The Dark Age

by Traci Harding

  As the teachers, champions, and representatives of Gwynedd, this elite group of masters would be the first to be awarded special privileges, like a weekend. With intensive training all week, these two days would be set aside to relax, practise, or study.

  There were other details to be finalised but on the whole, Maelgwn conceded that Tory could do a fine job of running his kingdom, all on her own. Yet as he embraced her, claiming she was the most miraculous woman he’d ever known, Tory had to wonder if he’d still think so on the morrow, when his men wanted his head for agreeing with her.

  In court the next day, Tory wore the gown of black, representing the Crone or wise woman of the Triple Goddess. With the same cut as the other two dresses, this one laced up the front from her hips to a sweetheart neckline, and the collar sat stiff about her shoulders, framing her face. Her hair had been bound up tight in a bun at the top of her head, and her make-up was dark and striking.

  Chiglas’ messenger had presented his case to the court, yet the King gained no further insight into either Chiglas’ or Cadogan’s true intent. For Chiglas to offer only Cadogan in exchange for Caradoc’s list of offences was laughable; surely Chiglas must realise that Maelgwn could never accept, and this made the new King uneasy.

  If Cadogan was lying about his imprisonment, he was very convincing. Still, Tory noticed he didn’t appear any worse for it, and she could hardly blame the man because he’d managed to come through his ordeal unscathed. To be sure, she didn’t know what to think. Her solemn glare of accusation failed to make him flinch from his story, and pretty soon even she began to question her doubts about him.

  In the end, the King decreed that Cadogan was by no means enough ransom to buy Caradoc’s freedom or pay for his grievous crimes against the kingdom of Gwynedd. He thanked Chiglas’ messenger for Cadogan’s safe return and bid him tell Chiglas that if he wished to make a more substantial offer, he would consider it. If not, come spring he would feed Caradoc to the dragon of Keridwen, as promised.

  This decision worried Tory greatly; if Cadogan was conspiring with Chiglas, this would be exactly what they wanted Maelgwn to do. Cadogan would be snowed in for the whole of the cold season at Aberffraw, and with Tory’s training about to commence, she didn’t like the idea one bit. She would wait, however, and discuss it with Maelgwn when they were alone and at liberty to speak their mind.

  As Tory refrained from commenting on the matter of Cadogan, Maelgwn wondered if perhaps she’d changed her mind in regard to his knight’s loyalties. Yet when she politely refused to begin her address to the court until Cadogan had left the room, the King realised their difference in opinion still remained.

  Following a heavy day in court and all the frivolity of the feast that followed, Tory and Maelgwn finally returned to the solace of their chamber for some well-earned time alone. Tory collapsed onto a chair exhausted, unwinding her hair from the tight knot on top of her head.

  ‘Thee spoke like a true Queen in court today. And I must say, the men accepted thy proposals more readily than I expected. Well done.’ He took a seat beside her, planting a kiss on her forehead.

  ‘Why thank you, kind sir.’ Tory conjured up a smile. ‘We shall see if they art still so agreeable when the laws come into force.’

  Selwyn knocked on the door before bounding into their room, appearing as if he’d just won a prize. ‘Forgive me for disturbing thee, but I have just heard of thy plans for me. Oh lady, could it be true?’

  Tory delighted in his excitement, holding out her hands to him as he approached. Selwyn grasped them and fell to his knees before her. ‘Aye Selwyn, if thee wishes it.’

  ‘Oh lady, I do, I do. And with all my heart, I thank thee.’ He kissed her hands repeatedly.

  ‘Enough.’ Maelgwn swiped his page across the back of the head.

  Selwyn apologised to his lord and turned back to Tory.

  ‘There be no need to thank me, Selwyn. Thou art the best one for the appointment, and I believe Taliesin will be well impressed with thee.’

  ‘I do hope so, lady. I shall do my very best to make thee proud.’

  Again, she was amused. ‘Selwyn, I am already proud of thee. Always remember that.’

  ‘Aye lady, I will.’

  ‘Go now.’ She smiled down on him, gently stroking aside a long strand of golden hair that fell across his face. ‘I believe the High Merlin awaits thee in the library.’

