Percival's Angel by Anne Eliot Crompton Page B

hoof-beats, muffled in soft earth.
    Crossing the last pasture the second evening, they had steered toward the full moon hanging over the Forest ahead, the full moon which, for some reason, Edik considered so important. But now they had come to the forest edge; in forest shadow, the moon was hidden behind trees.
    Last chance to turn back?
    Saddle-sore, bleeding, and exhausted, Alanna was tempted.
    She looked over at Ivie; at swaddled Percy, held against her shoulder. (If Alanna held him, he wanted to nurse continually. At Ivie’s breast, he slept.) Dressed as a peasant boy, exuberant hair hidden inside her tunic, Ivie glowed in the dark. So excited, so rejoicing to be free was Ivie, If I said “turn back,” she would go on in by herself!
    And God and Mary know, we have fled. We have deserted hall and King and Sir Ryan Ironside already. How to explain our absence, should we turn back now?
    And my babe there, sleeping on Ivie’s shoulder; Knight he must never be! Nothing has changed.
    Edik dismounted and came to help Alanna. She could almost step to the ground off the little donkey; yet with the encumbrance of gown, pain, and modesty, dismounting took a few awkward moments. By the time she stood squarely, looking up at budding trees and into dark forest depths, Ivie was on her feet jiggling whimpering Percy; and herself a-jiggle, wildly eager to enter their new, mysterious life.
    Edik murmured, “If you are sure, I’ll unpack the donkey.”
    â€œAye,” Alanna told him firmly, quietly, “we’re sure.”
    She studied the darkness ahead. A new life awaits us here. Edik warned us it would not be easy. My own soul warned me. I have worked hard all my life. Now I will need to work harder than ever, and watch out for our defense. Ivie and I will be entirely responsible for ourselves—and for Percy—from now on forever. Amen, so be it.
    â€œLadies, I am turning the donkeys loose.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œTurning the donkeys loose. Since you are determined.”
    Alanna turned to Edik. He had the baggage on the ground. Mary stood by Herself on Her feet like a fifth person, a near-grown child. “Surely, not all the donkeys.”
    â€œYes, all.”
    â€œBut Edik, how will you return to the hall?”
    â€œI will not return.”
    Edik stepped from one donkey to the next, slapping each lightly on the rump. In no rush, the donkeys ambled a short way and stopped to graze.
    I should have realized…Edik could no more explain our absence—and his—than we could!
    â€œBut do you mean to enter the Fey forest, yourself?”
    â€œEven so.” Very calm, Edik scanned the sky above the trees.
    â€œBut you said…once in, we can never come out!”
    â€œThat is the rule.”
    â€œEdik!” Alanna’s thankful astonishment overflowed; two or three tears coursed down her cheeks. “You carry loyalty too far!”
    â€œNot so, Lady. Not so at all. Don’t weep. You’ll need clear eyes for this night’s work.”
    â€œI cannot believe…”
    â€œI do this for myself, Lady.”
    â€œFor yourself?” Alanna dried her eyes on her sleeve.
    â€œNow Sir Ogden is gone and you are content with your choice, nothing holds me to this land. I may as well make myself a new life, even as you do.”
    â€œAh…” Edik wants a new life?
    â€œTwenty-five years I have lived to serve. Now I am free. And remember, Lady. Once we enter this forest, I owe you no further service.”
    â€œI understand.” With difficulty.
    â€œYou cannot understand yet, but you will. In there, all are equal.”
    He’s right; it is a hard thought. All equal!
    â€œMark me. Any service I do you there, I will do only for love.” Still, Edik scanned the sky.
    â€œI understand.”
    â€œOnce you set foot under those trees, Lady, your life, your being, will change forever.”
    Take a deep