“Nothing.”
“Don’t give me that. You’re as miserable as sin all of a sudden. What is it? Tell me.” The prince breathed heavily.
“Sometimes I find the obligations of state heavy. I don’t always enjoy the company we have to keep.” Owain started to ask what - or who - he was talking about, but his brother cut him short. “I’d like to be excused, if I may. I have some urgent matters to attend to.” Owain agreed after a moment’s hesitation. He and I stood as Gawain bowed and took his leave. He walked off without a backward glance, leaving his meal barely half eaten.
“Anselm, have you and Gawain had a disagreement?” I was able to answer honestly that I hadn’t spoken to Gawain since the night before, and that we’d then parted on what I thought were cordial terms although (I confessed) I had pushed the subject of the Synod at Whitby further than I maybe should have. “That wouldn’t have caused this. He’s used to that sort of thing and it’s never upset him before. You’re absolutely certain you haven’t had words of any sort?” I confirmed we had not, but I suspected the reason: our absent friend, Ieuan, had probably told him something of our discussion that morning. I hoped the King wouldn’t press the matter too keenly as I would’ve hated to be put in the position of lying, whatever the cause.
“Well, something has disturbed him, and I hope it isn’t you. Gawain is a bad enemy to have - on two counts: his own, and the fact that he’s my brother. His enemy is my enemy, so take care, Magister.”
The three of us resumed our meal in silence. Owain called his clerk over to give me the letter he wanted delivered to Oswy, King of Northumbria.
“It contains the message we discussed this morning. The seal must not be broken until you are in Oswy’s presence and, as I said, make sure he gets the message. Spell it out to him if necessary.” I agreed and we ate in silence for a few moments before I ventured to ask after Ieuan.
“I saw him only briefly. He told me he had to attend a sick child you’d discovered. He has great healing powers and I know he has a duty to the sick. I expect that he’s recuperating somewhere; exercising his Gift takes a great deal out of him. He sent Gwynfor to act in his stead today. Anyway, we were able to keep him under control, as you saw.” The conversation lightened again as they recalled the Druid in the unaccustomed state of virtual silence. It was impossible for the King’s natural good spirits to remain subdued for long.
We finished our meal and as we stood to leave Gruach asked what was in my sack. The distractions of the day had driven my original quest from my mind completely. I explained that I’d been gathering ingredients for my medicines.
“And I must sort them before I leave if you’ll excuse me, Owain?”
“That quest of yours explains the state of your habit, Anselm. I was wondering how it had got so muddy.” That was another thing that had slipped my mind. I would have to use brain-fever medicine on myself before I started to forget my medicinal recipes. “And I’m afraid I can’t give you leave to sort out your lotions and potions, my friend. You don’t have time. Go and get the rest of your things and meet me at the gate in five minutes. You have to leave within the hour.” Owain smiled his enigmatic smile again and left before I could ask what was going on. “But there is something I want to ask you before you go. Spare me a few minutes down on the shore.”
Even Gruach refused to tell me what was going on. She just smiled and told me I’d find out in good time what was in the King’s mind - but she assured me that I would not be displeased. With that, she took her leave.
It didn’t take me as long as five minutes to gather the remains of my belongings from my room and to change from the loaned robe back into my own, which had been washed, dried, and had its worse tears and threadbare patches repaired. I got enough food for one day from the irritable cook in the kitchen and then went off to keep my appointment with the King. I would be able to catch up on preparing my medicines later on, in the evening. I reached the gate and had to wait for Owain to arrive. He came with Gruach and with Gawain as well. He still looked unhappy. There was a small group of people I didn’t recognise following in their wake.
“Magister! You prepare yourself quickly I see, and now we’ve kept you waiting! You must be eager to discover what’s in store. All will revealed shortly. Ieuan sends his apologies and wishes for a good journey. He’s still fatigued, he’s not as young as he was.” Owain turned to the others and went to have a word with them. He was in good spirits again.
“Magister, a word if you please,” Gawain spoke quietly and moved off a few steps. I followed. The prince put his hands on his hips and turned to speak to me. His expression was friendly so that anyone who observed would think we were exchanging pleasantries. His words, however, were not amicable.
“I’ve been speaking to Ieuan. He’s extremely upset, and I was able to get out of him that you were the cause. Why did you have to force him to tell you about me?”
“I didn’t, Gawain,” I replied.
“Then how do you come to know about me?”
“I knew the moment we were introduced last night. I have the Sight, as you know. I can look into men’s hearts, whether I wish to or not. He didn’t need to tell me anything about your secret – which, I can assure you, is safe in my keeping. I won’t betray you.”
“So Ieuan says. He’s made me promise to do you no harm,” he looked firmly at me but the smile was still present, “nor to allow harm to come to you. Otherwise you would be in fear of your life.” I considered that I already was, if anyone found out about my visit to the Glade that morning. “Never say anything to anyone, or my promise to Ieuan is broken.” He half turned away before continuing. “I love that old man. He was our guardian and protector from an early age. He prepared us for our current role. He is as a father to me. How have you hurt him? I thought he was your friend as well?”
“He was, and is I trust, but he’s changed from the man I knew. I’d rather not go into any more detail, Gawain. There is something unresolved between us. I hope we’ll be able to settle our differences, although that won’t be today, obviously.”
“See that you treat him more gently in future.” I was about to leave when Gawain continued, “He sends you his good wishes and you have mine as well, but only grudgingly, and at his insistence. You’ve overstepped the bounds of a good guest and though I was brought up to respect and admire you, I have to tell you that you are not my friend. And you won’t be until Ieuan is at peace with you. Good day to you, Magister.” He turned away and then turned back to me again.
“There was something I wanted to ask you – “ he began to say but then he swayed, as if he was at sea. He put his hand up to his forehead. I went to catch him before he fell to the ground; he looked ashen and faint. Just then, a servant ran up.