Ch5-Cafelle and Kee

CHAPTER FIVE Cafelle and Kee

"Westward, toward the mountains," said Queen Guinevere. She was sitting next to the sleeping king, with her hand resting on his chest. "Cafelle lives not far from here, where the wood borders the heath." "Got it," said Annie. "Haw!" she called to the oxen, using the sled dog command for "Turn left!" The heavy animals moved slowly toward the distant cloud-covered mountains. A cool, moist wind rippled through the wild grasses on either side of the rutted road. "Where are the invaders now, Your Majesty?" asked Jack, rocking from side to side on the drivers' bench. "We hope that our army is defeating them in the east," said the queen. "But small bands may still be roaming the kingdom, like packs of wolves." "Like packs of wolves?" said Jack. His eyes darted around the countryside, looking for bands of invaders. The hills and fields were covered with shadows of clouds scudding across the sun. The shadows

swept over abandoned huts and farmlands with charred trees and blackened fields. "What happened here, Your Majesty?" Annie asked. "Did the wolf packs of invaders burn everything?" "No, the fires were set by those who live here," answered the queen. "Rumors of the enemy caused farmers to abandon their crops and hide in the hills. Before they fled, some burned their timber, barley, and flax to keep them from the invaders." "When will everyone come back?" asked Jack. "When they know their king has returned," the queen said. "Until then, no one will have the courage." So everything depends on King Arthur, Jack thought, which means everything depends on us. As the oxen pulled the cart toward the wooded hills and plains at the base of the mountains, the bright air grew colder and the wind stronger. The lonely road grew wilder, until it was no more than a weedy path, overgrown with thistles and brambles. "Stop here," Guinevere said finally.

"Whoa!" said Annie. The oxen stopped moving, and the cart jolted to a halt. Guinevere gently shook her husband's shoulder. "Wake, my lord," she said. "Wake up." "Yes?" the king said, lifting his head. "We are near Cafelle's," said Guinevere. "We must walk a short way now." Arthur sat up and looked around. Then he ran his fingers through his hair. "Yes," he said faintly. "We must walk from here." "First, drink this," said the queen, lifting the flask to the king's lips. Jack wondered how much of the healing water from Avalon was left. He hoped they had enough for the whole journey. Annie climbed down from the cart bench and grabbed Oki. After Arthur drank from the flask, Guinevere helped him out of the back of the cart. King Arthur took the queen's arm, and the two of them started walking slowly down a path. As Jack and Annie followed the royal couple through the shifting shadows of the forest, silver leaves on the interlacing tree branches rustled in

the wind. Jack smelled wood smoke. Soon they crossed a sagging footbridge over a stream and came to a clearing with a small stone hut. A fence of woven sticks ringed the yard. Chimney smoke swirled through the afternoon air. The queen opened the gate, and she and Arthur crossed to the hut. Guinevere knocked on the door. A moment later, an old woman wrapped in a shawl stood in the doorway. She had a long white braid and luminous skin worn smooth by weather and time, like an ancient stone. The woman's eyes were closed. With a start, Jack realized Cafelle was blind. At her side was a tall white dog with light blue eyes. Oki didn't bark or whine. The peaceful gaze of the white dog seemed to keep him calm. "Greetings, Cafelle. We have come to—to seek your help," rasped King Arthur. Cafelle bowed her head. "Welcome, Your Majesty," she said. "And the queen has come with you this time, yes?" "Yes, Cafelle." Guinevere touched the blind woman's arm.

"Welcome, dear lady," said Cafelle. "And there are others with you as well. Children?" "Yes. Jack and Annie," said the queen. "Annie." The seer reached out, and Annie took her hand. "I see you well, Annie," Cafelle said with her eyes still closed. "You love all animals. You speak your mind and are quick and courageous. Sometimes, though, you move too swiftly. You lack patience." "That's right, that's me," Annie said with a smile. "And Jack?" Cafelle said, turning to him. Jack took the seer's hand. "You are very thoughtful and intelligent, Jack," she said. "You love books and knowledge. Sometimes, though, you worry too much and you do not act quickly enough." "Yes, that's me," said Jack. Oki barked. "And this is our dog, Oki," said Annie. She held out the puppy, and the blind woman patted his head. "Oki, you are a very happy and lively dog! Very curious and willful," the seer said with a smile. She