Page 170 of The Knucker King

Elfa wagged her tail. “That is wonderful. We can send a Wulver to fetch you when we have lessons.” She nodded at the boar on the spit. “I will set my students up with some dinner, and then” – she looked down her muzzle at Bramble – “my lovely Grim, you will have to return to your soak.”

Bramble huffed at Elfa’s back as she trotted away after her students.

Ashling flitted down from Trewoofe’s horn and landed on his head. “Do not be grumpy with them. They are looking after you, and we know that the iron has caused a lot of damage.”

Bramble looked pleadingly to Avice. I do not want to soak. I do not want to leave your side. I do not want you to go back to the village. I want to stay here with you.

She scratched behind his tattered, healing ear. “My darling, I know, but it is important you follow the Wulver’s instructions. I love you so, and I need you.”

Bramble gave Trewoofe a pitiful look. Lord?

Avice giggled as her familiar attempted to get his way with him. The Grim looked up at the Knucker with big soulful eyes and let out a pitiful whine.

Trewoofe’s throat bobbed. “Well, perhaps he could—”

Avice nudged him. “No. Bramble, you need to do what the Wulver tell you. You are their patient.”

Her familiar looked away and let out a huff. Fine.

Olwilla and another Wulver came to collect Bramble. Avice and Trewoofe stood and followed them, to ensure that her Grim would do as he was told.

Bramble did indeed do as he was told. He limped to his spot by the central hearth and laid down. Avice layered him with calendula before the Wulver piled him with freshly soaked pelts. The tiny yellow flowers in his hair reminded her of constellations smattered across the night sky.

Olwilla snuffed at the flowers. “What are they?”

“It is called calendula. It is good for swelling and can help heal cuts and abrasions,” Avice explained as she stepped back to allow the Wulver room to cocoon Bramble. “The plants I use work well with the healing waters.”

The unintroduced Wulver’s ears pricked. “Is this something you could teach me, my Lady?”

Avice was not sure about this new title but smiled warmly at the Faerie. “Of course! I always like to teach others my skills. What is your name?”

She tapped her chest. “I am Hati.”

Avice regarded the friendly Wulver. She had grey-white fur and bright orange eyes. The midwife felt a small bloom of friendship unfurl in her chest. She had never connected quickly with humans before, yet with this Wulver, she felt at ease.

“I am—”

“Lady Avice,” Hati finished for her. “You are well known in the Underneath. The witch who saved the Knucker King’s life and stole his heart.”

Trewoofe let out a proud rumble and wrapped his arm around Avice’s shoulders. “We should say goodbye to Bramble and Ashling and return to our nest. Especially if you wish to go above soon.”

Avice had been so excited at meeting a potential apprentice that her plan to go above had almost slipped her mind. That made her think of Nell and John. She would be checking on them when they returned to the village.

She swooped down to Bramble, pecked the top of his head, and then nuzzled at Ashling. “Goodnight, my darlings.”

“We will see you after we go above,” Trewoofe promised.

63

Chapter 63

Trewoofe

To say Trewoofe was excited to have Avice awake, healthy, and all to himself was an understatement. She walked back to their nest barefoot through the soft flowers, the skirts of her dress tossing up the honey-scented pollen.

Avice belonged in his Kingdom.

She had taken up so easily with the Wulver. She already secured reading lessons and an apprentice. He was not happy that she wanted to return to the village, but Trewoofe could deny his soul-bound nothing. He trailed dreamily behind her as she entered their nesting cavern, greedily watching her rear ripple under her garments.