"There is also his sister but she bares no more love for us than her brother does." Aoife pointed out with a sigh. "That said what choice do we have in the matter?" Aoife asked before she took a long slow drinking her tea. "Let me speak with Sean. If I can convince him to do this then we know he'll actually do it. Pretty sure the only one he hates more out of this group is Fintan. However I think we should also take Father Ó'Máille. Not only to remind Sean who saved him but also as away to prove that Sean was given sanctuary and not imprisoned." Aoife stated as she set her tea down.
Kass nods at the suggestion, "I agree that Sean Quinn would be tha' best witness. But we also aided in his escape and Sanctuary from tha' very same King of Boho. To utilize him in defendin' tha' claim to tha' fragment may well spark a war wit' Boho.
Is the fragment so important as to take such a drastic step Fintan? One way err another ah'm behind ya but tha' fact o' it should no be ignored. O course, such a war may take place regardless once it's discovered tha' Sean still lives".
"I am new to this whole issue, but could you not bring the Fili here to this Sean person? Or even to arrange for it all to happen on neutral ground at the border? I can't imagine that taking him into a hostile country is going to encourage him to do this for you"
"It is a good idea," Fintan answers the newcomer, "but what if the bard refuses? After all, he is loyal to Fermanagh... As for the shard: it is of the utmost importance. My brother thought s much, and he was wiser than any of us."
Fintan sighs, for a moment recalling his loss.
"Go speak to Sean and Father O'Maille," he asks them. "But before you go: you arrived with three boys. Who are they?"
"Muichertach MacLochain's sons." Aoife answered as she set her drink aside and leaned foreword. "I was going to speak to you about this in private but all here already know so I don't see the point in going elsewhere. On out way to see the King of Fermanagh we where attack at one of the Green Man's men. In exchange for our lives we are to look after those three boys." Aoife explained before she gave a small smile. "I think you'd like them Fintan. The second born reminds me of Braedon. I left them in Father Ó'Máille's care for the time being till we can find room for them." She finished with a shrug. "Though If we take the Father along with Sean they're going to need someone else to look after them... Padriac and his new bride maybe?" Aoife muttered a bit lost in thought.
"You exchanged your lives for those of all of our people. Their presence here can only bring tragedy," the Queen warns, not attempting at all to conceal her disdain for Aoife.
Fintan raises his hand, and his mother takes a step back. "I wouldn't trust Brigit Quinn to keep a secret unless it suits her. Bring the boys here, and let no one else know who they are."
"Kassidy O'Kennedy, I expect that you will continue to speak for Largay?" Once upon a time not long ago, Fintan would have insisted on going himself, for better or for worse. But not anymore...
He doesn't wait for an answer. "Go with haste. God be with you."
Thorun seems mostly checked out for most of the conversations, leaning back against the walls with half-closed wistful eyes. But anybody that watches closely can see his eyes flicking across to each person as they speak, and the quiet men behind them, waiting for somebody to say the wrong thing and violence to erupt. He does manage a faint sneer when the queen is so disdainful towards Aoife, but otherwise looks almost like a giant sleeping cat.
"No one but those here know where the boys are. So as long as you keep your mouth shut nothing will happen!" Aoife snapped back, "And should anything happen to those boys while I'm gone, not even God himself will keep you safe." Aoife stared down the queen, her hatred for the woman clear. "It is the fact you are Fintan's mother that I tolerate you any longer. My loyalty to your son and the fact I wouldn't wish for any child to lose a parent was the only reason I helped get you back after you where kidnapped." She stated as a matter of fact. "I don't fear you any more." Aoife said with a shake of her head.
She looked to Fintan and her whole mood changed. She smiled to him and nodded. "I shall bring them right to you while the others speak with Sean and the Father than."
With that she gave a bow and was gone. Returning to the church she called for the boys. "I have news for you all. I have to go to Boho, but in the mean time, you'll be taken care of by Fintan. King Coffey McGovern son. He does know who you are but don't worry. I'd trust him with my life." Aoife told them as she walked them back. "But, be careful around his mother the queen. In fact avoid her if you can... she isn't too happy about you being here." She warned them.
