Arthur

ONE

In the day of strife, the heathen swarms gazed across the wave-worried sea to this green and pleasant land and coveted the wealth of Britain. Their oar-blades churned the bright water in their haste to forsake their wretched shores and despoil ours. Of bloodshed and battle, plunder and pillage, rape and ravage, death and destruction, flames and fear and failure, there was no end.

Great the disgrace, the lords of Britain were no better. Full many a petty king ruled in this worlds-realm, and ever waging war each upon the other wasted all the land – till Arthur came.

Scoff if you will! Mock me, viper's brood! But the Kingdom of Summer was founded on the rock of Jesu's holy name.

Do I not know the truth? Does a bard forget his tales? Well, I was a bard. I was a warrior, too. I am a learned man. Aneirin ap Caw is my name – though now I am known by a name of my own choosing.

I was bom in the year ofBaedun. Therefore I am a man of fortunate birth, for I began life in that happy time when all wars ceased and peace greatly abounded in this worlds-realm.

Baedun… a word for triumph in any tongue. At Baedun's summit, the Duke of Britain halted the slaughter in what the bards now deem foremost of the Three Great Battles of Ynys Prydein. I tell you the victory was not yet one day old when Arthur retired to the ruined chapel at Mailros to pray thanks for the Almighty Father's deliverance.

Arthur, High King of All Britain; Pendragon of Rheged, Celyddon, Gwynedd, Dyfed and the Seven Favoured Isles; Emperor of Alba and Lloegres, Bear of Britain; Arthur of the Double Crown, of whom perpetual choirs sing.

Not many alive today realize the significance of this: Arthur was crowned twice. The first time on a hill above his northern capital at Caer Edyn; the second time in the south at Londinium. Both crown-takings were conducted before God in a rightwise manner and in all holiness. But each was different from the other as gold from grain.

The reason for two king-makings? Simple necessity. 'I am king of all, or king of none,' Arthur declared. 'North and south have been separated too long. In me, they are united.' To prove his word he had himself crowned conspicuously in both regions so that neither could claim superiority over the other as had been done in elder times.

His king-making in Caer Edyn was all a prince could hope for. But his crown-taking in Londinium nearly incited a riot in that arrogant city. Alas, it was but the first of the troubles to come! Arthur, King of Summer, who bought peace for Britain with his own toil and sweat and blood, was not to know a moment's peace himself.

Listen well, you dull of hearing. Heed the truth, you slow of understanding. Here is a tale worth the telling, a true tale, The Song of the Summer Lord. Hear and remember! This is the way of it…

Coming up from the Vale of Twide and Baedun, Arthur and the remnant of the Cymbrogi rode to Caer Edyn. High summer it was; full-leafed, green and golden, blue and clear the sky, calm the sea. The dark smoke-clouds of war had dissolved and now only God's pure light shone upon Britain.

Of course, it would be some time before they realized this. All these battle-weary warriors knew was that the fighting had ended for the year. They did not know that Arthur had led them to their greatest victory; they did not ween it a victory for the entire world. They only knew there would be no more battles that summer.

Lord Ectorius feasted the victors at his table. Three days and three nights they tasted the firstfruits of peace. But even then Arthur's spirit was being revealed. In the presence of his trusted Cymbrogi, Our Lord the Christ showered his favour upon Arthur, and those around him marvelled greatly to see it.

On the shoulders of his warriors Arthur was borne out from Ector's fortress and carried up to the top of the rock that now bears his name. There he was given to sit on a throne of living stone and the remnant of his warband passed before him one by one and pledged their lives to him. The kings of Britain who had endured with him drew their swords and laid them at his feet; they stretched themselves upon the ground before him and Arthur placed his foot upon their necks and became king over them.

The Cymbrogi, also, brought their spears and laid them down before Arthur. They knelt and stretched forth their hands to touch his feet and swore fealty to him upon their lives. He took them to be his subjects and they took him for lord.

Myrddin the Emrys raised the rowan rod over him, and decreed Arthur High King. Then he spoke out the holy words of kingship, saying, 'All praise and worship to the High King of Heaven, who has raised up a king to be Pendragon over us! All saints and angels bear witness: this day is Arthur ap Aurelius made king of all Britons.

'Kneel before him, fellow countrymen! Stretch forth your hands and swear binding oaths of fealty to your lord and king on earth – even as you swear life and honour to the Father God of All Creation.'

