Daughter Of The Morning
The Dark Strikers

Much later that samemorning a very weary Cerian sat in a high-backed oak chair in frontof a blazing fire. She was half-asleepwhen a gentle hand on her shoulder jerked her awake, she looked up to seeSir Galahad regarding her, contrition stamped on his features,“Forgive me, Madam,” he walked around the chair to stand infront of her, “I did not mean to frighten you. I thought a goblet of mulled wine might help to warm you on such a cold night.”

Cerian looked up at the young man thoughtfully and then smiled, “Thank you, Sir Knight,” she replied, “What an evening, eh?”

Galahad bit his lip and whenhe had regained some of his composure he responded, “I do not understand,Madam, surely this was all you had worked towards?”

Ceri raised an eyebrow andsaid, “You think? How would you feel if I told you I had no knowledge of who orwhat I was and I’m still not happy.”

“But-but-but-” Galahadspluttered, finally he managed to replace his voice, “You did everything perfectly– no-one could fault you for anything!”

“I didn’t know how to doit,” Ceri replied somewhat sarcastically, “I just did what I thought was right.Which probably means I’m wrong. Hell! Everyone seems to know more than I do andI’m suffering from mushroom syndrome.”

“Mushroom syndrome, Madam?”Galahad looked totally nonplussed, “Is this some disease which affectsadventurers? Pray tell me and then I may avoid it.”

Ceri stared at him and feltthe edges of a laugh building up in her throat, she swallowed it back down andsaid, “It’s not a disease, Gal, it means that people don’t tell you what’sreally important and now and then you get a bucket of dross thrown over youbecause people blame you if something goes wrong.”

“People throw that over youwhich they dispose of in the middens?” Galahad looked disgusted, “But when haveyou had this thrown over you? I would fight anyone who would assault you insuch a way.”

Ceri sighed, “Thinkmetaphorically – or rather don’t. I mean that I have had things happen to me –which weren’t particularly nice and no-one has explained why and that annoysme.”

“I know that,” Herne saidsoftly, “but perhaps we do not mean to hide things from you like that. We seekto protect you until you can hold your own. What you do not know cannot hurtyou.”

“What I do not know, LordHerne,” Ceri bit her lip, “Could get me killed, and I don’t even know why I’llbe dying. Now isn’t that nice!”

“Sarcasm does not becomeyou,” Herne replied, “Drink your wine. For tonight I shall tell you this. You are a Princess of a noble lineage and youhave enemies that seek your head. You have not the skills to fight them yet –and I do not know where your powers lie. Do you feel better?”

Ceri swallowed and looked upat him suddenly feeling small and sheepish, “Not really,” she muttered.

“Drink your wine,” Herneordered, “We will talk later.”

She nodded glumly feeling asthough she had failed some sort of test, perhaps there were lots of candidatesfor this position and she’d just failed Test Number One, oh well at least shecould go home to a normal life.

Tentatively Cerian sippedthe wine and found that it tasted of cloves and cinnamon and somethingelse that lingered on the tongue but to which she could not put aname. She set the drink down on thesmall table next to the chair.

“Lord Herne, did you beginthe Test as soon as I entered the Abbey?” Ceri asked, needing to know theanswer more than anything else.

Herne flung back hisantlered head and laughed, turning to Galahad he said, “This one is sharpand her I should be glad to serve, Madam,” he turned back to Cerian, “Ibegan the Test – as you call it – the moment I awoke you in your room. But youmust understand, the Grail you saw thisnight is merely a symbol, the true test comes when all the threadsof your Quest come together. The Grailis held by The Fisher King, Nacien. One day Light and Dark will battle and thenif the Light is triumphant the Ancient Ones will gather here and depart forAvalon. However I believe that our time here is already past and we shouldleave. But tonight for you there were three tests and three isimportant to us, for there are three stages of time, Past, Present and Future. You have dealt in the past tonight, but youalso have a part to play in the present and in the future. I am afraid that I have misled you somewhat in my desire to gain your help.”

“I was beginningto realise that, Lord.” Ceri remarkeddryly, “is there anything else you haven’t told me that I should knowabout?”

Herne smiled tautly,“There are many things,” he began, “some I may tell you about; someyou shall replace out for yourself and others, others you would not wish toknow about in your darkest nightmares.”

Cerian looked up into hisface and smiled, “Then I shall just have to be content with that answer. Now - what next, Lord Herne?”

Herne raised his goblet tohis lips and drank deeply before answering, “We have a riddle to decipher youand I. We have little time to waste.”

“You’ve said thatbefore too,” Cerian told him, “but how much time is little time.”

“A day, maybe a littlelonger,” Herne nodded at Cerian’s shocked face, “as soon as the forces ofthe Dark discover that a new member of Light has been added to our ranks thenthey’ll begin to amass their armies.”