  Selwyn jumped to his feet, startled by the news. Then remembering his place, fell on one knee again to kiss her hand, then stood and ran backwards to the door. ‘I owe thee everything, lady. I cannot thank thee enough.’

  Maelgwn turned to Tory, ‘I wonder at times whose squire he be.’

  Selwyn knocked and entered again. ‘My greatest apologies, Majesty. I do thank thee also and bid thee a very goodnight.’ He left again before Maelgwn had a chance to respond.

  The King turned to Tory, a mite surprised by just how well she understood his subjects. ‘I think he likes the idea.’

  ‘I think thou art right.’ Tory was elated to have made the youth so happy.

  ‘Thou dost not think me right about Cadogan though?’ Maelgwn asked, though he seemed reluctant to bring up the subject.

  ‘If thee wishes to give thy knight the benefit of the doubt, I will accept thy judgement. I do realise there be no solid evidence against him.’

  ‘But?’

  Tory shrugged. She really didn’t want to discuss Cadogan now, when they finally had a few hours alone together.

  ‘Tory, I am thy husband, thus I hope thee will feel at ease to speak thy mind.’

  The tenderness in his voice both touched and infuriated her. ‘Must we pursue this now?’ Tory asked meekly, so as not to anger him.

  ‘Tory?’ Maelgwn was alarmed by her timid stance and reluctance to speak with him. He took up her hands and held them tightly. ‘I will not be angry with thee, I could not! Thou art my wife. I respect thy judgement and need to hear it. Please.’

  ‘Maelgwn, thou art most frustrating at times.’ Tory stood. ‘Thou art already well aware of how I feel about Cadogan, why push the issue?’

  ‘I had thought perhaps thee might have changed thy mind.’

  ‘I have not, nor will I ever.’

  ‘I see.’ He was displeased. ‘And what would thee now have me do with him?’

  Tory could feel her adrenalin rising and paused briefly to retain her composure. ‘I would send him to Degannwy for the cold season and away from thy training ground.’

  ‘But Aberffraw be Cadogan’s home, as well as it be my own.’

  ‘Not only that. I would have someone keep a close eye on him while he was there, in case he should seek out Caradoc.’

  Maelgwn stood, outraged. ‘Tory, thou art being unreasonable. Cadogan hast done naught wrong, and he’s been through a great ordeal. Now thee would have me send him from his home, for the whole duration of the autumn and burgeoning? Nay, I will not do as thee suggests.’

  ‘Be that what Caswallon told Sorcha when she warned him about Cadfer?’ Her retribution, so swift and to the point, stunned Maelgwn to silence, and he slowly sat down. Tory feared she had hurt him and rushed to kneel at his side, resting her head on his lap. ‘Maelgwn, forgive me. I had no right —’

  ‘Nay, thou hast every right. I had near forgotten myself.’

  Tory looked up at him to hear his resolve.

  ‘I shall do as the Goddess bids me. But if Cadogan remains at Degannwy without incident till spring, will thee accept this as proof of his loyalty?’

  ‘I would certainly reconsider the matter.’

  Maelgwn smiled at her as he stroked her hair. ‘Then it will be done.’

  The morning came too soon in Tory’s opinion. She felt the warmth of Maelgwn’s body leaving hers, and dreamt of the weekends that lay ahead when they might spend the whole day snuggled together. This morning, however, she would not be allowed to escape her duty. For today she was to be crowned Queen, and address the great leaders of Britain
.

  She hadn’t the slightest idea of what she was to say to them. Maelgwn had conveyed to her the words of Keridwen, so Tory could only presume that she had another cosmic episode to look forward to. So much for being well informed.

  When Sorcha had held control over her, she and the Queen had seemed to Tory as one. She felt what Sorcha did, she knew her mind, and she even recalled some of her memories. When Sorcha had addressed Sir Tiernan at the time of Caswallon’s death, Tory saw and felt things between the two that she was quite sure none of the kindred knew about. Tory couldn’t imagine how it would feel to have the entity known as the Triple Goddess inside her, so she was as nervous as hell.

  All the women of the household were fussing about her, fixing her dress and combing her hair. Tory was pleased that today was the last day of celebrations; the novelty of dressing up had worn thin.

