Thorun hears the words and takes a peek at his new map, then grunts to the others. "Towards the west is Dromahair, home to the King of Breifne. Armagh is in Northern Airghialla, NE of Tuaim."
"As you say." Aoife said with a nod. "I did ask to go after all." She grinned as she crossed her arms and looked to Thorun and Kassidy. "When do you wish to leave?" She asked.
Thorun reaches back, touches his axe, checks his pack, then nods. "Ready when you are."
As the heroes discuss the journey ahead, Amergin approaches, followed by Padraic who is carrying five exquisite fur-lined cloaks. People gather as Amergin takes the stage: "These are the furs of the dire wolves that were felled by the heroes of Largay when they embarked on their God-given quest to save our lands and our people. Braeden McGovern was among the five who went, and called upon me to take his place in the pack; and so five returned."
Ceremoniously, he hands a cloak to each of the wolves: Fintan, Padraic, Aoife, and Brother O'Maille. He keeps the last cloak for himself.
"We mourn the loss of my brother," Fintan responds, "but we are blessed to have you among us, Amergin the Wise."
Padraic wears the cloak with great pride, and turns to his wife for approval. Brigit smiles.
Aoife took the cloak, running her fingers over the fur that lined them. It had been her idea to take the furs with plans of making Fintan and Braeden new winter cloaks. It was after this that he had told her in round about words, her lineage. "Thank you Amergin." Aoife said before she put the cloak on.
"I'm going to go make sure we have everything before we leave." Aoife muttered before she left the group, heading back to the kitchens to get food and such they may need.
"Amen", murmurs Kassidy after all, Braedan was his cousin even if he did not know him all that well.
Kass clears his throat and asks Padraic, "A moment of your time before I take my leave?"
---
I am thinking that perhaps the best way to go about gathering the information I seek is through confession with Father O’Maille. I won't reveal to him what the Queen said but I will reveal that I am torn and feel guilty for liking Aoife despite my Aunt who loves me so very much disliking her, insofar as I can tell, and THEN ask him if he knows why that is and perhaps can suggest a solution to my dilemma. Not sure who else I would really be able to trust with this, maybe Padraic, first I'll see what the Father has to say. Diplomacy
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"I have plenty of moments," Padraic answers with his usual lack of charm, inviting Kassidy to walk with him. Together, they make their way to the edge of the river, where Padraic is building a new home for himself and his wife.
1) If you can prove that the King of Boho agreed to the duel and to surrender the shard if he lost, then Brehon law is on your side: by running away, Sean Quinn basically forfeited, and so lost. However, the only witnesses are yourselves, and the people of Boho who may not be depended upon to be entirely honest.
2) In your book, you find a mention of the shard having once been the most prized possession of the McGovern clan – a gift from Brian Boru himself.
Before leaving, you have a conversation with Father O'Maille in which he explains to you that while none would dare say so openly, most people have guessed that Aoife is the King's bastard daughter born of a slave. What few know is that King loved Aoife's mother, and that the Queen was always jealous. Father O'Maille suggests that Aoife is a constant reminder of the Queen's unhappy union.
The young priest bows deeply to Amergin and dons the robe. He then turns to Fintan and nods. "I will accompany Thorun and Kassidy as well. Armagh is home to Bishop Amlaim Ua Muirethaig – a kinsmen of Murtagh MacLochlainn who was responsible for brokering the peace between the High king and the Ulaid; and also to Archbishop Gelasius, Primate of Ireland – a man who is said to be fair and just. Perhaps I can speak with them while Kassidy negotiates with the King."
Kassidy walks with Padraic some distance, "Padraic. Cara. Deartháir. I, would be remiss to tell you what my eyes have told me.
I was in another life, now ripped from me, to be a Priest. Much like Brother Ó Máille, an advisor and caretaker of the people. I know not what my future holds now but God tells me that if I feel the truth of something strongly enough I must share that truth the consequences be damned.
Brigit, you have begun to fall for her, I see it in your eyes and hear it in your voice. For you though, she has naught but contempt. Her affections the false words uttered by the Lianhan Sidhe. Stay married to her, yes. Have children with her, yes. But never trust that she will feel in her heart what you feel in yours.
I hope that this does not turn you against me for that is not what I wish but these words had to be uttered and none others I believe have seen what I have seen".
"I love her," Padraic admits without any shame. "She can be difficult, but she's a wonderful woman. Give her a chance?"
There is an uncharacteristic softness to his tone when he speaks of her, which foreshadows either great happiness in his future, or dramatic tragedy.
"Safe travels," Padraic bids Kassidy goodbye before getting back to work on his new home.
Since the ceremony in honour of Braedan, it has rained incessantly. Just as the omens had predicted, spring seems reluctant to arrive. The sky is grey, it is cold, and the mood in Tuaim is grim. While the last few days were a welcome respite, the massacre of the warriors of Tuaim still weighs heavily on the villagers who seem depressed and anxious.
These are the victims of war.