“Can’t we fight them - raisean army ourselves - I’ll lead them!”

Herne rested a hand onher shoulder and crouched that his eyes were level with hers, “Thattime may come, Princess and yes, you will lead them but it is not thattime yet. At the moment we must work instealth, and we win allies by trust and friendship and not throughbetrayal, or blackmail or promise of riches. Now to lighter subjects - Sir Knight!”

“Lord!” Galahad turned swiftly.

“I suggest a little lightrelief – a dance.”

“A dance!” Ceri squeaked, “Ican’t dance, I have two left feet!”

Galahad looked down at herfeet in their kid shoes, “They look perfectly normal to me, Madam.”

Ceri rolled her eyes, “Gods!No, I mean I can’t do it!”

“Do your best.” Herne growled.

Galahad bowed andextended a hand to Cerian who took it graciously, meanwhile from somewhere themusic of instruments began. Galahad took her right hand and put his arm around her supportingher back, Cerian’s left hand lay along his arm; slowly they began towaltz. Or rather, Galahad waltzed and Ceri valiantly tried to keep up, after aminute both Herne and Galahad realized it was hopeless. Eventually Galahad heldher away from him and said, “May I speak bluntly, Madam?”

Ceri nodded, gasping,“Please, Gal.”

“Madam, you’re hopeless!” hesighed, “Here. Stand on my feet.” Despite her misgivings, Ceri did as he askedand as gently as possible they tried again, this time at least managing to keepin time. Eventually, they stopped and Ceri stepped off, “Thank you, Gal.”

“I think your work’s cut outfor you,” she remarked, turning to Herne.

“I think you may be right,”Herne replied, “I could make up a list of all the things you need to learn, butI’m not sure it would be any use. You do indeed have two left feet.”

Ceri caught Galahad lookingat her feet again and laughed, “It means I have no co-ordination, Gal.”

Herne scratched his chin,“You must have some skill that outweighs this – clumsiness, I meanMadam, in this world to not be able to dance, do needlework, play chess or sewwill be a serious handicap. I could try to remedy this, but I think it mayalready be too late.”

“You know something, Lord,”Ceri replied, “You may be right, and I do not know where we go from here.”

“Thank you for the waltz,Madam.” Gal interjected, “although I would confine that particular type to yourprivate chambers.”

“It was apleasure, mon chevalier,” Cerian replied. She sipped the wine again, it was just cool enough todrink. Galahad smiled down at her,“Tired, Madam?”

“Exhausted,” Cerian replied bluntly, “but I’ll be all right in themorning.”

“Would you excuse me onemoment,” Galahad said, “I must needs speak with someone.”

“Certainly, Chevalier,”Cerian yawned suddenly, just managing to cover her mouth with her hand, “Seeyou later, Gal.”

Galahad laughed and suddenlyknelt before her so that she was looking down at him, “Madam, youhave a tongue in your head that would charm the very birds of theair, I am proud to serve you.” He gentlykissed the hand resting on the arm of the chair. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight,” Ceriansaid softly and then when his footsteps no longer sounded in thecorridors she murmured, “my beloved knight.”

She finished the remainderof her wine, and then curled up as much as possible and gazed into thefire. The dancing flames made theshadows leap and shapes appear in the glowing logs. Cerian yawned again, then her eyes droopedeven further, and suddenly she was asleep, her lashes making dark semi-circleson her cheeks.

Two figures walked into theroom, Herne bent over Cerian’s quiet form and he said, “She’s sleeping.”

“Did you?” the other figure’s hand went to the hilt of the swordhanging at his waist.

“Put it awayGalahad. Of course I didn’t, but it iswell for us that she has fallen asleep for we have much to discuss.”

“Such as?” Galahad’s tone was sharp.

“Who she is. What I suspect that she is and the part youboth must play in all three times.”

“Begin then,” Galahaddemanded.

Suddenly a trumpet soundedand Galahad turned drawing his sword in one swift motion, “Intruders!”

Three black shapes rushedinto the room, two seemed shadowy figures trapped between the worlds offantasy and reality, who could harm but with no real or lasting effect, butbetween them stood a figure that seemed to ooze darkness itself, a stench ofdeath rose from him and when he spoke it was a voice that waslittle more than a hiss, “O purest knight,” the sneer wasunmistakable, “this is not your quarrel, my desire is the Princess.”

Galahad swallowedhard, “And my desire is that you should not have her!”

“So be it,” the creaturelaughed and fear began to congeal in Galahad’s gut, “but think that ye canstand against this?”

From a point ofdarkness near its leg the monster drew a long, pale lance with a bloodytip.

Galahad blanched, “Where didyou get that?” he demanded.

