Part 3, The Return of Merlin, pgs. 187-241 Summary

Queen Igraine is full of questions about the stories just told. Derfel refuses to talk about the love of his life, other than to deny it is Nimue or Lunete, and thinks fondly Ceinwyn's brooch, which he has preserved. Igraine wants the romance of Camelot, but Derfel recalls gore and justice. He resumes his story in beautiful Amorica, "the Land across the Sea." These are the "bad years" when Britain is in chaos because of Arthur. Enemies surround him. Cadwy rebels against him. Tewdric blames Arthur but fights with him for his own protection, and both lose lands to invaders. Derfel earns the title Cadarn ("the mighty") and joins Arthur's horsemen and learns to appreciate Arthur's ability to outfox enemies. Derfel is promoted to captain and declines the supreme honor of...