The elf saluted stiffly and backed away. While he passed the orders on, Bodb turned back to the bolt hole.
"You're not going to let them in," Finnbhear said in disbelief.
“No, but we at least have to open the gate,” Bodb said unhappily. “Duinn trusted us to help him, and we can’t leave him out there.”
Finnbhear nodded, glancing quickly at Picket. The pooka shuffled his feet, unsure of what to say past his gratitude.
"Why are you here?" Bodb demanded through the bolt hole. "Other than to torment us, I mean. I see you have Duinn."
Picket found his own bolt hole. Finnbhear started to follow him, but thought better of it. Possessively, he fingered his sword as he remained at his master's side. The pooka grinned at the Silver Fox, relishing the freedom he now possessed.
"Yes," Aramina sai
