Merlin's Mistake by Robert Newman

Author:Robert Newman
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781497686052
Publisher: Open Road Media

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

It took them a good deal longer to cross the marshes on their return than it had to get to the outlaws’ camp. For, besides Nan, Amy and the cattle, they had three women with them: poor frightened creatures who had been captured by Rufus and his men in earlier raids south of the fens. In the same hut was the booty the outlaws had brought back from those raids: goblets, candlesticks, a few pieces of jewelry and a small bag of coins. Brian and the others had wanted none of this and told Diccon to keep it, but he said he would keep only enough to pay for the rebuilding of his house and byre and would give the rest to Sir Roger to share among those who had suffered at the outlaws’ hands.

As they neared the river, they heard voices and there, crossing at the ford, were Andrew and some two dozen farmers; a few armed with swords, the rest with bows, pikes and axes.

Seeing Nan and Amy, Andrew’s bright eyes went to Migbeg and his men who were still with them, guiding them and helping them drive the cattle.

“It seems you have other friends besides us, Diccon,” he said. Then, looking again at Nan and Amy, “They are all right?”

“Yes.”

“What of Rufus?”

“He and his sons are dead. As for the others, I don’t think we need worry about them again.”

“That’s good news. And I have news for you that is almost as good. We were able to save your house. The roof will need thatching, but we will help you with that and also help you build a new byre. So things are not as bad as they might have been, thanks to your friends.”

“Thanks indeed,” said Diccon.

Uneasy in the presence of all these strangers, Migbeg’s men drew back to the edge of the river. Only Migbeg himself stood his ground. Going over to him, Diccon took his hand and told him he would never forget what he had done and that he hoped that one day he would be able to repay him. Migbeg may not have understood the words, but it was clear that he understood what lay behind them for he nodded gravely. As he turned to go, Maude stopped him.

“Wait, Migbeg,” she said. “Brian gave you something before: that sword. But without your help we would not be here now, and so I would like to give you something too.”

Reaching up inside her sleeve, she took a gold bracelet from her arm and slipped it onto his. He looked down at it, at her, and then—as he had with Brian—he put his left hand on her shoulder and gripped her wrist with his right. Again as he had with Brian, he looked deep into her eyes. Then raising his spear in salute, he led his men across the river and back toward the heath.

As Andrew had said, except for the partly burned thatch, Diccon’s house was undamaged. And since it was late afternoon, Brian, Maude and Tertius spent the night there.

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