Afan of Caer y Bathau
Chronicle Entry
Recorded by Brother Wyn of Caermynach, Anno Domini 916
Residence: Caer y Bathau, hidden stronghold in the high valleys
Role: Warrior and guardian of sacred springs
Active: c. 587 BC
Afan was a warrior of Caer y Bathau who served as guardian of the sacred springs in the high valleys, c. 587 BC. Grey in his beard, he bore the scars of a man who had seen considerable combat.
The Record
Afan held authority among the Bauthiad, the people of Caer y Bathau. He was recorded as a man whose eyes weighed and measured, who asked questions before making judgments. His hands bore the scars of weapons work, and his bearing suggested long experience in matters requiring both force and discretion.
He understood the laws governing the sacred springs. When the healer Nest ferch Ifor was found near the source after attempting to drink from it three times, Afan led the warriors who took her into custody. He questioned her with care, establishing that she had fled from pursuit by warriors of both Powys and Brycheiniog. His interrogation revealed she possessed knowledge of y rhew, the cold peace between the two chiefdoms.
Afan made the decision to bring Nest to Caer y Bathau rather than execute her for approaching the springs. This judgment proved sound. The healer was taken into the community and later married a warrior named Deiwyn. Afan himself spoke the old words over bread and mead at their wedding ceremony, performed in the high meadow above the springs.
History
The encounter with Nest ferch Ifor occurred in 587 BC during a period when both Powys and the Silures of Brycheiniog sought her death. Afan commanded the warriors who found her collapsed near the source. Rain fell steadily, and she was too exhausted to flee when arrows were trained upon her.
His questions established the circumstances of her presence. Warriors from both chiefdoms had discovered she treated injured men from both sides and knew details that could destabilize the arrangement between them. She had escaped pursuit and reached the high valleys in desperation.
After consultation with another warrior from Caer y Bathau, Afan gave the order to escort her back to the hidden fort rather than leave her to die or execute her for trespass. The community accepted his judgment.
Three years after her arrival, Nest married Deiwyn. A year following that marriage, she bore a daughter named Arianwen. Afan stood in the doorway when the child was born and remarked that the wind knew, that Annwn knew. The meaning of this observation was not recorded.
Final Entry
Last recorded at Caer y Bathau in the year following the birth of Arianwen ferch Deiwyn, c. 583 BC. The nature of his service to the Bauthiad and the span of his life thereafter were not documented in records available to the church. Caer y Bathau remained hidden from church knowledge for many generations.
Category: Persons
Tags: Caer y Bathau, Guardians, Sacred Springs, Warriors
