December 1282. As Llywelyn ap Gruffudd approaches Buallt Castle, Edmund Mortimer watches the Welsh prince's movements from the cover of Cadwgan's Grove.
With his brother Roger, Edmund has positioned his men along the Wye, keeping their movements hidden from the Welsh army at Llysdinam. The roads and crossings are being watched, and the Mortimers have plans of their own for Llywelyn's arrival at Builth.
But the English lords are not entirely united. Edmund has little faith in John Giffard, the castle's commander, whose concern for his honour may interfere with the king's intentions.
Meanwhile, Ceri Cadwgan, a resourceful young girl fleeing her family's plans for her future, struggles to survive the December cold. Her knowledge of the local countryside may prove far more valuable than the food she has been stealing.
When her path crosses that of the Mortimers, an unexpected negotiation begins.
Cadwgan's Grove is Chapter Three of The Last Prince, a standalone historical novel by Elwyn Davies, set within Book of the Western Veil.
