But as he kicked the beasts to a gallop between ridge and river a horseman loomed, and our horses swerved and shied.

Cadal’s beast jumped forward under the spur. Iron rasped. A voice, vaguely familiar, said clearly: “Put up. Friend.”

The horses stamped and blew. I saw Cadal’s hand on the other’s rein. He sat quietly.

“Whose friend?”

“Ambrosius’.”

I said: “Wait, Cadal, it’s the greybeard. Your name, sir? And your business with me?”

He cleared his throat harshly. “Gorlois is my name, of Tintagel in Cornwall.”

I saw Cadal’s movement of surprise, and heard the bits jingle. He still had hold of the other’s rein, and the drawn dagger gleamed. The old warrior sat unmoving. There was no sound of following hoofs.

I said slowly: “Then, sir, I should rather ask you what your business was with Vortigern?”

“The same as yours, Merlin Ambrosius.” I saw his teeth gleam in his beard. “I came north to see for myself, and to send word back to him. The West has waited long enough, and the time will be ripe, come spring. But you came early. I could have saved myself the pains, it seems.”

“You came alone?”

He gave a short, hard laugh, like a dog barking. “To Vortigern? Hardly. My men will follow. But I had to catch you. I want news.” Then, harshly: “God’s grief, man, do you doubt me? I came alone to you.”

“No, sir. Let him go, Cadal. My lord, if you want to talk to me, you’ll have to do it on the move. We should go, and quickly.”

“Willingly.” We set the horses in motion. As they struck into a gallop I said over my shoulder: “You guessed when you saw the brooch?”

“Before that. You have a look of him, Merlin Ambrosius.” I heard him laugh again, deep in his throat. “And by God, there are times when you have a look of your devil-sire as well! Steady now, we’re nearly at the ford. It’ll be deep. They say wizards can’t cross water?”

I laughed. “I’m always sick at sea, but I can manage this.” The horses plunged across the ford unhindered, and took the next slope at a gallop. Then we were on the paved road, plain to see in the flying starlight, which leads straight across the high ground to the south.

We rode all night, with no pursuit. Three days later, in the early morning, Ambrosius came to land.

Book IV: THE RED DRAGON

Book IV

THE RED DRAGON

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER ONE

THE way the chronicles tell it, you would think it took Ambrosius two months to get himself crowned King and pacify Britain. In fact, it took more than two years.