When this was done, Myrddin bade Dyfrig, Bishop of Mailros, come forth. He approached Arthur with a tore of gold between his hands, and called out in a loud voice. 'Declare this day before your people the god you will serve.'

'I will serve the Christ, who is called Jesu. I will serve God, who is called the Father. I will serve the Nameless One, who is called the Holy Spirit. I will serve the Holy Trinity.'

'Will you observe justice, perform righteousness and love mercy?'

'With Blessed Jesu as my witness, I will observe justice; I will perform righteousness; I will love mercy.'

'Will you lead this realm in the true faith of Christ, so long as you shall live?"

'To the end of my strength and the last breath of my mouth, I will lead this worlds-realm in the true faith of Christ.'

'Then, by the power of the Three in One, I raise you, Arthur ap Aurelius. Hail, Arthur, Protector of Britain!'

And all those gathered on Mons Agned shouted, 'Hail Arthur! Protector and Pendragon of Britain!'

Myrddin placed the tore of kingship around Arthur's throat to the loud acclaim of all. Then Arthur passed among them, giving gifts to his Cymbrogi, and to the kings and warriors who served him in battle. He gave them gold and silver brooches, and knives, and rings with precious stones. These things other princes do upon their crown-taking; Arthur did more.

He decreed that the chapel burned by the Picti at Abercurnig should be rebuilt, and the abbey at Mailros. From the spoil of war he paid for this, and established a chapel near Mailros, in full sight of Baedun, to sing psalms and sacred songs and pray good prayers for Britain perpetually, by day and night, until our Lord Jesu shall return to lead his flock to paradise.

Arthur took himself to the small holdings round about, where women lived whose men had been killed by barbarians. To these he gave such gifts as were welcome: gold and silver to some, cattle and sheep to others; in all he provided for the widows through his lords that they should be cared for and their children raised without hardship.

Returning to Caer Edyn, Arthur and his lords sat together at meat and drink. It was here, when the company waxed joyful in celebration, that Myrddin Emrys stood up before all and called out, 'Pendragon of Britain, may your glory outlast your name which will last for ever! It is right to enjoy the fruit of your labour, God knows. But you would find me a lax and stupid counsellor if I did not warn you that away in the south men have not yet heard of Baedun and know nothing of your king-making.'

'Peace! I have only this day received my tore,' Arthur laughed. 'Word will reach them soon enough.'

'But I am persuaded that men believe their eyes more easily than their ears,' Myrddin replied, and the lords slapped the board with their hands and voiced their approval.

'So it is said,' agreed Arthur. 'What is your meaning?'

'Fortunate are the men of the north, for they have ridden beside you in battle and they know your glory. The men of the south will not be won with such news as comes to them in time.'

'There is little I can do about that, I think. A man may be made king but once.'

'That is where you are wrong, O King. You are Pendragon of Britain now – you can so order what is to be.'

'But I have already taken the crown here,' complained Arthur good-naturedly. 'What need have I of another king-making?'

'What need have you of two eyes if one sees clearly enough? What need have you of two hands if one grips sword tightly enough? What need have you of two legs if one runs swiftly enough? What need have you of two ears if-'

'Enough! I understand.'

'But it is not enough,' replied the Exalted Emrys. 'That is what I am saying.'

Then tell me what I must do to quiet you, and you may be certain that I will do it at once.'

At this the lords laughed aloud and clamoured their acclaim of Arthur and his Wise Counsellor. When they had quieted, Myrddin announced his plan. 'Summon the lords of the south to attend you in Londinium and witness your crown-taking there. Then they will believe and follow you gladly.'

This is exactly what they did. They enjoyed their feast that night and at dawn the next morning up they rose, saddled their horses, and rode to the shipyards of Muir Guidan. They sailed that very day. Messenger ships raced ahead, stopping at settlements along the coast to announce the king's summons.

In due time, Arthur arrived in the vicinity of Londinium, now called Caer Lundein, and ordered his fleet to be anchored on the Thamesis. Upon making landfall, he assembled his Cymbrogi, made his way towards the city and came boldly to the gates.

As the Wise Emrys had foretold, the men of Caer Lundein and the south did not esteem Arthur greatly. They knew nothing of the great battle at Mount Baedun. Neither did they have a care for any northern trouble, holding the fortunes of life between the walls but a thing of small consequence. This is blindness and folly, it is true, but they were men of little intelligence and less understanding.

