The Bronze Bow

On the Day of Atonement, holiday spirit stirs the street. When the sound of singing drifts into the shop at noon, Daniel asks Leah if she will come with him to see Malthace. Leah asks Daniel go and tell her all about it. Leah gives Daniel his clean woolen cloak to wear and laughs at his grumbling. On the way to the city, Daniel keeps aloof from holiday travelers with his unhappy, scowling face. At the vineyards, Daniel sees that even in his best clothes he stands out as a peasant and a smith. He dares not approach the elegant youth as they jostle and gest.

The merriment suddenly halts as the boys make way for a line of singing girls dressed in white with wreaths of flowers in their hair. Daniel’s breath catches when he sees Malthace swaying gently. Daniel notices her gazing searchingly at the men. Terrified to see whom she is searching for, he turns away. Malthace follows him and cries out, asking why he left. Daniel tells her that she did him no kindness, but he is glad to have seen her dance so he can tell Leah. Malthace asks if that was his only purpose.