The Black Cauldron (The Chronicles of Prydain) Read Free Page B

beyond Dark Gate, as I well remember. The entrance to the Hall is guarded, but there is a rear portal, heavily bolted. One man might open it to others if, like Doli, he could move unseen.”
    “I told you I wouldn’t like it,” Doli muttered to Taran. “This business of turning invisible! Gift? A curse! Look where it leads. Humph!” The dwarf snorted irritably but made no further protest.
    “It is a bold plan,” Gwydion said, “but with bold companions it can succeed. At Dark Gate, we shall divide into three bands. The first shall number Doli of the Fair Folk, Coll Son of Collfrewr, Fflewddur Fflam Son of Godo, and myself. With us will be six of King Morgant’s strongest and most valiant warriors. Doli, invisible, will enter first to draw the bolts and to tell us how Arawn’s guards are posted. Then we shall breach the portal and seize the cauldron.
    “At the same time, on my signal, the second band of King
Morgant and his horsemen will attack Dark Gate, seemingly in great strength, to sow confusion and to draw away as many of Arawn’s forces as possible.”
    King Morgant nodded and for the first time spoke. His voice, though ice-edged, was measured and courteous. “I rejoice that we at last decide to strike directly against Arawn. I myself would have undertaken to do so long before this, but I was bound to await the command of Lord Gwydion.
    “But now I say this,” continued Morgant. “While your plan is sound, the path you choose is not suitable for quick retreat should Arawn pursue you.”
    “There is no shorter way to Caer Dallben,” Gwydion answered, “and here is where the cauldron must be brought. We must accept the risk. However, if we are too sharply pressed, we shall take refuge at Caer Cadarn, stronghold of King Smoit. To this end, I ask King Smoit to stand ready with all his warriors near the Forest of Idris.”
    “What?” roared Smoit. “Keep me from Annuvin?” He struck the table with his fist. “Do you leave me sucking my thumbs? Let Morgant, that black-bearded, cold-blooded, slippery-scaled pike, play rear guard!”
    Morgant gave no sign of having heard Smoit’s outburst.
    Gwydion shook his head. “Our success depends on surprise and swift movement, not numbers. You, Smoit, must be our firm support should our plans go awry. Your task is no less important.
    “The third band will await us near Dark Gate, to guard our pack animals, secure our retreat, and to serve as the need demands; they will be Adaon Son of Taliesin, Taran of Caer Dallben, and Ellidyr Son of Pen-Llarcau.”
    Ellidyr’s voice rose quickly and angrily. “Why must I be held back? Am I no better than a pig-boy? He is untried, a green apple!”
    “Untried!” Taran shouted, springing to his feet. “I have stood against the Cauldron-Born with Gwydion himself. Have you been better tried, Prince Patchcloak?”
    Ellidyr’s hand flew to his sword. “I am a son of Pen-Llarcau and swallow no insults from …”
    “Silence!” commanded Gwydion. “In this venture the courage of an Assistant Pig-Keeper weighs as much as that of a prince. I warn you, Ellidyr, curb your temper or leave this council.
    “And you,” Gwydion added, turning to Taran, “you have repaid anger with a childish insult. I had thought better of you. Moreover, both of you shall obey Adaon in my absence.”
    Taran flushed and sat down. Ellidyr, too, took his place again, his face dark and brooding.
    “Let us end our meeting,” said Gwydion. “I shall speak with each of you later and at more length. Now I have matters to discuss with Coll. At dawn tomorrow be ready to ride for Annuvin.”
    As the company began leaving the chamber, Taran stepped beside Ellidyr and held out his hand. “In this task we must not be enemies.”
    “Speak for yourself,” Ellidyr answered. “I have no wish to serve with an insolent pig-boy. I am a king’s son. Whose son are you? So you have stood against the Cauldron-Born,” he scoffed. “And with Gwydion? You lost no