“You of the Lightnever take the trouble to destroy that which could destroy you,this was the lance that killed your Artus, you never made sure that itwas destroyed. This weapon will kill anywho have Royal blood in their veins.”

“Not while Ihave life and breath!” Galahad’s voice rang true and clear, “for I too drew a sword from a stone and Idiscovered the Grail.”

“Then we are evenlymatched,” the voice replied, “let us begin.”

Out of the corner ofhis eye Galahad caught sight of Herne, the true Herne, tall and proudblazing light from every pore bombarding the shadows with all his might.

“Aye, let us begin!”

Slowly they began tocircle the room, Thrust. Feint. Parry. Thrust. Parry. Galahad crouched like a leopard about to spring, while the other creature shuffled andsquelched making the bile rise in Galahad’s throat, it hissed and lungedfor him, raising his sword Galahad parried the blow; sparks of blue firehissed as the two weapons met each other and ran down the sword andinto Galahad’s arm, he cried out in pain and pulled his weapon free.

The creature snarled andraised the lance for an attack, Galahad tried to parry, but hissword arm was still numb from contact with such a deadly weapon, the lancepierced his shoulder.

A deathly cold seemed tofill his body, he could feel his legs beginning to give way beneath him and hesank to the floor. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion, his sight was fading and he could feel the bottomless abyss ofdarkness sucking him into its depths.

The being leant overhim and raised the lance to make a final thrust and suddenly every fibre ofGalahad’s being rebelled, summoning up his last ounce of energy, he gasped, “Imay succumb to the Dark, but you shall not have my Princess!” and thrust upwards with his sword, it pierced the entity’s ragsand light suddenly burst along the blade. it screamed in agony and a noxious smell filled Galahad’snostrils, he retched and tasted vomit in his mouth, the creaturescreamed again and Galahad half-raised himself and with the last of hisstrength gave a final thrust with his sword. The being fell backwards and Galahad slumped to the floor asconsciousness left him.

At the first scream of thething Galahad was fighting the two shadowy figures seemed to shrink slightlyand as the creature fell backwards they shrivelled and died. Herne turned to see Cerian sitting boltupright in the chair her blue eyes wide and frightened.

“Madam-” Herne began, butshe was already on her feet and without thinking, or knowing about it had tornaway the protective barrier Herne had erected around her. She knelt beside Galahad and began pattingher way up his body. His right hand wasice-cold and his shoulder where the lance had entered even colder.

Herne moved tokneel on the other side of Galahad’s figure as Ceri removed the cloak she wore and threw it over Galahad. His face was grey and a thin layer ofperspiration was already beginning to bead his forehead.

“Cernunnos,” she said sharply, “fetch attendants immediately, I want this man moved to private quarters where I may have the best physicians to tend him immediately!”

“At once, Highness,” Herne nodded and rising to his feetCerian noticed that he no longer wore his antlers and coat of fur but seemed tobe a middle-aged man.

“Where are the theatrics?”she enquired.

Herne smiled wryly, “This iswho I was many times ago, the Hunter has not always appeared as a corporealform but sometimes as a voice or a vision. Sometimes I wonder if this was how it started - but I shall fetch the attendants.”

“We must talk later.” Cerian said softly and Herne knew it was not a question.

Eventually Galahad lay on a bed in a large room, heated bricks had been wrappedin cloths and set round him in an effort to warm him. Once his eyes opened but they lackedcognizance and Cerian began to weep.

“Come,” Herne said,raising her to her feet, “you must sleep, we will speak in the morning.”

Ceri was too tired toprotest, she felt him lift her and lie her down on the bed, his voiceseemed miles above her and the words seemed to set up a resonance in herhead, “Go to sleep,” she felt him cover her with a blanket, “you’ll feelmuch better later.” Then darknessclaimed her.

Herne looked down at her, he regretted using the sleep-charm butCerian was his responsibility as much as Galahad. Galahad, he sighed, Therewas little that could be done except to give him drugs to ease the pain. I fear for his soul, Herne thought, I blame myself - as soon as the ceremony was completed, I should havethrown a barrier around the place. At least I should have checked that theportals were guarded. How could they get in!

Someone was shaking Cerianhard, she opened her eyes and turned her head, a small serving girl waskneeling beside the bed.

“Ma’am,” she whispered, “theKnight, he is much worse and like to die. Please will you come?”

Cerian nodded her mouthsuddenly dry. The girl, barely more than a child herself led her along the corridors and into the large room Galahad had been placed in the night before. Carefully Ceri pushed through thepeople gathered at the bedside and leant over him. He was even greyer than the night before and his wound was oozing a green pus. A tumescent odour assailed hernostrils and made her gag. Steeling herself she removed the dressings and wasalmost sick.

“Get me cloths andwarm water,” she ordered, “and clean dressings. Have the bricks been changed?”

