The Winter King

Holding Ceiwyn’s brooch, which Derfel has promised to her, Igraine asks for more details about the story of Ynys Trebes, but these details merely compound the tragedy. She insists that Lancelot must be better than Derfel describes him, and he responds, “I think he was worse” (313). Bishop Sansum then interrupts their conversation, and Igraine keeps up the pretense of translating the Gospels into Saxon.

Young Derfel returns to Britain penniless, having lost all his possessions across the sea. Arthur sets him up as the guardian of a young and wealthy orphan, so he can live off the rents of the land. He dines with Arthur and Guinevere, pleased at the effect her company has on him. Derfel tells her that Merlin has gone to rescue Nimue and that when she returns, she and Guinevere will have the chance to get to know one another better. Arthur then grants Derfel the title of Lord, much to his surprise. He informs Derfel that the situation with Powys is growing desperate, and that he can only hope the Saxon king Aelle will accept his bribes and mount no further attacks.