[Bêthberry]

A quiet calm descended upon the friends at the table, a calm made mellow by the pensive whisps of smoke that curled up and up, higher among the rafters and the banners of tales of old. They fluttered lightly in the current of warm air rising from the large fire and Bethberry remembered he she had sent on her errand. She wished him a safe return.

Then, with an eye for the ale's effect, Bethberry called for a plate of dainties--cheeses and pastries and tarts--to fill stomachs. She noted that Eodwine was musing thoughtfully while Falco pondered the change that had overcome his friend.

"Let us have another pipe, one with more melodic charms," she announced and the young waif who had hidden in the stables appeared, shyly, with pipe in hand and began to play. The aire filled the silence in the Great Hall and then the Innkeeper commenced, in a voice full throated but low, a haunting song.

And she shall bring the warmth in fall
And weave among the barren trees
A story told for all to hear
Who long at sight of withering leaf.
She sorts the grain and saves the chaff
To succour beasts from stormy blast.
From orchard ripe and waving field
She gathers harvest’s splendid yield
A full bounty does she meld.
In winter’s cold her holding arms
Keep out the inclimate season’s harms.
And round about the hearth and home
Her windows ne'er loose a draft.
Though no great beauty nor young yet
A comely charm does speak her worth.
Honey’d tongue and sunlight eyes
She might reject,
But honest claim she’ll not disdain.
The lady Giedd may choose you yet
Should she her freedom not regret.

Sing noddy, hey noddy, sing noddy all day.