"Yeah, seems like a bit of a c-" Thorun bites off the word. Knows he should watch his tongue around royalty, likely to get him in trouble.
"I will".
Kass pulls Aoife aside after she speaks with the boys but before they approach Sean and Father O'Maille, "You may no fear the Queen but ye should. She is ruthless. Pushing her in such a manner is no good for any of us.
Speak to Fintan in private about curtailing her influence but do no challenge her in such a direct manner again lest she be the one who...
S+#%, do you think she was tha' party what hired the Green Man ta kill us? Who else knew our intended destination?"
The younger Ó Máille diverts his attention to Kassidy when expletives reach his ears.
"The queen wouldn't - surely - she wouldn't have us killed, would she?" The young priest's face shows little confidence in his own assertion.
"I wouldn't put it past her." Aoife said with a soft shake of her head. "She hates me enough to want me dead but... I never thought she'd put others, especially her own kin, in danger as well." She said as she crossed her arms. "Still, we don't know for sure so we cannot lay that at her feet." Aoife said.
However others could see the thought still lingering in Aoife's eyes. Finally she simply shrugged and said "Let's go talk to Sean."
For the moment, they set aside their doubts and concerns and step into the church. In God's house, they are met by Father O'Maille, who greets them all warmly – and his son in particular, of course. He leads them into his cramped quarters, and serves them hot pine tea, fresh bread and butter, and sweet honey.
"A gift from Amergin," he specifies. Then, he invites them to speak their minds...
"Thank you Father." Aoife said with a respectful nod. "We are having a bit of trouble with Boho, or so it would seem." She began as she settled back into her chair. "The others believe that Sean maybe able to help in this matter... tell me, how has he been since he came here?" Aoife asked actually seeming to care how the young man was doing.
"I believe that remaining hidden and isolated for these last few days has been difficult for him," Father O'Maille explains, sighing. "He has lost everything. His sister visits him often, but I am not sure that she entirely approves of his decision..."
"How could Sean help in Boho?" the old priest asks.
"Father, in order to solidify our case against Boho, we need a witness who bears no allegiance to either king. Sean and his sister are the only two possibilities we can think of. We're just not sure if either would take such a risk for us."
"Not to mention that his sister married Padriac and thus might be seen as holding her loyalties here, and on top of that Fintan does not trust her." Aoife stated as she locked her fingers together, resting the joined hands upon her lap. "Sean Quinn however was once loyal to the King of Boho, and was even set to be his champion before he ran. If he steps up and tells his story than we win." Aoife said with a slight shrug. "But I worry that if the King of Boho sees him he may try something as dishonorable as he already has shown himself to be. We would benefit greatly if you helped us convince Sean to do this and came with us to ensure he follows through on his word."
"Of course I will help as I can," the old man promises. "Sean is in the attic. His sister is with him. I will invite them both to join us."
With that, Father O'Maille steps out of the room, only to soon return with Sean and Brigitt. Sean seems a broken man, but his sister has a light in her eyes, which tells of her resilient spirit and keen mind.
"Father O'Maille says you may need my help?" Sean asks simply. His sister stands behind him, very curious to hear the request.
Aoife shifts in her seat a bit when the two enter. The young woman looks a bit saddened to see Sean in such a state. True the half-breed carried no love for the man, or really any respect and wanted to kill him once, she had never planned on this.
However the words from their talk with Fintan earlier rang in her ears. Brigitt look far better off than her brother and Aoife did not want her here. "Brigitt, would you be so kind as to go and gather Padraic as well? There is something I wanted to speak to him about too. Tis a great fortune that you happened to be here." Aoife requested with a smile.
The moment Aoife was sure Brigitt was gone she began to speak. "We wish to ask for you to travel with us back to Boho and speak with the Fili of King Mulroney. To tell him what you told us."
"You do not know your place, slave girl," Brigit chides Aoife. "If you wish to speak to my husband, you should make your way to our home yourself, and ask to speak to him in a manner that suits your status and his."
She turns to the others. "Anything you wish to say to my brother can be said in my presence. Isn't that so, Sean?"
