Page 71 of Keeper of the Word

Elanna’s eyes trailed after him and his guards, the calmness fleeing her. ’Twas nothing, she reminded herself. Dashiell had agreed to the wedding. The conversation they’d overheard gave no indication that she should fear anything. But?—

“Well, what do we make of all that?” Hux said, emerging into the corridor, ’twould seem, from a place of hiding.

“Where did you materialize from?” Barrett asked in an effort toconceal his alarm.

“From a place of many talents.” Hux winked. “But, in earnest, what do you make of that, Lady? I noted that your demeanor transformed in the middle of your conversation.”

“Did you?” Elanna asked, meeting his gaze. She’d been told ’twas near impossible for others to sense when StarSeers recalled visions from the stars.

“Aye.” Hux stared at the end of the corridor where Dashiell had disappeared. “Right, then.” He nodded at Joss and Barrett. “You two have everything from here? I shall make an effort to meet you all later at our site in the gardens.” Hux headed in the direction the prince had gone.

Joss muttered under her breath. After his stunt today, Elanna couldn’t blame the dame’s hostility. Besides, her concentration was on Hux’s behavior.

“What do you make of Hux’s sudden appearance?”

“M’lady, I would hate to speculate.”

“Pardon,” a voice called. “Have you seen—” He ceased speaking when Elanna turned.

A Warin stood there. He was tall and muscular. His sandy hair peeked out from his uniform cap, and his stiff silver-colored tunic formed a formidable image. He was one of the new Warins, as evident by the yellow band wrapped around his left arm.

“Elanna?”

Though she scarcely believed it, Elanna would recognize her brother anywhere.

“Daved? Daved!” She closed the gap between them but stopped short of embracing him. He put his hands on her shoulders.

“Oh my stars! Elanna! I heard the report that there was a StarSeer here, but I’d no idea ’twas you!”

Joss and Barrett joined them, probing Elanna with inquisitive glances.

“Joss, Barrett, this is Daved, my brother.”

The three greeted each other warmly.

“Knights of the Order of Siria?” Daved asked.

“Nay. Joss is knight-captain to the Earl of Askella, and Barrett is one of his highly-ranked knights.”

“Askella?” Daved shifted his stance. “Elanna, what is going on? Only the Order of Siria is supposed to accompany StarSeersifthere’s need for travel.”

Elanna crossed her arms. “You may be my older brother still, but I am a grown woman now. And, as you mentioned, a StarSeer. I’m not often questioned.”

Daved’s face went slack. “Elanna, you misunderstand me. I’m not seeking to question you. Merely understand. The Wolf has only recently been welcomed back into the realm, and now he’s…guarding you?”

“Aye.” She left it at that.

Joss glared in defense of her earl.

“Very well. I shall ask no more. Stars, ’tis been an age. I’ve never ceased thinking of you or asking myself if I made the correct decision that day when I took you to the constable.” He dropped his head. “I only knew that I wouldn’t be able to care for you. And with father…”

“You did make the correct decision, Daved.” Elanna took his hand. “I am where I am supposed to be. And stars in heaven, you’re a Warin?”

“Only just. I’m at the end of my training. I hope. But, aye.” His chin rose. “I worked my way through the ranks—first through that of the Mara, then the realm’s military—and earned my recommendation to High Commander Dirk.”

Elanna beamed. “’Tis most wonderful to see you.”

“And you. I can scarcely believe you’re here at Castle Sidra. Stars! I must go. I’m expected at the council chambers.” He strode away, saying, “I shall find you again, Elanna, when I’m off duty.”