The Dark Age (21 page)

Taliesin and Tory had lunch served in the library. The Merlin told her most of the story of Maelgwn's journey into the Otherworld and of his quest, omitting only the details that the Prince would wish to discuss with her himself.

‘Fairies, shamanism, astral travelling, what else is he into that I don't know about?' She was only just beginning to realise how extraordinary the man she was to marry, truly was.

Over mead they spoke of a great many things, but as a bride, naturally her first concern was the dress.

‘Dresses,' Taliesin corrected her, explaining that the celebrations would span the period of four days.

‘Four days! That's what I call a party.'

‘The first day you shall wear a dress of white, representing the maid and first aspect of the triple Goddess. After the Prince hast been crowned in the presence of his men, you will be brought forth to exchange gifts with him. There will be a great feast and the Prince will lay claim to you this night.'

‘There is a God,' Tory remarked in jest. ‘Do go on, I am listening.'

‘After your union with the Prince you shall wear red, the colour of the warrior. This day is for tournament, the quest for the Queen's Champion amongst other competitions.'

Tory wasn't too sure how she felt about that. What do I need a champion for, she wondered. Still, she'd never seen a tournament, it could be interesting.

‘And no, you can't compete.' Taliesin knocked that question on the head before she'd even thought of it.

Tory rolled her eyes as if to imply it had never entered her mind. ‘The third day?' she prompted.

‘Black. The colour of the enchantress, the wise woman and third face of the Goddess. This shall be your first day in court with your advisers and officials. A perfect time, if I may say so, to present your proposals concerning the women of this land.'

‘You truly know everything, don't you?' Tory looked at him surprised. ‘But I thought, in all fairness to the Prince that, as this proposal was a condition of our wedding, I should really present it to him on day one.'

‘Why? Maelgwn will agree, I do! And I shall be present to support your cause. After all, is it not in the best interest of the Goddess? A bit more respect for women would certainly not go astray around here.'

Again he surprised her.
Remarkable
.

‘Thank you.' He gave a smile. ‘Now, where was I? Ah yes, the fourth and final day — a dress of green, the colour of the land, the triple Goddess and Mother Earth. This day you shall be crowned Queen before holding conference with all the Kings of Britain, bar Chiglas of course.'

‘What! What am I supposed to say to them?'

‘When the time comes, you will know, trust me.'

‘Trust you! Taliesin, that's a lot of faith. I don't want to look foolish —'

‘Tory please, I can't discuss it with you as the Prince wishes to first. But you will be well briefed, I promise.'

‘Okay, I'm sorry. I'll try to relax,' Tory resolved, feeling it wasn't going to be easy. ‘One more thing. Where are these dresses coming from? I hope I'm not expected to make them, I'm hopeless on a sewing machine.' Taliesin laughed and Tory caught on to his amusement. ‘Needle and thread, you know what I mean. I'm hopeless!'

Taliesin didn't appear too worried about it, gesturing over her shoulder. ‘With many thanks from the Goddess and her folk.'

Five beautiful garments suddenly materialised behind her.

‘Oh my stars,' Tory gasped as she rose to her feet. She circled the garments, thinking them too beautiful to touch, let alone wear.

The fifth dress was of white with a sash of green, red and black that draped over the right shoulder and fell in a long train behind. Taliesin explained this was for her bridesmaid, and Tory knew Katren would simply die when she saw it.

‘Thank you Taliesin, they are exquisite.'

 

The Prince was near frozen by the time the dragon landed in the courtyard of Castell Dwyran, in Dyfed. Needless to say, the court's soldiers were quite alarmed
and would have attacked the great beast if Maelgwn hadn't emerged from its shoulders to prevent them.

‘I am Maelgwn, Prince of Gwynedd, and this be the pet of the Goddess Keridwen. I am unarmed and bring a message from the Goddess for Vortipor, the Protector of Dyfed. Will he grant me audience or doth he wish to bring the wrath of our Otherworld forefathers upon himself and his kingdom?'

The Prince was soon led to Vortipor's private chambers, with the assurance that the beast of the Goddess would not be harmed. Maelgwn found his Roman-appointed counterpart reclining by a fire with a couple of maidens tending his every whim. When the Prince had been formally announced, he bowed deeply to his adversary before stating his business. ‘I have but two questions to put to thee, Vortipor of Dyfed. Dost thou still hold true and honour the ways of the Goddess in thy Kingdom? And dost thou hold any allegiance to Chiglas, King of Powys, or the barbarian invaders that raid our land?'

