Inside the clearing, a slight pale figure struggled awkwardly, held fast and crushed beneath what looked like a huge fallen branch. The small whimpering cry came again, and Jeanne rushed forward.
“Oh no,” she breathed. “Let me help you…”
The girl, for that’s how she appeared, moaned. “Oh please, mistress, I cannot move my legs, nor lift such weight., and ’tis…’tis hard to breathe…”
“Perhaps I should call my servant.”
The look on the child’s face told a tale of its own. “Please, no, I must not be seen.” She closed her eyes. “It would mean trouble for me.”
Surprised at how delicate she was, and recognising the fear in her eyes, Jeanne simply nodded and began to move the log aside. She was cautious, not wanting to injure herself, but found that by inching the log little by little, she could shift it enough to reach the child’s hands and help her finally claw her way out from beneath. It took several long minutes, but it was worth it to hear the little sigh of relief.
“There,” she caught her breath. “I believe that’s freed you of the weight, at least. Are you injured?”
The girl rubbed her shins, then stretched and twisted, groaning a little, but obviously able to move. “I think not, mistress, I thank you. I shall carry some ripe bruises, to be sure, but I would have been caught here in the dark without your help.” She looked around. “And this is not a kind place for my people when the sun goes down.”
Jeanne tilted her head to one side. “Do you live near here? I have a horse that could carry us both, and you may ride with me back to your home, if you’d like? You shouldn’t be walking far after such injuries. I’d be happy to take up behind me, or you can come with me, and we’ll send a message to your family…”
The little girl eased herself to her feet, long fair hair falling like silk around her shoulders and down onto what looked like it had once been a lovely flowing gown before the branch and the muddy ground did their damage. She turned and stared at her rescuer for a moment or two.
“You are kind indeed, but no.” She stared into Jeanne’s eyes. “We share a world, Jeanne Molyneux, but we are not the same.”
“What? How…I don’t…”
All of a sudden, Jeanne’s skin prickled as the hairs on her body rose in response to some strangeness in the air around her. She sucked in a nervous breath.
“Hush.” A pale hand touched Jeanne’s arm, surprising her with its warmth. “You have saved my life this night, my Lady, and I owe you more than I can repay.”
As Jeanne watched, eyes wide, the little figure grew taller, and her gown transformed into clean and shining silk.
“I don’t understand…”
“I amEllyll. Tylwyth Teg. And I will repay my debt.” The little figure stepped toward Jeanne, who retreated a little.“Don’t be afraid,fy plent? I mean you no harm…”
“But…”
“Shh. A blessing, Jeanne. A blessing for you—and for the son whom you have yet to meet.” Her small shining hand touched the mound beneath Jeanne’s gown, where a growing babe rested.
“This child will be the father of a line that will carry your loving heart, your caring, and your bravery.” Her intense gaze made Jeanne slightly dizzy.
“And whenever needed, the Ellyllon will guide and guard, until such time as the need for kindness and magic disappears.”
With those words, the glowing figure of the Ellyll simply vanished.
“Mistress?” Alun’s voice shattered the silence around Jeanne, and she blinked.
“Did you see that?” She spun around to Alun.
“See what, m’Lady? I couldn’t hear nor see you, and I was that worried…”
“How long have I been in here?”
“You just got off your horse a moment or two ago…” He neared her, a worried frown on his face. “Did you find what made the noise?” He stared at her. “Are you sure you’re well enough to ride again?”
She sighed. “I think so. Yes, I definitely think so.” She touched the mound beneath the kirtle. “I have to get my son home in time for his father to welcome him.” She moved toward the hedge once more. “And it was naught but a small fox calling for a mate.”
“Er, yes, of course, m’Lady.”
She let him help her remount her horse. “Alun, what doesfy plentmean?”
