This Present Past by Traci Harding

Author:Traci Harding
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Voyager
Published: 2018-10-10T16:00:00+00:00

TIMEOUS TRAPS

‘Master Gwion, the King is here to see you.’

‘Wa—’ Gwion, face-down, stirred, drool escaping his mouth as he strained to open his eyes with no success. ‘Is it morning?’

‘Yes, Master.’

‘Goddess be merciful . . .’ He held his head, which was not responding to his will to be coherent. ‘No drink today,’ he decided. ‘Or any day . . . ever.’ He pushed himself upright, prising his bleary eyes open as a haze hung over his recall.

A wash bowl was held in front of him, and Gwion didn’t hesitate to splash water all over his face. A cloth replaced the bowl and he patted his face awake. ‘Did you say the King is here?’

‘In the atrium, Master.’ Iolo held a hand towards the exit door, which Gwion found most helpful, having yet to find his bearings.

‘Majesty.’ Gwion held his head as he bowed, shielding his eyes from the light.

‘My queen is in a state as she believes the Lady Tegid has cursed her.’ Owain was out with his concerns before Gwion had even managed to get upright.

Gwion rubbed his forehead, consulting his recollection. ‘That was not what happened, I—’

‘You can address your concerns to me directly.’ The Lady Tegid entered the atrium.

‘Oh, dear—’ Gwion was in no fit state to deal with this private reunion; head pounding, he bowed out.

‘Did you curse her?’ Owain faced Creirwy.

‘No, of course not, Ganhumara seems a lovely girl.’ The Lady walked to their breakfast laid out on a table by the pool and poured them all some water. ‘Your brother’s wife is quite another matter.’

Gwion made for the goblet and drank down the water in one swig, then poured himself another.

‘You cursed Meddyf?’ Owain sought clarification.

‘I did not curse anyone.’ She remained very warm and patient with the King. ‘I simply implied that I was not cursed by my family as they assumed. You know how touchy we are when referred to as monsters.’ The Lady Tegid delivered the goblet to the King.

Gwion suspected that his lady had actually been referring to Owain’s curses upon himself, but she seemed to be going to great pains not to mention what she had truly meant. On the day of the King’s wedding, such considerations would only cause more panic. The Lady had the power to end the day’s proceedings and all the King’s hopes for the future with a few well chosen words; Gwion greatly admired that she sought no such revenge.

‘About that.’ Owain accepted the goblet from his hostess. ‘Ganhumara is waiting in a carriage outside; she wishes to—’

‘Splendid,’ Creirwy cut him short. ‘Let her come forth; I have a gift for her. That will surely assure her that she is in our favour.’

Iolo was already at the gate to fetch the young bride, while the Lady Tegid sent Sain to fetch the small chest containing the item in question.

‘This is most unexpected.’ Owain appeared very curious about the box as it was placed upon a stone bench close by them – for it appeared very similar to the chest that the cloak of invisibility had been presented to him in.

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