But as the days wore on, the counsellors grew fearful, for although they dearly loved their Sovereign and his Lady, and as much as they cherished Niamh—who could be brought to marry her? There were no nobles’ sons good enough to withstand her radiance, nor were there any other princes—for this was before the kingdoms split, and Gavron had no male heir. Even among the honest burghers, the mayors’ sons or the chandlers’, none were found to even withstand an hour in Niamh’s company. And it was not long before all the land trembled in fear.
His Knight, Lord Mackelwy, who had raised his hand to box the Squire’s ears, stopped and permitted the youth to speak on.
“I am from the far countries,” said the youth, “north and west of this land. And there lives a man, a Hermit, who is well respected by all his neighbours, far flung though they be. I myself have made pilgrimage to where he lives, and through his instruction came I to my lord’s service. I have never seen this man, but it is said that he has the head and tail of a lion, and the arms and wings of an eagle, those double marks of valour and of savagery, and is terrible to look upon. I know not how he came to that unhappy state—whether through birth, curse or sin—but it is this which has sent him to the life of a Hermit. Although I have never laid eyes on him, I know he has a soul equal to the King’s own, and it has been rumoured that he has performed miracles, and thus may be a fitting bridegroom for the Princess.”
What cause for celebration when his son lived, yet lived dead to his rightful inheritance? What cause for celebration when the woman who had beggared the Count’s ancient line lived and soon would wed? What cause for celebration when all the world lay bereft of hope?
And yet the Count, ever the courtier, smiled, nodded, laughed when occasion demanded — even sought out the Princess’s dance before the Vigil Mass and applauded heartily, politically. In chapel, he received the host. After, he joined his peers for mulled wine and reminiscing. Always, always smiling. When toasts were raised to the monster coming, he smiled. Salutations to the King, he smiled. Happiness to the Princess — he smiled.
For every word spoke of the coming felicity only knit the Count’s three shadowy bedfellows more closely, until the Count became a twisted man, consumed by all his vices.
At his christening, Gavron was cursed by his godmother, the Fairy Malinka, that his eyes would ever water in the light of day. When at last he set out to lift his curse, he met and fell in love with Rhianna, the youngest of the Fairies, who was also cursed by Malinka. He vowed to free Rhianna as well as himself - but the price was that not only of Malinka's powers, but also of Rhianna's immortality.
Upon being crowned, Gavron immediately set forth to finish his father's task of beating back and confining the Wood. He established a wall around the heart of that darkness, with twelve garrisons to guard the border. Thus he established peace for the Twelve Kingdoms, and is known as "the Great."
Elowen - Niamh's cousin, she fears for nothing but Niamh's happiness. Passionate and proud by turns, she has spurned the advances of Squire Pwll of Branmoor who nonetheless still holds her heart.
Findola - The daughter of Cadwyr's Steward, Findola is quiet, soft-spoken and level-headed, which qualities have won Squire Ewan of Houndshelm's heart.
Magdwa - Youngest of the Handmaidens, her head is stuffed full of fancies - perhaps as a remedy to her overbearing relations.
Squire Ewan of Houndshelm - Beloved of the Handmaiden Findola, Ewan is steady and thoughtful in all he does - characteristics quite different from his expansive, corrupt father, Ioan Ys.
Donell, Captain of the Guards - The distant cousin of Gavron and the father of Elowen. In his youth, he kept Gavron from danger, and has passed on the responsibility for the royal family to his only daughter.
Guard Liam mac Hwyach - The youngest and greenest of the Guards, Liam nevertheless possesses a determination which may be the salvation of them all.
(c) 2003 Updated 2 March, 2003 All Rights Held by the Author. No part of these pages may be used or copied without express permission of the author.
Niamh
The Hermit
The Count
The parents of Niamh, and sovereigns of the Twelve Kingdoms.
Gwendolyn - The eldest of the Handmaidens, betrothed to Sir Gwrhyr known as "The Bull."
Squire Pwll of Branmoor - Hot-headed, the only son of Branmoor and heir to two estates is successful in all he essays - except in the matter of courting Elowen. Apt to accept a challenge on the least provocation, he is tempered only by his friend and ally, Ewan.