Niall looks at them all, and hesitates before speaking: "My father will respect the rules of hospitality. I am sure of it. But... Your prisoners are your guarantee. If I were you, I would negotiate first, and then organize a safe exchange."
Nial's kinsmen stare at the prince with contempt. "O'Kennedy is right: the Pope and the English are coming, and we must stop fighting each other," he pleads.
"Padraic will stay behind with the prisoners," Fintan decides. "The rest of us will go to Boho. We must appear strong."
He turns to Aoife: "I must go. It wouldn't be right if I wasn't there, if I didn't accept the king's hospitality."
He mounts his warhorse promptly, and waits for his companions. They follow reluctantly. Padraic watches as Fintan, Aoife, Brother O'Maille, Kassidy, and Thorun ride away.
When they arrive in Boho, they are met by the entire village. Every single warrior of Boho is standing there, watching them with angry eyes, spear in hand. The king, with the Quinns behind him, steps up.
"Where is my son?" he roars.
Fintan looks to Brother O'Maille, expectantly.
The young priest's face shows no emotion.
"Where is our queen?" He replies in a monotone voice.
"Fair enough," King O'Fialain acquiesces.
"You are my guests," he speaks as he invites them all into his home. "Any man who does you harm will pay the price," he threatens, eyeing his own warriors sternly.
Fintan dismounts. Solemnly, he pulls away the heavy blankets that had been placed over the bodies of the men killed at the battle of Ross Lough. Wives, sons and daughters rush forth and, recognizing their husbands and fathers, they wail. It is a sad scene that reminds them all that war leaves no one unscathed.
"You have my thanks," the king continues sadly.
While boys handle the horses and an old priest cares for the dead, the king leads the heroes of Largay into his hall where the queen – Fintan's mother – waits. When she sees her son, she runs to him with tears in her eyes.
"I was treated fairly," she reassures him.
Slaves serve fair food and watered-down mead as negotiations begin...
"Speak your terms," King O'Fialain orders Brother O'Maille, having understood that the priest speaks for the McGovern.
Aoife was almost uncharacteristically quiet. When she did speak it was either simple or almost insultingly blunt.
The easiest think to notice was the death glare she was giving the Quinn siblings. Anyone in the room could read that look, and knew that if eyes where daggers the room would be coated in Quinn blood. While the others took a seat Aoife remained standing behind Fintan and Brother O'Maille. She couldn't care less about the Queen right now. Honeslty she had hoped the woman was dead, but only a small part had hoped that Because she knew if that was the case then Nial's life would have been forfeit. She actually believed Nial would be a good King, at least better than his father.
Leaning down next to the brother's ear she whispered.
With that she stood back up fully, arms crossed as she returned to her more intimdating posture. A fair difference from when Sean Quinn had last seen her, she'd been kinder then and had a kindness in her eyes no longer seen here.
Thorun rides in, the model of patient indifference. He knows that he will be focused on, both by the men as a threat and the women as the focus of their ire. But looks and talk mean nothing. He doesn't even give it the courtesy of a glance. At one point he leans over and presses a thumb to his nose, blowing out snot, relaxed as can be. Just don't say anything ya big lout. Set off the bloody lot of 'em.
Kass wonders about Fintan's motivations until they arrive at the village and then it all becomes clear.
At the village Kass remains quiet, he hates these people for what they did but in his own heart he knows that every man available must be ready to repel those who would threaten to enslave them all. What gains can there be if all are made to kneel to a foreign invader because the best have been left as fodder for flies and maggots?
"Thank you for your hospitality." Ó Máille speaks softly as might be expected from one in his line of work. "Our terms are simple. You return our queen and we return your son. Furthermore, we return the remaining warriors in our custody and we both cease clawing at each other's throats. There is a storm coming, your highness. We cannot hope to best it and each other."
"Your terms are more than fair," the gruff old king agrees.
"We demand reparations," Brigit Quinn speaks out. "Despite the peace between our kingdoms, Largay attacked us. Now, our father is dead and we are short twelve heads of cattle."
"You ambushed us!" Fintan exclaims.
"We were defending our lands!" Sean Quinn also raises his voice.
Fintan stands, his temper boiling. There is that old fire in his eyes, which Aoife and O'Maille recognize. Sean and Fintan stare at each other dangerously, ready to pounce.
"We are here as guests of King O'Fialain," the Queen of Largay intervenes. "Let us act accordingly."
She eyes her own son sternly, and he sits back down. Sean Quinn also calms himself.
"Brother O'Maille speaks fairly, and indeed it is time for our people to set aside this never-ending blood feud," the queen continues. "Reparations will be made," she assures Brigit. Then, she looks to Brigit's brother Sean: "I propose a mariage between our clans, to cement a new age of peace and prosperity."
Sean doesn't seem to quite guess the queen's intent, so the queen explains: "Your sister shall marry one of our freemen, and twelve heads of cattle shall be given to celebrate the union. You shall grant land rights on the shore of the Belcoo river, and so we will ensure that our people cease this senseless bloodshed."
"I will not be traded like a heifer!" Brigit cries out.
