With clasped hands over shimmering waters, an alliance was made. Arianwen came ‘round the pool and stood next to Peredur, looking up at him with a pair of bright eyes. “What shall I call you?” she asked him. “For Percer-valles lays heavy on the tongue, you know.” “I am Peredur Paladr Hir of Cwm Dyfrdwy in Eryri,” he replied. “Very good,” she nodded again, relieved that he wasn’t going to go charging off into the dark. “We’d best head back to the apartment, for I’m sure I will have been missed by now. I should warn you that my man Morcant will not be pleased to see you.” She paused to solemnly look up at him as they walked along. “But do not worry. I’ll look after you.” And indeed, Morcant was not pleased at what his lady brought in from the cold. He tossed his head and snorted like a recalcitrant horse at the thought of offering sanctuary to a painted savage who might very well murder them in their beds, but Arianwen rallied to the defense of the young man and soon compelled the warrior to comply with her wishes. “Lady! That’s a-a-a man!” Llinos squeaked, when the pair crossed the threshold. The little maid gasped in shock and skittered away like a frightened fawn. “Very good, Llinos. You know the difference between a man and a woman.” Arianwen replied, dryly. “Now, please stop staring at our guest like you suspect he is an addanc come to eat us all. You will have him thinking that we have no manners.” “He’s staying h-h-here!” “Of course. He is new to Camelot and needs our help. Stop fretting, for he’ll be sleeping out here in the anteroom. Now, come along. It’s time for bed for both of us as well.” While the women chattered, Morcant made ready a place for the young man. The great dogs padded up and gave Peredur and his belongings a curious sniff, before the black one slowly wagged his tail, and his brindled mate gazed up at him with soulful eyes, clearly hoping for a scratch behind the ears. Although the aged warrior might harbor suspicions, as far as the four-footed beasts were concerned, Peredur was as good as one of the family. Once the bedding arrangements were prepared, the silver haired girl carefully inspected them, like a mother bird making sure the nest was safe for her young. Satisfied, she graciously bid Peredur goodnight, beneath the stony gaze of Morcant. * * * In the morning, Morcant was good to his word and took Peredur to the baths. The two men walked along streets that were kept in the Roman fashion. Fingers of sunlight reached down through the clearing clouds and burnished the red terracotta roofs until they glowed. Though the eagles had long since left the shores of Britain, wealthy towns like Artoros’ capital still kept up many of the customs of the island’s former masters. He waited while the young man washed away rivers of dirt and exchanged his country clothes for something more suited for town life. “Well, boy,” he said, giving the young man a thorough survey when he presented himself for inspection. “I expect you’re fit to converse with civilized folk now.” When they reached the apartment, the women were waiting for them. Arianwen nodded her approval at the transformed youth who stood before her and Llinos turned an interesting shade of red. Gone was the wild rustic of last evening; that creature was replaced by a handsome young man. Not only was Peredur now clean and shining, but the bath attendants had also neatly groomed his hair and nails. The princess laid a hand on the arm of her protector and looked up into his weathered face. “Thank you for looking after him. While you two were gone, Llinos and I managed to find something to eat.” “There is more food in the market here than Gododdin has seen in six months!” added the little maid as her mistress motioned for the young man to follow her into her private area of the apartment. Llinos had set up a small table, for them to eat breakfast. “This area has not seen conflict in quite some time, as I understand it, so merchants do not fear to travel and the citizens reap the benefits,” said Arianwen. She poured a goblet of wine and offered it to Peredur. “Please have a seat. I’m sure you must be hungry.” “I am,” the young man admitted with a grin. He sat, and looked at the bewildering array of fruits and delicacies that were set before him. He did not recognize some of them, for he was more accustomed to simple country fair, so he took his cues from his hostess as to what to eat and how to eat it. “Llinos, our jug of water is empty. Would you refill it, please?” “Of course, My Lady.” Once the little maid had departed on her errand, Arianwen leaned forward and spoke in low tones. “I shall speak quickly, for she is sure to return shortly. I would be remiss if I did not advise you that there are other ways to gain an audience with the High King that do not involve you risking your life. Now that you have rested and have a little food in your stomach, I was hoping I might get you to reconsider?” Peredur's brows came together as he pondered what Owein had told him about the requirements to be considered for membership in Artoros’ brotherhood of warriors. That, combined with his desire to prove himself to Lord Cai, and avenge the wrong done to Luned, made him slowly shake his head. “I have accepted the Tall Man’s challenge to face the Red Knight. I can’t back down from that. Even if I was able to secure an audience with the High King by some other means, he would be sure to be there and mock me and call me a coward.” Arianwen sighed softly and carefully studied her bold refugee. “You are certainly a determined one, Peredur Paladr Hir. Since I cannot dissuade you, I will help you as best I can. Be patient a bit longer, while I engineer our escape--" She stopped as Llinos returned. They finished the rest of their meal, and then the silver haired girl set her plan into motion. “Morcant?” He came when she called to him. “Something has come to my mind. Would you please go and see that all of father’s gifts have been safely delivered to King Artoros?” “I am sure everything has been taken care of,” Morcant replied. “There’s no need for you to worry.” “No need to worry?” The girl arched a delicate brow. “I do not share your confidence in the honesty of the minor court official. You know as well as I do that there is a high likelihood that someone will attempt to make off with a small trinket or twowould make me feel much better if you would go and check.” The lines on either side of Morcant’s mouth grew longer as he frowned. “I think it best if I remain here for the time being,” he replied, with a pointed look at Peredur. He was reluctant to leave his lady alone in the company of a man whose character he could not be absolutely certain of. “Must I scold you as well?” Arianwen sighed, following her man’s gaze to where Peredur was attempting to take a bite out of an orange, and Llinos was instructing him to peel it first. “Don’t worry. We will be fine while you are gone.” Morcant snorted, but finally gave in to his lady’s demands. Once he had gone, the silver haired girl rose and collected her mantle. “Get your things, Peredur. We are going to see my brother Gawain.” “You are not leaving!” Llinos became alarmed. “I can’t let you go off without Morcant, Lady! Whatever will he do to me when he returns and finds that you have left?” “He will not harm one hair upon your head, and you know it,” her mistress replied, in her usual no-nonsense manner. “Besides, I need you to stay here and tell Morcant where we have gone when he returns. He may have his orders from Father to be my keeper whilst I reside in Camelot, but he cannot forbid me from going to see my own brother!” And with that, she sailed out of the apartment with Peredur in tow. A passing servant was kind enough to direct them in the direction of Gawain’s villa and as they walked along, Arianwen did her best to explain to her charge the manners and customs of a royal court and how he should conduct himself when in the presence of the King and the other knights.