“Yes Ma’am,” thegirl bobbed a curtsy, “but they seem to make no difference. Lord Herne says he is like to die.” Tears began to fill her eyes and Cerifelt her own begin to water in sympathy, “Go and fetch the water andcloths,” she said kindly.

When they arrived she gently cleaned the wound, and placed new dressings upon it.

“Leave us.”

“But Ma’am, Lord Herne saidno-one was to leave the Knight.”

“We are stayingwith him are we not?” something blazed in Cerian’s eyes and theattendants decided to leave. When they were alone, Ceri bent overGalahad’s still form and gently sponged his face, “I am a failure,” shewhispered softly, although she knew that he could not hear her,“You’re dying and there is nothing I can do about it.” She gently took his left handand laid her right on his wound, “Oh Galahad!”

Suddenly her world fragmented, she was standing alone on a plain beneath a panorama of stars. She began toshiver, it was as if she was being examined beneath amicroscope. Then the man who knelt beside Bedwyr was standing before her, he took herhands, “Every door may be unlocked if you have the key.”

“But I do not have a key,”Cerian stared at him hopelessly.

His smile becamebroader, “You do. You dared the wrath ofthe ages to free a Knight bound in chains of sorrow and guilt, you riskednot being able to free that Knight, to save the life of a man you neverknew when he was wounded on the old thorns, you made the Midwinter Thornbloom at Glastonbury, you hold the Key within yourself, no-one but you could dothis and you know what power you have if you will only allow yourself to feelit.”

“But what must I do?”

“Do? Oh Princess, youalready know, you proved it in the gardens when you risked all. You have a courage of the heart and more thanthat, in you the Power rises and flourishes unlike anythat I have seen and I too commanded the Old Magic once. You know me of course.”

“Artus.” Cerian replied.

Look deep inside yourself,Daughter, then you will replace what it is that you seek and having foundthat you may replace yourself.”

With those words hewas gone and Cerian was back in the Abbey, she stared down atGalahad and thought, Courage, courage todo what? What must I dare?

Suddenly it hit her, I have within me a love of humanity, for despite its tragedy and bitterness and misery; humanity has greatpotential and all humanity are worthy of love.

She stared down at Galahadand said delightedly, “I love you, Sir Knight!” The results were almost immediate, a soft glow began toilluminate Ceri’s hands and run up Galahad’s body enveloping him in a cocoon of glowing light, the hand on his woundbegan to pulsate with a regular rhythm and all at once the glow faded.

Ceri’s head fell and a weakvoice whispered, “Princess?”

She looked up,Galahad’s eyes were open and there was the light of reason inthem. Slowly she removed the dressingsfrom his shoulder and stared, the great rotting hole in his shoulder haddisappeared, there was only a pale, pink scar from a newly healed wound.

“Princess?” Galahad’svoice roused her from her astonishment and she dredged a smile from thedepths of her being, “Feeling better, Sir Knight?”

“Have you tended me all thistime, Madam?” Galahad’s tone was sharp.

“Not all thetime,” Cerian admitted, “just for the past hour or two. How do you feel?”

“Tired,” a weary smiletouched the corners of Galahad’s mouth, “will I see you later?”

“Most assuredly,”Cerian replied and watched while his eyes drooped and he fell asleep.

She felt a hand on hershoulder and heard the pride in Herne’s voice as he said, “That waswell done. I did not believe that anyone could save him.”

Ceri smiled and raiseda hand to lay it on Herne’s, “I did not think I could save him either, MyLord. How long have you known I washere?”

“Half an hour or so,” Hernereplied.

Ceri nodded slowly her headfeeling as though it was about to come off her shoulders. Dimly she heard Herne’s exclamation and then she was scooped up in his arms.

“We’ll get you to bed,”Herne said quickly.

“No sleep charms,”Ceri ordered drowsily, as Herne laid her down on the bed shewas asleep. A maid undressed Cerian andslipped a woollen nightgown over her body. Herne gently laid a hand on Ceri’s forehead before covering her with a blanket and dimming the lamps.

She slept dreamlessly for awhile and then suddenly passed from sleep into wakefulness, she layblinking up at the window watching the dust dancing in the rays of sunlightpassing through the narrow window.

The door opened andHerne entered bearing a tray, Cerian sat up in bed as he placed iton her knees, “What time is it?”

“Early afternoon,” Hernereplied, “have you slept well?”

“What about Galahad?” Ceri asked quickly, “Is he all right - I-I mean he’s not-”

“Galahad’s still fastasleep, snoring his head off in the room above this one, in factI’m surprised that the floorboards aren’t vibrating. Now eat some breakfast. the kitchen provided oatcakes with goat’scheese or honey if you prefer and milk.”

