“If she shows her fear to you, you are very high in her estimation.” Laurence shook his head. “Higher than I, even.” He clapped Mordred on the shoulder. “Show her, as often as possible; maybe she will believe of you what she could not believe of others. And when you make up your mind, come back and tell us.” He nodded across the field, where Winter and Summer were apparently re-enacting various bits of the combat. “I think you will do well enough.”
“Let’s hope so.”
Laurence pushed Mordred gently toward the two girls. “Go and olay while you still may. I’ve neglected my duties long enough for this sport.”