Vortipor gave a hearty laugh, brushing away the attentions of the women. ‘My dear Prince of Gwynedd, do slow down. I can hardly follow a word thou art saying.' The ruler sat up to address the Prince, who appeared even younger than himself. ‘It be so rare that we art honoured by a legend, do sit for a moment and have some wine. It be imported from Italy, compliments of King Aurelius Caninus of Gwent Is Coed, and be truly a treat.'

Maelgwn was relieved that the two leaders knew each other, and Vortipor appeared quite a civilised
fellow. Although shorter than Maelgwn, Vortipor appeared of sturdy build and a warrior to be reckoned with.

‘Thy hospitality be most generous, sir, but I regret that I must decline. I am to be wed in a few days, and must complete this errand for the Goddess before then. So, if thee could answer my questions, I shall be on my way. I still have Aurelius Caninus to see before I may return to my bride.'

Again Vortipor laughed but with greater understanding. ‘Now I see what drives thee so. Could I not offer thee some relief, perhaps?' He motioned to the two lovely young maidens in his company, who appeared more than eager to oblige.

‘Thy women be truly tempting, but I must again decline, as only my due bounty shall bring me any solace, I am afraid.'

‘If thou insists on being so damned official.' Vortipor clapped his hands and the maidens left the room. ‘Thy bride must be quite a prize. Come and seat thyself, friend. I shan't keep thee from her any longer than necessary.'

Their talks began over lunch and finished over dinner. Sharing the same age, the same beliefs, education and ideas, made it very easy for the two to agree on most subjects. Maelgwn informed Vortipor of the attack on Degannwy, of Chiglas' growing forces and of Powys' alliance with the invading savages.

Vortipor found the information fair cause for concern. He could count on little support from Rome, should such a situation arise in Dyfed, as they had
plenty of battles of their own to contend with. Thus he had good reason to unite with other kingdoms against Chiglas, and was delighted to agree to attend Maelgwn's wedding and the gathering, called in the name of the Goddess.

‘Allow me on the morrow to accompany thee to the court of Aurelius Caninus,' Vortipor suggested. ‘Not that any harm might befall thee, mind. It be more that the King, no longer a young man, could keep thee detained for days with his damned procrastinating. I have been dealing with him for years, he trusts me and tends to follow my advice.'

So they sat drinking wine by the fire in Vortipor's private chambers until well into the wee hours.

At dawn the Prince woke his new companion, eager to get on the move. Vortipor, somewhat amazed by Maelgwn's powers of recuperation, dragged himself from his peaceful slumber, not wanting to miss out on the adventure. Times had been quite blissful in the Kingdom of Dyfed since the Desi had assumed power. Till now, Vortipor had only to send troops to the aid of Gwent Is Coed to hold back the encroaching Danish and Saxon raiders. Chiglas in Powys, however, was a threat that was much closer to home. If he'd indeed made a pact with the barbarian bastards, they could pass right through Powys and ravage Dyfed directly.

The allies entered the courtyard of the huge fortress to find Rufus peacefully curled up asleep. The locals all gasped in awe at the dragon as they went about their daily business, trying to avoid the huge obstruction.

Vortipor stopped in his tracks and roared with laughter. ‘When my men told me thee had arrived on a dragon, I thought them exaggerating. Thou art a truly wondrous soul, Maelgwn of Gwynedd.'

The dragon opened one eye to observe the Prince.
Like I have nothing to do with it, I suppose.

‘Ah Rufus.' The Prince ignored its comment. ‘This be Vortipor, the Protector of Dyfed.'

The dragon turned his one open eye to view the man as he stepped forward and politely bowed.
A big brawny Scottic man, yum, yum!

‘Now that be enough of that,' the Prince insisted, and Vortipor took a step backwards, wondering what the dragon had bethought his affiliate. ‘I believe Vortipor will be of great assistance to our quest. Would thee mind if he accompanied us to Gwent Is Coed?'

Depends. What does he have to offer one in the way of breakfast?

Maelgwn turned to Vortipor, a mite embarrassed by his travelling companion's hideous taste in cuisine. ‘I hate to ask, but dost thou have any grievous criminals lying about that thee might want to be rid of? It would seem Rufus here be a bit hungry, and thou art appearing a bit too appetising to merely transport.'

‘I see, well we can't have our Otherworld friend going hungry now, can we?' He addressed the dragon directly, ‘Would a couple of fat thieves do? Unfortunately most of our more grievous offenders have grown rather thin, and would not be very appetising, I'm afraid.'

One finds this acceptable.

The Prince gave his friend the nod and Vortipor clapped his hands together. ‘Splendid! I shall have them brought to thee at once.'