But before she can say another word, the King of Boho declares that the terms are acceptable. "Do you have a man in mind?" he asks the Queen of Largay.
"I do," she smiles. "Padraic Ó Cinnéide is one of our finest warriors, and a good friend of my son. He shall make an ideal husband."
"I assume that Padraic is outside of Boho, with O'Fialain's boy?" she asks Fintan. Astonished and admittedly overwhelmed, Fintan simply nods. The queen smiles sweetly.
"Then it is done. The wedding shall take place on the morrow, here in Boho," the King of Boho declares. He turns to the white-haired priest at his side, who promises to make the necessary preparations. Furious, Brigit storms out. Her brother runs after her. O'Fialain seems amused, as does the queen.
"Of course, I will expect my son to be present," O'Fialain says to Brother O'Maille, who speaks for the McGovern.
Ó Máille shoots an apologetic look to Aoife and Fintan before clearing his throat and responding to their host. "Well then, it's settled, I suppose. We shall take our leave and return tomorrow with your son, your men, and Padriac." He turns once again to his companions as if to ask for reassurance.
Fintan turns to his old friend, and whispers: "We must have the fragment."
Just then, Brother O'Maille notices the king's amulet, which holds a small, inch-long sliver of wood: the supposed fragment of the Spear of Lugh. If the artefact proves to be veritable...
For a moment, Brother O'Maille considers convincing Fintan to forget about the fragment. After all, it is likely nothing more than myth, and superstitions are the devil's work. But Fintan's look is one of stubborn resolution.
Ó Máille stares blankly at his companions as he racks his mind for the words to say. "I do have one request. The amulet you carry with you. Perhaps rather than pursue a marriage-" His voice fades into mumbling as he breaks eye contact with the king.
"I would also like to point out we didn't attack anyone, it was Sean's hand that ended your father while your father led us into the ambush" Aoife muttered with a sigh.
Outside of that however she said nothing more, though she felt bad for Padraic. Having to marry this foolish and vial woman who was the one that convinced the King to attack Largay.
She leaned back down between Fintan and the brother as she whispered "We should also ask for reparations for their attack upon Largay. All of our men who didn't leave with the King that where old enough to wield a blade are dead. Even with a marriage to the Quinn line it leaves us open to attack." She explained.
Fintan is ill-equipped to deal with the situation, and finds himself staring blankly at Brother O'Maille when Aoife whispers that reparations should be made for the attack on Tuaim.
The queen, however, is not so quiet. She was merely embarrassed by Brother O'Maille's suggestion that the mariage could be reconsidered; but she is outraged that Aoife would even dare to speak.
"She should not be here," she hisses, not even attempting to conceal her contempt.
"She fought to save your life!" Fintan protests, to no avail.
"She is a slave," the queen speaks plainly.
Kassidy shakes his head. These negotiations are going from bad to worse.
Aoife glared the Queen down before she knelt between Fintan and the Queen, keeping her voice in a hushed whisper that almost made it hard for the two of them to hear.
Aoife stood from her knelt spot and returned to her place between Fintan and the brother. Crossing her arms she looked to their hosts.
Kass leans over to Aoife, "The marriage cannot be re-negotiated but reparations may be. But, anger will not see a way through negotiations, Aoife".
"No, but it would sure as hell make me feel better, besides I wouldn't do anything that would make this more difficult for Fintan but, she doesn't know that." Aoife whispered to Kassidy. "Besides I'm sick on being treated like trash because she'd angry at the King."
Kass gives Aoife a frown, "I know and I am sorry for that. You are wise and brave and deserve better. Let us discuss these reparations with the King but with Brother Ó Máille as our mouth piece yes?"
"Note that I haven't said a word loud enough for them to hear. I've only spoken to the Brother and Fintan... well and more recently the Queen." Aoife pointed out with a small smirk on her lips.
The queen is quieted for perhaps the first time. Since Aoife was a child, she had suffered this woman's bile, and now at last she was subdued. For now.
"Please excuse me," she pretexts. "I am suddenly unwell." She excuses herself with some grace, and exits the hall.
"This is my clan's most prized possession," the king speaks while toying with his amulet, inviting his guests to speak.
Sense Motive
Kiss unaware of the significance remains quiet.
Aoife watched the Queen leave and had to fight back a smile. For years she been under that woman's boot always wondering why. She took a risk speaking what she did without being totally sure she was right, but the way the Queen reacted have her the final piece. Her assumptions about everything to do with her heritage where correct.
As the situation worsens, Ó Máille takes a moment to utter a heartfelt prayer. He wants nothing more than for the bloodshed to end and for God's love to be shown.
Ó Máille clears his throat before responding to the king "We greatly appreciate your willingness to negotiate and I humbly apologize for the disturbance I have caused. My concern is such. The most recent conflict between our peoples has left Largay defenseless. Save those present, not a single able-bodied man remains. We would, however, accept the amulet as a symbol of a new peace."
The king considers Brother O'Maille's words, which were spoken with heart and eloquence. It is a bold request, but one that has merit.
"You are right. Your people deserve reparations," he concedes. Then he has an idea, which makes him almost chuckle.
"You want the fragment?" he asks Fintan, who nods.
