Part 78 (1/2)
”My mother has taught me a few trifles of fairy magic.”
”Tell me about this magic!”
”She does not like me to discuss such things. Still, some time I will tell you of our adventures. I am not in the mood to do so now.”
Ca.s.sander spoke austerely: ”You are a strange little creature! I wonder what will become of you!”
”Often I wonder the same.”
”Ha bah!” declared Ca.s.sander in his most positive manner. ”One thing is certain, if nothing else! Destiny frowns on unruly little itlings who expect everyone to dance whenever they play their tunes!”
”It is not quite so simple,” said Madouc, without any great interest.
Ca.s.sander fell silent, and so the party rode on toward Lyonesse Town. After a mile or two, Ca.s.sander spoke again. ”Do not expect a gala reception-if only because we depart for Avallon on the day after tomorrow.”
”I have been wondering about this journey. What is the occasion?”
”It is a grand colloquy called by King Audry at King Casmir's suggestion, and all the kings of the Elder Isles will be on hand.”
Madouc said: ”I return at a lucky time! If I had delayed two days longer, I would have been too late for the journey.”
After a thoughtful pause she said: ”And the history of the Elder Isles might have veered in sudden new directions.”
”Eh? What is that you say?”
”It concerns a concept which you mentioned only moments ago.”
”I recall no such concept.”
”You mentioned 'Destiny'.”
”Oh, ah! So I did! I am still perplexed. What is the connection?”
”No matter. I spoke at random.”
Ca.s.sander said, with pointed politeness: ”I am obliged to mention once more that you are not in good odour at Haidion, and no one will be anxious to gratify your desires.”
”To what effect?”
”It may be that you will not be asked to join the royal party.”
”We shall see.”
The group rode down the Sfer Arct, rounded the tree-covered bluff known as Skansea Vantage, and all of Lyonesse Town was spread wide before their eyes, with Castle Haidion bulking large in the foreground. Ten minutes later the troop turned into the King's Parade and halted in front of the castle. Ca.s.sander jumped to the ground and with a courtly flourish a.s.sisted Madouc to alight. ”Now we shall see,” said Ca.s.sander. ”Do not expect a warm reception and you will not be disappointed. The most charitable term I have heard applied to you is 'recklessly insubordinate.'”
”Those ideas are not correct, as I have already explained to you!”
Ca.s.sander gave a sardonic laugh. ”You must prepare to explain again, and with considerably more humility, or so I would suggest.”
Madouc made no comment. In a not unkindly voice Ca.s.sander said: ”Come! I will take you into the presence of the king and queen, and perhaps in some degree soften their shock.”