Cloud Walker, All Fools' Day, Far Sunset Read Online Free PDF Page B

it down. ‘Are you sorry?’
    Aylwin whimpered with pain. ‘Damn you to hell and back. I will never be sorry. You have Master Hobart, and you will have Petrina. May Ludd strike me if ever …’ Aylwin fainted.
    When he returned to consciousness, he found that Kieron was gently slapping his face.
    ‘Leave me alone, fellow. I am all right, and I will never be sorry. You may break my bones, Kieron-head-in-the-air, but I will never be sorry. I swear it.’
    Kieron lifted him gently to a sitting position, then crouched by him. ‘Why did you speak of Master Hobart and Petrina?’
    Aylwin gazed up, white-faced. ‘You have all that I ever wanted,’ he sobbed. ‘And yet you play like a child!’
    Suddenly Kieron understood. ‘You wanted to paint?’
    ‘Yes! Ludd’s death, I wanted to paint. But I shall only ever grind corn.’
    ‘And you desire to be wed with Petrina?’
    Aylwin grimaced. ‘Be amused. You know I am contracted to Joan.’
    Kieron said simply: ‘Forgive me. I did not know the forces.’
    ‘You did not know the forces?’ Aylwin looked at him uncomprehendingly.
    ‘I did not know the forces that drove you to cut the cord … There is nothing we can do about Petrina. I will wed with her. I love her. But, perhaps, there is something we can do about the other …’
    ‘There is nothing to be done about it,’ said Aylwin. ‘A miller does not paint, a miller’s apprentice does not paint. That is all there is to it.’
    Kieron smiled. ‘There is a law against it? Seigneur Fitzalan has proclaimed that all millers who daub canvas shall be put to death?’
    Aylwin said: ‘You mock me … Besides, who would instruct me? Who would give me canvas and paint?’
    ‘I would.’
    Aylwin’s mouth fell open. He did not speak for fully a minute. ‘You would! Why?’
    ‘Is there cause for a feud between us, Aylwin? Must we be enemies because of decisions that were not of our taking?’
    ‘No, but—’
    ‘Hear me, then. I would have you as my friend. One day I may need such a friend. In the matter of Petrina, I can and will do nothing. But Master Hobart loves me, and I serve him well. He will give me canvas and pigments and will not ask questions that I do not wish to answer … I will instruct you, Aylwin. I will pass on the skills that are passed on to me. Is that enough?’
    Aylwin held out his hand and gripped Kieron’s forearm. Kieron returned the gesture, thus sealing the ancient pact of mutual loyalty.
    ‘It is enough,’ said Aylwin. ‘By the hammer of Ludd, it is more than enough. But why do you do this thing?’
    ‘We have clasped each other, and so we are bound each to the other. It is agreed?’
    ‘It is agreed.’
    ‘Then I can tell you certain things, Aylwin. You wish to paint, but are destined to become a miller. I wish to construct flying machines, but I am destined to become a painter. Separately, we must accept our fates. Together we may overcome them. Are you truly with me?’
    ‘To the death. But, as you say, it is not unlawful for a miller to paint. On the other hand, flying machines – machines of any kind – are unlawful. You have a bleak future, Kieron-head-in-the-air.’
    Kieron smiled at the taunt, which now contained no malice. ‘Men make laws. Men may change them … The kite whose cord was cut was not just a childish toy, Aylwin. It was an experiment. It was an experimental design for a man-lifting kite.’
    ‘Do not proceed. The neddies will burn you.’
    ‘Hear me. I have discovered an idea, which, when the time is ripe, will prevent the neddies from doing anything.’
    ‘What is the idea?’
    ‘Historical necessity,’ said Kieron. ‘It will be necessary, sooner or later, for man to take to the air once more. Meanwhile, I must work secretly. I must be ready for that time.’
    ‘I fear for you, Kieron.’
    ‘I fear for myself, Aylwin. But, we have a bargain, you and I. I will share my skills with you, and you will be content.’
    ‘What will you require of me, in