promise to keep my word. This is how I can fulfill my promise to Slo—Elanna, and keep everyone safe.” He pocketed the stone, accepted a dagger that Joss handed him, and traded places with Hux to hold Turas.

“You are quite a fortunate man,” Tolvar whispered in Turas’s ear. “But before this is all over, I shall kill you.”

But he needed the Earl of Anscom alive for the present. He needed him to help the others escape. Turas shuddered under Tolvar’s words but remained quiet.

Finally, the witch whispered one more phrase in Crevan’s ears. He lifted an eyebrow.

His smile was grotesque.

“Very well, brother. The StarSeers and your four knights—oops—three knights may leave. We shall give them a few moments’ time before we pursue. You shall stay here and give me the moonstone you carry.”

Tolvar gave a short nod, and Joss and Barrett raced to collect the horses. He grimaced down at Gus’s body. Gus, who had been so loyal. He wanted to give Valko a pat as Barrett hurried past him, but holding Turas was a matter of life and death at the moment. Crevan gave an exaggerated bow and stepped aside, all the while eyeing Tolvar like a shadow cat would its supper.

The StarSeers mounted Valko and the roan that had been Gus’s, and Hux held the unconscious Elanna against his chest, leading Rasa behind him.

Hux gave a strained smile from atop his black stallion.

“No barb to offer?” Tolvar asked.