“You’ll soon have your own little guardsman,” Rhonwen tittered and looked meaningfully at Alis.
“Talking about which,” Alun smiled, “we should not have a late night. The king orders us to sail for Ynys Cybi at first light. The ship is drawn up at Llanfaes Beach. King Rhodri sent a messenger to warn Gwriad ap Gwriad of our arrival. You can be sure that tomorrow evening will be the first night of festivities, and I will wed Rhiannon the following morning. Rhodri has even arranged for a bishop to conduct the ceremony, although I would have chosen Bishop Rhygenydd given a free choice. I took a liking to him.”
“Pah!” said Cadfael. “One clergyman is worth another—and that’s about as much as my little toenail!” He had no time for priests. Being a warrior, he considered them shirkers from milita
