Author: Alicia Brown

The companions journey laboriously through Annuvin, leading their horses over the treacherous rocky terrain, which only Llyan manages with ease. Doli’s pace begins to slow down, and soon he starts to stagger and can’t catch his breath. Turns out he’s not as immune to the …

In this “bottle episode” chapter, we’re whisked away to Caer Dallben, where Dallben is drowsing over the books on his table. At his feet, Hen Wen (who is allowed indoors, I guess?) starts whimpering, agitated by something that Dallben can’t hear at first. Dallben says …

The sudden light from Eilonwy’s bauble frightens the Huntsmen, and they fall back. Seeing their numbers, Taran realizes what a close call they’ve just had, but he’s mostly just overjoyed to know Eilonwy is still alive. Fflewddur wisely restrains him from going after her then …

Another POV shift! In this chapter we find out what happened to Eilonwy. Gurgi saved her life during the battle by dragging her away from the action, then found a cave for the two of them to spend the night in. The next day, as …

Taran and company try to catch up with the retreating Cauldron-Born, but make slow progress crossing the Hills of Bran-Galedd in the wintry weather. Knowing that the Cauldron-Born get stronger as they get closer to Annuvin, Taran grimly observes that “Unless we halt them, one …

The morning after the battle, Caer Dathyl is in ruins. In the hills to the east, where the surviving defenders have made a temporary camp, the companions find one another again. Taran, Eilonwy, Coll, Gurgi, Fflewddur, Llassar, Hevydd and Glew are all okay, but Llonio …

Taran responds to Pryderi’s words in his typical fashion – by jumping up and whipping out his sword. Others do the same. Pryderi’s lords surround him in a circle, swords drawn. Gwydion demands silence. The High King Math tells Pryderi it’s not funny to joke …

The companions finally arrive at Caer Dathyl, which is busy with war preparations. There are a few women there who have not been sent away for safety, but Eilonwy refuses to join in their spinning and weaving, or to put on a dress: “I’m comfortable …