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Sir Jaradan, Sir Basil, Sir Tython, Sir Reginald and Sir Tyrone as well as the shield-maiden Bera travelled west to Estregales to negotiate a possible alliance with King Canan. Though the journey was intriguing and they met many colorful personas, including the Twin Bannerets of Glevum and King Nanteleod of Escavalon, their quest was ultimately unsuccessful. The King himself was murdered before his court, and although Sir Jaradan managed to prove the guilt of the true culprit, Sir Orcas the king's trusted steward, the country dissolved into civil war as his young son Sir Dirac attempted to establish dominance, but with many of the vassal kings and tribes using this moment to gain independence. Sir Reginald's silver tongue swayed some of the chieftains to support the young king, including the king of the Ystrad Twi a hilltribe known for their horsemanship and who had soundly bested the knights in a race, but this was not enough to secure the land. This unfortunately also led to Escavalon having to look to its western border and King Nanteleod being unable to send assistance to Uther.

Though dismayed by these news, the Earl's humor was still cheerful, for despite the dark times a second son was born to him, whom he named Blewydd after the great knight of Winterbourne Gunnet.

Meanwhile elsewhere in Britain, Malahaut was in turmoil and at civil war, as the Centurion King and the forces loyal to the Blacksnake fought for the throne. This meant that the mighty armies of that kingdom were unable to resist as King Octa and King Eosa marched through their lands south into Logres and ravaged the duchy of Lindsey. This still was not the worst news of the year, as everywhere in Logres crops were failing and both people and livestock were falling ill. The cause for this blight soon came known to all as whispers and rumors became known everywhere. King Uther was dying.