Page 51 of The Bear's Heart
“My Lord!” Shouts broke through our contemplations, bringing us round in surprise to look toward the voice. Bedwyr loped toward us, excitement plastered over his homely face. “My Lord, your brother has returned.”
We raced back.
Cei waited in the lower courtyard with his five warriors, his face a grim mask. Seeing Arthur, he hastened toward us, closely followed by Merlin.
“What happened?” Arthur asked, relief at the safe return of his older brother strong in his voice. “Did you see him?”
Cei clapped him on the shoulder. “I did.” His eyes shifted to me, and taking Arthur by the arm, he steered him away. What didn’t he want me to hear?
I followed them. If he was telling Arthur and Merlin, then he could tell me, too.
“I saw him yesterday evening, as soon as I arrived. He seemed disappointed I was not you.” Cei’s mouth formed a wry grin.
Arthur gave a bitter laugh. “And Morgawse? Did you see her?”
Cei shook his head. “No. I asked, but he didn’t let me. He says she came of her own free will, as we thought he would. A likely story.”
Arthur banged one fist into the palm of his other hand. “He can say anything he likes and we have to accept it, because he holds the winning pieces. Or thinks he does.” He halted. “And Euddolen? Did you find out what happened to him?”
Cei shifted in evident discomfort. “I did. Bad news, I’m afraid. I had my warriors asking around whilst I had audience with your brother. Cadwy took Euddolen on a trumped up charge of embezzling money from the throne– he couldn’t call it treason because of the vow he’d made you in front of the other kings, not that it means overmuch to him. According to them, Euddolen ‘resisted’ arrest. The soldiers sent to take him had to use brute force. He’s dead. I’m sorry.”
“And his excuse for taking Euddolen’s women?”
“For their own safety.”
The two brothers faced one another, Cei, huge and thickset, his red head bright in the morning sunshine, Arthur, with his long limbed rider’s build and his dark hair in complete contrast. Two brothers less alike it would have been hard to find.
Arthur’s hand went to the hilt of his sword. “What conclusion did you reach?”
“He says he will meet you, at a place of his own choosing. To discuss his sister.”
Silence stretched out between them.
Merlin broke it. “Don’t trust him– it’ll be a trap.”
Arthur ran his hand through his hair and let out a long breath. “Of course it’s a trap. But it’s a chance we’ll have to take if we’re to get Morgawse and her son back safe.”
As I listened, a cold hand of fear closed about my heart, and my only instinct was to keep the father of my baby safe. “You can’t,” I burst out. “If he gets you in his grasp he’ll kill you as soon as look at you. Morgawse is safe– he won’t hurt her. She’shissister, too.”
They all three turned and looked at me in surprise.
I plunged on. “If you do go, then take me with you. I won’t be left behind again. You said I’m your luck, and it’ll be luck you’ll need if you meet with Cadwy.”
Arthur frowned and shook his head, but instead of answering me, he addressed Cei and Merlin. “I won’t take Gwen to any meeting with my brother. It’s too dangerous to risk her and the child she carries. She’ll need to stay here, safe under guard, while we go.”
I might as well not have spoken. I bristled in silence, knowing argument here would be pointless.
Arthur went on. “Where does Cadwy want to meet?”
“North-west of the city there’s an ancient ringfort. It’s low-lying and difficult to access. It’s called Din Bassas. You’ll know it from when we were boys here.”
Bassas. The sixth battle on Nennius’s list. Without any further evidence, I knew for certain that Cadwy planned treachery at Din Bassas, and this would not be a battle against the enemies of the kingdoms of Britain like the others had been, but closer to a civil war.
I put my hand on Merlin’s sleeve, drawing him closer. “You’re right.” I kept my voice low. “It’s a trap, for sure. There’ll be a battle. Don’t ask me how I know. I just do. You have to go prepared. Cadwy intends to kill you all.”
He raised his brows at me. “I thought I was the one supposed to have the Sight?”
Chapter Twenty
