Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Gwythead and Goedwyn - Part 2

Gwydion traveled south, to the court of High King Math. While he journeyed, he considered how best he could win the hand of Goedwyn for his brother, Gwythead; and he formulated a plan. When he arrived at court of the high king, he was welcomed and bid to enter, for he was much loved there and Math was glad of his coming.

That night, whilst the two were in his cups, Gwydion addressed his uncle, the High King Math:

"My lord, it is true tat this world of ours if filled with wonders, and it must be impossible for any one man to know them all."

"Verily?" asked the High King.

"Indeed," replied Gwydion. "I have heard even now, that Peredur, who is known to you as a great king to the south, has recently come across 12 great board, whose tusks are of gold, and when these tusks are cut, they shall grow back again the following night."

"Indeed?" asked the High King.

"Indeed, it is true my Lord. Peredur has grown rich indeed from the tusks of these beasts."

"I did not know of this," cried Math.

"How now?" cried Gwydion. "How can this be? For is not Peredur, being a lesser king than yourself, bound to send to you a portion of all his ttreasures as tribute on the first day of each year?"

"Indeed he is," answered Math.

"So he must have sent you word and tribute from these new-found beasts of his?"

"Indeed he has not," cried Math angrily.

"How now, my King?" asked Gwydion. "Indeed, this is not right. This must be some manner of mistake."

"Indeed it must be!" replied  the High King, for his anger was growing great. "I can scarcely imagine a loyal friend as Peredur doing such a thing!"

"My lord," Gwydion now said quietly. "If it would ease your mind, allow me to act on your behalf in this. I shall; travel to Peredur's holdings and inquire of him. I shall bring you three of these twelve golden boars, as proper recompense to your honor. Then Peredur will have satisfied you well."

Math considered this and agreed to Gwydion's proposal.

The next Morning Gwydion rode south to the kingdom of Peredur, smiling to himself along the way. He knew little what terrible heartaches his words would one day bring about.

No comments:

Post a Comment