The Traitor

Gawain, Val, Am and Rowanne are sent by King Arthur north of Hadrian's Wall to make a treaty with the Venicone tribe. Upon arriving, they find the tribes people unfriendly, and are strangely avoided by them. In a conversation between two tribesmen they hear one pronounce, "Death to the High One." They conclude that Arthur is in mortal danger. In disguise, the trio penetrates the barbarian camp, to learn first-hand whether Arthur's life is threatened.

Respected for their success in combat, Val, Am and Rowanne are welcomed into the Venicone tribe by Colm, the young leader. During a hunting expedition, an older warrior, Duglass, proves his great prowess by overpowering an elk. In spite of his bravery, Duglass is shunned by the tribes people. In private, Duglass tells Valiant how he was the former Venicone chief, and how Colm, with the sup! port of the warriors and a philosophy of "might makes right", overthrew him. Furthermore, Duglass confesses that Colm is supported by "The Dark Man", a strange hooded figure. Val now suspects that Colm plans to overthrow Arthur.

At the treaty meeting, Colm draws his knife on Arthur, but Duglass stops his attack, bringing an end to Coim's reign of fear. The Venicones pronounce their reverence for Duglass, and with their support he is reinstated as leader.

Prince Valiant, Arn, Rowanne, Merlin, King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, Sir Bryant, Sir Gawain, Lord Maldon, The Baron