Page 20 of Keeper of the Word

As they rode, Elanna was barely aware of the countryside surroundings; she considered the possibility of convincing her sisters. But there was a flaw in that plan. In all her visions of doom and destruction, Elanna had never Seen her sisters there with her. ’Twas unlikely any of them had Seen a vision that could corroborate hers.

Yet they cannot think me mad, can they?Tolvar’s words still stung.

Never in studying any of the lengthy written histories of the StarSeers had she read of one leaving Ashwin.

But she could not—would not—deny that the stars had beckoned her. Elanna knew in her soul, etched with stardust, that she would not be carrying these fortunes had she stayed in Ashwin. Reflecting on the last twenty days, ’twas undeniable that what she’dSeen—what she’d asked to See—was too dark a fortune for inside the walls of Ashwin. The darkness that covered the world could not transcend that safeguard.

And if I return…

What would five days do? The knights may have believed she’d said five days as a sign. A symbol of the Five. Mayhap even a clue that she relayed a message from the stars.

But she’d simply said “five” to buy time. Now that they were headed in the wrong direction, shehadto make Tolvar understand reason. Mayhap if she convinced one of the others. Gus and Barrett seemed to be no help. Brave knights, aye, but followers. From what she’d observed between Tolvar and Hux, convincing him would only inspire Tolvar to ride with greater haste to Ashwin.

Joss, mayhap? The woman captain was exceptional. But, nay, she didn’t have Tolvar’s ear. Not yet, anyway. Elanna wondered if the Wolf was fully aware of her.

When they halted for the night, Joss set the other two knights to work as if it were second nature. She’d even snapped at Hux to collect kindling. But Joss had shared much of the work, hauling two full waterskins from a nearby stream. She glanced at Tolvar now and then—the Wolf skinning a rabbit he’d caught—but he paid no notice to the orderly way in which Joss took charge.

No one had asked Elanna to do any task, but she certainly was not ignored. Everyone’s glance fell on her again and again as they made camp. It was rare and disconcerting and, in a way, comical. The only time Elanna met with outsiders was when knights from the Order of Siria visited every moon—and they weren’ttrulyoutsiders—or rare visits from nobles or their messengers.

Elanna’s hands itched to not be idle as she observed everyone else at work. Had Joss not asked her to do anything because she was a StarSeer or because she did not think her capable?

The question disturbed her.

“What may I do?” Elanna asked her when she stood beside Joss, building a cookfire.

Everyone gawked.

“Nothing, m’lady,” Joss said, struggling to bow, but as she wascrouched, it appeared as if she’d lost her balance. “What may we do to make you more comfortable?”

Elanna flushed. She pivoted and found Tolvar observing her, his head cocked, his eyes dancing. On the opposite side of camp, Hux, too, grinned.

They do think I’m incapable!

“I need not comfort, Dame Joss; I wish to help.”

“Well.” Perspiration broke on Joss’s forehead. “Very well, m’lady. You may…” She pointed to Hux. “Help gather more kindling.”

Hux’s eyes drew to the giant pile of kindling that had already been collected. “Aye,” he said. “Come, Lady Elanna. I would be glad for your help.”

“Hux,” Tolvar said. His face seemed to be in a permanent glare whenever he spoke to the Deogolian.

“Lord Wolf, when shall you find your trust in me?” Hux pivoted and strode through the trees. Elanna gathered her skirts and jogged to catch up.

When she stood next to Hux, she found him muttering to himself, collecting twigs.

“Are you well?” Elanna asked. A cross expression on Hux was new.

Hux straightened and smiled. “Aye. ’Course. Nothing an amusing little raid or kidnapping would not cure.”

Elanna retreated.

“I jest.” Hux snorted a laugh before turning somber. “You and I may be more alike than one would say. We belong nowhere.”

“I beg your pardon. I know exactly where I belong.”

“Then why are you insistent you do not return?”

“It may be difficult for you to understand since you are not from the Capella Realm, but words I say,anywords I say, should be heeded.”