It has existed for centuries upon centuries.” The king felt like he was holding back tears, and he stopped speaking again for a moment. “Please, I... know…I know I am no one and nothing to question your will. I will gladly step down as king. I will become a pauper if it pleases you. My family will become paupers, or peasant farmers. My house, my name, my title, I’ll throw it all away. But don’t…don’t destroy Siem. Please, Your Supremacy. I’m begging you. We will stop fighting with Venarane. We. At least the coming of daylight should weaken the demon somewhat, as should the symbolism of the solstice and Christmas.I snagged a kitchen chair as I passed--Mary followed my example--and we all gathered in the living room. The kids, including me, were still in their pajamas. I found a place mostly out of the way to put my chair down. Mom and Aunt Kate appointed themselves head present passers. In the chaos of tearing paper and excited children, it was hard to track what everyone else was. " No," answered the pilgrim softly."The Dancers have risen and my vow forbids me to tarry, though I thankyou for your kindness."The pilgrim rose and picked up her staff and with her dusty robesswirling about her stepped into the darkness. The peddler's son rose andfollowed a few steps."I don't understand why the daemon slew the witch rather than serveher?" The pilgrim half turned in the moonlight, the motion causing herhood to slide back slightly."Only because the child kept his soul-- the. You will assist meand prepare me pack for my honeymoon. As to your being our maid whenTom and I leave here, I have to think about that and discuss it withTom. After all he may have some negative feelings about it and somight I. Besides, it may well do you to stay here with Anne andHarold. It's easier for them than for us to accept your change and toteach you to accept it than it would be for either Tom or me. Theycan be more objective with you than I could despite my actionstowards you.