Din-Gonwy, and Ynys Dryyll, North Wales 836 AD
Din-Gonwy, and Ynys Dryyll, North Wales 836 ADCadfael glared at the cackling old man revelling in his mortification. The snowy-haired trainer clapped his bony hands together in uncaring delight at the success of his early morning advice. Cadfael’s wooden practice sword had completed a spinning arc to land with a thud, dangerously close to the patriarch’s fragile foot. Alun’s clenched fist and jaw were the only outward signs of exultation because he didn’t wish to add to his blood brother’s humiliation.
The manoeuvre that launched Cadfael’s sword into the air was planned before his friend arrived at Iolyn’s yard. Alun’s grandsire had taken the opportunity to instruct the youth, underlining that it was the last gambit he could teach his grands
