I was, until a month ago
(so well I know)
The headman of this village came
And begged that I should stay.
(so cold and fey)
'For since our wizard died,' he said
'And why he died we do not know—
(so long ago!)
We have no one to weave us spells
And keep the Dark at bay.'
(the dark, so deep: so cold the sleep)
'His house and books are yours, milady,
If you choose but to remain.'
(remembered pain)
His offer was too tempting
To be lightly set aside
(remembered pride)
I'd wearied of my travel, being
Plaything of the sun and rain—
(choose to remain—)
This was the chance I'd hoped for—
And I said that I would bide.
(I hope—I pray—and you must stay)
Perhaps if I had been a man,
And not a maid, perhaps if I
Had been less lonely, less alone,
Or less of magic folk—
(the spell-bound broke)
Whatever weakness was in me,
Or for whatever reason why
(my reason why)
Something slept within that house
That my own presence woke.
(You dream so much—I try to touch)
A half-seen shadow courted me,
Stirred close at hand or by my side.
(to bid you bide)
It left a lover's token—one
Fresh blossom on my plate.
(a fragrant bait)
I woke to danger—knew the young
Magician still to Earth was tied—
(for freedom cried)
And tied to me—and I must act.
Or I might share his fate.
(I need your aid, be not afraid)
I found a spell for banishment—
The pages then turned—and not by me!
(look now and see)
