Page 163 of Keeper of the Word
If Anscom was frightened of the North Forest, mayhap whatever was terrorizing his men would aid them.
And ’twould cut four days off their journey. Why, that could be paramount to making all the difference.
On the other hand, if there was something in the forest: banshees, more shadow cats—he’d had enough of those to last a lifetime—beguile birds, four days would mean naught if they could not exit the forest.
Hux said, “Shall we toss a coin into the air to decide?”
“Douse out, Hux.”
And what of the road through Shepton? Was Tolvar’s face plastered on banners in Cattacor? Wouldmoretrouble reach them if they traveled in the open?
“Of all the tales I have heard of the Wolf, indecisiveness has ne’er been part of them,” Hux said.
“Hux, cease,” Elanna said. “We await your decision, keeper of the word.”
Stars.
Joss and Barrett exchanged a glance, and Tolvar pictured one of the two of them grieving for the other dead on the road. He cocked his head, gauging if the grim feeling could guide him. Either direction did not quell his misgivings.
Damn.
Tolvar was not a praying man. But Siria’s skirt, he certainly cursed the stars.
“Either way, Sir Tolvar, you will see this through to the end.” Elanna gave Rasa a pat as the horse pranced in place.
“We shall continue on the North Road toward Shepton and skirt the forest. I would keep everyone here safe.”
Elanna inclined her head, and they started off.
They picked up speed.Tolvar wished again all six steeds were Ashwinian Lusters, but no matter, they rode hard, racing along theopen countryside of northern Lenfore, a terrain filled with evergreen trees, emerald fields, and, more days than not, rain.
Although they were often soaked, at least it was the warm bursts of summer and not chilled downpours of spring or autumn.
The grim feeling returned three days into their journey.
Tolvar wanted to voice this to Elanna, but one evening when she rejoined the group after Seeing the stars, a grin shone on her face.
“My sisters are alive. I Saw a sign tonight.”
But then, why the grim feeling?
“Elanna! That is gladdened news!” Hux exclaimed, picking her up and spinning her around. “Does that mean you feel them now?” he asked, as he placed her back on her feet.
She shook her head. “But I know they are alive.” Her eyes were glossed over. “They are alive!”
Everyone gave cheers or words of confidence. Joss and Barrett sneaked a glance.
“Oh stars!” Tolvar said. “Enough, you two. If you believe you are keeping a secret, you are far mistaken.”
“M’lord!” Joss’s face reddened. “What do you mean?”
Gus chuckled. “Joss, come now. True, it took Lord Tolvar longer than most to notice, but the obviousness of you two is short of shouting your relationship to the sky.”
The others laughed.
“That is insubordination!” Tolvar laughed along with the others before sobering. “But I jest not. If the ex-thief and the StarSeer can tromp around in love, why not you two?”
Barrett and Joss tentatively gazed at each other. “Are you in earnest, m’lord?” Joss asked. “You are not angry? This is highly out of order. We meant no insolence. I swear that we did try.”
