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old knight had known he was coming long before he could see him.  His hair may have been nearly white, but he was as sharp and alert as a young man. 
    Peyton wasn’t sure what to say to such a man of great legend.  He was infinitely glad for the kindly smile the old man gave as he saw him approach and said, “Ah, young Peyton.  What brings you so far into the woods of a fine day?  Could it be you knew that an old man needed a hand from a strong young man like yourself?” 
                 Returning the smile, Peyton said, “I only hope to someday have a portion of the strength that you have in but one of your limbs, Sir.  Are you truly in need of assistance?”
    Sir Mordecai nodded.  “Aye.  Indeed.  In need of strength and agility and your youthfulness all around.  The wind has torn a portion of the thatching loose from the south corner there and I haven’t the skill and balance to repair it.  And old Wallace has fair knocked the gatepost awry with his scratching and although I’m the one who built it, I can’t both push it upright and hold it to secure it.  A brawny youth is just what I’m in need of.”
    Peyton dropped to the bench beside the elderly man with a comfortable grin.  “Well, then pray let me have the honor of serving the legendary Sir Mordecai.  ‘Twould be an honor, Sir.”
    The old man’s roof truly was in a bad way and Peyton was glad to climb up and repair the thatching just the way he often did beside his father.  It didn’t take but a few minutes, but he was sure the cottage would be far more water tight for his small efforts. 
    The gate post was a more lengthy matter and they spent a good hour working side by side before the post was once again square and true and sound.  The two of them spoke back and forth for the whole of the time and not only had Peyton been right in assuming the old knight would be fascinating to listen to, but he was only grateful he’d been able to help.  Coming back seemed much less of an imposition when he knew he’d been of service this time.
    At length, he bid his older friend goodbye and headed back into the depths of the forest, wondering not for the first time, what it would be like to be a knight and go off to battle in defense of your kingdom.  To his young heart, once you put aside the lack of home and family, knighthood seemed an uncommonly fascinating occupation.  ‘Twas no wonder his father seemed to be caught up in another time and place when he spoke of Mordecai.  It truly was a pity that he had been kept from his dream of serving.   Still, he did have the wife and sons that Mordecai didn’t.  Peyton thought of growing old alone and had to ponder further which life was truly to be pitied.
    On the way back he stopped into the Kincraig’s cottage and assured their well being, then continued home.  At his house he was glad he’d stopped when his grandmother hugged him as his mother asked after Isabella.  It would never have done for his grandmother to find out he had become friends with Mordecai and he was grateful to be able to answer honestly. 
    That night in his bed in the loft, he dreamed of a knight in full battle dress with an armored steed that breathed steam in the cold like a sleek, warring dragon as they fought in defense of a fair maiden with long, dark silken hair and the face of a woodland fairy.
    When he awoke and realized it had been Chantaya in his dream, he was anxious.  The thought of his beautiful young neighbor at the hands of some unseen enemy was troubling.  Chantaya had been through enough in her short life.
    Later that afternoon, he wanted to trounce Chantaya himself when she tried to insist she could help carry bundles of reeds up the tallest ladder to his father, as he repaired the roof of the little village church.  ‘Twas far too high for her safety, but convincing her of that was a day’s work of itself, let alone the thatching.  Peyton’s father had had to tell her to