“We’d love to, my friend.” Culhwch grasped Lucius’ hand. “It’s good to see you again. And don’t worry about the effigy. I’ll start work on it tomorrow and then get it to you soon.” He looked to the children. “Is that good?”
“Yes, please,” Calliope said. “We need to put it in the temple.”
Culhwch and Alma saw them out and then closed the door.
“He’s changed, Culhwch,” Alma said sadly. “His spirit is struggling with something.”
“Yes,” he answered. “But as his friends, we are bound to help him, whatever we can do.”
It was late in the afternoon by the time Lucius and the children arrived at the hillfort. The walk seemed slower to Lucius, the road up to the southwest gate steeper than ever. But he managed the climb.
The wind was cold and picking up, and Lucius held onto the children’s han
