Mathrafal, Powys, AD 940
King Llewelyn ap Merfyn was a stubborn-minded character. He refused to take to his sick bed although he was patently unwell. The principal reason for his obstinacy was that he did not trust his courtiers and counsellors, whilst only too aware that his days were numbered. He did not want Powys to fall into unworthy hands in the absence of an heir apparent. Equally, the court had become the haunt of many nobles who had not deigned to visit Llewelyn for many years.
Owain ap Hywel decided not to burden the sickly king with his mission but to absorb the atmosphere at the court, which was not to his liking. This decision proved to be wise and fortuitous through no merit of his own. A young nobleman with a face that struck Owain as familiar spoke privately with the king
