Part 53 (1/2)

Kerce waved his hand. ”Say no more. I will make a true and accurate copy of the drawing, which may be used for attestation, if any such is needed.”

Madouc departed the library; then, taking pains to go un.o.bserved, she went around to the stables. Sir Pom-Pom was nowhere in evidence. Madouc looked in on Tyfer and rubbed his nose, then returned to the castle.

At noon Madouc dined in the Small Refectory with her six maids-in-waiting. Today they were unusually voluble, for there was much to discuss. King Casmir's proclamation, however, came to dominate the conversation. Elissia remarked, perhaps with sincerity, that Madouc must now be considered a famous person, whose name would resound down centuries to come. ”Think of it!” sighed Elissia. ”Here is the sheer stuff of romance! Legends will tell how handsome knights from far and near dared fire, ice, dragon and troll; how they fought crazed Celt and fierce Goth, all for love of the beautiful red-haired princess!”

Madouc offered a small correction. ”My hair is not precisely red. It is a most unusual colour, as of copper alloyed with gold.”

Chlodys said: ”Nevertheless, for purposes of the legend, you will be considered red-haired and beautiful, with no regard whatever for the truth.”

Devonet made a thoughtful comment. ”As of now, we cannot be absolutely sure that this legend will come to pa.s.s.”

”How so?” asked Ydraint.

”Much depends upon circ.u.mstances. a.s.sume that some valiant and handsome knight brings the Holy Grail to Queen Sollace. King Casmir asks as to what boon the brave knight desires. At this point events hang in the balance. If he decides that he is disinclined for marriage, he might ask the king for a fine horse or a pair of good hunting dogs-which of course provides small scope for a legend.”

Chlodys said sagaciously: ”It is a risky situation.”

Felice spoke: ”Another matter! It is the best relic which wins the boon! So that after great efforts and far quests, the best relic brought to the queen might be, let us say, a hair from the tail of the lion who ate Saint Milicia in the Roman arena. Poor stuff, of course, but Madouc must still marry the lummox who submits such an article.”

Madouc tossed her head. ”I am not so pliable as you might like to think.”

Devonet spoke with grave concern. ”I will counsel you! Be meek, modest and patient! Yield gracefully to the king's commands! It is not only your duty; it is also the way of prudence. That is my reasoned advice.”

Madouc listened with no great attention. ”Naturally, you must do as you think proper.”

”One word more! The king has declared that if you cark or pout, or attempt to avoid his fiat, he will simply give you off into servitude!”

Chlodys turned to Madouc, who sat stolidly eating raisin pudding. ”And what do you say to that?”

”Nothing.”

”But what will you do?”

”You shall see.”

VII.

On the second day of the festival King Milo and Queen Caudabil were aroused early from their beds and allowed only a quick breakfast of curds and groats so that they might be on hand to call out the start to the tug-of-war between the members of the Fishmonger's Guild and the Stonemason's Guild.

Madouc was also up early, before Lady Vosse could communicate the wishes of Queen Sollace. Madouc went directly out to the stables. This fine bright morning she found Sir Pom-Pom forking manure from the stalls into a barrow. ”Sir Pom-Pom!” called Madouc. ”Step outside, if you please, where the air is less thick.”

”You must wait your turn,” said Sir Pom-Pom. ”The barrow is full and I must wheel it out to the dungheap. Then I will be able to give you a moment or two.”

Madouc compressed her lips but waited in silence until Sir Pom-Pom, with measured deliberation, put aside the barrow and came out into the stable-yard. ”Whatever your whims, you may no longer count upon me for their fulfillment,” said Pom-Pom.

Madouc spoke severely: ”Your conduct seems surly and gruff! I would not like to think you a boor. Why do you speak so brusquely?”

Sir Pom-Pom gave a bark of curt laughter. ”Hah! It is simple enough. Have you not heard the king's proclamation?”

”I have indeed.”