Amlawdd puts a hand on my shoulder and peers deeply into my eyes as if searching for something. I stare back at him until he finds what he seeks there. He shakes his head sadly, sighs and looks away. He no longer believes...

"Ay! I will not give up!" I argue defiantly, grasping his arm to spin him around and face me again.

"Please end this vain vigilance." His voice is gentle but carries an undertone of impatience. "Surely you do not hope to find any more of our number returning home. The Table is in splinters and many of our sword-brothers slain. We must look to our own defense now. There is no Britain anymore. There is only Glastenning."

I would make a sharp reply but suddenly we both turn at the sound of approaching footsteps, light and hesitant. A woman steps into our small circle of light. She glances appraisingly at us, then addresses Amlawdd with tiny smile. The innocent sweetness in her voice spears me with a burning pang, reminding me of all that is tender and in need of protection in this world gone mad.

"Is that a rabbit, or two, strapped to your hilt? If it is, I can make us some rabbit stew to warm us all on this cold winter's night; and I can provide us with some bread and homebrewed ale,too!"

My belly growls. Amlawdd shrugs and makes a welcoming gesture. "It will make a good supper indeed. Come, join us! It is not safe for a woman to travel alone..."