Page 45 of Keeper of the Word

“Brinley came to my defense, and fought his way out of the room, but was captured and taken to the dungeon. The dungeon! My father caged his son like an animal. My father’s steward told me he had worse than a dungeon planned for Brinley the next morning. All to save his reputation and pride and, most terrible of all, to fulfill his loathing.”

Tolvar thought of his own father. ’Twas unimaginable that he would react the same.

“You may say my father’s reaction was outrageous, unbelievable even. No man would treat a son in such a ghastly manner. And I would have agreed had I not witnessed it myself. So now I say, I wonder what other sons are misused thus. My brother was my brother. Nothing about him could change that. And to witness a father choose detestation…”

Hux inhaled and continued. “The first items I ever stole were my father’s. In the middle of the night, with the aid of a guard whom I trusted, I released Brinley from that smelly hole and absconded with four heavy saddlebags laden with the treasures of my father’s house. When I sold his possessions in the markets, I reveled in selling his most valuable possession—a beloved goblet inlaid with enough rubies to make a sovereign blush—for two coppers.” A half-hearted chuckle escaped. “I sent them to my father with a note telling him that he could replace his sons with them.”

“Stars.”

“Aye. Would that I could have seen his expression.” Hux’s smile was sly. “When we were uncertain of where to go or what else to do, Brinley and I formed the Ravyns. We chose a darkened path of bandits, living in shadows, always on the run, constantly glancingback. I was consumed by hate, vengeance, and for a time when I got the thirst for it, greed. I would not let anyone join the Ravyns who had ties to family. I desired no reminder of fathers or the like.”

It had grown dark.

“But meeting your Sloane changed me. And I’m gladdened for it. I am glad now that I did not kill my father. ’Twould have made me no better than he.”

“I am sorry that happened to Brinley. And to you.”

“My thanks. But take it from me. Rage and hate shall only get you so far. When the time comes, if Crevanisstill alive, ask yourself who you wish to be after the blade has slid from his corpse.”

Tolvar didn’t like the rational way Hux spoke but gave a curt nod. “Come, let us return to camp.”

The breeze had died, but the late spring air had grown cooler as they strode back.

“One favor, Lord Wolf,” Hux said, his voice back to its irritatingly cheery self. “Please do not speak my tale to others.”

“You have my word,” Tolvar said without hesitation.

“And I ask one more favor. Please do not tell Elanna what sort of person I was before. I do not wish my past to mangle my future.”

Tolvar gave him a side glance. “You favor her?”

“Who would not? I know she cannot return the favor—I am learning more about your dreadfully stuffy culture—but I would not like her to think the worst of me. That is my past.”

“Very well,” Tolvar said, not as forthcoming with this affirmation.

They were almost returned, the whiff of the campfire crisp, the glow inviting, when something caught Tolvar’s eye. He paused. There was a gap in the tall grass where none had been before. He was certain.

He drew his sword—Hux following suit—and crept toward it.

A circular patch of grass had been cleared away. His first dark thought was that ’twas mere yards from the camp. Then Tolvar noted the five carcasses of the starlings formed in a ring, theirpurple-green feathers looking garish in the shadows; a chill ran down his spine.

“Elanna,” they whispered together, whirling to catch a glimpse of her. Her golden hair was distinct in the group. She was safe.

Tolvar stepped toward camp; Hux halted him by placing a hand on his chest.

“Wait, what is that?” Hux stooped, inspecting the dirt where, upon first glance, it appeared to be naught but several scuff marks.

Was that the letter “I”?

“Bring a torch!” Tolvar shouted, startling his knights. With haste, two raced over with one.

In the dirt, a message had been scrawled. Some letters were obscure, yet Tolvar could read most of them.

If darkness cannot be raised, then…bring down the light.

Bring down the light?

“Stars almighty,” Joss said, stooping to read the message. “M’lord, we heard nothing. Sal was on guard mere feet from here.”