and, though bruised and slashed, his face beamed and his bald head glowed with pleasure, as he put an arm around Taran's shoulders. 'We did not meet as soon as I expected,' Coll said with a wink, 'for I hear you were busy with other things.'
'My body and blood!' roared Smoit, giving Taran a clap on the back. 'You looked like a skinned rabbit last time I saw you. Now the rabbit is gone and only the skin and bones are left!'
A loud squawk interrupted the red-bearded King. In surprise Taran turned and saw Gwystyl, sitting alone and morose. On his shoulder Kaw hopped up and down and bobbed his head in delight.
'So it's you again,' Gwystyl remarked, sighing heavily as Taran hurried over. 'Well, you shan't blame me for what's happened. I warned you. However, what's done is done and there's no sense complaining. No use in it at all.'
'You shall not deceive me again, Gwystyl of the Fair Folk,' Taran said. 'I know who you are and the valiant service you have rendered.'
Kaw croaked joyfully as Taran smoothed his feathers and scratched him under the beak.
'Go on,' Gwystyl said, 'put him on your shoulder. That's what he wants. For the matter of that, you shall have him as a gift, with the thanks of the Fair Folk. For you have done us a service, too. We were uneasy with the Crochan knocking about here and there; one never knew what would happen. Yes, yes, pick him up,' Gwystyl added with a melancholy sigh. 'He's taken quite a fancy to you. It's just as well. I'm simply not up to keeping crows any more, not up to it at all.'
'Taran!' croaked Kaw.
'Though I warn you again,' Gwystyl went on, 'pay no attention to him. Most of the time he talks just to hear himself talk? like some others I could mention. The secret is: don't listen. No use in it. No use whatever.'
AFTER THEY HAD RAISED the barrows, Gwystyl left to resume his guard at the way post; the companions, King Smoit, and his riders departed from the clearing and turned their horses toward the River Avren. High overhead, their wings darkening the sky, flight after flight of gwythaints retreated toward Annuvin. Of the Huntsmen there was no sign; and Gwydion believed that Arawn, learning of the Crochan's destruction, had summoned them to return.
The companions rode not in triumphant joy but slowly and thoughtfully. The heart of King Smoit, too, was heavy, for he had suffered the loss of many warriors.
With Kaw perched on his shoulder, Taran rode beside Gwydion at the head of the column as it wound through hills rich with autumn's colors. For a long while Taran did not speak.
'It is strange,' he said at last. 'I had longed to enter the world of men. Now I see it filled with sorrow, with cruelty and treachery, with those who would destroy all around them.'
'Yet, enter it you must,' Gwydion answered, 'for it is a destiny laid on each of us. True, you have seen these things. But there are equal parts of love and joy. Think of Adaon and believe this.
'Think, too, of your companions. Out of friendship for you, they would have given up all they valued; indeed, all they possessed.'
Taran nodded. 'I see now the price I paid was the least of all, for the brooch was never truly mine. I wore it, but it was no part of me. I am thankful I kept it as long as I did; at least I knew, for a little while, how a bard must feel and what it must be like to be a hero.'
'That is why your sacrifice was all the more difficult,' Gwydion said. 'You chose to be a hero not through enchantment but through your own manhood. And since you have chosen, for good or ill, you must take the risks of a man. You may win or you may lose. Time will decide.'
They had come into the Valley of Ystrad, and here Gwydion reined up the golden-maned steed.
'Melyngar and I must now return to Caer Dathyl,' he said, 'and bring word to King Math. You shall tell Dallben all that has happened; indeed, this time you know more of these events than I.
'Go swiftly,' Gwydion said, reaching out, his hand. 'Your comrades wait for you; and Coll, I know, is eager to ready his vegetable garden for winter. Farewell, Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper ?and friend.'
Gwydion waved once and rode northward. Taran watched until he was out of sight. He turned Melynlas, then, and saw the faces of the companions smiling at him.
'Hurry along,' Eilonwy called. 'Hen Wen will be wanting her bath. And I'm afraid Gurgi and I left in such a hurry I didn't take time to straighten up the scullery. That's worse than starting a journey and forgetting to put on your shoes!'
Taran galloped toward them.