Rufus threw down breakfast in seconds flat, and was then more than happy to make haste with the Prince and his new ally to Caerleon.

Vortipor was so exhilarated by his first experience of flight that he gave the Prince a sterling introduction and recommendation to Aurelius. He ranted and raved about their journey, the Prince's great quest, and his invitation from the Goddess.

At first, the old King appeared rather caught up in the excitement of his younger colleague. But when it came down to Aurelius agreeing with Vortipor, his procrastinating began.

Known as ‘the dog', King Caninus reminded Maelgwn of an old hound that had lost the scent and couldn't decide which way to go. The Prince was quietly driven insane by the King's unwarranted fears and delays, as he impatiently watched the day slip into night. He thanked the Goddess for Vortipor, if not for him they may well have been stuck there for months.

By the end of supper the King had agreed to attend the wedding and hear what the Goddess had to say. Maelgwn was satisfied to have accomplished this much, and on the morrow he would return to his men at Llyn Cerrig Bach. There he would celebrate with them, as he had a day to spare, before he would, at last, wed his lady.

T
he mist vanished from the land the day before the set wedding date, and Tory was advised that the Prince had most surely returned from his quest, successful. She waited all day and late into the evening for his arrival, but fell asleep while finishing off her proposal for the court, to be delivered three days hence. Not that they were allowed to see each other before the wedding; this superstition existed even then. A good thing too the way Tory saw it, as her hair was wrapped in long tight rags which were not very flattering.

She awoke the morning of her wedding to find Katren at her side, waiting to serve her breakfast. Fresh flowers covered the bed and Tory cringed. ‘Please tell me that Maelgwn did not see me like this?'

‘Nay,' Katren giggled. ‘The flowers be from thy Prince, though. He asked that I deliver them to thee,
and instructed me to give thee this.' Katren passed Tory a note, which she opened and read:

After reading it to herself, and taking delight in the lovely verse, Tory read the note out loud to Katren, knowing she would well appreciate it.

‘If only every man were so true and could express himself so beautifully, every woman would know thy joy this day, Tory.'

‘Every woman in Gwynedd shall by the time we finish with the men here. Mark my words Katren, thou shalt know this joy and in the not too distant future.'

‘Be that a prophecy, Goddess?'

‘It be a promise, provided of course that thee can stick to our plan. I know how persuasive Calin can be, it will not be easy to resist him, especially when thou wilt be wearing that dress!'

‘If thee can do it, I can do it. Anyway, no one shall even notice me for the beauty of my lovely mistress.'

They had the good part of a day to prepare as Maelgwn's crowning, which none of the women bar Lady Gladys were permitted to attend, would run well into the noon hours. They also had every woman in the household waiting to assist them, so there wasn't really any need to rush.

 

Rhys, Tiernan, Selwyn, and Taliesin were all present to attend the Prince as he prepared for his crowning and union with the Goddess. This was fortunate for Maelgwn, as he had a mild case of the premarital jitters. His support team did their best to calm him, filling him with mead and assurances while they near drowned him in a hot bath.

Selwyn was having a fine time trying to scrub away the fairy folk's artwork from his Majesty's torso and arms, whilst Rhys poured the drinks for everyone and pointed out the advantages of wedlock. Tiernan was no help, as a confirmed bachelor he was constantly contradicting Rhys with his point of view.

Rhys turned to Tiernan. ‘Thou shalt die a very lonely and bitter old man, sir. And if thee insists on being a hindrance, thee can leave.'

The Prince panicked. ‘Where be my gift from the folk for Tory?'

‘I have it,' Taliesin answered. For the wedding, Maelgwn was fitted out in a shirt of the purest white linen, and his trousers, gunna and long cape were pitch black, like his belt and boots. Taliesin placed the medallion of the Dragon over the Prince's head, and it sat on his chest as the perfect finish to a majestic outfit.

Lady Gladys knocked and entered, followed by Cara and Alma who were carrying large baskets of freshly cut flowers and vines. The three women were dressed to the nines in new creations of their own, that they had been working on since the announcement of the wedding. Lady Gladys' dress was of dark green, in honour of the Goddess, and it had been created to enhance her favourite pieces of the family jewels. The earrings, bracelets, necklace, and tiara of gold were set with emeralds and diamonds, and had been a wedding gift to her grandmother from the folk.

‘My dear boy,' Lady Gladys took up Maelgwn's hands, standing back to view him. ‘Be he not the most handsome man in all Brittany?' she asked the girls who would have become rather coy at the question only months ago. Since their frequent association with Tory, however, Cara, the older and gamer of the two, was more than happy to step forward and voice her opinion.

