CHAPTER 19
The Raven and the SwanWhen Bladud and Alcestis returned to Trinovantum they found Rheinid there. The meeting of these two women in Bladud’s life could not be postponed any longer.
Alcestis was with some other women, wives of Bladud’s close companions, when the conversation that had been bubbling along in such a lively fashion suddenly came to a stop, and an air of nervous anticipation entered the room. She turned to see who had caused such an effect and came face to face with Rheinid for the first time. But for the expressions on the faces of the others she might not have guessed who this woman was, for she had understood that Rheinid was far away.
Rheinid was the sort of woman who, on entering a room, inevitably caused a stir. It was as though the very air became vibrant in
