Page 94 of Keeper of the Word

Tolvar didn’t reply.

“Are you all right, m’lord?” Bernwald had his attention on Tolvar now. “You do not look well.”

Tolvar narrowed his eyes. “Why did you empty Trysinmar in the state it’s in?”

Bernwald frowned. “Because you ordered me to, m’lord. Is that what vexes you?”

“Aye.” Tolvar rubbed his bloodshot eyes. “Nay.”

“M’lord, about what I said concerning Lord Crevan. I hope you know I’m only thinking of your well-being.”

“Aye.” Tolvar’s tone was flat.

Bernwald gave a curt nod. “I shall be ready in two hours, as you instruct.”

Had Bernwald’s eyes shifted when he’d spoken.

Was he surprised to see me or surprised to see me alive?

That thought was preposterous. Suddenly, the exhaustion of being awake for the last twenty-four hours washed over Tolvar.

“Actually, make that three hours. I need to sleep for a moment, or I shall be useless. And, I need you to stay here. Manage things.”

“Of course, m’lord.” Bernwald sloshed his knife in the bowl of water as he ran his finger over his neck.

He didn’t seem out of the ordinary.

All he waited on wasfor his sword to be returned. Usually, Tolvar preferred to sharpen his own weapon, but he’d required rest more and had given the sword to a page. He did not feel rested, but at least he no longer felt blurry.

Where was that page?

“Everything is ready, m’lord,” Gus said, leading his horse beside him. “And we’ll have four hours of sunlight when we arrive.”

Tolvar nodded. “Good,” he said, before yelling to a passing knight, “Blast it, Hert, find that page and find my sword.”

Hert gave an involuntary yelp before recovering and jogging away. “Aye, m’lord, without delay.”

“I think you need to see this, m’lord,” came Bernwald’s voice behind. He strode up to the two, carrying a spyglass in his hand.

“At least that page will not have to face you now,” Gus said. ’Twas something Ghlee would have said.

“Blast.” Tolvar took in a breath of patience.

Tolvar followed Bernwald up a small hill to where they had a better vantage point. Five knights stood there, three of them surveying the battlefield, two taking notes. No doubt Tolvar could guess what transpired.

Through the spyglass, Tolvar spotted Anscom’s army readying themselves with plate and armor. Horses were being saddled, and the otherwise great commotion left naught to the imagination.

Tolvar shifted the spyglass toward Greenwood’s camp and noted a similar scene.

“Stars’ shadow, these two blockheads are actually going to scrap again?”

“What are your orders, m’lord?” Sir Bernwald asked.

Well, this is convenient right as I am to depart.

“Mayhap I should go to Trysinmar in your stead?”

“Stars, let me think.” Tolvar marched down the hill. His demeanor must have warned the others not to follow.