They reached out their hands to her, the fine, almost transparent silver fabric of their robes falling from their outstretched arms like the water of a waterfall. As they opened their mouths to speak, she leant forward eagerly to catch what they were about to say. But suddenly the barn door below them crashed open, and the farmer’s harsh voice shouted that it was time for them to be up and about their business. The herdboy was with him and began to whistle out the cows.
Olwen’s attention was thus momentarily diverted, and when she looked back, the three figures had gone. The loft was rapidly filling with daylight and her companions were yawning and stretching nearby.
By his surly behaviour the farmer made it clear that they were not invited into the house again for breakfast and, in spit