‘Aye Lady Gladys, it be a sad day for the womenfolk of Gwynedd.'

‘Indeed,' Alma nodded in complete agreement.

It was seldom Maelgwn blushed, but feeling the heat rising in his face, he bowed to them. ‘Thou art too kind, ladies. And may I say that thou art all the very picture of the Goddess this day.'

‘Here, here.' Tiernan held up his goblet in agreement.

Lady Gladys beamed with pride as Maelgwn kissed her hand. ‘Well, enough chatter, it be high time we got thee crowned and out of here, so that these ladies can prepare the chamber for thy wedding this night.'

This brought a round of whistles from the men present, embarrassing the poor Prince yet again.

‘A definite advantage of wedlock,' Rhys commented with cheer, looking at Tiernan.

‘I cannot argue there, my friend,' the bachelor was pleased to admit.

 

Katren gazed into the mirror with disbelief; she didn't recognise herself. ‘Thy talents be truly endless. I never imagined I could appear thus.'

Although she seldom bothered with them herself, Tory carried a few cosmetics when she travelled and certainly knew how to use the array of colours to their best advantage. ‘My mother was vain to a fault, being in the public eye all the time,' she explained. ‘I'd learnt how to do a complete make-up by the time I was ten.'

The white dress of the maiden made Tory feel and look every bit the feminine Goddess. Its neck draped across her shoulders in soft folds, as was the Roman fashion. The silky fabric drew in tight to fit her tiny waist, dropping to a V-shape at her hips. The skirt then fell in gentle waves to the floor and to a long train. The sleeves were transparent and flared wide from the elbow, with the underside dropping by her side almost to the floor.

Tory's mass of long golden ringlets had been smoothed back tight to her crown. Combs, laced with tiny white flowers, held in place a shimmering veil, so sheer and delicate that it appeared almost as if it were not there at all.

As the bell of the south tower tolled to inform all of the King's crowning, Lady Gladys arrived to fetch the pair. She held out her hands, glowing with happiness as the girls approached her. ‘I swear thou art more breathtaking than even Sorcha. Thee and Maelgwn art a most handsome match, indeed,' she told Tory as they all linked hands. Her eyes turned to Katren. ‘And I foresee a double victory for us this day. We art counting on thee, child.'

‘Fear not, Lady Gladys,' Katren said with confidence. ‘I will not fail thee in this.'

Tory walked through the courtyard arm-in-arm with Lady Gladys, listening carefully to her last minute words of wisdom. The balmy aroma of her beautiful bouquet of white flowers, thankfully seemed to be calming her nerves.

Katren moved quickly ahead of them to meet Brockwell, who was the only member of the household who still remained outside the Great Hall. He was wearing a blindfold, having decided he wouldn't be able to resist the temptation to look upon Tory this day.

‘My dear Sir Brockwell, I was joking when I said thee would have to be blindfolded. It appears more like thou art going to an execution,' Katren said.

‘Be she here yet?' he asked, catching a most beautiful scent in the air.

‘Nay, I have been sent ahead to prepare thee,' she informed him, reaching up to untie the blindfold.

‘Nay, lady please. I shall surely fail.' He took hold of her hands to stop her, noticing how tiny they were in his own.

‘Trust me. I shall make it very easy for thee.'

When the cover was lifted from his eyes, Calin beheld the face of an angel gazing back at him and he returned her smile, completely enchanted.

‘I will be in front of thee all the way, so thou hast only to keep thy eyes fixed firmly on me,' Katren whispered.

Brockwell was still a little dazed by this vision and wondered how a maiden of such beauty could have escaped his attention this long. ‘That will not be difficult Katren, thou art the very image of beauty. How could even the Goddess compare?' He took up her hand and lightly kissed it.
Here be the one I shall have the Goddess train to my liking.

For once Katren was not overcome by his flattery, but rather amused by it. ‘Hast thou not discovered that the Goddess be in us all, Calin. I am sorry, I meant —'

‘Nay please, call me Calin.'

‘As thee wishes.' Katren's slip of the tongue had been quite purposeful. She turned to see Tory approaching. ‘Here she comes. Now remember, just concentrate on me and all will be well.'

‘Be that a promise, Katren?'

Though she was amused by his sultry tone, she chose not to comment and turned to face the doors before them.

Tory stopped beside Brockwell, placing her hand on top of his. ‘I truly thank thee for doing this, Calin, and my father thanks thee also.'

