Samantha was tired of being told to go sit in a corner like a good little girl. She was good for more than planting and harvesting herbs and she was ready to fight for Faren. She quietly went to pack the few tattered things that belonged to Maisie and gathered her up also.<br/><br/>While the others were busy tending the horses and talking strategies, she and Maisie hurried on the road toward the ferry. The ferryman was there and was happily in his cups so he was willing to take them to Avalon. When he let them out, he called,<br/><br/>“A loverly day for a walk, Donchya think?” while he waved his jug of ale toward her.<br/><br/>Samantha nodded and hurried Maisie along but then had a second thought.<br/><br/>“Kind sir, if you would be so good as to keep the ferry on this side of the lake and only make it available to me until sunset, I would forever be in your debt. Perhaps, I could get some of the wine from the Tor as payment?” Samantha curtsied.<br/><br/>“Och Aye, lass, “ he shouted in agreement. “Even if the Lady herself were to command me, I vow to be  your boatman this day. And I likes the elderberry wine!”<br/>Samantha laughed, and bowed her head in agreement before running to join Maisie. The child was curiously silent, only looking with large solemn eyes at the proceedings. Samantha took her hand and explained,<br/><br/>“You are going to stay in Auntie Nimue’s old home. You will enjoy playing in the garden and eating scones in the kitchen. Maybe the Lady Vivianne will visit with you. She is Lord Varatt’s lady love. She looks fierce but she is a kindly sort. You will be safe here  until your father returns for you. Don’t go with anyone but Faren, no matter who says to come and no matter by what authority they say they have. Do you understand me? Things are not as they seem and above all, while the adults sort this mess out, you have to be kept safe.”<br/><br/>At the Tor, the guardian met them at the door and turned her sightless eyes toward the child.<br/><br/>“Lord Faren’s child? A child? At the Tor? Blessed Lady, we haven’t had a child here in ages. Come in child and let me find you a room. Won’t the Lady Vivianne be surprised to see  you?”