As the lights that Gwilym’s escort bore fully illuminated the minotaur’s bulk, a shout went up from the back, and a group of the soldiers surged forwards, forming a shield wall in front of the rest of the group, spears levelled towards Antauros, protecting the others. From inside the mass of bodies and shields, Gwilym’s disembodied voice could be heard shouting over the din.
‘Calm down, he’s with me, there’s no need for all of this palaver…Your Highness, I can assure you that he will bring you no harm…Antauros, for the love of all the gods, get your hands up and don’t bloody well do anything stupid!’
‘Easy now.’ Antauros’ voice calmly rumbled from deep within his chest as he slowly moved his bloodied hands where the troops before him could see them.
His compliance clearly eased the nerv
