The Foundling Read Online Free PDF Page A

flake different, too. Can you do as well?”
    Sputtering and stammering, Gildas admitted he could not. “But—but, perhaps, a culinary manifestation, a full-course feast? Roast goose? Wine? Sweetmeats?”
    â€œWe’re quite satisfied with our own cook,” said Angharad. “Thank you, no.”
    Scowling in wounded dignity, grumbling at the disrespect of young princesses, Gildas seated himself beside Queen Regat, awaiting the next suitor.
    â€œIt is against my principles to criticize my colleagues,” he muttered to the Queen. “But I can assure Your Majesty in advance: No enchantments can rival mine.”

    Queen Regat nevertheless beckoned for the second suitor to enter the Great Hall. This was the enchanter Grimgower, lean, gaunt-faced, with knotted brows and a square black beard twining around his thin lips. His iron-shod boots rang as he strode toward the thrones, and his black cloak streamed behind him. In his train marched dark-robed, hooded servants, and the courtiers drew back uneasily as they passed.
    Grimgower halted before Angharad, folded his arms, and threw back his head.
    â€œPrincess,” he said, “I come to claim your hand and declare myself willing to accept you as my wife.”
    â€œAt least,” replied Angharad, “that settles half the question.”
    â€œLet us understand each other,” said Grimgower. “The House of Llyr is known for the powers of enchantresses. And the willfulness of its daughters. You shall have all you wish, and more. No luxury will be denied you. But in my household, I am the only master.”
    â€œYou make it sound delightful,” said Angharad.
    â€œThink more of your duty and less of your pleasure,” Grimgower answered. “The sons born of our marriage will have powers beyond all others and will rule supreme throughout the land. The joining of our two houses—”
    â€œIt’s not houses getting married, it’s me,” said Angharad. “And if you can tell ahead of time that you’ll have sons instead of daughters you’re a prophet, indeed! Meanwhile, I suggest that you demonstrate your skill in some other way.”
    Grimgower stepped back a pace and raised his arms. In a harsh voice he called out the words of a mighty enchantment. The courtiers gasped in terror. For now, out of thin air, suddenly sprang monstrous creatures that snarled, bared sharp fangs, and snapped
their jaws. Some, covered with scales, breathed fire through their nostrils; others lashed tails as sharp as swords. The beasts crouched beside the enchanter and glared with blazing eyes at Angharad.
    Queen Regat paled, though she sat stiff and straight and tried to conceal her alarm.
    Angharad, however, glanced unperturbed at the monsters.
    â€œPoor things, they looked starved for their dinner,” she said to Grimgower. “You should really take better care of them. They need a good brushing and combing, too. I daresay they’re all flea-ridden.”
    â€œThese are no common enchantments,” cried Grimgower, his face twisting angrily, “but creatures shaped of my own dreams. I alone can summon them. You shall not see their like in all the realm.”
    â€œHappily,” said Angharad. “Yes, I suppose they would be the sort of things you, Master Grimgower, would dream of, and no doubt you’re proud of them. I hope you won’t be offended if I tell you honestly I prefer the animals we have in our forest. The deer are much handsomer than that dismal-looking whatever-it-is next to you. So are the rabbits, the badgers, and all the others. And I’m sure they have better tempers.”
    Frowning darkly, Grimgower spread his cloak, spat an incantation through his clenched teeth, and the monstrous beings disappeared as quickly as they had come. At a sign from Queen Regat, the enchanter took his place beside Gildas, and the two rivals looked daggers at each other.
    â€œSo far,”