Page 23 of Keeper of the Word

TOLVAR

There was a sense of relief now that Elanna had returned to Ashwin, where she belonged.

Last night, when they had trotted through Ashwin’s ivory gates, which sparkled in the Dew Moon’s waning light complemented by the stars, Elanna’s back had been as straight as an arrow. They’d purposefully waited until close to midnight to arrive. Lady Tara had mentioned ’twas best that the whole of the city did not observe the return of the wayward. Only the sentinels and a few late-night passersby witnessed Elanna return, her blonde hair appearing as though lit.

Ladies Tara, Casta, and Kyrie stood at the entrance of Aura Hall with a half-dozen servants and, to Tolvar’s surprise, a dozen knights, their uniforms black with gold stitching, revealing them to be from the Order of Siria. ’Twas not entirely odd they should be here. The Order of Siria was, after all, the ancient guard of the StarSeers. But Tolvar was certain none had been in Ashwin upon his first arrival. Lady Tara had sent for them since Tolvar had left. Mayhap it was a coincidence. But the stern faces of the knights fixed on Elanna, who was doing her best to ignore their expressions,alerted something inside of Tolvar—an instinct that had served the Wolf well in the last decade as a knight.

Upon dismounting, ’twas clear the knights weren’t the only ones posed to discipline Elanna. Lady Tara’s face was severe, to say the least.

Elanna nodded to each of her sisters in turn before locking eyes with Tara.

“I’ve returned.” Elanna’s voice was different here and exuded fortitude. Had there been doubt about Elanna’s ethereal presence before, the woman standing like a pillar put any misgivings to rest. “As you Saw, Tara.”

Lady Tara was a pillar herself. “Indeed. Come. We have much to discuss, Elanna. Bid your saviors farewell. They leave on the morrow.”

“On the contrary,” Elanna said, her voice rich with command. “I have invited my champions as guests of Ashwin for the next five days. I would that they recover before their journey home.”

Casta softened her solemn expression. Kyrie cocked an eyebrow.

Tara imparted a slight smile. “I believe the Earl of Askella has no need of rest. He is the Wolf, and his homeland is mere days from here.”

“The invitation has already been extended and accepted.”

Tolvar had always been pleased with the glare the Wolf could deliver. Tara and Elanna’s glares at each other schooled him in the way of silent assault.

“Very well. They are most welcome here, then.” Lady Tara transformed herself into a smiling diplomat. “M’lord, please follow our stewardess. She’ll see you comfortably settled.” As they fell in line behind the stewardess, Tolvar gave Elanna a last backward glance.

She’d appeared terrified.

But now, the following evening, as he strolled alone through the Gardens of Aura’s Lee under the half-moon, Tolvar knew his sense of relief was more than delivering Elanna safely back toAshwin. He could be rid of this small adventure serving at the convenience of StarSeers.

When Elanna had spoken of King Rian’s anger toward the StarSeers after Pamella’s death, it only reminded Tolvar of how the sovereign echoed his own anger that he’d managed to tamp down all these years.

Bah.His steps paused.

There was no sense in stirring up emotions that were left well enough alone.

The goddess of the Falling Leaves Moon had told him his father was at peace. Had she not?

Stars, was he genuinely considering belief in the moon goddesses? But Sloane had believed.

What did he believe in? Tolvar found a small star in the sky. “Sloane,” he uttered, challenging himself to not search for the moon cuff in his pocket. He continued on the hedge-lined path.

Aye. Relieved is what Tolvar felt. Back to Thorin Court in four days. There, he could begin his duties as the Earl of Askella. Follow in his father’s footsteps.

And wallow in your misery in peace.

Tolvar scanned the darkened gardens. He preferred this place at night. The flowers and foliage were wiped clean of their colors. Grey and dark grey. Fitting.

Movement caught his eye: a woman across some hedges. At first, he mistook her for Elanna. He hadn’t encountered her since last night. He strode closer. ’Twas not Elanna. The woman was much too short, and the bun atop her head gave her away as Kyrie, the StarSeer who had little acknowledged Tolvar.

He retreated, but her voice called, “Sir Tolvar, walk with me.”

Stars. He wanted her company like he wanted a kick in the head from Valko. But he was a guest here and still at their command.

Four more days.

“You needn’t look upon me like a banshee of the Hoarfrost Moon. I would speak to you.”