Page 2 of Keeper of the Word (The Unsung and the Wolf Duology #2)

Chapter

Two

TOLVAR

T he next week was a quiet affair. Tolvar rode Valko, his Ashwinian roan stallion, to Thorindale to meet with the town constable and then to the surrounding countryside to survey Askella’s new crops and check on the welfare of his people.

Sir Bernwald and eight of his guard, including Dame Joss, Sir Barrett, and Sir Gus—the two other knights from the first day of his return—accompanied him.

Hux, who Tolvar would have relished leaving behind, also joined them. He couldn’t very well be left unattended.

Stars.

Everywhere Tolvar went brought out gawkers who wished to see the famed knight connected with the tale of Sloane the Unsung. He took it in stride. It was the role of being earl. It was part of being the Wolf. It was his duty to honor Sloane’s memory.

But, privately, Tolvar knelt in the Priva each night, letting out his pent-up grief. He could make it through the days. He could repeatedly retell Sloane’s glory as long as he had these solitary moments. He could fool an entire province. He was the Wolf.

But Hux had been there in Deogol with him. He had known Sloane and made his own pledge to her and her quest. Tolvar could not fool the former Ravyn.

One afternoon, as they rode back to Thorin Court, Hux finally commented.

“I miss my brother. And I do not pretend that I do not. I face my grief.”

Stars.

Brinley, Hux’s brother, had died before the Solstice Moon in the encounter they’d faced with a group of shadow cats in Ayla’s forest. Despite Tolvar’s detestation of the Ravyns, he and Ghlee, as well as Sloane and her friend, Alvie, would never have survived that attack without their aid.

And then there was the Battle for Sloane , Tolvar reminded himself in annoyance .

Blast! Why did it have to be Hux who had saved Tolvar’s life from—of all people—his own brother, Crevan?

Tolvar flicked Valko’s reins.

What a messy affair the last years have been .

He exhaled the scent of late spring’s soil. ’Twas good to be out riding with naught to do but oversee his lands.

Although, he supposed this could not continue every day. After tomorrow, he’d have made the rounds to every surrounding village and farm.

Then what shall I do with my blasted time?

Next to him on that monstrous black stallion of his, Hux snorted.

“I know that look,” Hux said. “The great Wolf has come to rest and discovered rest to be quite the bore.”

Tolvar scowled at him before confirming that his knights hadn’t heard Hux’s comment. If they had, they gave no indication.

“Mayhap it seems that way to you as you have no land of your own.”

“That is where you are incorrect,” Hux said. “I had land and found it a bore. Life has held much more excitement these last few years. I do not think I shall be able to stand much more of this. What direction would you conduct me if I decided to go on an adventure?”

Tolvar made an insulting gesture with his hand that brought out more of Hux’s laughter.

His knights made puzzled faces. Bernwald had inquired about who and why Hux was here in Askella, and Tolvar had only given him the briefest of explanations.

Damn Ghlee and his way of gaining promises from Tolvar that no one else could. He should never have brought Hux here.

“No adventures,” Tolvar said before lowering his voice so only Hux could hear the warning that followed. “Do not make me place you back on a ship. You gave your word you’d stay under my thumb if I brought you to the Capella Realm, Ravyn. ”

Hux’s composed expression was unperturbed. “Tsk-tsk. Might you at least have a banquet then? I cannot abide by only your company much longer.”

“No banquets.”

They rode the rest of the way in silence—that is, except for Hux’s incessant whistling.

The days dragged on. Rather than riding through the countryside of Askella, Tolvar turned his attention to his men and led training himself.

Though Sir Bernwald hinted that he trained them twice as vigorously as Dame Joss or the other officers, Tolvar ran his knights through drill after drill.

Hux joined in at times, and Tolvar was surprised by how polished Hux’s training was.

Mayhap it hadn’t been in jest when Hux mentioned he once had land.

Was Hux’s true identity one of nobility back in Deogol? Tolvar almost laughed.

Most of the time, however, Hux lounged about in a cushioned chair with a bowl of peppers and cheese and a decanter of wine brought to him by an assigned servant.

As he spectated, he applauded every so often.

It made Tolvar want to smash the bottle over his head or at least drink it all if he were not abstaining himself .

“No more skirmishes?” Tolvar asked Sir Bernwald again after training one late morning. He was bare-chested, sweat dripping down his body. The commander handed him a cloth to wipe his forehead.

“None, m’lord,” Sir Bernwald said, wiping sweat off himself, too. “All’s been quiet since your return.”

Tolvar wasn’t going to make more of it than necessary. “Good.” He took a goblet filled with water from a waiting servant and downed the contents. It quenched his thirst but not his desire for the ale he craved.

“But……” Sir Bernwald’s hands went behind his back as he focused on the courtyard.

“But?” Tolvar asked.

“Sir Conall informed me that, again, you have a message awaiting an answer. From the sovereign.”

Tolvar rolled his eyes. This was King Rian’s fourth message.

He’d sent the first before Tolvar had set sail from Deogol.

He’d commanded Tolvar to the capital city, Asalle.

To show off his hero, no doubt. Stars. Tolvar still mulled over how to forgive his banishment, let alone how he would be paraded around like a prized stud.

In the three weeks he’d been home, Tolvar had hoped King Rian would give up and leave him alone. Let him govern Askella in peace.

But King Rian still had Tolvar’s sword.

How much did Tolvar desire his weapon that he would venture to the capital city to fetch it?

“Bring Conall and your officers to my study. I suppose we must make plans.”

“And your new man-at-arms?” Sir Bernwald eyed Hux in the background.

“Man-at-arms? Stars’ shadow, man. Give me a little more credit.” Then Tolvar curled his lips into a half-grin. That sneaky Bernwald was attempting to get more information about Hux’s sudden appearance since Tolvar’s explanation had been brief. And the Ravyn did follow him around.

He frowned at Hux sipping his wine and focusing on the three matches in front of him. Tolvar wasn’t certain if he desired to bat Hux on the head with that goblet because his presence vexed him or because he merely missed Ghlee at this moment.

I wonder what Ghlee is doing right now back in Dara Keep?

“Hux isn’t my man-at-arms. He’s—” Why had Tolvar ever allowed him to come here? Was he to leave him here at Thorin Court? He couldn’t bring Hux, a criminal, to Asalle, could he? “Stars, I suppose he is my new man-at-arms. But he needn’t be in the meeting. I shall meet you in my study.”

“Aye, m’lord.”

After being detained in the corridor by Janka, Tolvar entered his study and found the only person already in the room was Hux.

Siria’s skirt.

“Man-at-arms, you say?” Hux snickered from where he stood next to Tolvar’s desk. “I do hope that means an adventure after all.”

“How in stars’ name did you get in here?”

Hux examined his fingernails. “I’ve made it my business to befriend the important people of Thorin Court.”

Tolvar wondered whose head he would have to take off later.

“May I?” Hux gestured to the chair next to him.

“By all means, I would not wish to take action without you.”

“Gladdened I am to hear that, Lord Wolf. I have a feeling that you might truly mean that at some point.”