"Then you shall have to fight for it. Sean Quinn will be my champion," he decides.
"What say you?" the king asks with a pleased grin, addressing Fintan and his allies.
"Sean Quinn? Oh this is starting to get better." Aoife grinned some what maliciously. "I would gladly be out champion of you allow it." She said as she looked to Fintan as he had final say.
"Agreed," Fintan answers. He has yet to fully recover from the last battle, and Sean is a dangerous foe, but he intends to recover the fragment one way or another.
"You shall fight at sunrise," the king decides. "And the wedding shall take place when the sun is high. I will expect my son to be there. And the groom also, of course!"
Very pleased, the king raises his cup. "Let there be peace between our people tomorrow, and for years to come."
The festivities end soon after. It is a grim night as the people of Boho tend to the dead, and the heroes of Largay pray for God's favour. The queen dotes upon her son, and even goes so far as to propose that they should all simply leave in order to avoid the duel. But Fintan is steadfast in his resolve, and honour-bound to fight.
The morning is gray and wet. God is weeping. The villagers gather in a flat field outside the settlement. Children run around, happily oblivious, bothered neither by the rain or the circumstances. Fintan and his companions wait...
---
Kass approaches the time of the duel with trepidation, unsure of the protocol should Fintan lose and worse yet, should he die...
"Are you serious?!" Aoife asked as she crossed her arms. "Fintan you can't fight, you're not fully recovered for one, and you're the heir. Why didn't you name a champion?" She asked, and if the Queen tries to speak Aoife hold up her hand to her and says "Silence, I'm not talking to you." In a normal voice.
Either way she doesn't stop Fintan from fighting. Instead she does something unexpected, she goes to Brother Ó Máille. "Will, you help me pray?"
Come morning Aoife takes Nial and as soon as they get to the field she unbinds him. "Thank you for your advice." Aoife told him as she cut him free. "After meeting your father I have to say, I think you'll be a better King." Worry was still written upon her face however, and she wasn't hiding it well.
During the night, Aoife prays with Brother O'Maille. She rides out before dawn, and Padraic finds her on the great green plains West of Boho. She explains to him the situation, and together they return to Boho, along with their prisoners. Come morning, everyone is present on the field.
The king greets his son with sincere affection. They stand together opposite the warriors of Largay, waiting for Sean Quinn...
Thorun seems to be in great spirits this morning. "Ah a good old-fashioned duel! That's how this crap outta be straightened out."
As they arrive on the field, the reality of the situation hits Brother Ó Máille. "Wait, Fintan, you aren't going to fight yourself are you? The king chose a champion to fight in his stead. So should you, yes?"
"Yes he is. Fintan can be pigheaded like this." Aoife states as she crossed her arms "Should have named a champion." She hissed under her breath.
Though she shortly noticed Sean was yet to show. So she looked around for his sister, to see if she was among the group.
"Can he not do so now?" Ó Máille's tone is almost panicked.
Aoife sighs as she rubbed the side of her head. "No, if I'm correct one must be named before it starts. Unless a Freeman steps foreword for it. Though I could be wrong. I hope I'm wrong... try to tell him to choose a champion." She told the Brother.
Thorun pulls at his beard. "If your customs allow it, I'm happy to step in." The hulking man offers.
As Fintan's companions attempt to convince the young lord to choose a champion in his stead, they notice Brigit arriving... alone. Nial rushes to meet her, undoubtedly to ask her the whereabouts of her brother. She simply shakes her head.
Quickly understanding what has happened, King O'Fialain orders his men to organise a hunting party. The warriors of Boho gather promptly as their best trackers attempt to find Sean's footsteps, which proves very difficult in this weather.
"Find the coward!" the king shouts.
"He ran?!" Aoife asked before she began to laugh. "Oh God this is turning out to be a day..." She said before she moved to help track the craven down.
"King O'Fialain, just to sate my curiosity, what happens if they don't find him?" Aoife asked as she crossed her arms.
"Not a half bad tracker either." Thorun offers with a chuckle.
The king is absolutely furious, and embarrassed.
"We will find him, and when we do, he will know a fate worse than death," the old warrior vows. "A dozen heads to whomever tracks him down!"
Aoife grinned as she heard the King answer. "Okay Nial, you're right, I'm glad he honored rules of hospitality. I wouldn't want to be in Sean's shoes right now."
Kassidy is more than happy to accept such an award...
Ó Máille doesn't have a chance to try to change Fintan's mind. He sets about trying to assist Padriac in his tracking.
Thorun snorts and spits, then sets off on his own.
Aoife and Kassidy search for tracks, as do O'Maille and Padraic, but the rain makes the endeavour near impossible. Finding too many footprints near Sean's hut, Thorun decides to search further out, on the outskirts of the settlement.
He finds Sean's distinctive tracks South of Boho. He can't have gotten very far.
Thorun murmurs a curse and yells back. "Oi! Got a trail here!"
"Go with Thorun," Fintan asks Kassidy, Aoife, and O'Maille. "I will remain here with Padraic. I am not leaving until I have the fragment, and I want to make sure that Brigit doesn't also make a run for it."
"Bring him back alive if possible," he continues.