Book I, Chapters 8-9 Summary

In Chapter 8, the princes see that the ship in the harbor is a royal ship, bearing the standard of the High King, and they set about speculating as to the purpose of the visit. They conclude that King Arthur has sent for them to claim their inheritances and become Knights of the Round Table. The twins are eager to begin fighting. The news is that Merlin is truly dead and there has been an elaborate funeral. His replacement is Nimue, and she is reputed to have all his powers, all his memories, and the king's devotion. When the princes reach the castle, the queen is behind closed doors with the messenger for many hours. At last, the messenger leaves and the queen sends for her five sons. Morgause has set the stage for a dramatic revelation, and...