On three sides of the hall the warriors had hung up their polished shields, and above the great carved wooden chairs of the king and queen hung the family’s emblem, an eagle, emblazoned in gold, with wings spread wide and fierce eye staring.
Course after course was brought on in procession: river trout and salmon; wild fowl; roast venison and wild boar; rye and barley bread to mop up the juices; fine wheat bread to accompany the cheeses... And with every course wines from France and mead from the king’s own honeybees.
Viviane’s cheeks were soon flushed with wine and excitement. She and Caradawc felt almost painfully aware of each other’s physical proximity though apparently absorbed in speaking to others. Each found excuses to touch as they reached for wine or food; each pretending that
