The Queen of Summer’s Twilight, Chapters Forty-One, Forty-Two and the Epilog.
© Charles Vess 2019 Chapter Forty-One Janet screamed over the pounding of the hooves, “All of you here are on a fool’s errand this night.” Only the slight flicker of hands on reigns and the turning of Her steed made the mortal girl aware that The Queen had heard her. Then once, twice, three times the mounted Host of Fairy circled moonwise round the hill before coming to an abrupt halt. And there they stood in furious and malevolent silence, rank upon rank, thousands deep, their banners still snapping softly in the breeze. In the heather at Janet’s feet, on either side of her captive, the silver foxes sat and waited and watched with great curiosity. Then crouching low, their delicate snouts close to Thomas’ ears, they began to whisper such stories to him as eased the anger in his heart. Above them all, thick, racing clouds, broke apart to reveal the full moon and a sky full of swiftly tilting stars. Her eyes locked with Janet’s, The Queen stilled the great steed that She sat astride and finally spoke, “Mortal, what you and these others do here this night angers me. You trespass on My kingdom without My leave as well as disrupt a sacred rite. ”Then She turned Her gaze on the huge black mare that waited behind its companions, “And you Pooka, what business is this of yours? Your antics have ever displeased me and were why I banished you from my court long ago, were they not?” Without waiting for an answer, The Lady gestured at Thomas and continued, “My Knight is held by stronger ties than any net you may have. His foolish vow, long since given to honor any pledge spoken by Myself makes him very precious tonight indeed.” At her side, The Dark