Page 93 of Keeper of the Word

“The path of the realm’s fortune is shrouded this morning,” she managed to get out before stifling a new sob. “’Tis my fault. The prince begged me not to say anything.”

Hux nodded. “That must feel akin to a great weight, Lady, but the entire future of the realm cannot hang solely upon your shoulders.”

Elanna shrugged. “As I am a StarSeer, I am not entirely certain that is true.” She wiped her tears and sighed. “’Tis past my time for prayer. Mayhap you can use your own powers of discovery, and we shall have good news about the sovereign’s next move.”

Hux nodded. “If you do not see me for a few days, do not worry.”

“What does that mean?”

“There is another developing matter I wish to inquire about. But I’ll return.” He exited back into the castle before Elanna could ask further questions.

Elanna rubbed her fingers together, stamping out her desire to follow and take him by the hands.

Tugging open the doors of the Delara, a prism of sunlight dancing on the west wall caught her eye as she entered. A rush of warmth went through her. The cord of starlight between her and her sisters jerked taut. She stumbled back in surprise. It’d been weeks since she’d dared tug at it from the core of her being.

Then she gasped. Someone was already in the Delara.

Elanna had forgotten that Tara arrived today.

Chapter

Thirty-Four

TOLVAR

“M’lord?” said Sir Bernwald. Dressed only in his inner tunic and hose, standing outside his tent shaving in the first light of dawn, Bernwald did not hide his surprise at spotting the earl ride up to camp. “What are you doing back here so soon?”

Tolvar had had a long ride back to mull over the events of the evening.

Stars, the events of the last moons.

Ghlee’s words: “…tales of watchdogs turning on their masters,” repeated in his head. Watchdogs kept close to their masters. ’Twas someone close. Ghlee had taken an abundance of caution in giving this message, so much so that Tolvar had to ride a half day to receive it. Tolvar had burned it along with Crevan’s message when they’d halted to rest.

“You were right, Bernwald. Trysinmar was a wild boar chase.”

“I am sorry, m’lord. I know you had high hopes that your errand would be successful.” His focus went back to his reflection in the small looking glass he was using to shave.

A thought escaped.It couldn’t be Bernwald, could it?

But Tolvar had not been suspicious enough in the past.

And he did try to talk you out of going.

“What news here?” Tolvar asked.

“Quiet, except for midafternoon, a scout of Anscom wandered into camp. He said that he was lost. I sent him packing, of course. Told him that he had no business here.”

“Was he informed I was in Trysinmar?”

“Nay, m’lord.” Bernwald gave Tolvar his attention. “Why would you ask that?”

Tolvar shrugged. “Trysinmar has become a hole. Think you we can spare three dozen knights to comb the town for the band that lurks there and drive them out? Or better, run them through.”

Bernwald methodically ran the shaving knife over his neck. “If that is your wish, m’lord. We are not doing much here. Might as well take care of our own. When do you wish them ready?”

“In two hours.”

Bernwald did not blink at the order. “I can be ready then.”