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The Wolves is the twelfth chapter of The Book of Three. Here the protagonists are driven toward their goal by supernatural forces whose power can be unpredictable, as can the enchantments enacted by the heroine. Themes of loyalty and self-sacrifice are explored.

This page contains spoilers. If you do not wish to be spoiled, do not read further.

Plot[]

Pursued by the Cauldron-Born, Taran decided that he and Fflewddur Fflam should turn and fight the deathless warriors, in order to give Eilonwy and Gurgi a chance to escape and make their way to Caer Dathyl.

Eilonwy's Arrow

Taran protested, unheeded, as Eilonwy tried an enchantment -- a magic web that dropped down from a loosed arrow -- but it failed to form "into a big sticky rope" as Achren's might have done. As the Companions braced for the Cauldron warriors' onslaught, the deathless men suddenly turned and galloped away. Taran explained, as Gwydion had told him, that the Cauldron-Born could only stay a limited time from Annuvin. Taran expressed equal admiration for Eilonwy's spell and for her courage, but she grew cross with him for perceived slights. He resigned himself to her unpredictable nature.

HK ARMY YSTRAD

Next day, Gurgi's injured leg worsened, and Fflewddur counseled that they should cross the River Ystrad into the hills. In the valley, the companions recognized the gathered forces of the Horned King. Thankful to be ahead of the war host, the small band forded the Ystrad and moved into the foothills of the Eagle Mountains.

Wolf1

Gurgi, sickened by his injury, stopped eating even as wolves began to pursue the group. Taran decided to give Melyngar free rein and she soon disappeared with Gurgi. Suddenly, a wolf emerged and sprang at Taran.

The Book of Three
1. The Assistant Pig-Keeper | 2. The Mask of the King | 3. Gurgi | 4. The Gwythaints | 5. The Broken Sword | 6. Eilonwy | 7. The Trap | 8. The Barrow | 9. Fflewddur Fflam | 10. The Sword Dyrnwyn | 11. Flight Through the Hills | 12. The Wolves | 13. The Hidden Valley | 14. The Black Lake | 15. King Eiddileg | 16. Doli | 17. The Fledgling | 18. The Flame of Dyrnwyn | 19. The Secret | 20. Welcomes
Prydain bk1ch12
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