Alderley 2: The Moon of Gomrath by Alan Garner

Author:Alan Garner
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Fantasy
Published: 2010-10-09T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11: The Dale of Goyt

“There is a mind at work against these children,” said Cadellin. “So much is certain.”

They had returned to the wizard’s cave, and were sitting at the long table. Atlendor had joined them.

“But what can we do?” said Susan.

“Think, and hope,” said Cadellin.

“I would rather seek and find,” said Uthecar. “Work your magic. Cadellin Silverbrow, but there may be more use of eyes and blades. Pelis is not here, and where he is, there I would be; for I am thinking the death of him is in my sword.”

“Then go,” said Cadellin. “But take care in the night.” The dwarf rose from the table, and was about to enter the tunnel when Atlendor spoke. “Uthecar Hornskin, you will not go alone. It is on me to go with you.”

“As you wish,” said Uthecar shortly, and dwarf and elf left the cave together. “Their swords will be about their own ears.” said Cadellin, “if danger does not unite them. “Now Susan, rest here. I must leave you for a while but Albanac will stay.”

“But I couldn’t!” said Susan. “I must do something to find Colin.”

“If Atlendor and Uthecar cannot find him,” said the wizard, “then you will not, and all that is left is magic.”

“I can’t stay here and do nothing!”

“Susan! There is danger for you outside Fundindelve. You must stay here.”

“But Bess’ll be nearly out of her mind!”

“I am glad you think of her,” said Cadellin. “Do you see the pain you cause by meddling in our world? I must speak to farmer Mossock now and tell him that you will not go home until this matter is settled. I cannot hope that he will be persuaded, but you have left me no other choice.”

And though Susan argued, Cadellin remained firm, and both were angry when the wizard left the cave.

“I can’t stay cooped up here!” said Susan. “I’ve got to get out and find Colin!”

Albanac passed his hand over his face. He looked exhausted.

“There is nothing we can do now, Susan. We may need all our strength later, so try to sleep. I know that I am spent.”

“But I’ve got to get out!”

“And how long is it since you were eating your heart away to get in?” said Albanac. “If you cannot sleep, then sit here, and talk.”

Susan flung herself onto the bed of skins, and for some minutes was too choked with frustration to talk. But there were so many questions in her mind that this could not last.

“Albanac, who is the Hunter? And what did we do?”

“He is part of the Old Magic,” said Albanac. “And though Cadellin may not agree, I think that what you did was not brought about by chance. The Old Magic has been woken, and it has moved in you, and I think it led you to the Beacon.

“In the time before the Old Magic was made to sleep, it was strongest on this night, the Eve of Gomrath, one of the four nights of the year when Time and Forever mingle.

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