'Does it truly matter,' Dallben went on, 'which of you did what, since all shared the same goal and the same danger? Nothing we do is ever done entirely alone. There is a part of us in everyone else? you, of all people, should know that. From what I hear, you have been as impetuous as your friend Fflewddur; I have been told, among other things, of a night when you dove head first into a thornbush. And you have certainly felt as sorry for yourself as Gurgi; and, like Doli, striven for the impossible.'
'Yes,' admitted Taran, 'but that is not all that troubles me. I have dreamed often of Caer Dallben and I love it? and you and Coll? more than ever. I asked for nothing better than to be at home, and my heart rejoices. Yet it is a curious feeling. I have returned to the chamber I slept in and found it smaller than I remember. The fields are beautiful, yet not quite as I recalled them. And I am troubled, for I wonder now if I am to be a stranger in my own home.'
Dallben shook his head. 'No, that you shall never be. But it is not Caer Dallben which has grown smaller. You have grown bigger. That is the way of it.'
'And there is Eilonwy,' Taran said. 'What will become of her? Is it? is it possible you would let her stay with us?'
Dallben pursed his lips and toyed with the pages of
Taran sprang to his feet. 'I shall!'
He hurried from the chamber and ran to Hen Wen's enclosure. Eilonwy was still there, watching the oracular pig with interest.
'You're to stay!' Taran cried. 'I've asked Dallben!'
Eilonwy tossed her head. 'I suppose,' she said, 'it never occurred to you to ask me.'
'Yes? but I mean…' he stammered, 'I didn't think…'
'You usually don't,' Eilonwy sighed. 'No matter. Coll is straightening up a place for me.'
'Already?' cried Taran. 'How did he know? How did you know?'
'Humph!' said Eilonwy.
'Hwoinch!' said Hen Wen.
