Igraine is stunned to learn that it was Ceinwyn who “turned your blood to smoke” (421). Under strong pressure, Derfel declines to say any more for now about Ceinwyn, or about the Cauldron, or many other aspects of the story. To himself, Derfel hopes that the tale of war will sustain her interest despite her many disappointments.

Galahad and Derfel leave Gorfyddyd’s hall as he issues a series of vicious taunts regarding Arthur and Guinevere, suggesting that he has slept with her on multiple occasions. They wonder what to tell Arthur about Mordred since Gorfyddyd did not threaten him directly, and Merlin insisted that Gorfyddyd was lying. As they debate, they receive word that Arthur will attack even though Tewdric plans to settle for peace. In Derfel’s estimation, Arthur made his “bravest decision” at his weakest moment, a sign of his greatness. In front of Gwent’s royalty, Arthur admits his fault in the present war and insists that he is fighting Gorfyddyd on his own in defense of Mordred. Arthur’s men immediately reaffirm their allegiance, and Arthur begins to plan a trap in which a small contingent will provoke Gorfyddyd’s main army into a vulnerable position where their own main force can attack on favorable ground, including a surprise cavalry attack to the rear.