"She will need one neither too large nor too heavy,"

he mused. "That was your mother's, with the rowan de- sign, but she rode a larger horse. I believe that one yon- der might be the very thing." He pointed to a smaller saddle made of soft, plain russet leather. Hal fetched it down. The matching bridle had a light snaffle bit and reins trapped in green cloth, in the old fashion.

"If I mistake not, it belonged to the second daughter of the fifth lord," said Pelys pensively. "It was meant for a pony, but it seems broad enough, for ponies are often as broad as horses. But we shall see."

Alan had found a green saddle blanket. Hal put (he things on, and Asfala looked lovely in her green and rus- set finery. She flirted her head as if to exclaim, "See me!"

and Rosemary laughed out loud.

'Tally the filly!" she quipped. "I should call you Folly rather, for you are as foolish as any woman in a new dress!"

"Would you like to get on her?" Hal asked. "She has never been ridden, so she will not know exactly what to do, but then, neither will you."

"Never been ridden!" cried Rosemary. "Won't she

fighir

'*WeII, she had never been saddled, either," smiled Hal.

"If you like, I will try her first, but I may be a bit heavy for her."

"Nay," protested Rosemary, "I will try."

Hal took her by the waist and set her in the saddle sideways, for her skirt was not divided. Then he laid his hand on Asfala's neck and slowly walked her off. Asfala paced sedately, and after a few strides Rosemary's frown of concentration changed to a pleased smile. She waved

110 THE SILVER SUN.

to her father, who was sitting at the saddlery door with Alan. The auburn sheen of her hair was almost identical to her filly's russet dapplings.

"Alan," asked Lord Pelys, "why did Asfala shy away from Rosemary?"

"Because Hal told her to."

"By the mighty moon, he has the wisdom of the Gyp- sies," murmured Pelys. "But what marvel is this, Alan?

Never have I seen a horse so spirited, yet so gentle and trusting."

Alan did not know how to reply. What, indeed, was an elwedeyn horse? And what was Hal, that he could cap- ture one's heart with a few words?

By afternoon Asfala was back in the stable, resting con- tentedly, and everyone else was on tenterhooks, waiting for the feast. In the kitchen and great hall grand prepara- tions were in progress, but no one was allowed to look.

Hal and Alan were shooed away like the village children.

Pelys and Rosemary had given them gifts, shirts of fine white linen with gold embroidery at collar and cuffs, and they had nothing to do but put them on and wait. In the early winter dusk, they joined the rest of the folk gathered outside the keep.

At last the big wooden doors swung open, and they all poured in, each person individually stopping to gape at the sight The big oil lamps which hung from the rafters were not lit, and no smoky torches burned. Instead, the hall was lighted by hundreds of fragrant wax candles ranged along the tables and in sconces on the walls; more of the rare, expensive tapers than anyone had ever seen.

In each of the several huge fireplaces a roast pig lazily turned. Instead of the usual rushes, the floor was strewn with sweet-smelling evergreen boughs.

As they had at that other feast two months before, Hal and Alan sat with the volunteers. But this time Rate was not there. Since the incident at the practice yard, he had become almost a recluse. If he was at the feast, he was sitting elsewhere.

The food was sumptuous, but not quite as overwhelm- ing as before, since no one planned to appease either the gods or the dead; this gathering was purely for pleasure.

After the soups and breads, the roast pork and roast ap- ples, the fruits and tarts and nuts were all consumed, the

Celydon 112 tables were cleared and everyone sat back to wait for en- tertainment. There were some jugglers and gymnasts, and a mime. And of course there had to be speeches by the steward, captain and other castle officials. Pelys spoke last, and drew roars of approval by stating his intention to say nothing, since it had all been amply said before. From behind a curtain he called a troupe of musicians, and with great enthusiasm the tables and benches were pushed to one side for dancing. Couples lined up for the "carroie."

Rosemary's eyes sparkled, and her foot tapped impa- tiently. She dearly loved to dance, but there were no guests of noble rank present, or at least no one who claimed noble rank. ... It was not always easy, being the lord's daughter. So she caught her breath as Hal ap- proached her, faced him with shining eyes as they took their places on the floor. What a marvelous day it had been; first Asfala, and then music and Hal.

Without need of much thought. Rosemary had long known that Hal was special. He was unfailingly gentle and considerate, yet beyond his courtesy she had sensed great courage- He was purposeful, yet at times she thought she discerned loneliness and doubt. He was mysterious, and masterful if need be. He was the only one who had dared to ask her to dance. And even in his dancing he could not be faulted. He was looking at her, and a strange, soft fire burned in his gray eyes. The smile faded from her face to be replaced by a gaze of rapt attention.

For a moment, time stood still.

Three people noticed that long, intense meeting of eyes as the slow dance drew to an end. One was Alan. One was Pelys. And one was Rafe. who stood by himself near the door. Something snapped inside him as he watched this upstart who danced with the lord's daughter. Pushing his way through the happy crowd, he strode up behind Hal and seized him roughly by the shoulder.

'Take off your fancy shirt, whoreson churl, and fightl"

he grated. "Steel against steel, and to the death, you-"

"Hold your tongue!" Hal commanded. "Have you no thought of the lady?" Alan had reached his side now, and be turned to him. "Alan, would you escort the Lady Rose- mary back to her seat?"

"Take off your shirt and fight, bastard lordling!" Rafe hissed. It was the custom to strip for hand-to-hand knife 112 THE SILVER SUN.

fighting, so that the blade might more easily slip between the ribs. Rafe already was naked to the waist, muscles sliding under smooth, glistening skin. Knowing from many defeats in mock battle that he was no match for Hal with a sword, he carried instead a steel dagger with a ten- inch blade.

Except for a few women's cries of protest, the crowd was deathly silent as Alan led Rosemary back to her seat on the dais. Though Hal spoke softly, his voice sounded throughout the hall.

"Are you mad, Rafe? It is a festival dayl Do not mar this happy gathering with bloodshed."

"Coward," crooned Rafe.

Will came forward, followed by other volunteers.

"Rafe," he said gently, "you are not yourself. Pursue your quarrel if you must, but to do so at this time does you dishonor."

"Even you are on his side!" howled Rafe. "Look at himt Can't you see that he is a changeling; some heart- less, evil spirit in human form!"

So that is what preys on him, Alan thought. The strangeness. The eyes.

No one else understood what Rafe meant, but many thought him mad. Will scowled with pity. "Come away, Rafe, or we must take you by force."

'^You cannot deny me my blood-rightl" Rafe cried.

"He must answer the challenge!"

Will looked at Pelys, who nodded sadly. According to the custom of the times, Rate's demand had to be met.

Will and his men reluctantly joined the ring of spectators.

"Very well," said Hat. "Then let us go outside, where the women and children need not watch."

"We will fight here where all can see, lady's man. Are you afraid of dying a coward's death?"

Hal sighed, then turned and spoke to Rosemary, his words traversing the hall. "My lady," he requested, "pray leave."

Her face was pale, but her eyes flashed. "I am stay- ing," she answered, lifting her head proudly.

"Fight, coward!" taunted Rafe.

There was nothing else to do. Hal laid aside his sword and began to unlace his shirt. Will brought him a dag- ger.

Celydon 113

Alan remained near Rosemary. He was not overly concerned about the outcome of the fight, for he knew Hal's ability. He also knew why Hal was so reluctant to fight, especially in front of Rosemary, and as the shirt came off he placed a steadying hand on her shoulder.