‘That is no ordinary snake!’ he bellows. ‘No viper ever gave such a bite! That witch has hexed the thing.’

I drop to my knees beside him, taking my own blade from my hip and slicing into the already purple flesh around the wound. But Hywel is right in what he says. This is no common poison. Nesta has done something to make the snake more powerful, has worked some wicked magic, dark and strong. The matter makes sense to me now, for the snake was intended for my hand, was meant to sink its fangs into my flesh, and she knew she would need something more deadly than a lowly adder to take my life. Behind me I hear her lumbering through the tall grasses as she tries to flee. Let her try. The soldier will soon have hold of her, and she will be dragged back to the crannog for justice. My concern is for Hywel.

‘Lie still,’ I tell him, as he tries to rise.

‘I never in my life fought a battle lying down!’ he argues.

‘This once you must!’ I push him firmly back onto the grass. ‘Cease struggling, Hywel. The poison must not be made to flow more quickly through your body.’ I steady my mind. I need to summon my witch’s strength, to cast my own spell to counter that of Nesta, but there is no time. No time to prepare a potion to help him. No time to call upon the old gods to assist me. No time to undo what has been done. Even now an evil stench begins to pour forth from Hywel’s hand, and his skin is turning blackish-brown down the length of his arm.

‘The crone has done for me!’ he yells through teeth clenched tight.

‘No! Only give me time…’

‘There is none.’ He clutches at my arm. ‘Seren Arianaidd, this death was meant for you! The woman brought that cursed creature to send you from this world. Argh!’ He breaks off, his face twisted in pain. I start to recite an ancient prayer of protection, tripping over the words I know so well in my haste to help him, to do something to ease his suffering. ‘Beware!’ he growls. ‘She will not have come without her mistress sent her. The princess wants you dead, girl. Be ever on your guard.’

‘I will have you to protect me awhile yet, Hywel,’ I tell him, placing my hands over his heart, calling on the magic of the lake and the gentle presence of the Afanc herself to come to my aid and rid this poor, dear man of the vile substance that seeks to silence him.