The morning assembly began as the first grey light seeped through the canopy of hemlock and cedar, turning the darkness of the forest into something that barely qualified as dawn.
The lodge's great room had been arranged for a lavish pre-hunt meal, with trestle tables set in several rows, all angled so that everyone had a view of the high table at the head of the hall. Owain's table sat nearest the stone hearth where a fire crackled against the winter chill, and the stuffed head of a great boar gazed out over the assembled hunters.
Sir Gilander sat to Owain's right side, and Sir Garrik Maeril had taken the other seat of honor to his left. Captain Albyn had been seated at the far end of the table, close enough to the lord's circle to acknowledge his rising station but far enough removed to discourage conversation with the guests of honor.
There were too many people missing from Owain's table.
