Constantin was uneasy about this meeting since Athelstan mooted the idea. It would not be wise to show his inner turmoil to the others, in particular, not to the young King whose persistence had succeeded in gathering the Brittonic kings. The location of the moot troubled the King of the Scottas. Or was he overreacting? This area of rivers, lakes, and mountains lay too close to his own kingdom. Or was it courtesy on the part of Athelstan, who, with consideration, had avoided a long journey for Constantin?
Anticipating the slightest provocation, he admitted Athelstan hitherto had displayed only respect and good manners towards him. He could not evade the sensation the self-styled King of the English believed him to be old, weak, and easy to subdue. It rankled that a man who had ruled his r
