Page 191 of The Knucker King

“We can bring them to visit, or you to visit them,” he said quickly, clearly not wanting to see disappointment in the girl. “I know they would be happy to see you.”

“As long as that is alright with John,” Avice added.

John smiled. “The safest place for Nell is with Treth and I. The second is with you and your Knucker.”

Trewoofe chuffed in approval. “You are wise, for a human.”

John chuckled at the tease. “Avice might say differently.”

Just as she was about to join in with her own playful taunt, the seed bounced against her hip, trying to tug her away. She knew it was telling her that it had waited long enough, and it was time to be planted.

“We must be off,” she said. “My King and I have an important task to complete today, and we have lingered here for longer than intended.”

“Of course…” John grinned at her. “You always have important tasks, Avice. That will never change.”

She paused beneath the shelter of Trewoofe’s chest. It could change. She remembered her Great Aunt Agnes say gratefully, when she came to stay with her, that ‘many hands make light work’. Hati the Wulver had already expressed interest in learning her witching ways, but at least one more apprentice would be beneficial. It was as though the spark of an idea had kindled an inferno of plans as she looked at the girl cuddling the Morgowr’s snout.

“I would like to teach Nell my skills,” Avice announced. “Things are different now. There would be no punishment or isolation for her.”

She watched as John’s throat bobbed, and Treth nudged at him with the tip of his finned tail. “It would be good for her.” He nuzzled into the girl. “Her sharp mind should not be wasted.”

“It should be up to Nell,” Avice clarified, before focusing on her. “Would you like to learn my witching ways?”

Nell bounced excitedly on the ball of her feet. “Yes, Miss Avice! When can I start?”

The midwife giggled. “We will come back to discuss particulars,” she promised. “At the moment, we have a task to complete.”

“Farewell, for now,” Trewoofe said, before departing with her into the trees.

71

Chapter 71

Trewoofe

Trewoofe continued to shelter Avice from the thumping rain as they strode through the woods. The muddy path was made easier for them as the flora bent to allow their passage through.

“Where would you like to plant it?” Trewoofe asked.

Luckily, the rain did not bother him. His scales were waterproof, and the droplets simply slid off them. Avice was not so fortunate, and though she wore a cloak and boots, she was soaked. Trewoofe was worried she may ‘catch her death’, as Joan had commented.

“I am not sure,” Avice murmured.

“On top of Knucker Hill?’ Trewoofe offered. “The seed would be safe there.”

“No,” she replied.

“Why not?” he huffed. “My magic is stronger than ever. It would be safe there. Do you not trust me?”

“Oh, my darling…” Avice patted his leg as they strode onward. “Of course I trust you. It is not that.”

“Then what is it?”

“I have been… plotting,” she stated.

“Plotting?” Trewoofe chuckled. “You will have to give me more than ‘plotting’.”

“On how I can still help my mothers and babies and still be with you in the Underneath.”