Heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped to make this book possible: to my husband for his unwavering support; to my children for being a brilliant source of inspiration and distraction; to my parents and parents-in-law for their kindness through the years. Special thanks also to Anwen Hooson, my agent and friend, for her encouragement and thoughtfulness, and to Alice Youell, who has helmed this book through to publication so skilfully. Thanks also to Richard Anthony, for sharing his military expertise, and Nadine Kaadan, for her cultural guidance. I am also grateful to Nest Llwyd Owen, for granting permission to use her father’s poem, and to Professor Peredur Lynch, for sharing his vast knowledge of Gerallt’s work. Last but by no means least, my thanks and appreciation to Doubleday, for making me feel so welcome.