The Lord of Dynevor: A Tale of the Times of Edward the First

had been absent upon Edward's Crusade, and for many years she had remained in Castile with her grandmother-godmot

uited to her tender years; but nevertheless there was something in her bright vivacity and generous impetuosity which always wo

hen Joanna and Alphonso set their hearts upon a private escapade of their own, in the shape of a wolf hunt, it was not difficult to enlist many brave champions in the cause quite as eager

matter; but Joanna took counsel of the younger and more ardent spirits by whom she was surrounded, and a secret expedition to a neighbourin

fresh morning air, none would hinder their departure, and they could easily shake off their slower attendants when the time came, and

soberer custodians might either be dismissed or outridden. They were accustomed to the

Arthyn, and young Sir Godfrey and another gentleman in attendance, drew rein laughingly, after a breathless ride across a piece of wild moorland, at the appointed spot, where a small but w

re with whose names we have no concern. Britten, who accompanied the royal party, sprang forward with a cry of delight at seeing the muster, and

ces of the two brothers unknown as yet to them. They were almost surprised that the twins had come at all, as they were not disposed to be friendly towards the English amongst whom the

n nominal subjection would save them from being deprived of their lands, which would go to enrich the rapacious Meredith ap Res, then indeed did resistance at that time seem hopeless; and sooner than see themselves thus despoiled by one who was no better than a vassal of England, they had resolved to take the hated step, and do homage to Edward for their lands. Indeed, these brothers had to do even more; for, having been concerned in the late rebellion, they had forfeited their claim upon their propert

or as the party united forces and pushed onwards and upwards towards the wild ravine where the haunt of the wolf lay, the twin brothers heard themselves address

is court and sits in judgment upon those who by rights are free as air. I have heard of you before, Llewelyn and Howel ap Res Vychan. You are not

n age, and was very beautiful to look upon, with a clear, dark skin, large, bright eyes, now glowing with the enthusiasm so soon kindled in the breast of the chi

arce knew how to respond to this appeal; but the girl

ke me forget who I am nor whence I have come. Let us talk together of our country and of the slender hopes which yet remain that she may gird herself up and make common cause against the foe. Oh, would that I might live to see the day, e

e the confidences exchanged between the youthful patriots as they pursued their way upwards. Little they heeded the black looks cast upon them by Raoul Latimer, as he saw Arthyn's eager anima

ese lands in his lifetime, as he was a turbulent chieftain, by no means submissive to Edward's rule. If that were the case, and if his daughter had wedded a loyal Englishman of unquestionable fidelity, there would be an excellent cha

hmen, be they sons of Dynevor or no, so that when the party were forced by the character of the ground

, uncivilized loons? Surely those who can but speak the language of b

r all, her countrymen; but there was a better reason still for this sudden pause, for Llewelyn's strong right hand had flown out straight from the sho

readily, and in this case there had been provocation enough on both sides to warrant bloodshed. The youths were locked at once

nd Wales; and the suffering and the penalty almost invariably fell upon the latter. This fact was

between the combatants, and striking up their blades he cried in tones

gentlemen; I command y

or thus falling upon my father's guest in his absence

. For young Llewelyn, maddened and blinded by the heat of his passion, and not knowing either who Alphonso was or by what right he interposed betwixt him

mad youth, and held him back by main force. In Raoul's

Joanna sprang towards her brother and commenced binding up the gash, the lad never for a moment

im. He stood shamefaced and sullen, but secretly somewhat afraid; whilst Arthyn trembled in every limb,

to the ears of my father. This youth knew not what he did. The fault was mine for exposing myself thus hastily. As you value the goodwill in which I hold you all, keep th

e, and his brow gloomed darker than before. Arthyn saw it, and sprang towards A

led. "He insulted him -- he insulted me. No man worthy the name would stand still and listen. It is the way with these f

r hand with a gestur

d thy countrymen shall be as our honoured guests and brothers. Have we not learned to love them for thy

rds those whose position is trying and difficult. Thou wilt not win thy spurs if thou mendest not thy ways. Give thy hand now, b

the order given him, and grudgingly held out his hand. It was not with much greater alacrity that Llewelyn took it, for there was much stubborn sullenness in his disposition, and his passion, though q

phonso; "we have lost time enough already. Who knows the way to

day," muttered Raoul sullenly to Godfrey; but the latter gave h

y and repulsion she was perfectly unable to analyze. When the party moved on aga

n it? he will n

at her with a start,

e of what is in his head. Lady Gertrude, you know the king and his ways. Will he visit this rash deed upon my brother's head? Will Llewelyn su

s he has commanded. But I fear what Raoul may say and do. He is treacherous, selfish, de

had not the heart to do. "I fear the same thing myself. But tell me agai

in some sort of captivity; perchance he may not have his lands restored if this thing comes to the king's ears. But his person will be safe. Fear not fo

from his brow, and had so far succeeded that he looked himself again by the time a warning shout from those in

rave you never think of yourself; but do not let us have more bloodshed today, save the blood of the ravenous beast if it must be

, although he always wore her talisman about his neck, and sometimes looked at it with a smile. He had no serious thoughts of trying to mate with an English noble's daughter. He had had no leisure to spare for though

slot of the quarry. He looked intently at the tracks in the soft earth, and then pointed downwards in the direction of a deep g

ve her lair in yon dark spot, and they may be rearing their young in that safe retreat. See how the dogs strain and pant! They sme

excitement. Godfrey read his meaning, and suggested that the ladies should re

d and impetuous, wou

a number like ourselves. They will fly if they can, and if they are brought to bay we need not go

will not attack man save in self defence. If we track them silently to their lair, we may surprise and kill the brood; bu

mbers. Slowly and cautiously they all followed the track of the wolf downwards into the

most precipitately on three sides, only leaving one track by which the ravine could be entered. The stream came bubbling out from the rock, passing through some underground passage; and within the gloomy cavern thus produced the savage beasts had pl

m bows along the narrow track; and immediately a great he wolf had sprung out with a cry of almost human rage, and had

d him to remain by the side of the princess; and he kept a firm though respectful grasp upon Alphonso's arm, feeling that he must not by any means permit the heir of England to adventure himself into the fray. And indeed the boy's gashed hand hindered him from the use of his weapon, and he could only look on with the most intense interest whilst the conflict bet

n reach of the murderous fangs of the wolves. He occupied a position halfway between the spot upon which

as it seemed with terror; and as it came within reach of his weapon, the sharp blade gleamed in the air, and the little creature gave one yell and rolled over in its death agony. But that cry seemed to pierce the heart of the mot

he beast was upon him. She made a wild dash and fastened upon his back, her fangs crushing one shoulder and her hot breath seeming to scorch his cheek. With a wild yell of agony and terror Raoul t

fe into the neck of the wolf, causing her to relax her hold of her first foe and turn upon him. Had he stabbed her to the heart she might have inflicted worse injury upon Raoul in her mortal

!" he cried, and his brother

e from their crouching posture and looked each other in the e

" was the only comment of Raoul, as he joined the royal p