Rheinid was close behind him, with Torna as her prisoner. She had been visiting her son at Urien’s castle when men brought Torna in, both legs broken from the fall in the storm. She had set off immediately for Trinovantum, her devious mind already plotting and planning how to limit the damage her betrayal of Bladud, and her marriage to Liel, had done to her chances of ever becoming High Queen.
When she arrived back the High Council was already gathering to bear witness to Bladud’s complete recovery and to reaffirm their original decision that he was the true heir of Hudibras. Liel at first had the sense to pretend that he willingly accepted his brother’s return — though biding his time.
As Rheinid entered, she did so dramatically, in flowing robes of black and scarlet, her raven hair gle
