Page 344 of The Daughters of Avalon
Proceed and face the same.
By all on high and law of three,
This is my will, so mote it be.
“Alas,” said Marcella. “I fear it will not constrain her.”
“It’s something,” said Ellie.
And then they waited. All together. All fivedewinesstood watching as the Golden Hour arrived, and the fields continued to pepper with soldiers, until every puddle bore boots.
An even colder mist crept out from the woodlands, crawling slowly toward the castle, frosting the air so that it was possible to spy one’s breath. Rhiannon rubbed her arms vigorously, fear rising up her spine like an icy tide.
When finally, Morwen arrived, she came with reinforcements—Welsh standards raised high against the setting sun. But they did not rush the castle. Instead, they moved closer, and closer until the foreground was a crush of black and metal.
And then, suddenly, a sea of men parted before the Witch Queen, as they had during the battle of the Tower, her soldiers standing quietly, allowing her to pass.
In she rode, astride some enormous black horse, her black hair plaited for war and her armor shining dully. And yet, though she was unmistakable, there was a horse and rider trailing behind her who wasn’t immediately recognizable—not until she came closer.
Rhiannon gasped.
Marcella snarled.
“Christ!” said Giles.
Rhiannon’s heart kicked violently against her ribs, as Giles immediately moved to restrain Marcella, who started screaming.
“Do not harm him, Morwen! Kill him and I will slay you myself!”
It was Jack.
Hands bound at his back, with a bloodied cloth shoved ruthlessly into his mouth, he was stripped of his armor, including his clothing. Naked as the day he was begot, he sat astride his courser, his wide blue eyes peering up into the ramparts, speaking words his mouth could not…
Do not treat with her,he said.
Rhiannon’s heart gripped with fear.
Morwen halted outside missile range, tugging at Jack’s lead rope, pulling his horse up beside her. “I’ve brought you a gift,” she said sweetly, her voice echoing unnaturally across the misty, puddled field.
Poor, poor Jack!
Rhiannon attempted to connect with him and found his heart flame beating savagely.
Jack,she said.Oh, my dear, sweet Jack.
I am sorry,he said stoically.
We will trade for you!she said.We have Eustace!
Nay, my lady, do not. Do not treat with her,he said bravely, and even from this distance, Rhiannon could see that his shoulders lifted and his chin hitched defiantly.
Raucous laughter reached the ramparts. Clearly, having heard theirmindspokenwords, the Witch Goddess was heartily amused. And yet, Jack never once said from whence he’d come, Rhiannon realized. Had he somehow managed to keep that from Morwen?
Even now, could Drakewich’s soldiers be en route?
Rhiannon prayed it was true.
“Let us treat!” demanded Morwen. “You have something that belongs to me. I wouldst have it returned. Moreover, as a sign of your enduring good will, I will require the traitors Cael d’Lucy and Marcella le Fae. Send both to me now, and I shall free this man-child and leave you in peace.”
