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Toolden disc

'Lots of words and not much else'

He climbed into the chariot beside Griffin and brandished the staff above his head to the cheers of the charioteers

They sped down the causeway into the village Griffin held the reigns Toreet them The queen appeared He jumped down and ran towards her

'Majesty'

He held up the staff with the golden disk

'ThisI paid a visit to the sanctuary of the Duideth While there I caht it a shanoble use So I seized it and I've brought it here Perhaps it can be returned to theof which the Holy Lady would approve'

He held out the staff

'I would be honoured if you would accept this token of my respect'

The queen took the staff and handed it to one of her girls

'Thank you, Sky Warrior We shall find a good use for your noble gift'

She moved closer and dropped her voice

'There are matters we must discuss'

Tom followed her into a roouard, sat down on a bench and set about re her boots A pained expression appeared on her wrinkled face as she struggled to undo the straps Without thinking, Toave a deep sigh 'My clan chieftains would have sat still, not daring to touch the royal foot'

Tom undid the straps and eased off the boot

'You are not like them You do not see s li frame I think you would show the sae'

The remark came as a surprise and Tom didn't kno to take it Then hisoff the second boot, he was confronted by a disturbing revelation

'The young woman who accompanied you here '

'Yes ' said Tom

'She and my son have formed a relationship Did you know she wears his talis her I could hardly believe it I thought his interests lay elsewhere I sent him into the care of the Duideth They wouldn't have told hiirls'