“A strange tale,” said Alfric. “I have never heard one more strange. Yet methinks there is truth in it.”
“Can… can you help me?”
“I know not, Sir ’Olger—for so it still seems natural to call you. I know not. There are many worlds in space, as any sorcerer or astrologue is aware, but a plurality of universes is another concept, only darkly hinted in certain ancient writings. If I heard you without being made helpless by amazement, ’tis because I have myself speculated that another Earth such as you describe might indeed exist, and be the source of myths and legends, such as those told of Frederik Barbarossa, or the great epical chansons about the Emperor Napoleon and his heroes.” As if to himself, Alfric murmured a few lines:
“Gerard Ii vaillant, nostre brigadier magnes,
tres ans tut pleins ad esté an Espagne
combattant contre la Grande-Bretagne.”
He shook himself and went on more briskly: “I shall raise spirits which can give counsel. No doubt that will take time, but we shall strive to show you hospitality. I think we have good hope of ultimate success.”
“You are much too kind,” said Holger, overwhelmed.
“Nay.” Alfric waved his hand. “You mortals know not how tedious undying life can become, and how gladly a challenge such as this is greeted. ’Tis I should thank you.”
He rose, chuckling. “And now, methinks you’d fain return to the dance,” he said. “Good pleasance, my friend.”
Holger returned in a haze of joy. He’d been too quick to judge this Middle World. No one could have been more kind or courteous than the Pharisees. He liked them!
Meriven headed off several other ladies as he entered the ballroom. She pounced on his arm and said archly, “I know not why I do this, Sir Knight. Off you went, with never a word, and left me forsaken.”
“I’ll try to make up for that,” he said.
The elfin music surrounded him, entered him. He didn’t know the stately figure dances he saw, but Meriven caught on to the fox trot at once; he’d never had a better partner. He wasn’t sure how long the ball lasted. They slipped out into the garden, drank from a fountain of wine, laughed, and did not return. The rest of the night was as much fun as any he had ever spent, or rather more so.