When Arthur finally came, walking slowly and heavily, she was overwhelmed with distress; she had never seen him look like that except when he was wounded and near to death. Her voice was fretful. But he too was reared to the truths of Avalon-what of the King Stag when the young stag is grown? Lie down here, my husband, and rest, she said, but he was fractious. And Maline was looking at her in the half-wary, half-exasperated way which Morgaine's unexpected seeings always evoked.
I am sorry, Your Majesty, but you know as well as I that she is too old to bear children. The Goddess blesses you. Still she said nothing, though her heart ached in pity. I love you, and I love Arthur-but the day is past when I can be content to be his captain of horse and- His voice broke.
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