In this light, Brigit Quinn has been discreet, to say the least; and the very presence of Sean Quinn in Tuaim remains a well-kept secret. Sean has spent his days quietly in Father O'Maille's home, while the old priest tends to his flock.
Fintan has proven himself an apt and tireless leader. While he may lack the wits, he has the heart required to win the loyalty and love of the people. The Queen has stood proudly by him throughout, offering sound advice and strong support.
Fintan and the Queen see them off. Fintan wishes them all good luck. The Queen stands behind him, eyeing them all coldly. They mount their horses, and head South East, hugging the Southern bank of the Lower Lough Macnean. The peak of Cuilcagh stands to the South, and the Marble Arch Caves are nearby. This is where it all began...
"I love her," Padraic admits without any shame. "She can be difficult, but she's a wonderful woman. Give her a chance?"
There is an uncharacteristic softness to his tone when he speaks of her, which foreshadows either great happiness in his future, or dramatic tragedy.
"Safe travels," Padraic bids Kassidy goodbye before getting back to work on his new home.
Kass smiles and clasps Padraic on the shoulder, "Everyone can change, I just ask that you enter this marriage with your heart and your eyes wide open my friend.
I am sure with the legend of Thorun's axe none shall stand in our way! You be safe as well".
---
As they ride Kass pulls up next to Aoife "Tell me Lass, how did you ever get yourself mixed up in so much chaos as all of this and who taught you to fight so well!?"
"I was born into it." Aoife answered with a simple shrug "My mother was one of the King's slaves, she took care of Fintan and Braedan thus I grew up around them." She explained. "As for my fighting abilities well, Fintan actually taught me. He found me trying to copy his lessons late one night after all others had gone to sleep. After he finished laughing at my stance, he offered to train me in what he learned."
"I was born into it." Aoife answered with a simple shrug "My mother was one of the King's slaves, she took care of Fintan and Braedan thus I grew up around them." She explained. "As for my fighting abilities well, Fintan actually taught me. He found me trying to copy his lessons late one night after all others had gone to sleep. After he finished laughing at my stance, he offered to train me in what he learned."
"Ah, my father taught me ta' fight though I was ne'er a very good student, at least not wit' a blade. Then yer father was too busy ta' teach ya'?"
"I never knew who my father was growing up." Aoife told him honestly. "Though lately I do have a few... clues that I feel I was foolish for not catching onto before now." She said as she looked at the road before her. "Though even if I did know for sure who sired me, it would mean nothing if my father didn't claim me as his daughter."
"Kin that ai'nt ta declare can hardly be considered such, I suppose yer right.
So Fintan is like a brother to ya then I ken?
So he trusts wit' his life then as'n he brought ya ta watch 'is back. An now yer here ta watch mine. Fer that I'm thankful.
Still, the tension wit tha' Queen an all has ta rest weary on yer brow eh?"
The heroes opt to ride through the lands of Fermanagh in order to reach Armagh with haste. Having recently agreed upon peace between the kingdoms, they feel certain that O’Fialain will not so soon break his word – and if he does, they will meet his warriors with swords high.
After having hugged the shore of Lower Lough MacNean, they head South to cross the Cladagh river, and then travel North to find the Arney river, which they follow East across rugged hills towards Upper Lough Erne.
Soon, they realize that they are being watched by a single rider in the distance; but he is too far to pursue and quickly disappears beyond a hill. They continue their way, warily. Later, they notice the rider behind them, following them from afar. And then he disappears again…
Thorun scratches his arse and grumbles with a glance behind him. "I don't like that. Seems like a scout ta me. Want to leave a couple o' us behind to ambush him?"
Kass nods in agreement with Thorun, "Perhaps we can stop for a rest and create a figure out of items in the wilderness to make it seem as if four of us sit in conversation while the fourth attempts to engage this scout?"
Concern shows plainly on Ó Máille's face. "I hope this situation doesn't resort to violence, but I am wary of his presence."
Aoife sighed, she was tired of keeping up this game. If she was wrong and she told him then what would really come of it? No matter her claim she was a slave, only her father could change that. "I'm King Coffey McGovern bastard daughter." Aoife told him honestly. "She hates me because... I'm the embodiment of the fact her husband never loved her."
"An ambush to do what?" Aoife asked as she crossed her arms. "Either they're reporting to someone about where we are or we're being traced either way what would it honestly get us?"
"Keeping a scout off us?" Thorun says with a confused look. "People knowing where ya are means they can get an ambush ready for ya. I say me and Kass sneak off for a bit and double back to catch him."
"At the risk of sounding naive, who has motive to spy on us? In any case, I agree that approaching him should be a priority. Either Kassidy and Thorun, or perhaps myself if a diplomatic approach is preferable. As a man of God, I can hopefully mitigate any altercation."
Kass frowns, "So, is there nothing that your Brother can do about your station? He is King now after all, the King is dead, long live the new King and may he reign well and marry for love not title.
The friction between she and you. I understand it now but there must be something we can do about it no?"
---
"I agree with Thorun. Let us set up a camp with a fire to attract our new friend. Then double back".
Kass looks for a copse where the horses can be hidden so the rider cannot so easily identify the fact that only two and not four horses are present at "camp".
