Brynach stands, holding up his hand in a gesture that aims to both steady his men and calm me. ‘Peace, Seren Arianaidd. All is well. My men were rightly at their ease, for there is no danger near.’

‘There is ever danger near.’

At this, Rhodri rolls his eyes. ‘Alas, I fear our venerable Seer, for all her gifts, has not the art of relaxation, my prince.’

Wenna smiles. ‘But brother, it is her role, to warn us of the darkening skies that herald the thunder, of the departing geese that foretell famine, of the sickening mouse that speaks surely of broad disaster.’ She keeps her words gentle, but the mockery is plain for all to hear. That I failed to help her conceive a child of her own is not a matter she will forgive. That I have since provided her husband with a daughter is more than sufficient cause for her to loathe me forever.

Nesta laughs loudly, even though her mouth is stuffed with bread. Siōn joins in, his boyish sniggering and red cheeks making him appear younger and sillier than ever.

Hywel bangs his tankard on the table. ‘Page! My vessel is empty, and the prophet has been offered neither seat nor refreshment. See to it!’

There is a deal of scurrying as a chair is brought and a boy hastens to fetch victuals for me. I shake my head.

‘I have no need of rest or food.’

The Prince is watching me closely. ‘We are, as ever, honored by your presence, Seer, but I wonder what it is that has brought you here?’ he asks, the formal way he is bound to receive me clearly causing him discomfort.

Rhodri gives a bark of laughter. ‘’ Tis not for the pleasure of our company then?’

The women find this remark amusing. Siōn, evidently still too green to hold his ale well, is emboldened by his parent’s lack of respect for me.

‘Oh, father, I know! She has come to dance for us! A merry jig and a cheery song to brighten our day!’ He laughs at his own cleverness, hiccupping as he does so.