Page 14 (1/2)

"Such an accusation!" you answered cal his lips Agravain stared at Lleu through narrowed eyes, as though his cousin were responsible But none of them dared break his respectful silence Lleu shivered, unable toto be the focus of such malice

"Such an accusation," you repeated, as though you enjoyed hearing yourself say so "What proof do you have, Medraut? I have given no one any reason to believe evi co bou l of esture toward me and said dryly, "He stands before you, and you say that? Is he not reason enough?"

I turned to h I had been struck "I!"

He spoke in spiteful anger Surely he said that without thinking; surely he did not believe it I heldof the prince, not of me," I said to you "Three ti that you slipped hi and no one ever knew; but over the prince you have no such power, and I will not keep still"

"Loyal, so loyal," you sneered Even Agravain shuddered Lleu and Goewin had never seen you angry

"It is not a question of loyalty," I answered "I won’t watch children being tortured I won’t watch you pretending to ’s heir"

"Why not?" you said "His murder would certainly be to your benefit"

"Mother!" Gwalchravain exploded

Artos said only, "Lleu, come here" Lleu moved to sit at his father’s feet, and Artos fir hands in his own I stood straight and unain, then went on speaking to you "But you haven’thim Perhaps you do it to test my skill at remedies and antidotes But I use my skill to serve the prince, not to answer to you"

"Your skill needs no test," you said "I taught you well As for answering to me, you will do whatever I demand of you" You were cold as I "This trivial display of devotion to Artos and his little prince does not subordinate your bond to me" No one spoke You demanded sharply, "Does it?"

It was hours past ht The rest of the household slept Into the deep unbroken silence that followed your final question I barely , finish with her" I drew a deep breath and pressed lected the burn there So I stood, unco," Artos said to you at last; "and the boys will stay with me They were to stay in any case I will not let my nephews’ minds be twisted by your treachery"

Gareth suddenly burst out with fretful sorrow, "Oh, Mother, how could you?" Devoted to you as they are, none of your sons expressed any doubt as to your guilt

Agravain muttered fiercely, "I’d count it lucky should you pay such notice to any of us"

This you ignored, and asked of Artos, "Have I leave to travel south to visit our mother--yours and ravain snapped, "Anyone fool enough to talk to the high king like that--after practicing witchery on his heir--"

"Agravain," you said gently

He looked away "Excuse ravain," Artos said "Yes, you raine I will even provide you with an escort They will be ready to leave as soon as you have gathered clothes for the journey Your s, and your servants will be sent after you No one will be told of this erie is ause Your gifts to Lleu have been sufficient"

"Is that all?" you said

"There is more I could say," Artos answered evenly, "but none of it is necessary"

Lleu lifted his head impulsively to look at his father, and at the sudden movement you turned on him "Prince of Britain," you said with real hatred, "indeed You are so young, so frail! Hardly , to be used and discarded at leisure"

"Lleu’s no more frail than any of your own boys," Artos said tersely "As to playthings, you seem to find more amusement in your collection of peacocks than in your husband’s children"

"And truly your other son is ravain stared with narrowed eyes, envious, desperate for your favor All your children are

"Medraut fought honestly enough against you to prevent Lleu fro hurt," Goewin cried Her loyalty shamed ravain "I have finished All of you: enough snarling at one another"