Summary

An hour before Christmas, Arthur was born. Merlin waited at Tintagel for word the boy was healthy enough to travel in the wintertime. After three days, Merlin and the party set out for his nurse’s house. The travel was difficult on everyone, especially Merlin and Branwen, the young girl posing as Arthur’s mother. But they never complained and they carried on. When they reached Uther’s cousin’s castle, Merlin let him know their castle was not the final destination; it was only a ruse. He told Hoen it was imperative Hoen keep the secret as long as possible, and Hoen agreed.

Once they reached their final destination, the group slept heavily. Moravik, the innkeeper’s wife and Merlin’s old nurse, was immediately smitten with Arthur. For the journey, Merlin had posed as a bard. When the other inn patrons saw...