“And his life.” Will was only fifteen, but he spoke with a gravity and intelligence that belied it. “Your brothers’ lives too are forfeit, even young Owain, if they fight against the crown. There will be no treaties this time, nor any Welsh rulers great or small left to challenge Edward. He will conquer Wales entire, and has sworn to leave no treasonous Welshmen alive.”

The blood had turned cold inside him as Will spoke. Strangely, he did not think of his brothers and their fate. It was the thought of Philip Walch and his sons, and what might happen to them, that brought a great despair into his heart. And others he remembered fondly – Madrun who brewed the mead, and Tuder who kept the hounds, and Father Ifor in his tiny village church.

They would be conquered entire. They would be ruled by Normans who despised them, thought them godless savages, and sought to stamp out all the ancient and most beloved Welsh ways.

“Aderinyth.” He had to stop and clear his throat of emotion. It was rare for him to speak the name of his homeland. “It lies so deep within Wales that there is hope it will be spared the worst.”

Will looked at him as though he could not believe he was so slow-witted. “And you are not deep within Wales, but here in the household of the king’s brother. Think you that you will be spared, Gruffydd ab Iorwerth?” He pronounced the name like it was the most damning detail of all – because it was. “You are here as surety for your father’s obedience, and he has joined a war against those who hold you.”

Gryff wanted to scoff at this concern, but could not quite manage it.

“Edward will not want me dead, Will. I am a pawn.” He pulled the new cord too tight on the lure and the seam in the leather was torn asunder. “I am meant to be used. He will use me, just as my father has used me.”

Will nodded. He had that look he got sometimes, brow furrowed, lips pulled tight as he put his mind to work. He was too clever for one so young.

“I dread the day he has more use for your death than your life.”

“Who? My father or my king?” Surely both could make good use of his death.

But Will disregarded this cynical query and said Gryff must increase his worth to the king. Advise the king’s commanders on how best to fight against the Welsh, he said, and Gryff agreed. Remind the king that Gryff had sworn fealty to the crown, Will suggested – so he did. He sent messages to his father and his brothers, telling them they must submit to Edward, that they were traitors, that he condemned their actions and was shamed by them – and Will did his best to ensure everyone at court knew of these messages and sentiments.