“So, you were indeed found,” Angharad said, her brows raised.
“And persuaded to come to Caer Dathyl, like the rest of us,” Trystan said as he entered. His dark brown hair was pulled back at the nape of his neck with a strip of red leather. His green eyes sparkled as he smiled. His red cloak and his leather tunic and trousers of red and white were clean but worn and the white horse on a field of red, the badge of Rheged was fastened to his tunic. “Like these ladies I came from a long way myself. Unlike them, my looks are diminished by my weariness.”
“Very good, Trystan,” Angharad said. “Flattery will get you almost anywhere.”
“Almost,” Trystan said, his hand on his heart. “You cut me to the quick.”
“Somehow I doubt that,” Angharad answered dryly.
“Very wise,” Cai said the last one through the study door. His brown hair hung loose to his shoulders, and his sharp brown eyes were alert as he took in the entire room at a glance. He wore riding leathers of blue and brown and the badge of Gwynedd, a brown hawk on a field of blue, was fastened to his tunic. He had discarded his brown, woolen cloak and carried it over his arm.
“Rhiannon, this is Trystan ap Naf, Captain to King Urien of Rheged and Cai ap Cynyr, Captain to King Uthyr of Gwynedd.”
The two men bowed to Rhiannon, then moved forward to the table at Gwydion’s signal. Angharad and Achren also moved to the table, sitting opposite the two men. Rhiannon took her place at one end of the table while Gwydion turned to dismiss Dinaswyn. But Dinaswyn was too canny to remain for a dismissal and had already left.
“So,” Gwydion said as he took his seat, “let us begin.”
But Rhiannon interrupted him. “Actually, I’m curious about Alban Nerth. I suppose that most of you were on the road traveling during the festival.”
He realized that she was right—they all needed some time to settle in, and talking of the Alban Nerth celebrations that took place just two weeks ago would help to do that. Alban Nerth specifically honored the warrior. All day warriors participated in games of strength and agility such as archery, spear throwing, and horseback riding. The three or four warriors that excelled at these games took part in one final contest: to be the first to shoot their arrow through an apple in mid-air.
“Actually, I did not have to leave Tegeingl until four days ago,” Cai said. “So I was in the city for the festival.”
“And no doubt won,” Rhiannon smiled.
Cai grinned ruefully. “Actually, I didn’t. I was one of the four to shoot for the apple, but another’s arrow found it first.”
“Uthyr’s,” Gwydion said with a certainty.
“Uthyr’s indeed,” Cai agreed. “The only person on Earth I am not ashamed to lose to.”
“I was on the road,” Achren volunteered. “Which means I missed my chance of winning this year against Rhoram. He won last year and I was disappointed not to be able to challenge him again.”
“No doubt he won and put the arrow through the apple again this year, too,” Rhiannon answered.
“No doubt,” Achren said gloomily. “And no doubt I will hear about it every day until next Alban Nerth.”
“But surely you won wherever you stopped for that day,” Trystan said. “I know I did.”
“Of course I did!” Achren exclaimed. “Do you think I don’t know my business?”
“He didn’t say that,” Angharad jumped in. “He said—”
“I heard him,” Achren replied shortly. “And since when does Trystan need you to defend him?”
Both the women’s hands flew to the daggers at their waists. Rhiannon swiftly got to her feet. “I think,” Rhiannon said quietly, “that a brief rest might be in order. After all, you have both traveled far and are no doubt tired.”
Angharad jerked her head at Rhiannon. “Who is she who thinks she knows so much about what does or does not wear out a Captain of Kymru?”
“She’s a civilian,” Achren answered. “She doesn’t know any better. But she’s a friend of mine, so don’t be rude.”
“I, rude?” Angharad asked in astonishment.
“Some might think so,” Achren said with a grin.
“Come, come, ladies,” Trystan said with a warm smile. “Let’s begin again, shall we?”
“What’s that about?” Achren asked with her brow quirked.
“He thinks he’s charming,” Angharad explained seriously.
“Ah, charming.” Achren slowly stood up and leaned over the table toward Trystan. “Do not make the mistake of thinking I am a woman first,” she said quietly. “For, above all, I am the Captain of Prydyn and if you annoy me with your insistence of calling me a ‘lady’ I will wipe the floor with you.”