The Book of Three

Taran wakes in a pleasant chamber. His arm throbs. Beside him lies Hen Wen, who rises and greets him warmly. Eilonwy, sitting nearby, announces that she’s grateful he’s finally awake, as the waiting was dreadfully boring. She says the Horned King burned up and broke apart. His army also broke up and most of the soldiers ran away. The warriors of the Sons of Don routed the rest. 

Fflewddur, Gurgi, and Doli enter and describe their battle with the ambush squad. They fought bravely, escaped, and hurried to Caer Dathyl. Taran thanks them. Eilonwy shoos them out.

One more guest appears: It’s Gwydion, dressed in a magnificent princely outfit. Hanging from his side is Dyrnwyn. He says Eilonwy was right to warn Taran away from the sword, which was thought to be a legend until she found it. When she took it from the Spiral Castle, this caused the castle to collapse. Gwydion draws the sword: It shines brightly. He sheathes it again. It’s truly his to wield.

He explains that Achren took him from the Spiral Castle to the keep of Oeth-Anoeth in the Annuvin hinterlands.