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were already laying out the trays beneath a food tent. They would serve the breakfast dishes from this makeshift kitchen once the meal was in progress.
    Rhys heard the trumpets sounding in the distance and he instinctively looked toward the castle. The procession was beginning. Closing his eyes, he could imagine Morgana being hoisted into the saddle of her white stallion, Orion, and waiting as her pages and ladies fell into place around her. Her trumpeters and guards would be lining up in front of the group and her standard bearers alongside before they would all troop out of the courtyard. Her sisters would ride as well, just behind her. The call of his name broke Rhys’ reverie. He turned around and was surprised to see two men approaching on horseback. A broad smile lightened his oval face as he recognized them. John and Richard slowed their horses a few steps from him and vaulted out of their saddles. Two kitchen attendants ran to grab the reins to steady the horses and led them away. They strode up to him and hugged him at the same time. Putting their heads together, they embraced deeply.
    “John, Richard, what a surprise to see you. No one told me of your arrival for the festival. I would have met you at the gates,” Rhys gushed, overwhelmed to see them.
    John shot a playful punch at Rhys’ upper arm replying, “We were rather surprised to receive the invitation so we specifically asked everyone to keep it a secret.”
    “It is so good to see you, cousin. You’ve grown a little since we were last here,” Richard added with a scruff to Rhys’ hair.
    He frowned as he put the jaunty black curls neatly back into place.
    “He’s grown, but he hasn’t matured at all. Look at that baby face and not a whisker in sight,” John teased. “Couldn’t you have managed to grow even a little goatee in all this time, cousin?”
    They all laughed at the jesting. John was the funny one. Just then someone behind them cleared their throat. All three boys turned to see who it was. Caradoc stood in full armor with both his hands on his hips, watching the boys’ playful greetings.
    “Uncle!” Rhys shouted, running to hug the huge man. Caradoc actually swayed from the impact. “I’ve been looking forward to your return.”
    “Aye, Rhys. I have been as well. How are you keeping? Have you found anyone worthy to spar with since our last lessons?”
    “I have, Uncle; Maximus, one of Aunt Morgana’s personal guards.”
    “Yes, the Gaul. He has a superior sword arm. I am glad he has favored you with his tutelage.”
    “He has been teaching me the spear and shield as well.”
    “Excellent! I am anticipating our lessons now to see what you have been learning in my absence.”
    Rhys beamed at his uncle’s confident words. He valued Caradoc’s opinion highly. Trumpets sounded suddenly again and they were much closer now.
    “The court is arriving,” Rhys announced.
    “Yes, boys let us go to the pavilion to meet your aunt.”
    All four men walked through to the pavilion just as the court’s procession arrived at the garden gate. There were exclamations from the ladies as they admired the topiaries and Rhys noted Morgana’s delighted smile. She rode up to them and dismounted her horse as they bowed in unison. They remained bowed until she had touched each on their heads in greeting. They rose and stepped aside. Caradoc offered his arm as did Richard and John to Morgause and Elaine, respectively. The men escorted them to their seats at the head of the pavilion. Rhys fell in beside Enid, who looked up at him expectantly. He held his head straight.
    When everyone was seated, the pixie procession came through the pavilion. Each pixie was dressed in a long green gown and a pointy cap. They all carried a large white cage filled with white butterflies. They made a neat circle around a large apple tree and opened the cages in unison. The butterflies took flight in every direction through the orchard. The trumpets sounded again just