Part 4, The Isle of the Dead, pgs. 269-331 Summary

Queen Igraine demands to see Ceinwyn's brooch and makes Derfel promise to give it to her one day. Feeling sorry for the people of Ynys Trebes, she asks about several names and is unhappy that Derfel so hates Lancelot's dishonesty. They gossip about Sansum before he appears and they share an inside joke at his expense. Derfel resumes his tale.

Derfel gets into a legal dispute with Nabur, trying to care for his impoverished men. Arthur is amused; Guinevere is not. Derfel believes that Merlin has gone to rescue Nimue from the Isle of the Dead. Arthur gives him the title "Lord" before telling of the fight to come. Gold is running out to keep Aelle out of battle and Arthur must face Gorfyddyd after harvest. Guinevere takes Derfel...