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 …
Read MoreThe High King, Chapter 12 – The Red Fallows
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 …
Read MoreThe High King, Chapter 11 – The Fortress
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 …
Read MoreThe High King, Chapter 10 – The Coming of Pryderi
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 …
Read More
The High King, Chapter 9 – The Banner
Warning: There’s really not much to make light of in this chapter. It’s packed full of pretty serious stuff, which I’m afraid will be the case for most of the remaining chapters in the story. But, like Taran, I’m committed to pressing on, so here …
Read More
The High King, Chapter 8 – The Messengers
Yet another POV shift! This time we catch up with Kaw on his scouting mission. He stays focused as he journeys from Caer Dallben toward Annuvin, flying all day and only stopping to rest when the evening shadows grow too dark for him to search …
Read MoreThe High King, Chapter 7 – The King of Mona
Eilonwy rescues Taran, Gurgi, Gwydion, Coll and Smoit from their captivity in the larder. She hurriedly fills them in on the uses of the mushrooms, eggs and powder, and tells them “Fflewddur’s trapped in the courtyard. Everything’s gone wrong. Our plan has failed!” I’d say …
Read MoreThe High King, Chapter 6 – A Clutch of Eggs
Sure enough, this chapter picks up right where the last one left off (meaning we still haven’t shifted back to Taran’s POV). Gwystyl explains that each egg is filled with smoke that, when the shell is cracked, will come out “in considerable quantity.” He tells …
Read MoreThe High King, Chapter 5 – The Watcher
You. Guys. I am thunderstruck by the unprecedented liberty that Alexander takes in this chapter: He shifts the action to Fflewddur, Eilonwy, Rhun, and Glew as they leave Avren Harbor to rejoin the rest of the party. For the first time in the series, we …
Read MoreThe High King, Chapter 4 – King Smoit’s Castle
In the morning, the party splits up, with Rhun, Fflewddur, Glew, and Eilonwy detouring to the harbor: Rhun to let his shipmaster know of the change in plans, Fflewddur as a guide, Glew so Fflewddur can watch him, and Eilonwy because she’s left some things …
Read More