  The tunic-style dress of green had a bodice and skirt the like of the others, but it squared at the neck and was sleeveless. A shirt of the palest green silk was worn under it, and the underside of the sleeves fell to the floor. Her hair was left to fall naturally, crowned by a wreath of ivy, pink roses and lily of the valley.

  ‘Tory, thou art as pretty as a nymph,’ Lady Gladys concluded. ‘Doth thou now feel prepared to face thy subjects?’

  Tory rolled her eyes at the question. ‘If we wait until I feel ready, Lady Gladys, Gwynedd may well remain without a Queen for Maelgwn’s entire reign.’

  Lady Gladys chuckled, taking Tory by the arm. ‘Thou art the fairest, strongest, and dare I say, wisest Queen this kingdom hast ever known. Thee shall do well.’

  In Tory’s mind, the processional walk to her crowning was far more gruelling than that of her wedding. Today she was not expected to be a blushing vision of sweetness, but a wise and fearless leader.

  Just who am I fooling, I can’t do this, she thought. What in hell’s name was I thinking when I agreed? I’m not even supposed to be here! Her stately air did not waver as she made her way up the long aisle. All alone, she felt every eye in the hall upon her, and this knowledge made her temperature rise to near boiling point. How could you do this to yourself, the voice in her mind scolded as she approached the stairs at the end of the aisle, where Maelgwn met her. His smile was a revelation. That’s how. Tory’s fear subsided, as she placed her hand on Maelgwn’s to accompany him up the stairs to the throne.

  Taliesin led Tory through her pledges, both to Gwynedd and the Goddess. Maelgwn then removed the garland of flowers from her head and took great pleasure in bestowing the crown of Gwynedd in its place. The silver counterpart to his own of pure gold had been worn by the queens of his kingdom for generations, and it fitted perfectly.

  As all present joined to hail the new Queen by kneeling before her, Tory marked how heavy the crown felt on her head and took hold of Maelgwn’s hand to squeeze it tight. Suddenly she had gained a greater understanding of what must have been for Maelgwn a lifelong plight.

  Tears rose in Tory’s eyes at the overwhelming scene before her, yet she held her head high and smiled for all to see. None, bar Taliesin, knew how deeply dismayed the young Queen really was. The High Merlin wasn’t at all worried about this, as Sorcha had been the same. The position would seem a little overwhelming at first, of course, but after witnessing how Tory had handled the men at court the day before, he held no doubt she would cope well enough.

  All was going according to plan for the High Merlin. The Prince had fallen in love with Tory and brought the British leaders of the land together for conference; now they entered an unknown future. The three of them, this very day, would change the course of history forever.

  King Maelgwn, his new Queen and Taliesin dined in Gwynedd’s court with the other noble personages of Britain. The room had been beautifully adorned with fresh flowers to honour the coming of the Goddess, a great feast had been laid out for their guests, and the sound of Selwyn’s harp echoed softly in the background.

  Over good mead and fine food, old King Caninus, King Catulus and Vortipor each expressed the great pleasure they’d savoured during the past few days. So much so that they were tempted to stay at Aberffraw for the whole of the cold season!

  Once the feast had been cleared away, Selwyn was excused, for it was time to get down to the business at hand. Tory sat in a throne at the end of the table. Maelgwn sat at the opposite end, which was too far away for her liking.

  ‘Art thou ready, Majesty?’ Taliesin stood up.

  ‘I am.’ Tory sounded confident, yet inside the butterflies almost made her sick.

  Taliesin laid his hands on Tory’s shoulders as he came to stand behind her, proud of how well she concealed her doubt from their guests. The High Merlin calmed her with his healing energies, and Tory’s eyes closed with the relief she suddenly felt. Taliesin took this opportunity to formally introduce himself to the representatives of Britain as he opened the proceedings:

  The Books of Bede do not lie,

  the chair of the guardian is here,

  and shall so continue in Europe till the judgement.

  The High Merlin’s eyes became glazed and his voice monotone. The leaders looked on with great anticipation, hanging on his every word.

  I am Taliesin, son of Keridwen,

  my charge be to protect her true descendancy.

  For all time I shall be here

  as prophet to Gwynedd and her allies.

  My knowledge is the wisdom of the Ancients.

  I foresee danger from afar,

  and devise strategies for protection.

