“In truth I had forgotten all about Arthur and our reason for coming to Benowyc in the first place.”

“Arthur!' I cried, but my voice was lost in the battle roar. The seething waters of the enemy host closed over the place where he had been.”

“We would follow Arthur to the very gates of Hell and beyond if he asked it. And that is the solitary truth.”

“All that winter's day and far into the night the kings twisted and squirmed, but Merlin held them in his iron grasp and would not let go. He became first a rock, and then a mountain in Arthur's defence. Arthur stood equally unmoved. No power on earth could have prevailed against them . . .”

“And the Wise Emrys said that Arthur would yet come again to lead his own.”

“He holds the sword!' shouted Merlin. 'And that has not changed. Whoever would be king must first take the sword from Arthur's hand. For I tell you truly, none among you will be king without it!”

“It was Arthur's welcome alone, I believe, which turned the tide of misery for Merlin.”