Elidyr, the Master Bard’s heir, came hurrying down the steps to greet him. Elidyr was a pleasant looking man with sandy hair and light brown eyes. “Gwydion,” he said, smiling, “what a delightful surprise.”
Somehow, Gwydion doubted that his arrival was a surprise, nor was he certain it was delightful. “What’s everyone running around for?” he asked, as he removed his saddlebag from Elise’s back. An apprentice came scurrying up to take his horse.
“Preparations for the festival,” Elidyr replied as they mounted the steps leading up to the keep. “It’s Alban Awyr today, remember?”
“Sorry. I just lost track of time. How’s your wife?”
“Elstar is well, thanks. As a matter of fact, she got leave from her duties at Y Ty Dewin and she’s riding over today for the festival.”
They passed through the sapphire studded doors and entered the main corridor that led to the Great Hall. The corridor was dim to Gwydion’s sun-blinded eyes, and the cool air revived him enough to make him realize how tired he was. He walked very slowly. “How’s Elstar coping these days?” he asked.
“Well, switching from Myrrdin to Cynan was difficult at first. You know Cynan—kind to a fault, not really made for leadership. But it’s worked out all right. Elstar’s just got a little more responsibility than an heir normally would. By the way, Elstar’s bringing another guest with her that I think you’ll be interested in seeing.”
“Who?”
“Don’t want to ruin the surprise. Come on, I’ll take you to Anieron.”
Perhaps Elstar was bringing Dudod with her, Gwydion thought. Now that’s the man he would really like to see. Slowly he followed Elidyr up the winding stairs to the second story. “Is your father here?” Gwydion asked casually.
“No. Dudod’s traveling. Anieron likes to use him to keep track of things, you know. And my Da loves to travel.”
“Speaking of traveling, is there a place I could rest for a few minutes before I see Anieron? I’m all done in.”
“Of course. I should have realized. I’ll take you right to your room. Do you want a bath first?”
“Just a quick wash with a bucket of water would be fine for now. Do you have a few moments to talk?”
“I’ll make the time. Here we are,” Elidyr said as he opened the door to a small but pleasant chamber. The triangular window faced east, with a view of the huge birch grove where the festivals were celebrated.
Within the chamber a narrow bed was pushed against one wall. Small rugs in blue and white dotted the white stone floor. A narrow oak wardrobe stood next to a small table that held a basin and pitcher. Gwydion was grateful to see that the pitcher was full. He poured the water into the basin and splashed his face, drying it with a towel that lay next to the basin. Meanwhile, Elidyr poured wine into two blue glass goblets from a silver decanter that stood on a small table next to the door.
Gwydion took a small sip of the wine. His brows shot up. “Good stuff! Is this from Prydyn?”
“Straight from King Rhoram himself. Anieron said you’d be along soon, and he thought you might like it.”
“And how,” Gwydion asked carefully, “did Anieron know I’d be here?”
“You’ll have to ask him that yourself. But he probably won’t answer you.”
“I sometimes think that man knows everything there is to know about everything,” Gwydion said lightly, disguising how disturbed he was. “Tell me, have you heard from your cousin Rhiannon lately?”
Elidyr stared at Gwydion in surprise. “Rhiannon? No, have you?”
“Of course not. But I am looking for her.”
“Why?”
“I had a dream,” Gwydion said shortly. It was all that the Dreamer had to say to anyone to ensure full cooperation. Well, almost anyone. He had a hunch that Anieron would probably be another matter. But not Elidyr, of that he was sure.
“If you’re asking do I know where she is, the answer is no. No one does.” Elidyr frowned. “Except—”
“Except maybe your father?”
Elidyr shot Gwydion a sharp look. “Possibly. But I doubt you’ll find her. She’d sense you were coming and run.”
“Would she? Maybe she’s ready to be found.”
“You don’t know her,” Elidyr said shortly.
“Tell me about her. What’s she like?”
“I can tell you what she was like. What she might be like now, I wouldn’t even be able to guess.” Elidyr paused, then sat down on the hearth. “Rhiannon was anxious to please, and naturally kind-hearted. It made her easily hurt, her tender heart.”