Howel dismounted one of his men, and set me on the horse in his place, and then we rode to the camp at the landing place by the track which had led me hither, passing the head of the rift from which I had escaped, so that I saw its terrors in full daylight.  And they were even more awesome to me than as I hung on the brink with the depths unknown below me.  Then Howel told me how once a hunter had come suddenly on that gulf with his horse at full gallop, and had been forced to leap or court death by checking the steed.  He had cleared it in safety, but the terror of what he had done bided with him, so that he died in no long time; I could well believe it.

Then the princess told me many things of Govan, and among others that the poor folk held that when the Danes came and stole the bell from him he had been hidden from them in the rock wall of the chapel, which had gaped to take him in, closing on him and setting him free when danger was past.  Certainly there was a cleft in the rock wall of the chapel wall that had markings as of the ribs of a man in its sides, and was just the height and width for one to stand in, but Govan said nought to me about it when he told of the taking of the bell.  Danes also slew all these cattle whose bones I had passed among.

Then we came in sight of the camp, over which the red dragon banner of Wales floated, and Howel told me how it was that he had met us there with his guards.

“Men saw Thorgils’ ship from the lookout, and so I came here, for they said that she could not make Tenby on this tide and must needs come in here.  Nona has been for three months with her mother’s folk in Cornwall—­ay, she is half Cornish, and kin to Gerent and Owen.  I was married over there, at Isca, and Owen was at the wedding as my best man, though he is ten years younger than I. That is how he came to be the girl’s godfather, you see.  Now I wanted her back, for it is lonely at Pembroke without her, and I am apt to wax testy with folk if she is not near to keep things straight.  So I sent word by Thorgils six weeks ago that she was to come back, and he was to bring her.  I have had the men watching for the ship ever since.  Good it is to see her again, and she has brought good news also, with yourself.  I have a mind to keep you with us awhile, and let the Norseman take back word of your safety.”

But I said that, however pleasant this would be, it seemed plain that I must get back to Owen with all speed, to warn him of this trouble that was somewhat more than brewing.  It could not be thought that I would send word and yet never move to his side to help.

“If I might say what comes into my mind,” said the fair princess, “it seems almost better that none but Owen and yourself know that the plot is found out, while you guard against it.  The traitors will be less careful if they deem that nought is known.  Thorgils is somewhat talkative, you know.”

“That is right,” said Howel.  “I have a good counsellor here, Thane, as you see.  However, Thorgils will not sail today, for he has just put in, and I know that he was complaining of some sort of damage done, as the gale set a bit of a sea into the cove, and he had some ado to keep clear of the rocks for a time.  We will even ride to Pembroke, and I will send for Thorgils that he may speak with you.”