A girl almost
grown was the last refugee to enter the gate as it closed against the
siege. Lady Grace, Lord Grant and
Princess Mainsail held their breath as metal, stone and wood reverberated
together. A last shower of clay dust from
the swallow nests sifted down and billowed in the light of the watchtower. Once the solemn moment had passed, the three
regarded the newcomer.
"Send
word to have her brought up," Lord Grant said to an orderly.
"But
she's a refugee," said the princess.
"The poor things are too shell-shocked to be any use."
"She's
not shell-shocked. She's taking in every
detail and arguing with the guard."
"But
she's a commoner from Rocky Point. The
weave of their skirts is so gaudy, not at all the practical clothing we have
here. Comfort is most important, I
always say."
"She's educated and well-born. Look how the guard won't touch her how he
advises her to go to the Horse Gate but she won't go."
"But that
could just mean she's ill-bred and stubborn.
I shall have a word with her."
By that time
the girl had been brought up. Lord Grant
tried to interview her while the princess interrupted.
"Where do
you come from?" asked Lord Grant.
"She
comes from Rocky Point," answered the princess.
"Yes, My
Lord," the girl agreed.
"Where is
the enemy army?"
"They are
four days away," supplied the princess.
"At your
gate. They will be here tomorrow,"
corrected the girl.
"How did
you escape?"
"Her
parents sent her, which reminds me that we must prepare to flee the city. Summon everyone here to the gate."
"I was
not in the city, because I am a scout."
The
conversation proceeded in a similar manner for what seemed to Lord Grant an
eternity, but he learned what he needed about the enemy position, numbers, and
tactics.
The girl said
finally, "With your permission, My Lady, I will take a horse and go on to
Running River."
"And
sleep on the cold ground? Now, Girl,
don't be silly." said the princess, "Go down to the kitchen, sleep by
the warm fire and Cook will give you something to do."
Lord Grant
nodded pointedly as Girl opened her mouth to argue, and with a snap of his
fingers, sent her off with a guard until the princess forgot about her.
"Now I
must see to my people," sighed the princess. Even the swallows were still as she stepped
from the parapet and made her way grandly down the steps. She wore a cloak, fancier than her
comfortable dress, that spread out behind her.
"I have
not done enough, but I hope you will remember me fondly. Now you have some time with your
families." She reached the bottom
of the stairs and greeted people by name:
"Jane Tanner, God be with you.
Missy Cooper, keep little William close.
Mother Box, I will not forget you." Then to the astonishment of Lord Grant, all
three knealt down to kiss the hem of Princess Mainsail's cloak. Poxum Crossing was a free city; people did
not kneel to the princess. One after
another, the townspeople said their tearful goodbyes. "You were always in the street, never proud
and aloof. You made me welcome in the
castle. You visited when I was
sick. You gave wool in a harsh
winter. We love you. I love you."
The princess
stopped at the road leading to the stable, where mounted riders watched the tearful
scene and listened to what she had to say. "The enemy is strong," the princess
continued. "We are not prepared. But life goes on. Those who want to leave should prepare to
leave. That's all."
There was no
rush to leave. After a moment a voice
rang from above, from one of the riders.
"That was a TERRIBLE speech.
You haven't even lost yet. FIGHT! Fight for your homes! Fight for your princess! Sound the horn, summon your huntsmen to Lord
Grant."
Girl dropped
from her horse and took the princess by the arm. "Come, My Lady, I'm sure cook can find
some work for you in the kitchen."
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