XVIII

 

 

THEY HAD LIMPED on for a few more miles before Gisburne had found a solution to their problems.

Their saviour was named Boussard – a blacksmith with a red face and curly hair as black as pitch. As Nyght had staggered into the village, his energies clearly spent, they had seen Boussard by his forge, stripped to the waist but for a leather apron in spite of the freezing temperatures. It was always summer at Boussard’s forge.

Their need was clear. Boussard said he had horses, but they were his own, and he could not be persuaded to part with them at any price. Nevertheless, he promised to send his eldest boy to a neighbour who he knew could provide them with what they needed – excellent animals, from a farmer he trusted. Gisburne, impressed by Boussard’s love for his own horses, offered him a large sum of silver there and then to take care of Nyght until their return. Boussard was taken aback, and at first reluctant to accept, but Gisburne was insistent. Finally the blacksmith relented. And so it was agreed. In the back of his mind, Gisburne considered the possibility that they would never come back. If that were to happen, Nyght would at least have found a good home.

Two more days passed before they were able to ride away on a pair of good palfreys. During that time, Boussard had proved himself the most naturally generous of men, seeming happy to keep plying them with his own food and drink as long as they regaled him with tales. His kindness moved Gisburne. These were plain folk, whose lives were hard. They had nothing to gain from their generosity, and every reason for witholding it. Thus, when it came, it meant more than the most lavish gift from a prince.

Gisburne thought of this as he watched the gruff old woman remove the remains of the ham joint, and shuffle back to the table with a wooden bowl of dried fruits. Doubtless there would be those who found her ways coarse. But there was love in the food she set before them.

Galfrid gave a great yawn and stretched his toes towards the glowing fire. They would sleep well tonight.