But Aelle and the lords of the Saecsen Shore, who had not rebelled at Baedun, knew full well that Arthur was their rightful king. At Arthur's summons, they assembled their house carles and their wives and children, and marched at once to Arthur's summons – much to the shame of the Britons.

Still, the crowds of Caer Lundein, like crowds everywhere, loved a spectacle. At Arthur's approach they thronged the narrow streets and gathered on the rooftops of the ancient city, straining for a glimpse of the tall young man who paraded his subject lords before him.

'Who is he?' they asked one another.

'A Pict from the northland,' some answered. 'Look at his clothes!'

'No, he is a Saecsen,' said others. 'Look at his braid and his fair hair.'

'He rides a horse!' they said…'He is certainly this Arthur we have been hearing about.'

To which others replied, 'But he is young yet. This must be that famous warrior's son or nephew.'

On and on it went. No one could decide who it was riding into their city with his warbands and retainers. All they knew for certain was that they were seeing someone the like of whom they had never seen before, and never would again.

But not all who looked upon the fair stranger that day were pleased to see him. Far from it! Long had they forgotten the slim young man who had drawn the sword from the stone seven years before. They had forgotten the Council of Kings, and the strife which gripped the kingdoms of Britain and held them powerless.

They had forgotten and so they reviled what they saw with their eyes. Does he think himself a Macsen Wledig riding into Rome? they demanded. Does he think himself emperor?

Who is he? Arthur? What kind of name is that? They say he has defeated the barbarians. Who has he defeated? There are Saecsens walking around Caer Lundein bold as day! Look at him! He is too proud, too arrogant! He is a pretentious oaf and we will not be deceived by any northern conspiracy.

These things and more were muttered against Arthur, and some far worse. Arthur heard their mumblings and, though they stung him like the hairs of the nettle, he was not deflected from his purpose.

'I see they have learned no love for me,' he said to Bedwyr, riding beside him.

'Truth to tell, Bear, I have learned no love for them. Take the crown and let us be gone from this miserable place.'

Cai grew indignant. 'How long do they think their precious walls would stand if not for you, Artos? Let the Picti have it and be done.'

'I have come here to receive my kingship in the place where my father took the crown. When I have done what is required, we will leave this place.'

Arthur was received by the governor of Caer Lundein, a fatty haunch of pork named Paulus, who viewed all the world beyond the portico of his palace as unbearably backward. But Paulus had not scaled the height of his ambition without learning the uses of deceit. So he welcomed Arthur, his round face wreathed in jowly grins, right hand raised in friendship, left hand grasping the dagger behind his back.

Governor Paulus only waited to see which way the wind blew to know how to deal with Arthur. A battlechief from the north country was an unusual sight in Caer Lundein. Dux Britanniantm someone said – very impressive, very Roman. High King? Well, there were kings, yes; some were officially recognized. Pendragon? How charming, how quaint. Very rustic, in all; very refreshing.

Bedwyr was not misled by the fulsome governor's effusive welcome. 'He is a lizard, Artos. Do not believe a word he says. I would not drink a drop of his wine either, if I were you.'

'We satisfy the law in coming here,' Arthur told his retinue. 'Nothing more.'

'What law?' wondered Cai.

'The law established when the great Caesar first set foot on this island.'

'Which is?' asked Bedwyr.

'Every ruler must conquer Londinium if he is to hold Britain.'

'I have never heard any such law,' scoffed Cador. 'What is so exalted about this crumbling heap?'

'It stinks of urine and slops,' sneered Gwalchavad. 'From what I can see, the citizens of Caer Lundein are kin to barbarians.'

Arthur heard their complaints and explained patiently yet again. 'We are not staying here a moment longer than necessary. Once I have done what I came to do, we are away for CaerMelyn.'

When they had supped with the governor, Arthur and his retinue left the palace precinct and rode to the church – the same in which Arthur had stood and divers times pulled the sword from the stone. That keystone was now firmly in place in the central arch. Hundreds of people passed beneath that stone every day without realizing it. To them it was just an ordinary block of stone in an ordinary arch.

This is how many men perceived the Kingdom of Summer. Since it did not wear its great goodness emblazoned in shining gold, they did not esteem it. They simply passed by without a thought or glance at the very thing which kept the roof from crashing down upon their stupid heads. They passed by and knew it not.

