The High Queen, Chapter 17 Summary

Everyone at Camelot is preparing for the Pentecost feast. In Gwenhwyfar's mind, she knows Pentecost also marks the Beltane fires, which celebrate the fertility of land by the people who farm it. She feels resentment over the fact that the day should symbolize such fertility, yet she does not bear any children to the king. This is something that preoccupies her so much that she even goes so far as asking Morgaine for a charm that will aid in her ability to conceive. Morgaine warns her about what she wishes but grants the queen this wish and promises to make something to give Gwenhwyfar later. Morgaine also tells Gwenhwyfar that Arthur has the ability to get her pregnant, since he already has a son elsewhere. However, Morgaine has sworn Gwenhwyfar to the strictest secrecy over it and...