Ceri ate hungrily even tothe extent of licking her fingers and dabbing up the oat crumbs.

When she had finished, Hernehanded her a small basin of water and a towel. She washed the stickiness off her fingers,dried her hands and handed the bowl back to him, “Sit down, we need to talk.”

“Yes.” Herne nodded, “Whenyou were with Galahad, before you knew you could save him, what did you see?”

“I was alone on a grassyplain, stars I didn’t know wheeled above me and there was a man there. The sameman who forgave Bedwyr, Artus. What happened, Lord Herne.”

“You found your power,Madam. Your gift comes from your heritage as one of the Ancient Ones andit appears to be a power to heal. You have an ability to see the good inhumanity which most of us cannot. Artus also had a gift but his was somethingyou call charisma.”

“An ability to lead people.”

“Yes.” Herne smiled,“sometimes the gift is so powerful it eclipses everything else which is why allother pursuits hold no interest for you, although I think it will be to youradvantage if we can teach you to ride a little.” He paused, “but now everyone,Dark and Light will know who and what you are. You are in more danger now thanever. Before you were a nuisance, now you’re a threat.” Herne eased himself onto the bed and said, “As soon as you wererecognised in the Great Hall the Dark would’ve known about you. I should have realised that, I did not putthe defences up, they must have slipped in after thecelebration. You are in less danger now,but the danger is still great even though much of it has passed.”

“Two questions, My Lord,”Ceri responded softly, a slight frown puckering her forehead, “How couldcreatures from the Dark enter here? And how do we combat them?”

“This place is Sacred to theLight, the Dark could not enter here unless they either came to parley onSacred ground, or-” Herne paused, as if the thought was unthinkable, “orsomeone of the Light gave them entry.”

“So I may have a traitor tocontend with,” Ceri nodded, “fortunately I come from a world where people aregenerally nasty. I think I can deal with a traitor. What were you going tosuggest I do about their attempt to murder me?”

“I was coming to that,”Herne replied, “And I do have a plan, they will expect you to remain inrelative safety here and not to have to search elsewhere for you so my suggestion is that I send you back in time and you may continue the search for the solution to my salvation. That way if the Dark seek you here youwill be long gone.”

“I hope I can help you,”Cerian replied slowly, “riddles were never my strong point.”

“I will come with youpart of the way, but this is your quest and as such you mustdo this on your own, so the riddle you must decipher alone too.”

“You’re not making this veryeasy Cernunnos.”

“I never said that itwould be easy,” the Lord of the Trees replied, “but you have provedyourself beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are the one chosen to freeme. Will you at least try?”

Ceri sighed, “I owe you thatmuch at least. Yes, I shall try. First I shall visit Galahad and then wemay depart. Tell me this riddle.”

“Very well. You must trust someone you have only justmet; and you must heal someone who doubts you.”

“Full of the joys of springaren’t we?” Ceri remarked.

“I don’t understand iteither,” Herne replied.

“Would you leave us, Lord,”Cerian said, “and I shall dress.”

Herne nodded and vacated the room closing the door behind him. Cerian dressed quickly in a shirt, hose andjerkin. She pulled a pair of softdoeskin boots on her feet.

Slipping out ofthe room she crept through the corridor and up the stairs. Gently she turned the ring on the door andpushed it open. A bright fire burnt in the grate and the sunlight fell through the narrow slit that formed the window. Galahad lay sleeping and for a moment Cerianwatched him her eyes tender, then she kissed the tips of her fingers andtouched them to his lips, “Farewell, mon chevalier,” she whispered, “Ihave to go now. See you later.”

Herne was waiting forher downstairs, he gave her a cursory glance, “Not quite what I washoping for but it’ll do. Come, as soonas night falls the Dark will be upon us and you are still vulnerable.” He led her across the courtyard and again the scene shimmered, theystood at the edge of a forest. Herne gazed around and murmured, “These were the days, when forests covered half your country, it was anevil time, but it was also a great time and some men blazed their namesacross the sky in fiery letters so that England and history has neverforgotten them.”

“Why didn’t you stay in thistime?” Ceri stared at him curiously.

“Because I cannot die,so I must watch the times of triumph and the times of shame, whenyou came I finally thought that I might replace some vestige ofpeace.”

“Oh,” Cerian looked aroundher, “where are we?”

“On the outskirts ofSherwood Forest,” came the reply, “less than five miles from Nottingham,”

The track wasdry and fairly clear of weeds and brambles, it soon opened up onto aclear straight road.

“Lady,” Ceri turned to seeHerne proffering a small dagger, “there are brigands in these woods, Ishould like you to have something to defend yourself with shouldsome of them attack us.”

