There and back again - The end of the Journey

CHAPTER 8 - THE IMPOSTER, AND AUNT GWYNETH'S VICTORY.

On the day before the full moon, Guy had no other option, but to leave the virtual fortress that was now his home, as neither the witches nor the dwarves could allow themselves to be seen by mortals, and Ivor would be in North Wales for several more weeks.

Mordred accompanied him, being the only one trained in the management of the large farm horses, as Guy would need to leave him with the cart as he either bartered for, or purchased, all that was required. Both fodder and hay were needed for the animals, due to the increased number of horses now stabled at the farm.

It would be eight days before the next supply of provisions from their dwarven friends below ground and there seemed no other way to resupply more quickly.

Auriel clung to her husband and son, seemingly desperate to keep them with her as she became convinced that they would leave, never to return. Whilst she was generally a woman of steadfast character, the dreadful threat that hung over her family weighed heavily upon her, and eventually Aunt Gwyneth had to pry her arms from Guy and Mordred simply to allow them to leave.

"Hush child, hush," she said, "they merely go to market, not to the ends of the earth. Full moon is not until tomorrow and we are surrounded by those who would defend us, you must bear up and be brave for the sake of your children, for they see and feel your fear. In a few hours your husband and son will return safe and sound, I promise you."

Before Guy and Mordred were able to leave, the magical bounds around the farm needed to be eased in order for them to pass through, a simple matter when there were so many witches about.

Guy sat patiently talking with his son, as one of them went about her magical business to allow them to depart. After a few moments they set off, Guy smiling to himself as he remembered the fear that had at one time beset him whenever he encountered anything even vaguely connected with witchcraft. Now he accepted it as part of his daily round and was thankful for it, as it helped to keep his family safe.

They swiftly completed their business in Llanlivet market, finding that they need go no farther, as there was ample hay and fodder to be had. Guy thought to himself that perhaps the days of want were coming to an end as the weather improved.

They started back for the farm, Guy stopping briefly to buy honeyed sweetmeats from one of the stalls, for the children who had remained at home. As he walked away, he put one of the sweets into his mouth. It slid quickly backwards over his tongue and he fell to the ground, clutching at his throat, unable to breathe.

A crowd gathered and an old woman appeared amongst them. "Turn him over!" she said urgently, to two burly men standing nearby," support him between you so that I may aid him!"!"

As they did as they were bid, she struck Guy sharply between his shoulders several times, but to no avail, and he was beginning to turn blue, but she seemed unwilling to leave him to his fate.

Finally, she knelt behind him, put her arms around him and pressed her thumbs hard below his ribs, jerking him upwards several times. On the third attempt, the sweetmeat flew out of his mouth, and he began to cough violently, vomiting green bile, and taking in great gulps of air.

As he came to his senses all those standing about voiced their approval, clapping their hands and cheering loudly, but the old woman had disappeared into the crowd.

The men still supporting him related what had occurred, describing her, remarking on her white hair and the richly embroidered, though very shabby, blue cloak she had been wearing, as they helped him to his feet.

"Tis no one's fault but my own," he said " for I am a slave to all things sweet, at least that is what my wife tells me. I thank you for your help."