Prologue, Book I, Chapters 1-4 Summary

In the Prologue, Brude, a simple and poor fisherman, is telling his wife Sula, about the rumor he has heard that Merlin the great magician is dead. This news shocks Sula more than most people of the distant land of Orkney, for she knows that Merlin is the enemy of her Queen Morgause, and therefore of the child sent to her by that queen. Brude and Sula are raising this child with the economic assistance and silent protection of the Queen. They learn not to ask questions, but learn also of the Queen's reputation as a witch and that her enemies are King Arthur and his Wizard Merlin. If Merlin is dead, they decide this is a good sign and perhaps they can allow Mordred to play with other children and have a normal life...