“Thank you,” Ceri saidtaking the weapon. As they entered another part of the forest the atmosphere seemed to darken, suddenly Ceri felt the hairs on the back of her neck begin to prickle, she turned to see something that lookedonly half-human charging toward her, she drew her dagger and without thinking almost casually stroked it across his eyes,he screamed and reeled backwards clutching his face, blood oozing betweenhis fingers. The others came in ones and twos and although she thrust andparried, inflicting wounds, eventually one of them knocked her weapon from her hand with a branch and their leader caught her arms roughly and pushed her against the rough bark of a tree.

“Now, my pretty, what’ssomeone like you doing all alone the forest?”

“I-” she began and thenlooked around, Herne was nowhere to be seen. “I did not think I would be set upon by thieves,” she sneered.

“I am sure that there is aransom for you, my pretty,” the man cackled and shivers of fear ran up Ceri’sspine.

“Not to my knowledge,”she replied as coolly as she dared. The man stared at her as if he could not believe his ears and then helaughed, “This one has fire - I shall keep her as my captive andshe shall bear me fine sons!”

Cerian kicked him hard in the groin, he yelped in pain and lurched backwards, shedropped to the ground and scrabbled around finally locating her dagger. Another of the mencame towards her and she plunged her dagger to the hilt inhis midriff, she twisted it and pulled, it came free with a squelchingsound and blood poured from the wound.

Cerian turned and ran, ranfor her life through the dark forest, from the crashing behind hershe could tell that they were gaining and that they would not be slow totake their revenge on her for injuring their leader. She tripped suddenly andfell headlong and the world turned black.

She was being jolted alongrather roughly, it was a most uncomfortable feeling, she struggled to getfree. “Hang on,” a voice said, “I think she’s coming round, put her down John.”

The bouncing stopped,she was lifted down from someone’s shoulders, she stared up into a gentle face,roughened by anger and pain. “Sit down,”the same voice said.

Then she saw him, a youngman, no more than twenty-five or six, his hair was coal black andhis eyes dark as pools of still water. He crouched down and gently pushed the hair back from a cut onher forehead, “Does it hurt?” he enquired gently.

She nodded and thensuddenly said thickly, “I think I’m going to be sick-” sheretched uncontrollably for some minutes after her stomach hadexpelled its contents, she was aware of the big man’s hand gently holding the hair away from herface during her retching bout, and then his arm was around hershoulders as she struggled to rise, steadying her, through her still fuzzyvision she saw him proffer a bottle, “It’s only water,” he said quietly, “just to rinse your mouthout.”

She accepted it gratefully and was glad of the cool freshness of the liquid on her sore mucous membranes. She rose to her feet and the dark-haired one came forward again, “Let me put this on the cut,” he said, ”it’ll help it to heal.”

Her vision wasstarting to clear, although her legs still threatened to give way beneathher. The big man, what was he called, John? Yes, that was it, John,guided her to a place where she could sit with her back against a treewhile the dark-haired man gently applied something cool and soothing to thepain in her temple.

Then she was lifted again, only this time with her head on John’s shoulderand they began moving, with time with a more purposeful air. She remembered that journey only interms of waking and sleeping, sometimes she could see open sky above them,while at other times she remembered looking upwards at the leafygreen canopy and wondering how the trees had moved so fast. Afterwards all she could clearly remember was the darkness surrounding her punctuatedby little flashes of light, like fires, arms holding her securely, a woman’svoice asking her something and then having to watch a finger moving without turning her head. Then the woman again and something was held to her lips, she drankgratefully, gradually the merciless pounding in her head began to easeand as it did so she fell asleep.

She awoke in theearly morning, the breeze stirred the tops of the trees, she sat up and looked around her. Thecamp was quiet, from the embers of the fire a thin trickle ofblue smoke floated slowly upwards. A hand gently touched her shoulder, she looked up to see Johnlooking down at her, “Good morning,” he said softly.

“Good morning,” Cerianreplied, “what time is it?”

“About two hours aftersunrise, I’m on guard duty today, the others are scouting the Londonroad, I promised I’d look after you. Sowhat’s your name?”

“Cerian,” Ceri said, “Cerian Prichard. I’m verygrateful, you must have moved fast in order to stop those banditsfrom cutting me into small pieces.”

The man sat down and said,“Much spotted them first, he alerted Robin and me and when we moved intoposition they were gathered around you. A few carefully placed arrows soon made them move.”

“What about the leader?”

“I rather suspect that youtook care of him with a swift kick,” the man replied, “My name’s LittleJohn, I came from Hathersage. You’ll meet the others tonight,there’s Much, myself, Will Scarlet, Friar Tuck and of course Marian andRobin.”

Cerian regarded himstrangely at the mention of Robin’s name, “Robin. Do you mean Robin ofLocksley?”

“I believe that was histitle before he was made wolfshead.” Cerian stood up, “I think we ought to go and catch breakfast,” shesaid quickly.

