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Smoit
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Species
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Human
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Title
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King
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King Smoit was the ruler of Cantrev Cadiffor, a friend of Taran and lord of Caer Cadarn. He was a mighty warrior, a boisterous and courageous hero who served the Sons of Don during the events of The Black Cauldron and The High King. During the events of The Book of Three, Smoit was one of the few southern kings who stayed loyal to the House of Don, declining to rise in rebellion under the Horned King.
Physical Characteristics and Personality
Smoit was a huge, red-bearded man who loved to eat (his breakfasts lasted till midday), with a battle-scarred face and a wide girth. Of him, Fflewddur Fflam said that "you can always hear him before you see him" because of his near-constant, uproarious laughter. He enjoyed lightly mocking his comrades in a spirit of friendly rivalry, and once described Taran as a "skinned rabbit".
Smoit had a certain nobility of heart, accepting Taran's guidance during the events of Taran Wanderer and inviting the former Assistant Pig-Keeper to become his son and heir.
Biography
The Black Cauldron
Smoit attended Prince Gwydion's council in Caer Dallben, and was displeased with his role in the plan. He and his warriors were ordered to wait at Caer Cadarn for the others, should there be a need to retreat. After they branched off from the rest of the group, Smoit was not seen until the climactic battle against King Morgant and his men, in which the King of Cadiffor wielded "a naked sword in his fist" with "a shout of battle on his lips", and slew Morgant in hand-to-hand combat.
Taran Wanderer
Taran journeyed from the Marshes of Morva to Caer Cadarn, in hopes Smoit would restock him. However, Taran first had to reckon with Lord Goryon and Lord Gast, who were fighting over Cornillo the prize cow and her herds. On the way, in trying to ford a river, Smoit was thrown off his horse and tumbled down a waterfall; luckily he survived and was healed by Taran and the Companions. On reviving Smoit threatened to toss Goryon and Gast in his dungeons, but Taran suggested they help repair the farm of Aeddan, whose fields the lords' conflict had destroyed. Cornillo herself was also given to the farmer in recompense for his lost crops.
After the confrontation, Smoit restocked Taran and Gurgi, though not before offering Taran to become his 'son', to inherit Caer Cadarn when the time should come and to become its king. As attractive as this prospect seemed to Taran, he politely (and wistfully) declined.
The High King
Smoit was imprisoned in his empty larder when his fortress was overtaken by Magg. Once freed, Smoit gathered his armies and marched them to Caer Dathyl only to be besieged on the way by the forces of Annuvin.