Seeing the decoys not working, Kass sighs and gives up.
As the two set off, Kass places his hand upon Thorun and prays, "For luck".
---
Thorun and Kassidy head out into the night, hoping to catch the pursuer off-guard.
Despite their best efforts, their pursuer remains elusive. Perhaps God is not with them, this night? Or perhaps their pursuer is too highly skilled? In any case, Kassidy and Thorun return none the wiser...
Kassidy curses the look of disgust on his apparent, "A wasted night it seems".
"The King isn't dead. He's just away at war." Aoife said as she shook her head, not even wanting to think about what her life would be like if her father died before she could speak to him about this. "And Fintan has done what he can. He spoke with his mother and told her not to treat me poorly any longer else he would leave and no return. The Queen may hate me greatly, but she loves her son more." Aoife pointed out.
"Short of the King claiming me as his daughter, some one buying me from the King and freeing me, no. I'm afraid there is little we can do right now."
--------------------------------
Aoife crossed her arms as they returned. "Hmm... if you are that worried about some one following then I might have an idea though, it is a bit on the risky side." She stated as she tossed a bit more into the fire. "One good thing about being a slave, few people notice you and those that do never really care about what you're doing." She pointed out. "Wait for tomorrow and I can break off to hunt, though it won't be food I hunt for."
It is a restlessness night as they wait until morning to get back on their way. They are being followed, their attempt to flush out their pursuer was a failure, and now they must once and for all leave the safety of Cavan.
Having followed the Arney river, they must now cross the River Erne; and having opted to head into Fermanagh rather than to take the detour South through Cavan, this means passing by Enniskillen.
Looking East to the rising sun, the heroes of Largay must now decide: cross the river at Enniskillen, travel through the inundated forests South of the settlement, or navigate the islands and peninsulas of the Upper Lough Erne?
And what about their mysterious pursuer? Why are they being spied upon? By whom? And more importantly, to what ends?
Aoife looks to her companions, ready to go hunting...
"Aoife, I know you're more than capable, but I don't think you should risk your life for this." Ó Máille's eyes display equal amounts of concern and determination.
---
"I agree with you Brother, even Thorun and I did not go alone. It's asking for trouble".
"Enniskillen is the home of King Mulroney of Fermanagh – the very king you are travelling to speak with in Armagh. As we travel to petition to him directly, it should be safer to cross the river at Enniskillen. After all, if we believed King Mulroney a foe, we'd not have come seeking redress from him..."
Thorun comes back with a grumpy frown. "Prolly outmaneuvered us, now he knows. Could just ignore him or could strait up march at him. Don't think you should go alone, he knows we're trying to pin him down now. Gonna be jumpy."
Aoife placed her hands upon her hips, giving each of them a small glare. "If you remember I wanted to leave him he to begin with! It would matter little that they know our path, and if they wanted to ambush us don't you think they've had more than enough time?" She asked. "Both you Thorun and you Kassidy failed. Since I know for sure Brother Ó Máille can't do any better than either of you, that means it falls to me unless you're both so content now with not know?" She continued with a raised eyebrow waiting for their answers.
Kass shrugs, "If'n you insist I'll no stop ya' I just disagree wit' doin it yerself".
Ó Máille shifts his weight nervously and reestablishes eye contact with Aoife. "It's just - I don't" The young priest pauses his stuttering and sighs before continuing. "You're right. This isn't worth the risk of losing you, or anyone else." Ó Máille looks away and quickly changes the subject, addressing the group. "Let's make our way to Enniskillen, then, yes?"
Aoife face softened before she stepped up and took Ó Máille's hand in hers. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you. You're right, we've lost enough friends... lets just... move on." She agreed before she gave his hand a squeeze before ensuring they where ready to go on to Enniskillen.
Keeping an eye on the horizon to see if they are still being pursued, the heroes decide to cross the River Erne at Enniskillen – undoubtedly the safest route, if not the most discreet.
They arrive upon a fair settlement that is being guarded by a few dozen warriors. Likely, as is the case in Largay, most of the able-bodied men have joined with the armies of the Rí Ruirech.
The warriors of Enniskillen greet the newcomers with reserve and suspicion. "Name yourselves," the leader among them commands. He is a gruff old man, likely left behind because he has more bark than bite.
"My name is Ó Máille." The young priest explains with a slight bow. "My friends and I are travelling to Armagh. We seek an audience with King Mulroney."
He does his best to make the cross he wears about his neck as visible as possible.
The old warrior drops his guard, as do the others. The young man's polite words, as well as his priestly office, make for a peaceful introduction.
"He's not here," the old man says with indifference. "What do you want from him?"
Thorun keeps quiet, arms folded as he examines the warriors. That one's eyeing me, but he's all looks. The short fella with the spear, he'll go right for my knee if I don't shove him out... He lets the diplomacy take place as he and the other warriors contemplate the most effective means of killing each other if this goes south.
"We seek his aid and guidance in a dispute between our people and the King of Boho. Would you grant us safe passage?"