Page 202 of Keeper of the Word
The cool autumn breeze brushed against the back of Tolvar’s neck.
“Let’s get you to camp, Lord Wolf,” Hux said, taking an arm around his middle.
“I am well. I wish to take a walk.”
“A walk?” Alvie exclaimed. “What for? I want to take a nap!”
Exhausted snickering followed.
“I shall come with you then,” Ghlee said, placing a hand on Tolvar’s shoulder.
“Nay, I wish to be alone.”
Ghlee nodded in understanding.
Tolvar put his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “My thanks, brother. For everything.”
To Joss and Barrett, Tolvar inclined his head. “You have been the most loyal of knights. We would not have succeeded without you.”
Joss gave a half-smile. “We would ne’er have served any other, m’lord. We shall see you when you return to camp.”
Hux hung back. “A walk?”
Tolvar coughed and glanced at the full moon. “Come now, Ravyn, you know what night ’tis.”
The blur between life and death.
Hux, too, gazed at the moon. “’Tis been quite an adventure.”
“Aye. I suppose ’twas not an ill decision I brought you along after all. Even if you are a Ravyn.”
Hux winked. “Even if you are an arrogant Wolf.”
Tolvar gazed after his friends as they retreated toward camp. He turned to walk south.
Elanna stood there.
“Thank you, keeper of the word. I ne’er doubted you.”
“Even when I told you I was not a praying man.” He handed her the two pieces of the Edan Stone.
“Even then.”
Elanna the Fourth. She appeared radiant, like a heavenly effigy.
“What will you do now?” he asked.
“Go into hiding. Fall into obscurity. Become a legend, eventually.”
He nodded, hunching and leaning his hands on his thighs.
“As will you, Tolvar Weslyn. The Wolf who saved the Capella Realm.”
“Hardly.” He straightened. “Look around you.”
“We see not time nor victories the same, I suppose. But trust me. ’Twas you who paved the path to the future.”
They exchanged an enduring look.
