Genoa, and Pontremoli, Italy A.D. 928
With both irritation and curiosity, King Hywel watched Bishop Rhydderch walk gingerly across and nearly fall off the plank to the quay. That the elderly bishop should be unsteady on his feet after so many hours of the voyage was understandable. The irritation arose from being given orders by a mere bishop and the curiosity because of the mysterious way. Why should he remain onboard with Bishop Arthwael while the prelate tottered ashore—to what purpose?
Hywel was soon to find out as desperate cries for help came from a dark alleyway facing the dock. Sea legs or not, the king bounded heedlessly across the plank and sprinted to where the distressed shouts of the bishop emerged. As he burst onto the scene, Hywel saw a ragged but muscular figure pinning t
