Page 199 of Keeper of the Word
“Say it!” the witch shouted again at Tolvar. She curved her fingers, and Elanna screamed in pain, sinking to her knees.
Hux shouted with her, shifting his feet helplessly.
“Nay,” Elanna shook her head, tears streaming. “Tolvar, I’m not needed any longer. The gate is locked. My task is done.”
Stars. Her pain. He couldfeelher pain. For ’twas also his.
“All right!”
“Nay, Tolvar!” Elanna shrieked.
His heart pounded like ne’er before in a battle. Think.
Hux made a step forward. Elanna screamed again as the witch danced her fingers in the air.
“Enough. Put your arm to your side so I know you cannot hurt her further. I’ll say theword,” Tolvar said to the witch.
Crevan cackled madly. “Do not do it, Carmil.”
Elanna shook her head emphatically.
“You do not have to release her, only rest your hand to your side,” Tolvar said.
Carmil eyed him ruthlessly with her cloudy eye.
“Ravyn.”
“Aye?”
“I miss Gus.”
Hux gave a confused expression. “Well, so do I, but Iamdoing my best to help you.”
“’Twas a brave last act he performed.”
Hux huffed. “Aye. Ever comparing me to yourrealknights.”
He dared to make eye contact with Hux. “You know what I speak of?”
Hux’s grimace transformed into understanding. The orb.
“Cease!” Crevan yelled. “Carmil, do not drop your hand.”
“’Tis all you have to do,” Tolvar said to Carmil. “And I’ll say theword.”
Carmil lifted her hand to him momentarily, pointing her bony finger at him. Then she dropped that arm to her side.
“Now!” Tolvar yelled.
He charged himself at Carmil and Elanna both, knocking himself into the witch, bracing himself for the pain that would bolt into him the moment they made contact.
At the same time, Hux, too, hurled himself into them, his focus solely on her orb. Tolvar crushed his body over Carmil’s, shouting out pains of anguish from her touch. But the act broke Elanna away from her clutches. Elanna staggered away as Tolvar rolled himself off Carmil and the blinding pain of Adrienne. Hux smashed the orb against the ground, and Carmil screeched.
Hux pivoted immediately, knowing Crevan’s attack would be instantaneous. He barely blocked Crevan’s sword from puncturing Tolvar.
Hux, shifting his position to give Tolvar time to stand, swiped at Crevan, “Why not be a good villain and die?”
Tolvar, get up.
