Page 102 of Keeper of the Word
“They’ve ceased,” Herry said, cocking his head.
So they had. The battle noises halted.
“Where is Sir Bernwald?” Tolvar said before chugging a cup of water and wiping his chin.
“I know not, m’lord. He has not yet returned from his errand to Greenwood.”
“No one searched for him?”
“Nay, m’lord. Your orders were to remain here.” Herry’s voice squeaked as if ready for another outburst.
“So they were. Saddle those horses while I eat, and let us be on our way.”
When they entered Greenwood’s camp, Greenwood was hunched over a map.
He glanced up, marked them, and stood. “Tolvar, what a surprise.”
“After receiving my message, I am surprised to find you still here.”
“What message?”
“The message that Bernwald delivered hours ago.”
“Sir Bernwald has not ventured here today.”
Tolvar scratched his beard. “Ashwin needs our aid.”
“Oh? What has occurred?”
“I have it on good authority they will soon be under attack.”
Greenwood stood. “Attack? From whom?”
Tolvar could not give the full truth. “An army of bandits. How many I cannot say, but I am certain you feel as I do that our knightly duty to the realm trumps any other matter.”
“That does not sound like much of a threat. And, Tolvar, you must consider how it would appear if I conceded and gave this up now.”
Tolvar barked out a laugh. “Come now. I know you heard the StarSeer was here yesterday and that you must know she sealed the crack. Before any further Curse is unburied, let us put this foolhardy battle to rest. Consider our duty.”
“Duty? Think you that I am not fulfilling my duties as the Earl of Greenwood?”
“But Ashwin?—”
“And why would you think I’d heard of any StarSeer here yesterday?”
“Anscom’s men saw her, of course.” Tolvar leaned back.
Greenwood shrugged, his beard twitching as he snorted. “I have not been in contact with Anscom for over a fortnight.”
Tolvar opened his mouth and then pressed his lips together.
“I suppose I assumed you would have been informed. Since that crack endangers us all, of course.”
“That is glad news it was sealed, to be certain.”
Tolvar’s eyes casually found their way around the camp. “’Tis awfully quiet around here. I heard the battle taking place. I would have thought that your camp would be in a ruckus right now.”
“Burying the dead.”