Upon reaching the church, which had been besieged by die Cymbrogi, Arthur was met by the Bishop Ufiwys and gaunt Archbishop Urbanus. Both men were genuinely happy to see Arthur. They had heard from the monks who served with the Cvmbrogi how Arthur had conducted himself honourably in war, and how he had given gold for the rebuilding of the ruined churches. They were pleased to welcome him and bless him as was right.

Like Aurelius before him, Arthur shunned the governor's palace and embraced the church. He lodged there until his crown-taking could be completed.

The great Emrys was already at work making the necessary arrangements. He had sent to Dyfed for good bishop Teilo, the saintly Dubricius, and his young helper Illtyd.

This was not done to slight Urbanus. The plain fact was that the ever-ambitious archbishop had compromised himself by grasping after earthly power and could no longer serve God with a whole heart.

Myrddin Emrys wisely set Urbanus aside, saying, 'As Arthur is a man of the west and north, and will return there to rule, it is only fitting that those who must serve with him also commission him to his service.'

Urbanus may have felt affronted by these words, but he could not argue with them. Also, he was somewhat relieved not to be seen commending Arthur. Who knew what might befall? If Arthur proved unworthy it would be better not to have had anything to do with him. Relief battled with wounded pride – relief won. 'Yes, I do agree with you, Myrddin Emrys,' the archbishop said politely. 'I will leave it in your hands, and in God's.'

I am not lying when I tell you this was the best thing Urbanus could have done.

While these matters progressed, kings, lords, nobles and chieftains began descending upon the city. Some had ridden with Arthur in battle and already owned him king, others had supported him through tribute and were ready to acknowledge him, still others knew nothing of him and the summons caught them unawares. Nevertheless, they all came. For a new High King was to be crowned; and, whatever they thought of Arthur, this was not to be missed.

From Lloegres, Berneich, Rheged, Gwynedd, Dyfed, Mon, Derei, Dal Riata they came. They all came, yes, and from the Saecsen Shore came Aelle, now Bretwalda of the Saecsen kind, with his carles and kinsmen: Cynric and Cissa and Cymen.

Others came too: Ban and Bors of Benowyc across the sea; Cador of Cerniw; Samson, Bishop of Eboracum, and his abbot, Caradoc of Carfan, together with a fair company of monks and priests; Meurig of Dyfed and Silures; Ulfias of the Dobuni; Brastias of the Belgae; Idris of the Brigantes; Cunomor of Celyddon; Fergus, King of Ierne; and many more – each with a goodly retinue.

Of gifts there was no end. Each lord strove to embarrass the other with feats of generosity. Gold and silver glittered in the form of armbands, tores, brooches, bowls, and ornaments of innumerable kinds. There were colourful gemstones and pearls of great value, enamelled pins of cunning filigree, and boxes of scented wood carved with the interwoven figures of fantastic animals; new-made spears by the score, horn bows and flights of arrows, trained hounds for hunting, shields embossed with gleaming brass and painted cowhide; casks of golden mead, and vats of ale; gifts of grain and leather, butter, salt, honey; and also beef, pork, lamb and fowl. More, in short, than can be told and believed.

Arthur's second king-making was as near to his father Aurelius' as the Wise Emrys could make it. He even schooled the churchmen in the words they should pronounce. The ceremony was performed in the church and witnessed by the assembled lords, the Cymbrogi, and as many of the self-appointed dignitaries of Caer Lundein as could squeeze themselves through the doors.

What they saw is well known. It has been reported from one end of this worlds-realm to the other – and even in Rome and Jerusalem!

At dawn, on a spotless morning in the height of summer, Arthur entered the church, accompanied by Bedwyr and Cai on his left and right, and Myrddin walking slowly before him. Though the Exalted Emrys was blind, he had learned such craft with his rowan staff that it served him better than sight. Behind Arthur came Illtyd, bearing a circlet of gold.

The four walked the length of the church, passing among a congregation struck dumb by the singular sight of Arthur: tall, erect, regal in every stitch and sinew, arrayed in a tunic of pearl white over trousers of leaf green, a belt of red-gold disks at his waist and a golden tore at his throat; his cloak of deepest red. His fair hair was trimmed and brushed back from his temples. His placid blue eyes were fixed on the altar ahead and filled with reverent joy.

At Arthur's entrance, the holy brothers of Urbanus' order began chanting the gloria. 'Gloria! Gloria! Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!'

