This lord of Somerset is a living antique, ancient beyond memory, who came out of retirement when his father, Gwynn, was banished from his throne. Cadwy is not a knight, having come to this throne before Aurelius Ambrosius established knighthood. When he needs vigorous action he summons his son, Melwas, a legendary warrior upon a green horse, famous for deeds. The king is almost never seen outside of his Castle of the Great Bridge, save for when he is hunting in one of his gloomy forests.
Ambrosius was content to leave this old land to itself. When Uther became king, he applied his warlord logic to everything, including a desire for the metals in Summerland. Neither Cadwy nor Melwas even tried to resist King Uther’s massive invasion. The Summerland army followed their ancient tactics and occupied the strong points, while bands of raiders dispersed. Uther besieged the strongholds, but his troops found the mines flooded, equipment broken, devoid of workers. The sieges failed quickly due to disease and raiders pillaged all Uther’s supplies, but the worst was the nightmares that plagued the invaders every night. Uther eventually contented himself with a formal alliance, leaving all of Cadwy’s rights and powers intact, and pressing only for token signs of submission. King Cadwy continues to sit in his shrouded land, leaving the rest of the realm to itself.