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The Enchanter is the sixteenth chapter in The High King. Here we see events far from the main action and protagonists, and -- unusual for this series -- from a different character's point of view. Here, too, enchantments take center stage during a magical battle that culminates in a battle of wills.

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

At Caer Dallben, Hen Wen took cover in the cottage as a company of horsemen, led by King Pryderi, was turned back by Dallben's fiery defensive enchantments.

Celtic horsemen
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Pryderi, the last man standing, confronted the old enchanter in the cottage, revealing that Arawn Death-Lord had sent him to kill Dallben and acquire the ancient Book of Three. Pryderi further disclosed that Caer Dathyl had fallen. Dallben declared that the Book of Three would not serve evil, and that if he were killed, the flames visible outside the window would press in and devour the farm and his killer as well. Pryderi, realizing Arawn had ill-used him, threw down the black dagger with which Arawn had equipped him and seized the book; a lightning bolt sprang from the pages to immolate him and he died shrieking.

The High King
1. Homecomings | 2. The Letter Sticks | 3. The Prophecy | 4. King Smoit's Castle | 5. The Watcher | 6. A Clutch of Eggs | 7. The King of Mona | 8. The Messengers | 9. The Banner | 10. The Coming of Pryderi | 11. The Fortress | 12. The Red Fallows | 13. Darkness | 14. Daylight | 15. The River of Ice | 16. The Enchanter | 17. The Snowstorm | 18. Mount Dragon | 19. The Death-Lord | 20. The Gift | 21. Farewells
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