Part 5, The Shield-wall, pgs. 365-397 Summary

Queen Igraine is elated to know that Derfel loves Ceinwyn, which explains his hatred for Lancelot. Igraine has always wondered what "scandal" had surrounded her husband's great aunt, but Derfel objects to the word. He is sorry he has included personal items for her to read, and defends Guinevere against Gorfyddyd's charge of being a whore. Derfel insists on not getting ahead of his story.

Galahad and Derfel observe the bloody human sacrifices for the reading of auguries. Derfel daydreams about Ceinwyn. Before they leave Caer Sws, Gorfyddyd suggest that he will spare everyone if Arthur surrenders to him. Cuneglas is embarrassed by his father's descriptions of what he will do to Arthur and lurid claims about Guinevere's past. Gorfyddyd accepts to become Mordred's new protector. Derfel sings dreamily on the way home. Galahad agrees...