What happens in the reenactment

Iago ab Idwal - Teyrn (Ruler) of Gwynedd and Powys

Godfrey Haraldsson - Viking leader

Hara, Gorm and Gudrik - Norse-Irish traders and spies

Nest - Iago's wife

Nia - Queen Nest's lady-in-waiting

Afandreg - prophetess

Finn - Dublin weaponmaker

Aud - Finn's daughter

Rhodri - Iago's blacksmith

Iago ab Idwal and his wife Nest are being escorted around the court of Aberffraw. Three Norse-irish traders enter the village, with luxuries such as jewels and silks (they might even be slavers). Iago's teulu (household retainers) stop the traders from coming too close.

The traders claim to be from Olaf Cuaran's court in Dublin, drawn to the court of Aberffraw by tales of its wealth. All know of Iago's wealth and power, of his great victories over the sons of Hywel Dda, Ivarr of Limerick, and his treacherous brother Idwal whom he has imprisoned.

Nest, especially taken with the luxuries the traders possess, begs Idwal to allow them to stay. Idwal relents, and gives them leave to trade at his court, on condition that they do so in peace.

Iago ab Idwal visits Finn the Weaponsmith's stall to ask if the sword he ordered Finn to make is finished. Finn thanbks Iago for his generous patronage and assures Iago that the weapon is nearly ready, and that Finn never made a finer sword. A satisfied Iago leaves.

Aud, Finn's daughter, warns her father of the sin of pride. It was Finn's pride that had them driven out of Dublin, after he quarrelled with King Olaf. Finn tells his daughter to hold her tongue.

The Viking traders show off their wares. Nest, goaded on by her lady-in-waiting, Nia, chooses the most expensive luxuries, the finest jewels or the richest silks. An exasperated Iago agrees to pay the traders whatever they ask. The Viking leader offers the goods as a gift from their master, Olaf Cuaran.

Finn comes before Iago, and presents him with an expensive sword. Iago is clearly delighted, swearing that the sword is the finest in all Christendom, and that Finn is the finest swordsmith. Iago asks the royal smith Rhodri for his opinion. Rhodri can only glower and agree that it is indeed a very fine sword.

Rhodri accosts Finn. He tells the Dubliner that he, the King's blacksmith, had never given Finn permission to practice his trade in the King's court. Rhodri orders Finn to gather up his belongings and leave the cantref (administrative district). Aud is heartbroken - Finn's arrogance will drive them from every court in the land. Finn swears vengeance.

Finn accosts the traders. He tells them that he does not recognise them as Olaf Cuaran's men, but has until now held his tongue. The Viking leader admits that he serves Godfrey Haraldsson, brother of the King of the Isles. They are here to spy on Iago's court. Finn assures them that he has no intention of betraying them, but asks that they kill the King's smith, Rhodri, before they make their escape. They agree.

The three Vikings murder Rhodri and flee before the alarm is raised.

A worried Iago has the prophetess Afrandeg brought before him. He asks her what the death of his smith means. She falls into a fit, and speaks of a black-sailed fleet descending upon the island out of the north, as if upon raven's wing. Iago orders his teulu to prepare.

Soon battle will be joined ....