  And I serve only the offspring,

  who uphold the way of the Goddess.

  Today I come before these men at Mon,

  seeking their esteem and blessing.

  An eternity I have endured this

  earthly existence,

  dwelling in the shadows with the elements.

  I alone bespeak the custom of our forefathers,

  as they have nominated me as one of the three

  great judges.

  Taliesin paused to take a deep breath. Tory did likewise. Next thing she knew, the room seemed to be throbbing in time with her heart. Her head felt heavy and, no longer able to support it, she let it drop forward.

  Bountiful Mother, fair as the dawn,

  wonder to the land of Britain,

  cast thy rainbow around this court,

  that we may drive back the attack against

  our land.

  Pray, great lady, show thyself

  so that on this day we may all be graced with thy wisdom.

  Taliesin gently lowered Tory’s semiconscious body so that she was slumped over the table. She groaned, appearing to be in a bit of discomfort.

  When the King rose concerned, the High Merlin sternly motioned to him to stay put, and they all waited breathlessly for Tory to rise.

  Tory’s body slowly sat up in the chair, and the four nobles knelt and humbled themselves as they beheld the fairy features of Keridwen and the angelic green glow of the Divine Mother.

  ‘Mother of God!’ King Caninus uttered aghast, as he strained his old bones to kneel for the first time in nearly twenty years. Although he didn’t recognise the Goddess by sight, something miraculous had happened to this woman’s face; her entire demeanour, bone structure, and eye colour had changed right before his eyes.

  ‘Greetings gentlemen, I thank thee for thy attendance and the new King of Gwynedd for his pains in calling this meeting in my name.’ The large, dark eyes of the Crone looked at Maelgwn. ‘My son’s expectations of thee have not fallen short of his boast. Thou art truly one of the Chosen and do serve thy forefathers proud.’ Again her voice resounded with the voices of all three aspects of her nature.

  ‘I live only to serve the Great Houses, my lady,’ Maelgwn replied, full of ardour.

  ‘And we art most gratified by thy devotion, Maelgwn. Please be seated, lords, as we have much to discuss. I should not tax this sweet child any longer than necessary.’

  The Go
ddess kept her address short and to the point. She outlined the problems that Chiglas and the raiders posed, and the future of the native Britons if they did not pool their resources to defend their lands. ‘These raiders art not as the Romans were. They do not seek to control my people, but to eradicate them completely! By the year two thousand and twenty, no trace will remain of our culture or our people. Our land stolen from beneath us, will wither and die with the exile of the folk. Forever barren, no life shall be able to sustain itself and Mother Earth shall be lost for eons.’

  This insight rang true with Maelgwn in particular, as this confirmed many things that Tory had told him of her time.

  ‘In this knowledge shall ye unite under one banner to defend the mother country?’ The Goddess cast her eyes over them.

  ‘Dumnonia merely awaits thy instruction lady, thy folk and ways shall be honoured henceforth throughout my kingdom. And I assure thee, King Maelgwn and Gwynedd have held and will continue to hold my allegiance for the duration of my lifetime,’ Catulus answered her. He felt a new man for his adventures. He cared not what the priests of Rome would say or those who followed them; anything that made him feel so alive was worthwhile in his mind.

  The Goddess nodded to Catulus, thankful for his support. She then shifted her gaze to Vortipor, who sat beside him.

  Vortipor slowly shook his head as he smiled. ‘I have been witness to many a strange occurrence in my time, but since the fateful day I met the good King of Gwynedd here, I have never known such wonder. I wish nothing more than to link our nations against thy foe, lady.’

  As the Goddess looked to Aurelius Caninus for his thoughts, Maelgwn and Vortipor silently prayed that the old King of Gwent Is Coed wouldn’t complicate the issue.

  The King’s eyes, still wide with wonder, suddenly lowered as the Goddess turned her attention to him. He was attempting to hide the tears of shame that welled in them. ‘Great lady, I fear I am an old misled fool and a great disappointment to thee. I do solemnly swear that I shall dedicate my every free moment in the short time I have left on this earth, to studying and honouring thy greatness. I beg thee forgive my ignorance, for I have truly known no better. I ask that thee accept my humble offer of service to aid thy cause.’