Talking to Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede Page B

didn’t you tell us this to begin with?”
    The Princess began to weep again. “My unknown friend instructed me in what I was to say and told me that all would be well once I had the sword in my own hands. And in this he deceived me, for the touch of the sword burns so that I cannot hold it. And the cause is that I deceived you, and tricked you into offering me the sword, and the sword knew, and it will not abide in my hand, and now am I utterly without hope.”
    â€œWhat did this person look like?” Shiara asked unsympathetically. “The one you were going to give the sword to.”
    The Princess seemed a lot more interested in explaining how wise and powerful and helpful the man had been than she was in giving a simple description, but eventually we managed to get some idea what he looked like. Tall, dark haired, blue eyed, and carrying a staff—
    â€œIt sounds a lot like Antorell,” I said finally.
    â€œAntorell?” Shiara asked.
    â€œThe wizard that Mother melted. She said he might try to make trouble for me in a day or two.”
    â€œOh, great. All we need is another wizard looking for us.”
    The Princess didn’t seem to be following the conversation at all. “Alas!” she said finally. “There is nothing left for me but grief. I have no means now to save my love, so I shall die with him. I shall fling myself in yonder stream and make an end.”
    â€œYou are even dumber than Daystar,” Shiara informed her. “That stream isn’t deep enough to drown in. You’ll only get wet. Besides, if that stupid wizard lied about the sword, how do you know he didn’t lie about your love? Who is this person you ran off with, anyway?”
    â€œHe is a knight,” the Princess said, her eyes lighting up. “Poor in goods, yet rich in spirit, of most pleasing aspect. His eyes are a hawk’s, his arms are mighty, and his sword is bright and—”
    â€œHe sounds like he can take care of himself,” Shiara said. “I don’t think you have to worry about him.”
    Shiara’s words had a marvelous effect on the Princess. “Truly, you believe this?” she said, and her face lit up even more. “Then here will I await his coming, for surely he will return to me. Ah, joy! That we shall soon be once more together!”
    Shiara looked disgusted. “I’m sure you’ll be very happy. Come on, Daystar, let’s go.” She stood up.
    â€œI don’t think we should leave her here by herself,” I said.
    â€œDaystar, you’re impossible!” Shiara was still mad. “She tried to trick you! Besides, she’s been here two days already, and nothing’s happened to her yet.”
    â€œAlas! I did indeed attempt to deceive you,” the Princess said. “And for that I beg forgiveness. Yet consider my unhappy plight, and be not harsh with me.”
    â€œOh, shut up,” Shiara told her.
    â€œWhat if Antorell comes back?” I said. “Somebody ought to take care of her. Besides, I made a promise.”
    â€œWell, I didn’t!” Shiara said. “And I’m not going to sit here doing nothing just because of a stupid princess! I’m leaving.”
    â€œYou can’t do that!” I said. I was really upset. Shiara didn’t know very much about the Enchanted Forest, and she was going to go tramping off into the middle of it with no one but Morwen’s kitten. I couldn’t let her do that, but I couldn’t leave the Princess sitting there alone, either.
    â€œWant to bet?” Shiara said. She picked up the bundle Morwen had given her. “Come on, Nightwitch. Let’s go.”
    â€œNightwitch? What an unusual name for a cat,” said a new voice.
    Shiara stopped and both of us turned. An old man was standing at the edge of the clearing, in front of a clump of scruffy lilacs that were almost tall enough to be considered trees. His beard and