Rhonabwy

Rhonabwy and his companions come to shelter in an old hall. The lodging is foul and their bed uncomfortable, so Rhonabwy moves to a yellow calf-skin spread on the floor. There sleep takes him. He dreams that he is travelling with Iddawc across the plain to the Severn, where a great host has gathered around Arthur. Rhonabwy asks who the riders are and learns their names from Iddawc. Arthur sits with a bishop and counsellors; messengers and warriors arrive, and the camp advances towards another meeting. Rhonabwy sees bright troops, shifting ranks, and the court’s concern for honour and order.

Arthur begins a game of chess with Owain. While they play, Owain’s ravens fight the emperor’s attendants. Several riders report the deaths and injuries, yet Arthur repeatedly tells Owain to forbid the birds and then urges him to continue the game. Owain answers by letting the conflict run. At last Arthur crushes the chess pieces, and Owain lowers his banner; the fighting ceases. The host gathers to consider a truce, and counsel is given about what should happen next. As the army turns towards the next movement, the noise jolts Rhonabwy awake. He is still on the yellow hide, having slept three nights and three days. The vision ends with Rhonabwy returned to the room where he began.