After Riannon's rescue, everyone welcomed her and greeted her with warm smiles and sweet words as they are most relieved and grateful to see her safe and sound. And of course, the main leaders are from afar, observing the current proceedings from a certain balcony.
While watching her (Riannon's) actions, Ogam commented how more similar she is to an elf than a human- the second time someone commented that to her, but this time, she didn't heard it.
Episode 13: Brigantes
After their reunion, the group had a small meeting regarding their future plans and movements. They had acknowledged the fact that compared to Gaius' army, their forces are a bit weaker and their possibility of winning is not that great.
Therefore, it was suggested that they form an alliance. As it was revealed that most groups and factions are afraid of getting involved due to reasons of their own – more specifically they just don't want to have an encounter with the fearsome Imperial Army and break the peace they are currently enjoying, Morgan suggested that they form an alliance with the nearby tribe near Avalon city.
Thus, the Brigantes were introduced... And as they dig deeper into their lineage and history, it was revealed that these people were somehow related to the Gaels by blood.
Riannon was somehow affected by this discovery and she spent her time alone on a balcony, gazing at the stars to clear her mind and seek guidance from the Lord of the Stars. While she was contemplating her current situation, Arawn joined with her and there he told her about some insightful words including a tiny voice inside her heart.
This seemed to settle Riannon down for a bit and right there, she has decided to still kept on going...The next morning, the Gaels set out and started their journey to search for the said tribe in order to at least communicate with them. They reached the Forest of the Elves and were immediately surrounded by yet-to-be seen entities.
Sensing the presence of these men, the Gaels upped their guard and assumed defensive formation, drawing out their swords.
Arawn was the first to speak, confirming if they really are the Brigantes. Having no reply, Arthur demanded them to answer in a slightly forceful manner.
To their surprise, Talieshin appeared from the shadows. They had a lengthy conversation and during the course of that conversation, they had asked- or rather demanded to see the elder of the tribe. But Talieshin refused.
When they asked why, the bard told them that the elder has passed and no one has ever tried to replace him due to the so called “cursed prophecy” in which it is said that whomsoever take up the seat as the next elder of the tribe will suffer greatly and misfortune shall befall him.
Arthur told him that it shouldn't be so. Since an elder should always bear the responsibility no matter how great it is, since a tribe cannot truly exist without a leader. This surprised Talieshin.
Furthermore, an exchange of words caused both parties to heat up and to prevent a battle, Arawn suggested representatives from both sides. Due to this, Arthur and Talieshin must now face each other. However, when it was revealed that Talieshin has a dislocated shoulder, Arthur refused to fight saying it would be unfair.
Despite his protests however, Arawn dragged him to the center. To make things interesting, Arawn offered a bet, and offered his head should Arthur lose. This even doubled Arthur's doubt and reluctance to fight.
Not able to decide right away, Arthur asked for some time alone to think, which the men granted. While Arthur is away, Talieshin told Arawn about the legend about Pywll who had a companion dressed in black with him. The said man always accompanied Pwyll but on his last battle, though the elven king won, the man disappeared.
Talieshin asked Arawn where could that person be... Arawn replied “How would he know”. Before more words are spoken, Arthur emerged from the spot, and the duel started.
As the duel progresses, it is apparent that Arthur is losing. The top warrior of the Gaels is having difficulty fighting- with a handicapped no less. This led Talieshin to taunt him further and increasing his pace.
Once Arthur's sword slipped out of his hand, Arawn's assumption was proven correct and it was revealed that Arthur is intentionally losing to gain a fair fight. In an attempt to have his shoulder dislocated, he has lost his focus on the match, leading to his loss.
Once this was revealed, anger flared up within Talieshin, telling the warrior that he should pay with his life. The bard told him that he should not pity anyone and especially not when it battle.
Arthur replied that he did not meant to lose out of pity but out of fairness. Within the ranks of the Gaelic army, no one would want to fight a weakened foe and expect satisfaction out of that victory. Therefore, he is merely doing the “morally correct” thing to uphold the warrior's honor. Furthermore, Arthur continued that he had understood Talieshin's way of survival- the fight for his loved ones and his willingness to sacrifice himself just for the survival of those whom he loved.
However, Talieshin's anger has not faded, he was shaking, contemplating on what to do. Just then, the other tribe surrounded Arthur with a look of approval on their faces. This is enough for Talieshin and with a parting message, he led the others back to the jungle.
The Gaels did the same as they went for their home, fixing Arthur's shoulder and Arawn praising Arthur for an unpredictable yet wonderful achievement.
Meanwhile, Gaius has received news of this and is not happy that Talieshin is weighing his favor between the Empire and the Gaels. Though a moment of peace followed, the sky darkened to an inevitable fight.
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