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all estimate. Item: you have focused upon yourself a full spate of bitter
reproaches, not to mention threats, judgments and curses. Item:
Enough, said Madouc. It seems that I am not popular at Haidion; you need
not proceed. It is all beside the point, and you yourself speak from
ignorance.
Just so. The fox in the poultry-run cannot be blamed for the cackling of the
pullets.
Your jokes are too airy for my understanding.
No matter, said Cassander. He jerked his thumb toward Sir Pom-Pom. Is this
not one of the stableboys?
What of that? King Casmir allowed me horses and an escort. Our horses were
stolen, so now we go afoot.
For a royal princess a stableboy is not suitable escort.
I have no complaints. Sir Pom-Pom, or Pymfyd, as you know him, has conducted
himself well and our quests have been for the most part successful.
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Prince Cassander shook his head in wonder. And what were these marvellous
quests, that His
Majesty should approve them so readily?
Sir Pom-Pom went in search of holy relics, in accordance with the king s
proclamation. I went to establish my pedigree, by the king s own order.
Odd, most odd! said Cassander. Perhaps the king was distracted and paid no
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heed; there is much on his mind. We will travel to Avallon in a day or so for
a great colloquy, and His Majesty perhaps did not understand what was afoot.
As to your pedigree, what have you learned, if anything?
Madouc glanced haughtily at Cassander s grinning comrades. It is not a matter
to be aired before underlings.
The mirth of Cassander s friends froze on their faces.
As you like, said Cassander. He looked back to the three equerries. You,
Parlitz, dismount and ride behind Ondel; the princess shall use your horse.
You, my lad he pointed to Sir Pom-Pom
you may ride behind Wullam on the bay. Come now, promptly does it! We must
be home by noon!
Along the way Cassander rode by Madouc s side and tried to make conversation.
How did you learn your pedigree?
I consulted my mother.
How did you find her?
We went to Madling Meadow, which is deep in the Forest of Tantrevalles.
Aha! Is that not dangerous?
Extremely, if one is careless.
Hmf! And did you encounter such dangers?
We did, for a fact.
And how did you evade them?
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.
Cassander spoke austerely: You are a strange little creature! I wonder what
will become of you!
Often I wonder the same.
Ha bah! declared Cassander 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.
Cassander fell silent, and so the party rode on toward Lyonesse Town. After a
mile or two, Cassander 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.
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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?
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