Free Fire Arrow by Edith Pattou

not many travelers through the Blue Stacks to Dungal, but I've noticed that the gabha are keeping a close eye on those who do travel there. Still, I have not heard of any attacks on travelers before now. Oh, my dear ladies! The more I ponder the prospect, the more I am convinced that you must not even
thin\
of journeying on to Dungal."
    "I will go to Dungal," Brie responded firmly.
    "And I, too, though not right away," said Aelwyn. She finished the last of the cakes and drained her cup of tea. A mischievous look appeared in her eye as Monodnock refilled her cup.
    "I have a splendid idea," she said. "Why do you not journey with Brie to Dungal? She could use a stalwart and brave champion such as yourself." Monodnock's face took on an expression that was half swaggering and half unsure. "Brie is headed on a quest of vital importance, which may even take her deep into the heart of Bog Maglu."
    "Ah, to travel," Monodnock began, his eyes wearing an exalted look, "to sally forth, to ... to Bog Maglu?!" He sputtered, raising a trembling hand to his mouth. The Ellyl's face had gone a distinct shade paler, making his hair look even more orange. The hand holding his teacup was shaking so that the cup rattled in its saucer.
    "You, uh, didn't actually say 'Bog Maglu,' did you?"
    Aelwyn nodded.
    "Why, uh, of course, quest and all ... It sounds perfectly, immeasurably thrilling of course ... Bog Maglu, are you sure? I am sure I should be delighted, under other circumstances, but there are penalties for deserting a post, rather severe and all. Desperate as I am to come to the aid of a damsel in distress, it is a terrible crushing disappointment to have to decline ... More cakes, ladies?" he finished brightly.
    After that Monodnock seemed to hurry them through the rest of the meal, looking quite pink around the ears. He brought out several fur-lined blankets and more feather pillows, made sure Brie and Aelwyn were quite comfortable, and bade them an abrupt good night. Then he disappeared into his adjoining room.
    Brie and Aelwyn took one look at each other and were overcome with giggles. They desperately tried to smother their laughter so Monodnock wouldn't hear. Fatigue soon overwhelmed them, however, and they nestled into their luxurious bedding and fell fast asleep.
    ***
    Brie woke suddenly, something hard digging into her back. She opened her eyes to find herself sitting on the lake path, her back against the hard rock of a scree. Her pack, quiver, and bow were placed neatly beside her. Aelwyn was nearby and she, too, was just waking up.
    "We seem to have been rather unceremoniously dismissed from the porth," Brie said.
    "Perhaps Mr. Monodnock is not at his best in the morning," said Aelwyn, stretching her body.
    "You shouldn't have teased him like that," Brie grumbled, rubbing her back.
    "I suppose you're right, but wasn't his expression priceless?...'To sally forth, to Bog Maglu?!' Still, I wish he had saved us some of that strawberry cream cake."
    But when they opened their packs they discovered that Monodnock had indeed given them each a hefty portion of cake, as well as a piece of medlar fruit and a big hunk of cheese. They also found that all their clothing had been freshly laundered. And tucked discreetly in with the rest were two bars of sweet-smelling white lilac soap.
    "At least his heart is in the right place," said Aelwyn, biting into a strawberry. "You know, I've been meaning to tell you what a great fool you are."
    "Oh?" Brie raised her eyebrows.
    "To leave behind that handsome young man who cares •for you at Cuillean's dun."
    "Indeed." The color rose in Brie's face.
    "I saw the way his eyes stayed on you. Collun, that was his name, was it not?"
    Brie nodded. "We are friends."
    "Of course." Aelwyn yawned, then gazed critically at Brie. "It is not as if you were pretty."
    Brie was surprised into laughing out loud.
    Aelwyn ignored her. "Although if you took a little trouble..." She reached under several layers of her