“Nonetheless, you will answer,” replied the Bright One, and I saw a flash of brilliance like a tiny lightning bolt flare from his eyes and toward the Briton. Red sucked his breath in; whatever it was, it had hurt him.

“You will answer.”

The Briton stood silent; he moved me slightly behind him. I saw the Bright One’s face tighten, and his eyes take on a reddish tinge. He was eager for a battle of wills, but I knew there could be but one outcome. You did not play games with the Fair Folk and expect to come away unscathed.

Leave him alone. I sent my message to him of the flaming crown, but also to the Lady. He does not know how to play this game. Let him go.

“Tell me, Lord Hugh.” It was the Lady who spoke now. “Why do you take our girl with you, when you know all she wants is to go home? She does not belong in your world.”

This stung him into response. “The girl is not yours, or mine, or anyone’s. But for now, she travels under my protection, and let him who lays a hand on her answer to me.”

“Fine words,” said the Lady. “But you have lost sword and dagger. Your leg is laid open to the bone, you are hungry, and lacking sleep, and in hostile territory. Your threats can surely have little substance.”

“I have my two arms, and my will,” said Red, stepping around so that he shielded me from the two of them. “That’s enough. Let him who dares, try me.” His back was solid enough; even on tiptoe I had trouble seeing over his shoulder. Pity about the leg, which would not last a moment if he were put to the test. He was a fool; a brave one, but a fool nonetheless.

“Step aside,” said the Bright One wearily. “Let the girl show herself. We mean no harm to her; she is one of our own.” And the moment of crisis seemed to be over.

“You chose well, daughter of the forest,” remarked the Lady, looking at Red and then at me.

What do you mean, I chose well? I chose? I did not choose any of this. Would I be here, if there had been a choice?

“Hush, child. There is always a choice; you knew that when you first set foot on this path.”

“You have not answered truly, Lord Hugh of Harrowfield,” said the Bright One. “You have not answered at all. Why do you take the girl away from her forest? Why does she go across the sea? What is it you want from her?”

“Tell the truth,” said the Lady, and there was a warning in her voice.

“I am not beholden to you, whoever you are,” said Red. “I will give you no answers.”

“You’re a fool.” The Bright One threw up his hands in a pantomime of exasperation. “I thought you wanted to know what happened to your brother, I really did. But keep silent you will; if you cannot ask the right questions, you can expect no sensible replies.”