In Winter's Shadow by Gillian Bradshaw Page B

He said nothing, merely nodded, and we went out to the stable yards and saddled our horses and set to it. But damn his spear! On the very first attack, before I can get in one good blow, he jabs me under the arm and pushes me off my horse, so I am unfit to fight anyone for months. And, my lord, it is true that you distrust Gwalchmai, is it not?”
    “I trust Gwalchmai above my own shield hand,” Arthur replied evenly. “And Bedwyr I trust above my sword hand. You have given too much belief to idle rumors, Goronwy.” He took the cup away from the warrior, gently. “Listen, cousin. This quarrel within my Family grieves me as deeply as your wound does you. I wish you to end it.”
    Goronwy looked up at him, still blinking sleepily, his lower lip caught between his teeth. “But you would trust Gwalchmai, after all? To such a degree as that? He is a matricide!”
    “Cousin, that too is false. Think a moment, of the form in which you first heard the tale of the death of Queen Morgawse of the Islands. At first, were not all agreed that she died at the hand of Lord Agravain? And you have heard why. Think also of Gwalchmai. You have known him as many years as I have, and fought beside him from here to Caledon. Think how often he has saved us in battle, and how well he has served us on embassies, and how slow he is to quarrel with anyone, even the lowest servant. Can you truly believe that he is mad, and worse, treacherous? And can you believe that I would not know or act if it were so? Am I a fool, Goronwy?”
    Goronwy looked at me, suddenly, uneasily; then returned his eyes to Arthur with a look of bewilderment. Arthur leaned forward and caught his hand, clasping it. “Cousin,” he said, “again, you think of wild rumors. But think of what you yourself have done and seen, what you know. You know who and what I am, and you know Gwalchmai, and Bedwyr.”
    Goronwy continued to look at him in bewilderment.
    “Will you be reconciled with Lord Bedwyr?” Arthur asked, after a silence.
    “With Bedwyr? Yes, damn his spear. If he takes back the name of liar.”
    “He will do so. But you must not stir up your friends against him.”
    “If you desire it so, my lord, I will keep silent about this quarrel.”
    “I do so desire it. Excellent, my cousin. Sleep now.” Arthur set Goronwy’s hand down on the bed, where it clenched slowly and relaxed. My husband watched his warrior a moment, his face grim, then turned and left the room.
    The neighboring room was Gruffydd’s kitchen, also where he prepared his drugs. Arthur leaned wearily against the heavy table while Gruffydd closed the adjoining door, then asked, “And Bedwyr is unharmed?”
    “Entirely. It was he who brought Goronwy here. Nor is Goronwy hurt badly, besides the broken bone. He should mend quickly.”
    Arthur nodded, then, in a low voice, said, “He is not to see the lord Medraut. Prevent him any way that you can: tell Medraut that he is asleep, or is then too weak to see visitors. But allow Bedwyr to visit him.”
    “I will do that, lord. And I will keep Rhuawn away as well, and all the rest of Medraut’s faction, to give Goronwy a chance to regain his wits.” He met Arthur’s steady eyes for a long moment, then added, “It is what you wish, isn’t it, my lord?”
    Arthur nodded. “It is. But do not be obvious in the doing of it.”
    “Never fear. But I will work on him myself, and see if I can talk him out of his slanders.” As Arthur continued to fix him with his eyes, Gruffydd added defensively, “Gwalchmai is my friend, and it sits ill with me to hear him called a traitor by some golden weasel such as Medraut.”
    “The whole business is very ill, but Goronwy is a good man despite it. Whatever you say, do not begin any more quarrels! We can only hope that this will wear itself out with time, and that someone will challenge Gwalchmai directly.” After another moment, Gruffydd nodded, and Arthur sighed, rubbing his mouth. “Good, if you need anything