“There’s no need forthat,” John said, he took her hand and led her over to the fire,“I’m afraid its only cold Coney but you don’t mind that do you?”

“I don’t mind anything aslong as its food,” Cerian said taking a piece of the rabbit and sinkingher teeth into it.

Later they went downto the river and John showed her how to tickle trout, they caughtthirteen big ones and as the shadows were beginning to fall John called ahalt. “The others will be back by now, come on, I think you shouldexplain yourself to them.”

The camp was alive with people when John and Cerian entered it. Taking the fish she carried John excusedhimself, “I think Robin will wish to speak to you.”

Cerian was only left for acouple of moments when someone tapped her on the shoulder, sheturned to see a young ginger haired youth standing behind her, “Hello,”he said, “I’m Much. I found you yesterday.”

“I’m very glad thatyou did,” Ceri replied, she smiled again, “I must go, Much, I thinkLocksley wants a word.”

Robin touched her arm, “Doyou remember me?”

“Vaguely,” she said, “youput something on my head I think.”

“That’s right,” Robinsmiled tightly, “now I need some answers. You said that your name was Cerian, I can tell from youraccent that you’re not from around here.”

“I’m from the future,” Cerian said softly, “I have to speak withHerne.”

Robin’s gaze became sharp,“From the future - prove it!”

“How?” Ceri stared athim, “there’s no way I can prove I’m from the future, the only wayI could would be to tell you of your fate, and I think you already know.”

“Tell me of Richard? Whathappens to him?”

“He dies in France andEngland passes to John.” Ceri replied slowly, “I need to speak to Herne.”

“What do you know of Hernethe Hunter?”

“More than you think,” Cerireplied, “I serve him in the future. MayI speak to him?”

“No!” the voicewas Scarlet’s. Both Robin and Cerian jumped, Will jumped out in front of them, “Get rid of herLocksley, she’ll bring Gisborne down on top of us.”

“I have no intention ofbringing Guy of Gisborne here - like you I have no love for the man,whatever you think, Scarlet.”

“Do they still talk of me inyour future?” Robin asked.

“In my future and thefutures to come - you are remembered as a man who stood for Justice andHonour. You are remembered when RichardCoeur De Lion is dust.”

“Then I am satisfied,” Robinreplied. “You shall be given allcourtesy, Lady, and escorted as far as Kirklees Abbey. From thence I trust you will replace your ownway. My spies tell me that there is ashipment of gold on its way to Nottingham for the Sheriff’scoffers, the poor could use that money better than the Sheriff.”

Cerian said nothing andRobin smiled tightly and bowing departed, Ceri watched as the darknessswallowed him up. Cerian curled up beneath one of the great oaks andpulled the blanket up around her, sleep came eventually and with it, nodreams.

She awoke early, thesun was still low on the horizon, Robin and the others were talkingin low voices around the fire. Cerianpushed through the group until she stood before Robin, “I must needs askyou again,” she said softly, “may I have an audience with the Lordof the Trees.”

Robin looked down at her, the earnestness of her face, the whiteknuckles, heard the tight plea in her voice, “No. If you will not tell me why you need to speakto him-”

“I can’t,” Cerianreplied, “I would trust you to lead me into Hell and out againsafely and I have known you little less than a day. Can you not trust me the same?”

“Regrettably not, Madam, Ihave been misled by a pretty face before, I cannot take the risk again. As I have said before, you shall be escorted to Kirklees tonight. Now Lady, if I may be allowed to continue with my previous conversation.”

Her hopes dashed, Cerianturned away, John touched her shoulder, “Is it so desperately important thatyou see Herne?”

Cerian looked up into LittleJohn’s face and nodded not trusting herself to speak, she swallowed hard andsaid, “It would help someone in my future if I could speak to himfor even a few moments, perhaps I cannot get back home without hishelp.”

“Then I pityyou,” John replied, “because if Robin refuses to take you, you’llnever get to see him.”

She turned and Johnsaw the shine of tears in her eyes, “Thank you for your candour,” shesaid softly.

All that day Cerianwaited in the camp in the hope that she might be able to speak to Robinor any of the other outlaws when they returned to the camp. Thus it was that she sawthe other outlaws bearing the body of Scarlet back into thecamp. It was impossible to see how badlyhe was injured as the other men carrying him obscured her view, but through their upright forms she suddenly caught sight of feathers at the end of a shaft and suddenly felt sick.

They carried him intoone of the huts and Marian went in some little time afterwards carryingsome implements wrapped in a blanket. Suddenly Cerian made her decision, shepushed open the door and saw Marian poised to try and cut the arrow out.

“No!” She yelled at the topof her voice, Much made a grab for her but she evaded him easily anddropped to her knees beside Scarlet’s shaking form.

