“Are there things I should know,” he asked,“about affairs in Gwynedd? The politics of the Church mustreckon with the politics of state, and I am ignorant about thingsWelsh. I need to know on what subjects to keep my mouth shut, andwhen to speak, and what it would be wise to say. All the more as Iam to go on to Bangor. What if the court should be there? I mayhave to account for myself to Owain’s officers. Even to Owainhimself!”

“True enough,” said Hugh, “for he usuallycontrives to know of every stranger who enters his territory.You’ll find him approachable enough if you do encounter him.For that matter, you may give him my greetings and compliments. AndCadfael has met him, twice at least. A large man, every way! Justsay no word of brothers! It may still be a sore point withhim.”

“Brothers have been the ruin of Welsh princedoms throughall ages,” Cadfael observed ruefully. “Welsh princesshould have only one son apiece. The father builds up a soundprincipality and a strong rule, and after his death his three orfour or five sons, in and out of wedlock, all demand by right equalshares, and the law says they should have them. Then one picks offanother, to enlarge his portion, and it would take more than law tostop the killing. I wonder, sometimes, what will happen whenOwain’s gone. He has sons already, and time enough before himto get more. Are they, I wonder, going to undo everythinghe’s done?”

“Please God,” said Hugh fervently,“Owain’s going may not be for thirty years or more.He’s barely past forty. I can deal with Owain, he keeps hisword and he keeps his balance. If Cadwaladr had been the elder andgot the dominance we should have had border war along this frontieryear in, year out.”

“This Cadwaladr is the brother it’s best not tomention?’ Mark asked. “What has he done that makes himanathema?”