Glory! Glory! Glory to God in the high realms!

Before the altar Dubricius and Teilo waited, lit candles in their hands. The entire church shimmered and danced with candlelight like tongues of apostolic flame kindling the spirits of all who gathered there with holy fire.

The throng bowed down as Arthur passed, falling to their knees upon the tessellated stone flags in homage. Upon gaining the altar, Arthur knelt and the priests placed their right hands upon his shoulders and prayed silently for him.

Then, Myrddin raised his hands in invocation, his voice – a true bard's voice – swelling to fill the church with its rich, resonant sound.

'Great of Might, High King of Heaven, Lord of the High Realms, Maker, Redeemer, Friend of Man, we worship and honour you!'

Then, turning to the four quarters of the church, he began the prayer that was first prayed by the Blessed Dafyd for Aurelius, High King of Britain and Arthur's father. Calling out aloud, he cried:

'Light of sun,

Radiance of moon,

Splendour of fire,

Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of wind,

Depth of sea,

Stability of earth,

Firmness of Rock,

Bear witness:

We pray this day for Arthur, our king;

For God's strength to steady him,

God's might to uphold him,

God's eye to look before him,

God's ear to hear him,

God's word to speak for him,

God's hand to guard him,

God's shield to protect him,

God's host to save him

From the snares of devils,

From temptation of vices,

From everyone who shall wish him ill.

We do summon all these powers between him and these evils:

Against every cruel power that may oppose him,

Against incantations of false druids,

Against black arts of barbarians,

Against wiles of idol-keepers,

Against enchantments great and small,

Against every foul thing that corrupts body and soul.

Jesu with him, before him, behind him;

Jesu in him, beneath him, above him;

Jesu on his right, Jesu on his left;

Jesu when he sleeps, Jesu when he wakes;

Jesu in the heart of everyone who thinks of him;

Jesu in the mouth of everyone who speaks of him;

Jesu in the eye of everyone who sees him.

We uphold him today, through a mighty strength,

the invocation of the Three in One,

Through belief in God,

Through confession of the Holy Spirit,

Through trust in the Christ,

Creator of all creation.

So be it.'

Then, coming once more before Arthur, he said, 'Bow before the Lord of All, and swear your fealty to the High King you will serve.'

Arthur prostrated himself face down before the altar, stretching out his hands to either side in the manner of a vanquished battlechief before his conqueror. Teilo and Dubricius came to stand at either hand, and Illtyd stood over Arthur at his head.

Dubricius, at Arthur's right hand said, 'With this hand you will wield the Sword of Britain. What is your vow?'

Without lifting his face, Arthur answered, 'With this hand I will wield the Sword of Britain in righteousness and fair judgement. By the power of God's might and through his will, I will use it to conquer injustice and punish those who practise harm. I will hold this hand obedient to my Lord God, used of him to do his work in this worlds-realm.'

Teilo, at Arthur's left hand said, 'With this hand you will hold the Shield of Britain. What is your vow?'

'With this hand I will hold tight to the Shield of Britain in hope and compassion. By the power of God's might and through his will, I will protect the people who keep faith with me and hold Jesu for their lord. I will hold this hand obedient to my Lord God, used of him to do his work in this worlds-realm.'

Illtyd, standing at Arthur's head said, 'Upon your brow you will wear the Crown of Britain. What is your vow?'

'Upon my brow I will wear the Crown of Britain in all honour and meekness. By the power of God's might and through his will, I will lead the kingdom through all things whatever shall befall me, with courage, with dignity, and with faith in the Christ who shall guide me.'

Whereupon the three priests replied, 'Rise in faith, Arthur ap Aurelius, taking the Christ to be your Lord and Saviour, honouring him above all earthly lords.'

Arthur rose, and Illtyd placed the slender golden circlet upon his head. Dubricius turned to the altar and took up Caliburnus – that is Caledvwlch, or Cut Steel, Arthur's great battle sword – and placed it in the king's right hand. Teilo took up Prydwen, Arthur's great round battle shield, which had been white washed anew and painted with the cross of Jesu.

Myrddin held before Arthur a wooden cross. 'Arthur ap Aurelius ap Constantine, who would be High King over us, do you acknowledge the Lord Jesu as your High King and swear him fealty?'

'I do,' replied Arthur. 'I pledge fealty with no other lord.'

