XXXVIIn Caerwent the three kings sat in council, attended only by deaf mutes, or slaves they had always known and trusted. Votiporix was beside himself with anxiety at the preparations they were to make. Cunneglassus, in his lazy way, was indifferent as to the means, and was only concerned with the result.
“It is so easy,” he said, “that I wonder why we meet to discuss it. Artos will come to Caerwent to report his victory over the Picts, and we shall ambush him with a vastly superior number of men. He will be killed in the forum, and that will be the end of the affair. What is there more to discuss?”
Aurelius Caninus showed his yellow teeth in a smile. “Only one thing,” he said. “Who will take his place?”
Votiporix leaned across the table in his haste. “Not Medrawt,” he said. “That man