“Get some alcohol,” sheordered. Marian nodded to someone behindher and Cerian heard the door open and close. “Help me sit him up,” she said. Together they eased him into a sittingposition and Cerian took Scarlet’s hand, “Will? Will, don’t try to talk, I want you to listen to me, we’re goingto have to remove the arrow, I’m going to shorten it and its going tohurt. Can you hear me, Will?”

Scarlet nodded, his face was white as milk and a thinfilm of perspiration covered his cheeks and his forehead. Slowly and carefully Ceri took the knife andbegan to cut a deep groove around the arrow, Will moaned and Ceri looked acrosshim at Marian, “Hold his shoulders.”

Marian pushed his shouldersback and looked across at Ceri, “Ready,” she said quickly.

Taking the arrow Ceripressed both thumbs upwards either side of the groove, the arrow snappedand Scarlet’s scream of agony rent the darkness. She sat back on her heelsand wiped the back of her hand across her forehead, itwas wet with perspiration.

She took the knife and aheavy, flat stone, “Be ready to pull the arrow out,” she said quickly. Marian nodded, Ceri placed the knife flatagainst the end of the arrow and picked up the rock. Oneclean blow she told herself, One, two, three! On threeshe hit the knife, the arrow slid through Will’s shoulder the pointand shaft emerging the other side. He groaned in agony and slumped against Ceri.

“The dressings,” shesnapped. Padding the wound, she gentlylaid her hand upon it and the now familiar tingle began again. OhWill, you brave irascible idiot! The glow spread all over his body and then just as suddenlydissipated. Marian looked down atWill. He was sleeping and his face was peaceful. She lifted thedressing and saw only a new scar.

Ceri got to her feet andwent outside into the cool night air. She leant against an oak and closed her eyes, she felt a familiar handon her shoulder, “Thank you.”

She opened her eyes to seeRobin gazing at her, “It was nothing,” she said.

“It was to me and it will beto Scarlet. Remember he suspected that you were working for Gisborne-” he broke off as Ceri started tolaugh, “what is it?”

“Nothing,” Ceri assured him,“I was just thinking about something someone said.”

“Do you still wish tospeak to Herne?” Robin enquired, “if so I shall take you to him.”

Cerian could only stare,speechless with gratitude, then she found her voice, “Thank you, RobinHood.”

The mist of twilight laythickly in the hollows and curled around the roots of the trees when Robinshook her awake, “Come, Madam, we must depart.”

Ceri followed him downto the river where a small bark lay moored to the bank. Robin helped her board and then began toquant them upriver. Eventually they arrived at a dark cave, Robin bent andsaid, “Will you close your eyes and keep them closed until I tell you toopen them.”

Ceri nodded, she felt the bark glide through the darknessand suddenly was tempted to open her eyes and it was as if she heard Herne’s voice in her mind, Youmust trust someone you have only just met, and she squeezed her eyeseven more tightly shut.

Robin touched her shoulderagain, “You may open your eyes now.”

Cerian did so and wasamazed, the boat was gliding towards a tiny lit ledge in a subterraneanlake. Robin helped her onto the bank and then a figure appeared garbed in fur and wearing a deer’s head onhis own. “Who is this stranger you have brought here?” the creature demanded.

“One who asked to come hereand even when I refused did me a service by restoring one of my men tohealth.” Robin replied, “she put herself at risk so I chose tobring her here.”

“I bear a message fromthe future,” Cerian said, “I was told I am the Hunter’s Salvation. I come to you in the hope that you havethe knowledge to save him.”

Herne took her shoulders andregarded her for a long moment, “So you have come at last. I have waited long for you. I do not have the knowledge for my salvation;but I do have another riddle that will lead you part of the way towardsit. The line runs thus; You must right him that was wronged;and rescue him who spilt the Crochan.”

“I do not understand it,Lord, but I shall consider it .”

“I know.” A smile lit the features of the Hunter and hesaid, “It is time for you to go home.” He placed an arm around hershoulders and escorted her towards the altar. “Walk forwards and you shall be where you were.”

“One moment,” Ceri said, shewalked over to where Robin was standing and took both his hands in her own,“Remember me?”

“Oh - always,” Robinassured her, “Scarlet will be sorry that you’ve gone. I know he would have wanted to say goodbye.”

“Quick good-byes are alwaysbetter,” Cerian said, “until we meet again, Robin i’th’Hood.”

“Until we meet again, LadyCerian.”

Herne led her back to thealtar and she hugged him before closing her eyes and stepping forward,“Your Gift goes with you, Princess.”

Ceri opened her mouth tothank him but his voice was growing fainter, she hit a grasstussock and dropped to the ground. Sheopened her eyes, she stood in the orchard, on her right the Abbeyloomed over her casting a comforting shadow.