Page 187 of The Knucker King

“You may look upon me,” Trewoofe chuckled. “Any friend of my little witch is a friend of mine.”

She stood straight with a small smile on her lips. Joan looked Avice up and down and reached into a bag strapped to her mare. She tugged out a cloak and wrapped it around his little witch’s shoulders.

“It is raining,” Joan stated. “You will catch your death.”

Trewoofe bristled at that, he had not noticed the gentle droplets on his scales. He should have known better. While Avice was tough, she had only just recovered, and it was his duty to keep her safe. He arched his neck over the two women, keeping the worst of rain from falling on them.

“Yes, yes. Never mind that,” Avice said, her expression thirsty for news. “Are you alright? What are you doing with Epona?”

Joan stood a little taller. “We are doing our rounds.”

“Rounds?”

“Yes, after,” – Joan gestured to the briar covered gallows – “some of the Moot and their guards were wiped out—”

Avice held up her hand. “Who on the Moot?”

Joan tucked the lead rope under her arm and counted on her fingers. “Father Peter, George Courier, Simon Smith, Tristan Keeper, and… Robert.”

Trewoofe watched as a myriad of emotions swept over Avice’s face. He was not sorry for his actions, and he never would be. He did what he had to do to keep his soul-bound safe.

“Your hus—”

“He was not my husband,” Joan interrupted. “He was my captor, the misery that dominated my days. I am glad he is dead.”

He let out a purr of approval at the young woman’s fierce words. If she were saddened or in mourning, then he would have offered his condolences. But clearly, she was glad to be free of her brute of her husband.

“What are ‘your rounds’?” he asked.

Joan blinked. “Ah, yes. So, after the Moot was…” Her gazed flicked up to Trewoofe and back to Avice. “…removed, the other women and I agreed to divide up their belongings amongst the people of Lamorna.” She patted the mare’s damp neck. “Epona and I have been working on getting them to those who need them most.”

Avice finally spoke up. “What of the families of those who died?”

“Have left or seem to be accepting. I am sure there will be some backlash. But for the moment, most seem to be adjusting to all this.” Joan gestured to the living, green square. She looked around and frowned. “Where is Bramble?”

Avice pulled the cloak tighter around herself. “When the men came for me at my cottage, Bramble fought for me. He was injured but now is recovering in the Underneath.” She smiled sadly up at Trewoofe. “The wounds are grievous, but he is on the mend.”

He flexed his talons at the thought of the limping Grim. “Once he is well again, perhaps he could visit?”

He decided he liked this young woman. She had the same spark of rebellion and quiet strength of Avice. No wonder they were so friendly with each other.

His little witch agreed. “I know he would love to see you, and Epona too.” The mare let out a grumpy snort, as though she were tired of being ignored. Avice grinned at her before turning her attention back to Joan. “Do you know how John Fisher is? Where can I find him?”

“I believe he is at his cottage. I went to deliver food and clothing yesterday. A big Dragon was outside of it, and I did not wish to get closer,” she replied.

Trewoofe knew immediately who she spoke of. Treth the Morgowr was back in his territory. He suppressed a snarl at the thought; he did not want to scare Avice’s friend.

“I say that so casually now.” Her lips plucked up. “If that happened just a fortnight ago, I would have fainted at the sight. My Lord.” She dipped her head at Trewoofe. “Avice.” She reached out to squeeze her hand. “You have changed everything. For me and for the other women of Lamorna.”

“Joan, I would like to hug you. Is that alright?” Avice asked.

Joan nodded and tossed her arms around his soul-bound’s shoulders, pressing her close. She was much taller than Avice, despite her youth, and his little witch was squashed against her chest.

Avice tapped the women’s side and squeaked, “We must be off, Joan. I must check on John, and we have much more to do today.”

She released her. “Yes, yes of course.” She bowed once more at Trewoofe. “I must get going as well. There is more to distribute amongst the villagers.”

“Go well, horsewoman,” Trewoofe said, as she began to lead the loaded Epona away.