A Pinch of Moonlight

  ***

  Madryn wasn’t trapped in the dark at the foot of those steps. Not trapped exactly, although she couldn’t return the way she’d come. She’d tried climbing back up the steps, but in the darkness she’d had to feel her way, and putting her hand on something furry which squeaked and ran off soon put a stop to that.

  She would have to go forwards then, and follow the alleyway. There was the suggestion of light ahead, although not enough for an elf to see clearly. She brushed down her housegown, although as one sleeve was hanging off, it was a pointless gesture. Gingerly, she stepped forwards. It took her a long time, as every step she took had to be carefully judged. A careless move could lead to her falling, twisting her ankle, or just stepping in something revolting.

  Eventually the alleyway opened into another square, and Madryn realised she was right beside the Western Gate, just behind the town walls. And there was the kitchen maid, standing with a group of fairies. She was handing out the stolen biscuits to some of the lowest-looking specimens, who gobbled them down. All except one fairy, who placed the biscuit carefully in her pocket, as if saving it for later. Madryn was too concerned about her own predicament to be annoyed by these thieving fairies. But then one of the fairies produced a crystal from his waist pouch, and placed it on a fragment of wall in full sunlight. Madryn was horrified. Fairies using crystals! As the fairies gathered in a ring and began chanting a round, Madryn could sense the magic they were making.