Morgaine is back in North Wales, bored and alone, missing Accolon, whom the Sight told her must gain Arthur’s trust. Morgaine creates a fine dinner for Uwaine, who will be returning from a campaign later in the evening. As the family waits for his arrival, Uriens asks her what she thinks of the oak grove. His priest, Father Eian, wants it razed to discourage pagan behavior. Morgaine convinces him to preserve it, but he tells her that the devout Avalloch may cut it down anyway when he takes the throne.

Uriens is helped to the dining hall, as he is still weak from a fever. To Morgaine’s surprise, Accolon returns with Uwaine. Uwaine tells them of his most recent military endeavor. He hopes that Morgaine can reduce the swelling of a scar on his face so that he might be handsome enough for Shana, a Cornish girl in Arthur’s court. Uwaine wants to marry Shana so that Cornwall and Tintagel will once again be in Morgaine’s hands. Uriens resolves to talk to Arthur about this the next time he sees him.

After the dinner ends, Accolon seeks Morgaine. She spends the night with him and realizes the depths of her feelings.