'And do you vow to serve him through all things, as you would be served, even to the last of your strength?'

'I vow to serve him through all things, as I am served, even to the last of my strength.'

Myrddin nodded solemnly and continued. 'And will you worship the Christ freely, honour him gladly, revere him nobly, hold with him in truest faith and greatest love all the days that you shall live in this worlds-realm?'

'I will worship my lord the Christ freely, honour him gladly, revere him nobly, and hold with him in truest faith and greatest love all the days that I shall live in this worlds-realm,' declared Arthur.

'And do you pledge to uphold justice, grant mercy, and seek truth through all things, dealing with your people in compassion and love?'

'I do pledge to uphold justice, grant mercyi and seek truth through all things, dealing with my people in compassion and love, even as I am dealt with by God.'

Upon receiving Arthur's vows, Myrddin stepped close and unfastened the cloak from Arthur's shoulders. Teilo and Dubricius brought forth a fine new cloak of imperial purple with gold edging. This they fastened at Arthur's shoulder with a great silver stag-head brooch. Myrddin raised his hands and said, 'Go forth, Arthur, to all righteousness and good works, rule justly and live honourably, be to your people a ready light and sure guide through all things whatever may befall this worlds-realm.'

Arthur turned, holding the sword and shield, the new purple cloak falling from his shoulders to brush the floor stones.

'People of Britain, here is your High King! I charge you to love him, honour him, serve him, follow him, and pledge your lives to him, even has he has pledged his life to the High Ring of Heaven.'

The people stood and opened their mouths to acclaim him. But before anyone could raise voice the heavy doors of the church burst open with a loud commotion and in swept twelve fierce warriors with spears. Cai and Bedwyr rushed forth with swords drawn, and would have fallen upon the strangers. But Dubricius put out a hand to stay them, saying, 'Hold, men! There will be no bloodshed on this holy day. Put up your weapons and we will see what they desire in coming here like this.'

The strange warriors advanced fearlessly to the very altar of the church where Arthur stood. Without a word they ranged themselves around the altar and stood with their spears raised high. Then appeared a most unusual sight: sixteen beautiful dark-haired maidens, arrayed all in white, each holding a white dove in her hands and walking barefoot towards the altar.

Upon reaching the place where Arthur stood, the maidens halted and turned to face one another. No sooner had they done this than approached three tall battlechiefs dressed all in green and black. Each held a naked sword upright at arm's length, and each walked backwards.

Turning neither right nor left, these men took their places beside the dove maidens. Thereupon the twelve warriors brought their spears down upon the stones with a sharp, resounding crack. At once appeared another maid, this one more beautiful and more graceful than all the others, carrying a new-burnished spear in one hand and a dove in the other.

This singular maid wore a cloak the colour of fine emeralds, edged in purple, and a long mantle of yellow bright as sunlight. Her raven hair was loose and long, and plaited with summer wild flowers of white and gold; her fair cheeks blushed the colour of foxglove on the moor; her noble brow was high and smooth and white, lifting with noble pride, and her eyes held a playful gleam. She wore no shoes but nevertheless walked purposefully, yet with great elegance and dignity, to the altar.

Everyone in the church strained eyes to see this strange maid; they murmured aloud to one another, 'Who is she? Who can she be? Why does she carry that spear? What does she want?'

'But Arthur knew who she was, and though her appearance surprised and amazed him, he knew also why she had come.

'What is it?' demanded Myrddin of Bedwyr in a harsh whisper. 'What is happening? Tell me, man!'

'It is Gwenhwyvar,' Bedwyr replied uncertainly. 'She has come to honour Arthur, I think.'

'Honour him!' sneered Myrddin. 'She has come to claim him!'

Gwenhwyvar halted before Arthur and bent low, laying the spear cross-wise at his feet. She straightened and placed the white dove in Arthur's hands. Then she reached out a bold hand and took from the High King the Sword of Britain, which she grasped by the blade, wrapping her long fingers around the bright steel. And, raising Caliburnus to her lips, she kissed the crosspiece of the hilt and then' cradled the naked blade to her breast.

It was so swiftly done. No one suspected what had taken place – except Myrddin, who knew well what the swords and doves signified; and Arthur, who knew in his heart that he had found the one woman in all the world his full equal in courage, and above all others worthy of his love.

In this way was Arthur made High King of all Britain. And in this way was Arthur also wed.