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annoyed.
    â€˜May I ask thee something?’
    Brockwell’s expression lightened a little, though he only nodded in response.
    â€˜Why doth my presence offend thee so?’
    Brockwell, eager to get home, was growing impatient. ‘In my experience, I have found it best to be wary of that which I deem unnatural. My only concern be for the welfare of my cousin.’ He stared at her a second then took off towards his horse.
    Tory was struck as she watched him, and once again she thought. My god, he’s like Brian. The way he moved, his stance, even his manner was the same.
    Maelgwn pulled his horse up alongside her. ‘Ready?’ He reached down to help her mount.
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    For most of the day they’d kept good time, as the terrain they covered was generally rolling green fields and lightforest. But after six hours in the saddle the landscape was becoming more mountainous, and the knights decided to rest before commencing the final homeward stretch.
    As Tory dismounted she could smell the sea, and she and the Prince climbed to the top of a hill where she looked out across the ocean. The wild, moist breeze swept through her hair, and she drew a deep breath, enjoying the magnificent view.
    â€˜If we follow the coast we shall reach the citadel by nightfall. The worst of the mountains lie further inland, we have come round them,’ Maelgwn explained to her.
    â€˜I’m pleased to hear it,’ Tory assured him wholeheartedly, rubbing her behind.
    Maelgwn laughed at this. ‘It will be over soon, I promise.’
    As they turned to walk back, Tory had to ask. ‘This citadel wouldn’t happen to have a hot bath, perchance?’
    â€˜Of course,’ Maelgwn declared. ‘I shall have one drawn for thee as soon as we arrive.’ Maelgwn took off his long cape and threw it around her shoulders.
    â€˜I am not cold.’ Tory went to take it off.
    â€˜Please, I do not know what my people will make of thee dressed as thou art.’
    So Tory agreed; it made good sense to keep the cloak on, and with the promise of a hot bath at Castell Degannwy, she was as eager as the men to get under way.
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    Four hours later the knights stopped on the crest of a great hill. From here one could see the citadel ofDegannwy, which was the official entrance to the kingdom of Gwynedd. This grand fort stood upon the largest of two craggy hillocks, and supported a flourishing little community that spread out around its high stone walls.
    â€˜Behold,’ cried Madoc, pulling his horse alongside Tory and the Prince. ‘The twin hills of the Gwynedd stronghold.’ The old knight took a deep breath, obviously proud and happy to see his home.
    â€˜Well, what are we waiting for?’ the Prince declared.
    Tory clung on for dear life as the powerful black stallion took off down the hill as fast as it was able, with the knights following close behind.
    To save being detained, the Prince’s party raced through the outlying village. Cadogan had been sent on ahead to inform the King of his son’s return, thus the knights found the portcullis already raised. A road led between the hillocks, through another large gateway, and into the courtyard within the walls of the citadel.
    The Prince kept his promise to Tory, and as soon as they arrived had her whisked away to his chambers.
    Fenalla, the frumpy head maid at King Caswallon’s court, was under instruction to arrange a hot bath, a meal and mead. While this pleased Tory no end, it also suited the Prince; he needed his mysterious guest to be out of sight, at least until he’d decided exactly how much the court should know about her.
    Without stopping to speak with the well-wishing servants, Maelgwn made haste to his father’s quarters where the King would be residing this late in the day.
    The Prince pushed open the huge oak doors of the King’s library, which remained from the time of the Roman withdrawal. Cunedda, his great great