The Oathbound Wizard-Wiz Rhyme-2 (59 page)

"This poor woman stands in need of such magic as her wizard cannot provide--the more so since he is the source of her quandary. Do you give her aid!"

"Why, that I will." Tuck joined his hands and raised his eyes to Heaven.

"Father above, help this poor woman to know both her heart, and Your will! Send her some sign that will show us her fate!"

There was a clap of thunder, and everyone drew back in horror--for three women stood between the two monarchs suddenly, one spinning, another measuring, and a third standing with shears poised--but all three had young, beautiful faces now.

"What!" Clotho cried, staring at Matt. "Is it not enough that you have repaired the damage you did us! Must you torture us again? We shall not brook more of your impudence, I warn--"

"Sister." Atropos nudged with her elbow. " 'Tis not he who seeks us, but the woman."

"What?" Clotho glanced up at Alisande and said, irritated, "Well, follow your heart, woman! Or has your crown squeezed out your brain?"

"Not her brain, but her heart," Lachesis pointed out. "She hesitates to follow the course of love, for fear it will not be the course of wisdom."

"Wisdom, forsooth!" Clotho scoffed. "Where can there be wisdom, when folk speak of wedding? None of you mortals can see the future! But this much shall I tell you, damsel--you shall wed this man, will you or nill you, though you may take years to settling on it! And when you have wed, you shall bear two children--a son and a daughter who, together, shall lead all of Europe into an age of peace, prosperity, and devotion."

Alisande sat stiff and said through numb lips, "She speaks truth. My sovereign's heart has felt it--and my woman's heart aches for it!" She whirled to Matt. "I shall wed you, Wizard, if you still wish it!"

"Wish it? I'd die for it!" Matt grabbed her and, forgetting about her royal dignity, kissed her right there in front of all the people.

They cheered.

Alisande was rigid for a few moments, then forgot about the people and melted into the kiss.

Prince Rinaldo finally smiled again.

They came out of the kiss, moving a little apart, staring at each other in surprise and wonder.

Then Matt whirled to Friar Tuck. "Good father! Marry us, quickly!"

"What, on the instant?" Tuck asked, his eyes round.

"Yes! Right now this instant! Before she changes her mind!"