“I can’t believe that thing was prowling in our fields! I told you I thought I heard something strange the other day,” said Mr Haywood, nudging Mrs Haywood.

“I’m just glad you’re all right,” said Mrs Haywood. “Both of you.” She nodded at Edwin.

“Sometimes, you’ve just got to do the next brave thing,” said Prue, but really she was thinking of what she’d had to do to Francis back at the Guild. She didn’t think she’d ever be able to tell her parents.

Edwin looked at her. “Prue is one of the bravest people I know.”

“Well, it’s incredibly late. You both need to rest after all this travel and excitement!” said Mrs Haywood.

She took Prue upstairs and Mr Haywood insisted on making Edwin a bed in the hay shed by piling blankets all around.

Mrs Haywood kissed her on the head. “I’m sorry, about everything. About what happened to Francis, about not saying goodbye when you visited, about—”

“Mum, Francis wasn’t your fault.”

Mrs Haywood closed her eyes. “I still miss him so much.”

“We all do,” Prue said. They hugged and cried in silence for a while.

Eventually, Mrs Haywood pulled Prue’s blanket over her.

“Like I say, all this change and technology, it might take me a while.”

“I’m sorry. I know you hoped I would take over the farm, with Francis gone and everything.’

“We only ever want what makes you happy, Prue. Always know that.”

Prue closed her eyes and let the events of the day roll through her mind until deep and restful sleep engulfed her in its warm arms.

Chapter 33: New Beginnings

NEW BEGINNINGS

Snow had fallen more heavily in the early part of the morning, completely covering the body of the stag-man so that only a large white antlered mound remained.

Prue dressed hurriedly and ran down to find Edwin in the shed.

“Ed, are you all right?”

He nodded, although Prue sensed something in him was reluctant.

“Are you injured?” she asked.

“I don’t think so.”

Prue sat beside him. “I’ve just realized that we no longer have a mentor. Are we even part of the Guild any more?”

“Of course … I’m certain we are.”

But Prue wasn’t so sure. “Are you really feeling all right?”

“I feel a little strange. But that’s only natural … after the night we had, right?”

Prue didn’t like the way he faltered in his words. It reminded her of Luella.

“Are you ready to go back?” he said.

Prue nodded. “I still have so many questions about Craftsman Primrose and what happened. If I’m thrown out of the Guild, I’d like to go knowing the whole truth. But are you well enough to fly?”

He nodded.

After a quick breakfast, they said goodbye to Mr and Mrs Haywood and set off back to the Guild.