The huge doors of court parted wide and as Katren led them down the long aisle, Calin's eyes were glued to
her slender, shapely form. ‘It gives me the greatest of pleasure, I assure thee.'

The guests and members of the royal household stood for the exchange of vows. Selwyn was honoured to be playing harp alongside twenty-five visiting bards of prestige from all across Brittany. The holy men had come forth to raise song in celebration of this great occasion.

Maelgwn was entranced as he beheld his bride. The King felt a hand come to rest on his shoulder and Tiernan, his best man, whispered his mind, ‘I do believe that in this case, even I would wed in thy place.'

‘Not a chance.'

Just as Tory and Brockwell had almost reached Maelgwn, she brought him to a standstill and turned to face him. ‘Look at me, Sir Brockwell, Duke of Penmon.'

Taliesin, who was conducting the ceremony from an indiscernible pulpit in mid-air, nodded to Calin to comply.

Given his leave, Brockwell turned his eyes to Tory. Although she was more beautiful than he'd ever seen her, he was surprised to find that she no longer stirred in him the same desire that he'd felt for her only weeks before.

‘I release thee from the punishments of thy own design and declare that, if so desired, thee may compete on the morrow for the title of my champion.'

‘I thank thee, great lady. I have seen the error of my ways, which shall be much improved from this day forth,' Brockwell pledged solemnly as he bowed to her. ‘On behalf of thy father, allow me now to present thee
to thy King.' When Tory's hand was placed on Maelgwn's, the couple saw no one else. Taliesin led them through their vows, very similar in intent to those still made today. In place of rings, a ribbon was tied to Tory's right wrist and Maelgwn's left. These ribbons were then wrapped around and over their hands as they were joined in wedlock.

‘Those whom the Goddess hast joined, let no man put asunder.' Taliesin rested his hands on both their heads, serving Brockwell a look of caution. ‘For this union be the will of the Great Houses Don and Llyr.'

‘So be it!' the gathering responded with great merriment.

‘By the power invested in me, I pronounce thee husband and wife. Thee may kiss thy bride, Majesty.'

Maelgwn raised Tory's veil. As he leant down to kiss her, the gathering was thrown into riot, for this kiss marked the beginning of the four days of feasting, sport, music, conference and merrymaking.

The guests were guided into the banquet hall, while the wedding party remained present to witness the signing of the marriage document for the archives. Tory asked Taliesin to take a photo of the wedding party for her parents, a subtle hint to the bard in reminder of the matter they had yet to discuss in detail.

By the time the King and his bride joined the rest of their guests in the huge dining room, the feasting and music were well under way. Maelgwn and Tory took their places in the middle of the main table. Brockwell and Katren beside Tory, Lady Gladys and Tiernan to Maelgwn's other side. Their guests, in order of
precedence, were now allowed to approach the couple to congratulate and present them with gifts.

King Catulus was the first to address the newlyweds. The elderly warrior was obviously still reeling with exaltation for his young friend following the events he'd witnessed at the initiation. After expressing his honour and great delight in their invitation, he presented the couple with two large goblets of gold, set with rubies and intricately engraved with Celtic motifs.

This gift was to the great delight of the old King of Gwent Is Coed, Aurelius Caninus. He bestowed on the couple five whole barrels of the imported wine that he so cherished and for which he was famous. His daughter brought forth a decanter and filled Catulus' golden goblets with a sample for the recipients' approval. Maelgwn toasted his bride before entwining his arm in her own to drink. There were cheers from the court and all present did likewise with whoever of the opposite sex was closest.

When Vortipor came forward, the King rose to introduce his new and respected colleague to Tory. Maelgwn explained briefly how much assistance the Protector of Dyfed had been to him in his quest, thus speeding his return to her. Tory stood to express her gratitude, and their new ally took up her hand and kissed it.

‘The very least I could do for the Goddess. I understand thy king's sense of urgency to return to thee, for thou art truly the paragon he described.' Vortipor then turned back to Maelgwn. ‘I am an envious man indeed, Dragon.' He clicked his fingers and his squire
came forward bearing a gift in a long wooden box. ‘Such a jewel be well worth protecting, sir, and when thee mentioned that thee still wielded a sword of iron, I knew at once the perfect gift.' Vortipor opened the box and lifted a gleaming sword in its scabbard from the case. He then drew the sword to display it. ‘Welcome to the age of steel, my friend. After all, we can't have a legend wielding any less than the best now, can we?' He replaced the sword in its sheath and launched it in Maelgwn's direction. ‘Compliments of Rome,' he bowed in conclusion.