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good hunting dogs-which of course provides small scope for a legend.
Chlodys said sagaciously:  It is a risky situation.
Felice spoke:  Another matter! It is the best relic which wins the boon! So
that after great efforts and far quests, the best relic brought to the queen
might be, let us say, a hair from the tail of the lion who ate Saint Milicia
in the Roman arena. Poor stuff, of course, but Madouc must still marry the
lummox who submits such an article.
Madouc tossed her head.  I am not so pliable as you might like to think.
Devonet spoke with grave concern.  I will counsel you! Be meek, modest and
patient! Yield gracefully to the king s commands! It is not only your duty; it
is also the way of prudence. That is my reasoned advice.
Madouc listened with no great attention.  Naturally, you must do as you think
proper.
 One word more! The king has declared that if you cark or pout, or attempt to
avoid his fiat, he will simply give you off into servitude!
Chlodys turned to Madouc, who sat stolidly eating raisin pudding.  And what do
you say to that?
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 Nothing.
 But what will you do?
 You shall see.
VII
On the second day of the festival King Milo and Queen Caudabil were aroused
early from their beds and allowed only a quick breakfast of curds and groats
so that they might be on hand to call out the start to the tug-of-war between
Page 149
ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html
the members of the Fishmonger s Guild and the Stonemason s
Guild.
Madouc was also up early, before Lady Vosse could communicate the wishes of
Queen Sollace. Madouc went directly out to the stables. This fine bright
morning she found Sir Pom-Pom forking manure from the stalls into a barrow.
 Sir Pom-Pom! called Madouc.  Step outside, if you please, where the air is
less thick.
 You must wait your turn, said Sir Pom-Pom.  The barrow is full and I must
wheel it out to the dungheap. Then I will be able to give you a moment or
two.
Madouc compressed her lips but waited in silence until Sir Pom-Pom, with
measured deliberation, put aside the barrow and came out into the stable-yard.
 Whatever your whims, you may no longer count upon me for their fulfillment,
said Pom-Pom.
Madouc spoke severely:  Your conduct seems surly and gruff! I would not like
to think you a boor.
Why do you speak so brusquely?
Sir Pom-Pom gave a bark of curt laughter.  Hah! It is simple enough. Have you
not heard the king s proclamation?
 I have indeed.
 I have heard it as well. Tomorrow I relinquish my post as royal
stable-attendant and lackey to the princess. On the following day I will seize
time by the forelock and go in search of the Holy
Grail, or any other relic I can lay my hands upon. It may well be the
opportunity of my lifetime.
Madouc gave a slow nod.  I understand your ambition. But is it not sad that
you must give up your good and secure employment to go out chasing a
will-o -the-wisp? To me it seems an act of reckless folly.
 So it may be, said Sir Pom-Pom doggedly.  Still, such chances for fame and
fortune come rarely.
One must grasp them as they pass.
 Quite so. Still, I might help you have the best of both worlds were you to
moderate your churlish behavior.
Sir Pom-Pom looked around in cautious interest.  How so and to what degree?
 You must swear to hold secret what I am about to tell you.
 Hm. Will this secret involve me in trouble?
 I think not.
 Very well. I will hold my tongue. I have done so before and I suppose I can
do so again.
 Listen then! The king has ordered me to go forth in search of my pedigree,
and without delay.
Admittedly he was in a state of exasperation when he spoke, but his orders
were explicit, and included the service of a suitable escort. Therefore, I
command that you serve me in this capacity. If you obey, you will retain your [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]