Page 78 of Keeper of the Word

They caught the constable in the middle of a lazy dinner, two women scantily dressed, keeping him company.

“M’lord! My earl!” The man began choking on his porridge. The two women, eyes wide, slithered past him and out the door.

“Do you find that company helps you keep your post better, constable?” Tolvar said, his voice a soft growl.

“Nay, m’lord. First time. This is the first time that’s happened. I swear.”

“Peace.” Tolvar held up a hand.

“Have you received any outside messages in the last day? Or noticed any suspicious outsiders entering the town?”

“Nay, m’lord. A band of musicians entered here three days ago, but they departed yesterday.”

“How many?”

“Five? Nay, four, m’lord. Aye, it was a lutist, a piper player, a singer, and a…someone else. A tall man, I think.”

“Where might your log be?” Gus asked. “Wouldn’t that information be in your log that your guardsmen keep at the gate?”

“Well, you see, sir. I’m not certain that log is up-to-date, exactly.”

Tolvar and Gus traded eye rolls.

“Does Marga still live in this town? On the north side?”

“Well…”

“Siria’s skirt, man, whatdoyou know? This town is the size of a tree nut.”

They left the constable stuttering and, Tolvar suspected, on the verge of blubbering. Right, repair the office and have that imbecile replaced.

Gus had been a new knight when Crevan was still at Thorin Court, but he knew him by sight. Tolvar had discreetly told him why they’d come to Trysinmar. Good man hadn’t blinked an eye.

At least someone is not mocking what Iknow.

After Bernwald’s words about “seeking a ghost,” Tolvar had settled on vagueness in what he’d told the other two knights.

“I suggest we start with the pubs, m’lord,” Gus said. “The man we search for may be there.”

Tolvar nodded curtly. He knew the others must be frustrated to be left in the dark, but he didn’t need their brains. He needed their aid when apprehending Crevan, that is, if Tolvar didn’t run him through first. “You and you”—he inclined his head at two of the knights—“you follow Gus and his orders. Herry, you stand here with the horses. I’ll meet you back here in an hour.”

“Where are you going?” Gus inquired.

“Somewhere else.”

Gus rubbed the back of his neck before giving a nod and starting off with the others.

Chapter

Twenty-Nine

TOLVAR

It was said that once the Wolf found a place, he did not forget how to find himself there again. That was most assuredly not true—especially during the last couple of years being a drunken mess—but fortunately, he’d tracked Himmex’s mistress years ago—before that time.

The curved road he followed was dark. No torchlight to speak of. ’Twas shabbier than Tolvar remembered. Most likely, this area of town had succumbed to age and neglect—another thing to speak to the mayor about.

When he stood at her door, Tolvar listened for a bit. Himmex certainly couldn’t be there. And certainly, Crevan wouldn’t be here. What did Tolvar think he would hear? But he had a feeling Ghlee sent him here for a reason.