Cloud Walker, All Fools' Day, Far Sunset by Edmund Cooper Read Free Book Online

void my apprenticeship and sell refined flax seed oil for a living.’
    ‘But why? But why?’ Hobart could not understand why Kieron could decline a sudden rise to fame.
    Kieron could not find the right words. But the ones he had to manage with seemed good enough. ‘Because, sir, I have the good fortune to serve and be instructed by a master painter. It is my pleasure to enjoy the privilege. I can say no more.’
    Hobart promptly had a fit of coughing to conceal his emotions. Kieron brought him a flask of usquebaugh.
    When he went up to the castle on that first morning of his attendance upon Mistress Alyx, it was raining heavily. Which was a good thing in some respects. Kieron wished to give some thought to the problems involved, before he attempted to limn a horse in motion.
    Mistress Alyx, dressed in a morning gown of blue linen, cut a trifle high above the ankle and a trifle low above the breast, received him in a long room whose walls were covered with shelves on which lay many books. Kieron had never seen so many books. He stared at them openmouthed, a greedy look in his eyes.
    Mistress Alyx, seated at a clavichord, stared at the damp young man with disdain.
    ‘Well, boy, are you here to gawp at books or to begin making a likeness of me?’
    ‘Your pardon, Mistress Alyx. Forgive me. I have never seen so many books.’ Kieron advanced awkwardly across a rich Persian carpet, leaving behind him the wet imprint of his boots.
    ‘You drip more than a washerwoman, bumpkin. I am minded to have my father’s men put you out.’
    ‘Then I shall drip even more, Mistress. It cannot have escaped your notice that the skies have opened.’
    ‘Do not exercise your simple wit, prentice. Recollect that you are dealing with a high-born person.’
    ‘Forgive me again, Mistress Alyx. I have yet to adjust to the importance of my task.’
    ‘Then commence your task, boy, and say no more.’
    ‘Yes, Mistress. Would you be gracious enough to remain still for a short time?’ Kieron, not having been offered a chair, squatted on the carpet and pinned paper to his drawing board.
    ‘If I choose to move, I shall move,’ retorted Alyx. ‘Your hair is too long and you stink somewhat. I do not think I can bear your presence with great patience.’
    Kieron bit his tongue and selected a piece of charcoal from his pouch. He began to sketch Mistress Alyx as he saw her.
    ‘You are contracted to the slut Petrina, I understand.’
    ‘Yes, Mistress.’
    ‘She is quite pretty, but you are odious. Poor child. We women are rarely lucky in the men chosen for us.’
    ‘Yes, Mistress.’
    ‘Do not talk, bumpkin. Get on with your work.’
    Kieron’s hand was shaking badly. The lines he described were terrible, and he knew that this first sketch could be nothing less than grotesque.
    ‘Let me see what you have done. Though you are ill-dressed and your conversation deformed, and though you are the son of a peasant, you may yet have talent.’
    Mistress Alyx was enjoying herself. This one she would roast over a slow fire.
    ‘Mistress, the sketch is but a trial,’ said Kieron desperately. ‘It is not worthy of your inspection.’
    ‘Nevertheless, I would see it.’ She rose from her seat at the clavichord, came to where Kieron sat and peered down at the sketch.
    ‘Ludd have mercy! You draw like a dotard. Get from my presence, boy. I do not wish to see you again.’
    ‘Yes, Mistress Alyx. I am sorry.’ Kieron gathered up his papers and charcoal sticks and drawing board. It seemed to him that his best recourse was to leave the castle and quietly hang himself.
    ‘Until tomorrow,’ added Mistress Alyx in silky tones. ‘Present yourself at this time tomorrow, boy. And pray for happier circumstances.’
    Kieron fled sweating. He did not hang himself. But when it was time to go to his bed, he was greatly troubled by nightmares.

7
    The following day it rained also. This time Kieron took precautions. He covered his head and shoulders with sackcloth