Page 134 of The Knucker King

Beatrice leaned in closer. “Because Father Peter and the Moot council are enforcing the laws.”

“What laws?” Avice asked, stomach turning.

Beatrice flicked her gaze to Nell and her son. “Obedience, meekness, discipline, tithe, and attendance at the church.” She settled on Bramble again. “Anything that goes against Christendom is now considered punishable.”

“Punishable? How?”

Beatrice nodded in the direction of the stocks and gallows. “You must be careful,” she whispered. “You, your hound, and Nell.”

“I understand,” Avice replied. “We must be going, but Nell, before I leave, I want to apologise to you.”

The girl threw her a puzzled look. “Why?”

“I snapped at you, back at the church when I last saw you.”

Nell laughed. “I had forgotten all about that.”

She smiled and pecked a kiss to the top of the girl’s head. “Well, I am sorry all the same. I will take my leave now.”

With a nod to Beatrice, Avice and Bramble made for the sanctuary of the woods. She let out a breath and rolled her neck. The stiffness released from her body the moment she moved from the village and into the trees. She had always felt tense when she visited central Lamorna, but the anxiety of being around the villagers had multiplied tenfold.

Avice?

“What is it, Bramble?” she asked.

Can I have my pasty now?

Avice broke out into laughter and reached into her satchel, tugging one from the wrap. She tossed it for him; he bounded ahead and caught it midair. He chomped it down in two bites, tail swishing with delight.

Delicious, you should try one, he yipped.

She pressed a hand to her belly. “Maybe later. I am feeling unwell after all that. I just want to go home.”

Home then, and tomorrow the King is coming. That will cheer you up, he teased.

She chuckled at him. “It definitely will.”

49

Chapter 49

Avice

The following morning, Avice locked up her cottage after promising her boys she would be safe as she rambled. With her hat strapped to her head, a basket on her elbow, and her favourite iron knife sheathed at her hip, she turned on her heel ready to face the day.

At least, she thought she was ready to face the day.

That was until she saw the towering wilderness of her garden. The branches of the apple, mulberry, and plum trees were squashed up against the top of Trewoofe’s ward. Her medicinal herbs were taller than her. The air was laden with nose-tickling pollen. The melody of singing insects filled her ears. A rustle caught her attention and two hedgehogs, twice their normal size, trundled into view. They paused to wiggle their noses at her, before disappearing back into the green.

“God’s blood, what is happening?” she murmured.

After the previous day, Avice had abandoned the idea of taking time to herself to think about things. As far as she was concerned, there was not much more for her to consider. She had served the village well enough, and she would go where she was wanted and welcomed. If panic did not seize her, and with support from her boys, she may well stay with Trewoofe in the Underneath. After all, he had invited her to do so.

So, instead of ruminating on choosing between her duty and her heart, she changed her plans and decided to visit the beach. She wanted to search for a trinket for Trewoofe. He said Knuckers liked to give gifts, and she wanted to share in this part of his culture. But what could she give a Sidhe King? A shell came to mind, something he would not have in the Underneath.

She stood on her tiptoes, peering over the towering flora. “How am I even going to get there?”

Avice stepped from under the eaves, her soles cushioned by the thick carpet of flowering grass. A chittering caught her attention. The Pillywiggin flock were stuffing themselves in the mulberry tree, and their faces were stained purple with juice. She shook her head at their antics and refocused on the garden path.