Page 185 of Keeper of the Word

“And what shall we do if they do not return?” Kyrie asked.

“Cease, Kyrie. They will return,” Casta said.

“We must make for Asalle,” Elanna conceded, ignoring Casta. “The prophecy shall not wait. These winds change, and with it comes the war.”

“Agreed,” Kyrie said. “I cannot believe we are in the midst of all this.” Her face contorted into something between awe and abhorrence. “I shall pray.”

Elanna’s eyes followed Kyrie as she strode away.

“I know how you were able to Sybyll Walk,” Casta said, her eyes still on the horizon.

“How?”

“Because you are no longer content to sit and pray and See. You acted all those moons ago, Elanna. And what if you had not?”

“StarSeers aren’t meant to act. Mayhap all this has been in vain. We know the end.”

“But ’tis not the end. Because of you, the realm shall have a chance. The continent shall not fall into forever darkness. You acted.” She glanced down at Maristel. “You have altered us. For the better.Youhave changed the course of the future.”

Elanna had no reply, so the two waited, Maristel drifting off to sleep between them.

After midnight, Elanna was startled awake by the sound of approaching hooves.

“I told you,” Casta said, a gleam in her eye.

As soon as he’d dismounted, Hux lifted Elanna, kissing her face. “Oh, Lady. I did not want to leave. I was so distraught when you did not return that day. I pray you know that I left only upon Kyrie’s command. I pray you understand. I ne’er shall leave you again. You have my word.”

Elanna held him close to her, taking in his scent. “I know.”

She released Hux and went to Tolvar. The duration of the moon he’d been imprisoned had taken its toll. “Sir Tolvar, you are returned.”

“Thanks to you, I am certain.” His weakness showed. She could detect where the trace of Adrienne’s curse had been employed to torture him. “We had to flee without the Edan Stone.” His forehead puckered with defeat. “I failed. I failed. I am most sorry.”

Elanna nodded, considering how that fit into all that was yet before them. Stars, they were running out of time.

“Thewordis safe, I assure you.” Tolvar’s voice choked as he spoke.

“I would ne’er doubt you. We shall not fail until all is over. We shall find a way to gain it back.”

Tolvar’s friend, Ghlee, clapped him on the back; Tolvar winced. “Takes more than that to fell the Wolf.”

The two men embraced. “My thanks, Ghlee.”

“All this rescue business has got me starvin’,” Alvie said. “What’s there to eat around here?”

Led by Joss, the knights flung into action, starting a cookfire. Everyone’s adrenaline still ran high, and the group began an impromptu celebration of sorts. Hux tugged on Elanna’s arm to come dance, but she waved him off, saying she’d join shortly.

Tolvar sat with Ghlee on the bluff, fixed on the now black horizon.

“We are safe for tonight, if that is your concern,” Elanna said.

Ghlee gazed up at her and chuckled. “Having Seers of Stars is an advantage, ’twould seem.” He nudged Tolvar’s shoulder.

Tolvar grunted before blowing on his hot cup of dew fruit tea.

Ghlee’s eyes darted between them. “I shall see if Alvie needs assistance with the cooking.”

Elanna sat next to Tolvar. His gaze would not meet hers; he clenched his jaw.