Page 152 of Keeper of the Word
Chapter
Fifty-Seven
ELANNA
“You need not follow me, Hux,” Elanna said, when she realized he trailed after her as she walked away from camp in the opposite direction of Tolvar.
She gauged the scene. Joss and Barrett argued in the background. Gus stood beside them, focused on the direction Tolvar had chosen. Hux bridged the gap between them.
“What are they arguing about?”
He grimaced. “Whether or not to go after Tolvar.”
She nodded. “He shall be all right. I have Seen it.”
“Why did he want to leave?”
“To drink himself into a stupor.”
“Are you in earnest?”
“Aye.”
“He’s not touched a drop of liquor for six moons.”
Elanna did not comment on Hux’s remark. “You need not follow me.”
“Mayhap. But allow me one phrase. What may I do to express to you my sorrow for keeping my past from you and convince you that my past is done?”
Elanna gritted her teeth. “Hux, I…”
His dark eyes held hers in expectancy as he shifted back and forth.
“Do not mistake me. I forgive you. But…”
“You said weeks ago that goodness may be in my future. Lady, please. How may that be so if my past forever hinders that?”
“I forgive you!”
“Then what is it? You seemed pained by my presence, only barely glancing at me.”
“’Tis as I said before!” She pressed her hands to her cheeks so she would not think on the many, many scenes she could replay. The many grim scenes. “You speak of the future! There shall be no future if I lose my concentration! No future if I do not giveeverythingI have, and everything I am to what must be done!’
Breathe!
She paced away before striding back to face him. “I shall need every ounce of—” She cut herself off.
The quilting of stars overhead shimmered in reassurance.
She Saw something.
In the end, ’twas her choice. She had begun this journey moons ago, and it changed her. Changed her understanding of her role. Changed, mayhap, even the stars themselves?
“I understand, Lady. I was seeking only your forgiveness.” His tone carried a feigned curtness. “Now that you’ve bestowed it upon me, you have my promise that I shall cease my pestering of you. I will?—”
“Cease speaking,” Elanna interrupted.
Hux swallowed. “Aye. I shall go.”
