Cai is broad across the chest and of taut sinews from a life of heavy lifting. He would have you believe his days are spent mainly in battle, while in fact he is actually one of Arthur's stewards and sees very little of battle. He spends most of his days performing grim, servile duties of the household. We all enjoy teasing him about it, even until he goes red in the face. Standing a head above most men, the brawny, handsome seneschal is crowned with long, dark, golden hair, as though heather mead were cascading upon his shoulders.

Arrogant and blustering, Cai is sought after by a great many young maidens at court. As it happens, I am his favorite. Lucky me. I suppose he's not all bad. He's of considerably high standing and is well respected across the caers and villas of Camelot. He's easy on the eyes, that's for sure, and he even has a kingdom in his own name in the foothills of Eryri, far to the north. Of course he is an absent king so that he may serve as Arthur's "lackey". Oh, he hates to be called that.

I tolerate him. For all his blustering and bragging and loud snoring, I should be honored to have him. And I know that my father would appreciate it should I ever consent to marry into Arthur's household.

As to Arthur's household, much has changed in the month I've been here. Stiff-backed, cynical landlords with great bellies and autumnal streaks of silver in their temples have been replaced by ambitious, idealistic, young warriors. Winter has passed in Britain, and a new age dawns.

The company of Gododdin are small. We greet them at Ehangwen, so they will undoubtedly be receiving a royal welcome. The raven-haired woman is austere looking. She will never survive in our little coterie. They don't call us the Ysgrithrau for nothing. We're vicious and merciless, eating alive anyone at the slightest mistep. Cai only endures being the object of ridicule day after day because he's devoted to me, the poor fool.

Now the mysterious, young rogue riding behind ol' Raven Hair could certainly make my day. Slight of build and masked, a pair of beryl eyes meet mine as he steps down from his mount. My heart breaks when the hood is pulled away to reveal the daughter of King Lot.

"Welcome, noble company, to Ehangwen," Cai announces in the pompous voice he puts on for all esteemed newcomers. "I am Cai, Chief Steward to the High King." Henwas nudges me with his elbow as if to say You're not really going to marry this blowhard, are you? I answer him by sticking out my tongue. The horses are led away by the stable boys, but the hounds remain close to their mistress. "We shall take you to supper presently, and there is a pool prepared for you at the bath house. Artoros will receive you in the great hall once you are refreshed, and then I will show you to your apartments in the villa." Cai's roving eye continues to land on the fair Arianwen. "My quarters are next door, should you need anything at all," he says to the princess in dulcet tones.

Eiron smiles nervously, but she needn't worry. I'm well aware of the attention Cai shows other women. Now if these other women would permanently lure him away from me, I'd be set.

I am next to address the company. "My name is Luned ferch Rigadaf of Tarddell Beli. Please allow me to show you to the dining hall."