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"Move not at your peril," he said, as a stir in the throng seemed to indicate the presence of some brave spirits who would have shielded their young princess. "Master Feodary, bid your varlets stand to their arms." And at a word from Master Avery Mitchell, late Lord of Misrule, there flashed from beneath the cloaks of certain tall figures on the circle's edge the halberds of the guard.
And, within the great hall, she was greeted by Master Parry, her cofferer, Master Runyon, her yeoman of the robes, and Master Mitchell, the feodary. Then, with a low obeisance, the feodary presented her the scroll which had been brought him, post-haste, by Launcelot Crue, the courser-man.
"From the Lord Protector," he said; and Master Avery Mitchell, the feodary, who had been closely watching for this same courser-man for several anxious hours, took from his hands a scroll, on which was inscribed: An old English term for the guardian of "certain wards of the state," young persons under guardianship of the government.
On your allegiance. This from ye wit who." Scarcely had the feodary read, re-read, and then destroyed this secret and singular missive, when the "Ho! hollo!" of Her Grace the Princess' outriders rang on the crisp December air, and there galloped up to the broad doorway of the manor-house, a gayly costumed train of lords and ladies, with huntsmen and falconers and yeomen following on behind.
And this is what she read: Imprimis : I give leave to Avery Mitchell, feodary, gentleman, to be Lord of Misrule of all good orders, at the Manor of Hatfield, during the twelve days of Yule-tide.
"To Avery Mitchell, feodary of the Wards in Herts, at Halfield House. From the Lord Protector, THESE:" And next, the courser-man, in secrecy, unscrewed one of the bullion buttons on his buff jerkin, and taking from it a scrap of paper, handed this also to the watchful feodary. Well armed and safely conditioned. They will be there who shall command. Look for the green dragon of Wantley.
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