Yonder winds a path.
It circumnavigates the holy hill of the Greal.
The hero stands, with his companion, at its foot.
His strides are bold and steady, despite his doubt.
Hail and lightning beat his shield and strike his sword.
Thorn and brier rend his flesh and tear his clothing.
Sky and earth open.
Annwfn steals through, drawing lines across his path, in rivers, pools, and wells.
At the first bend three fostering nymphs await him, bearing cups of snow-white milk.
He partakes of their gift, steeling his body and mind.
He fares forward with his companion.
At the second bend three crowned queens await him, bearing cups of blood-red wine.
He partakes of their gift, fortifying his skill and intelligence.
He fares forward with his companion.
At the third bend three hooded crones await him, bearing cups of indigo mead.
He partakes of their gift, broadening his wisdom and insight.
From the Nine he will, with his companion at his side, stay his quest.
The hero will tread upwards.
He will hear the hidden song.
And the Greal will claim him.

I am wakened from my dreams by the foreign sounds in the portico. Slipping from Cai's bed, I wrap myself in a long, violet mantle and take the stone lamp from a nearby table to light my way. Still at the cusp of this world and the Other, my senses are acute and my pupils wide. How long Syr Ankou has been at the door is difficult to know, but when I answer, he appears vexed and painted with a ghostly light.

"Forgive the late hour of my visit, Princess," he begins gravely.

My heart freezes in my chest. Ankou was a close friend of my father's; they had fought together against the Salians in Lutetia. I had thought him still to be in Domnonée. "It's father. What is it? What's happened?"

"No, Princess. Your father is still in Ebrauc. It is Amangons."

"Where? Here, in Britain?" My relief doesn't ease me for more than a moment.

"Here, in Dyfneint," he adds. "My sources say that he travels to Camelot from Dinas Bran, even now. He knows the Perceval is here."

"If Amangons discovers him, he will kill him," I say, completing his thought.

"Let me take the Perceval into my care. My lady Nimue can keep him hidden."

"But haven't you heard? He's nowhere to be found," I answer, desperately. "He vanished after defeating the Red Knight." Even before I finish getting the words out I know what I must do.

As always, unseen forces pull me and push me, directing my course through the mists of the world. Again I hear the whispering voice, feel the guiding hand upon my shoulder, and do as the Mysteries bid me. Tonight I will dress, pack my things, and find Peredur Paladr Hir myself.