Page 48 of Dancing On Air

“Eleanor,face it, he’s not coming,” said Raven as the morning went on and they visited at the home of Albert and Edna. The children ran around playing while Roger, the dog, chased them, barking. Albert was turning over the small garden next to the house, and Edna was weaving a basket out of willow rods, or withies, that had been collected last year.

“I agree,” said Lark. “Connor is no’ goin’ to show up here, no matter how badly ye wish it.”

“Shhh,” said Eleanor, noticing Edna glancing over at them. “I don’t want Edna or Albert to know I asked Connor to their home.”

“Albert, we need to harvest the peas before it rains,” Edna called out to her husband, glancing up at the darkening sky. “You can finish turning over the garden later.”

It was Sunday and the only day that the serfs were allowed to have a break from their work for the lord of the castle. This was usually the time when the serfs tended to their own personal gardens and repairs to their homes, or took care of other needs.

“I’m going as fast as I can,” called out Albert. “If the boys helped me, it would go faster.” He headed over to a heavy plow that was hoisted up on blocks that he’d been repairing. Taking off his hat, he leaned on the plow, taking a break.

“They will help you, dear,” Edna called back. “Later. But they miss their sisters and are having so much fun playing together right now.”

Albert grumbled some more and then he yelled out and started cursing.

“Albert!” Edna threw down the basket and ran over to the garden.

“Something is wrong,” said Raven. “Let’s go see if we can help.”

Eleanor started to follow her cousins, but stopped when she saw a tall man in a hooded cloak stop on the road. She squinted her eyes in the sun, trying to see who it was. Then the man slowly lowered his hood.

“Connor,” said Eleanor in a breathy whisper.

“Eleanor, are ye comin’?” asked Lark, looking back at her.

“Lark, it’s him. Connor came. Go on without me.” She turned and ran to the road to greet him.

“Good morning,” said Connor, still just standing there, not moving.

“Hello, Connor. I’m so glad you came.” Eleanor nervously played with the cross hanging on a chain around her neck. “I wasn’t sure you would.”

“Neither was I,” he answered.

“Eleanor, come quickly!” yelled Lark, waving her down. “Albert is hurt.”

“What?” she whirled around to see Edna over by her husband. Her hands were flailing around in the air. Albert was on the ground under a heavy plow. He was moaning and calling out. Even the children ran over with the dog to see if they could help him.

“He’s trapped under the plow,” cried Lark.

“Let’s go,” said Connor.

“Nay. You’d better not make your presence known,” said Eleanor. “Just wait here.”

“Like hell if I’m going to do that,” growled Connor. “I can see from here that heavy plow fell on the man. The women aren’t going to be able to move it and neither are the children. Now, get out of my way because he needs my help.”

Connor took off at a run and Eleanor had no choice but to let him go. She ran after him, stopping when she saw Albert under the plow with his leg trapped.

“The damned thing fell on me,” screamed Albert. “I feel like my foot is crushed.”

Edna and Raven pulled at the plow, trying to right it, but it was heavy and wouldn’t budge.

“Out of the way.” Connor ripped off his cloak and threw it to the side.

“Good God, it’s the executioner,” shouted Albert. “Stay away from me. Don’t touch me.” His eyes opened wide in fear. “I don’t want to die.”

“I’m not here to take your life, you fool,” said Connor. “I’m here to help you. Now, everyone get back. And keep the children and the dog out from under my feet.”

“I don’t want your help. I don’t need it,” protested Albert, still wanting nothing to do with a hangman.