Part 96 (1/2)

Madouc looked up at him. ”But you still haven't told me-and I value your compliments.”

Dhrun laughed. ”More, of course! When you look up at me with your blue eyes I become weak.”

Madouc held up her face. ”All this being the case, you may kiss me.”

Dhrun kissed her. ”I thank you for your permission, although I was about to kiss you anyway.”

”Dhrun! You frighten me with your savage l.u.s.t!”

”Do I indeed?” Dhrun kissed her again, and again. Madouc stood back, breathing hard.

”Now then,” said Dhrun. ”What of that?”

”I cannot understand why I feel so odd.”

”I think I know,” said Dhrun. ”But there is no time to explain now, since the footman is coming to call us.” He turned to leave, but waited as Madouc knelt beside the oak. Dhrun asked: ”What are you doing?”

”There is someone missing. She should be here.”

”Who might that be?”

”My mother, Twisk! It is my duty as a daughter to invite her to an occasion so merry!”

”Do you think she will come?”

”I will call her.” Madouc selected a blade of gra.s.s and made a gra.s.s flute. She played a piping note and sang: 'Lirra lissa larra la.s.s Madouc has made a flute of gra.s.s.

Softly blowing, wild and free She calls to Twisk at Thripsey Shee, Lirra lissa larra leer A daughter calls her mother dear!

Tread the wind and vault the mere; Span the sky and meet me here.

So sing I, Madouc.'

In a swirl of vapor Twisk appeared. Her delicate features were placid, her blue hair coiffed into a crest along the top of her scalp and engaged in a silver mesh.

Madouc cried out in delight: ”Mother, you are more beautiful than ever! I marvel at you!”

Twisk smiled with cool amus.e.m.e.nt. ”I am pleased to merit your approval. Dhrun, I must say that you present yourself most agreeably. Your early training has served you well.”

”So it may be,” said Dhrun politely. ”I shall never forget it, certainly.”

Twisk turned back to Madouc. ”Our compliments have been exchanged; what was your purpose in calling me?”

”I wanted you, my dear mother, on hand to share our merriment at a banquet, which even now is about to begin. It is a small but select occasion, and we will take pleasure in your company.”

Twisk shrugged. ”Why not? I have nothing better to do.”