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Madoc rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He was still tired; it had been a short night – spent talking with his mother and sister, and finishing up the packing of just a few more articles of clothing to take with him to keep warm. Now that morning had come, his sister saw him off with a brave smile, but his mother was crying, and it broke his heart to leave her so. He glanced back once at the two of them standing in the doorway, and saw Prisca put her arm around their mother and guide her into the house. With a heavy sigh, he adjusted his scarf and pulled his cape closer about him and walked a little faster.
Prisca had not been able to loan him her bow. The tip had broken the last time she strung it – the wood was brittle from the cold; and she had not had the time to repair it. Ah, well he still had his sling and walking stick, and his skinning knife. They would have to do.
The sun was just peering over the rim of the horizon when he got to Gaffer Heathertoes' place. The old fellow was up and in the stable, seeing to the ponies. He stepped out as Madoc approached and waved him over. ‘I’ve got them harnessed for you laddie, just give me hand getting them and the wagon out the door.’ Madoc put his hand in the bridle near the nose band and led the pair out, while the Gaffer held wide the door. Fairlight had by this time come out of the door, a basket in her hand, and something wrapped in a piece of leather. She smiled at him, and he returned it in kind.
‘A few parcels of dried rabbit,’ she said, putting the basket up on the seat and some dried apples from our trees out back. Oh, and a small stack of journey cakes.’ She looked pensive then went on. ‘I used to make them for Tomlin when he went hunting.’
Madoc thanked her, and climbed into the seat. He took the brake off, and grasping the reins lightly in his hands gave a little cluck to the ponies to start off. ‘Wait,’ cried Fairlight, holding the leather wrapped bundle up to him. ‘I’ve something else for you.’ Madoc reached down and took the offered bundle. Curious to know what it was, he unwrapped it. It was a bow and a quiver of metal tipped hunting arrows. ‘They were Tomlin’s,’ Fairlight explained. ‘Use them well,’ she went on. Her voice dropped a little and he bent close to her to hear her next words. ‘Keep yourself safe . . . and come back.’
She stepped back before he could answer, and put her arms around her father. Smiling, they both waved to him as he started toward Tom’s house.
~*~*~*~*~
Tom was up and about when he arrived with the wagon. And several others of his fellow travelers had already gathered at the house. He set the brake on the wagon and greeted those already there. Tom introduced him to Ivy; Madoc had missed meeting her at the party. He noted she had her large filled pack by the chair where she was sitting. ‘Here,’ he said, ‘let me put that on the wagon for you.’ He raised his voice a little louder and spoke to the group that was gathered there. ‘I’ve brought a hay wagon from Gaffer Heathertoes. You can all throw your packs on when we leave. And if you get a little weary, holler up to me – I’ll slow the wagon and you can get on.’
From the corner of his eye, he saw Cedric come in the door. Madoc smiled and nodded to him . . .
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