'Of course, I have, it has always been so difficult to bring all the leaders together for Council meetings. However, I wonder if both you and I are seeking the same outcomes and agreements. When we move into the new raiding season after the winter storms, we must be prepared for the Saxon's attacking and prepared as a unified people. They will be in even greater force this year; we know that longboats have been arriving since the winter storms of last year finished, swelling their numbers. I want our people prepared to throw them back and send them running to the sea.' Uther laid a hand on the old man's shoulder and looked deeply into his eyes, a practice he had copied from Merlyn in order to gain another's undivided attention. 'You know that I shall be proposing the structure of our Counc
