Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Gwythead and Goedwyn - Part 4

Gwydion fled north in the night, stealing away with King Peredur's twelve Golden Boars.

When Peredur awoke and discovered what his guest had done, he was furious. Gwydion had stolen his property and violated all laws of chivalry. He was filled with a great wroth, and quickly gathered his men about him.

"Lo," spoke Peredur. "Such injustice shall not go unanswered. We shall raise our arms and march against Gwydion and Math, who sent him. Let my armies be mustered!" His men cheered, and heeded his words.

When Gwydion reached the court of High King Math, the king was greatly displeased, forward had since reached him that Peredur's armies moved against him, but not yet of Gwydion's treachery.

"Gwydion," Math spoke. "Fortune that you have returned, for Peredur even now calls his banner-men. Make haste to join me and defend our lands from such inequity." Math summoned his armies, and girded himself strongly.

Math's terrible aspect bound him to forever rest his feet in the lap of a young maiden, lest his kingdom move to war; only then could Math walk freely, in order to defend his lands and people. Thus now, did he stand free and ride forth to war, leaving behind the young maiden Goedwyn.

It was thus opportunity for which Gwydion had long worked. With Goedwyn free, Gwydion sent word to his beloved brother,Gwythead. As the armies marched to meet Peredur's forces, Gwydion rode with them, leaving the two lovers behind.

Gwydion had united his brother and his love, but in so doing he had brought to kingdoms to war, the consequences of which had only just begun.

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