Sean simply nods. "What do you want?"
Aoife seemed to ignore the comment that Brigitt made. "Allow me to state it differently then, you can remain but if you say one word I will remove you. You like to speak of my place but I've been given an order by Fintan, whom I serve, and he doesn't believe you trustworthy. Thus I don't either." She clarified. "Which means if you do anything to impede what we've been assigned to do I can escort you out of here." Aoife calmed stated. "And Padriac is an old friend, so I shall talk to him as I wish." Aoife half smiled before she crossed her arms and looked to Sean.
After a soft sigh and in a kinder voice than she had spoken to Brigitt in "We wish to ask for you to travel with us back to Boho and speak with the Fili of King Mulroney. To tell him what you told us." Aoife answered. "I know that is a very difficult thing to ask, but you wouldn't be going alone. We would be traveling alongside you and I had hoped Father Ó'Máille would come as well. As you have broken no laws the King of Boho cannot ask for you in exchange even more so since Father Ó'Máille has given you sanctuary. Though I fear that without Father Ó'Máille there the King will claim we lie." Aoife explained as she looked to Father Ó'Máille. "Would you be willing to speak on Sean's behalf should it be needed?"
"Allow me to teach you a lesson both in manners and Brehon Law: you have absolutely no rights here, whatever you may think. Isn't that right, Father O'Maille?"
She turns to the old priest who has no choice but to agree. "She is right. You are a slave, and it is only because you are loved and respected that you are given this much leeway. I am sorry, Aoife."
"Now, I will forgive your poor manners for the time being, and address your request," Brigit continues. "To be clear: you want my brother to walk into Boho, and no doubt, you yourself will guarantee his safety?"
Clearly, she speaks for her brother who simply stands there, listening.
"Very well. But there will be a price to pay: our lands."
"They now belong to the church. What was done cannot be undone," intercedes Father O'Maille.
"That is true," Brigit concedes. "But if Sean was ordained, then he could act as shepherd to his parish, could he not?"
"Yes," Father O'Maille answers simply, unsure as to how to proceed. He looks to his son for guidance...
"Father Ó'Máille, correct me if I'm wrong but a slave must follow the orders given by their master and their master's families no? Even if the order given would normally be out of place for the slave to do on their own?" Aoife asked the elder Ó'Máille.
Father O'Maille sighs. "To a point, Aoife. But while you may be doing Fintan's bidding, you cannot speak for him. I allow it because I have known you since you were a child, and because you are my son's dearest friend. But you are a slave, and even acting in Fintan's best interests, you have no rights. I am sorry."
Brigit smiles maliciously. "Perhaps you should ask the Queen her thoughts on the matter?
Finally, Sean intercedes. "That's enough. Please. My sister has given our terms. We will allow you to discuss them in private."
With that, Sean leads his sister out...
"In the end the point is moot. Even Fintan couldn't agree to this. Father ordaining Sean is only something you and yours could agree to." Aoife pointed out with a shrug. "Also does Sean even show any interest in the faith?" She asked. "Many already believe the faith corrupt, I'd hate to add to that." She muttered as she looked to Brother Ó'Máille. She was sure he knew what she spoke of. What the Green Man had said.
"Sean is neither learned or faithful," Father O'Maille agrees, "but there are far worse men in the clergy. In any case, this is matter that would need to be discussed with Thaddeus, the Bishop of Kilmore. He is a reformist, but the case could be made nonetheless. He is an old friend..."
The young priest stares at Brigit with a mixture of fear and disgust as she speaks. Despite this, he says nothing to Aoife's defense, only clenching his fists.
"I cannot, in good conscience, speak on Sean's behalf in this matter. I hold no ill will against the man, but as you've said, he does not appear to have any interest in such a role. To be a part of the clergy is a calling from God." Brother Ó Máille sighs and lifts a hand to cover his face. "I am Fintan's servant, but I am a servant of the Lord first. Possibly tainting his priesthood is not a sacrifice I can make."
He slumps into a nearby chair and looks to the heavens. He begins to pray. "Father, I want to do your will. Please show me how. I know you can work in Sean's heart if you choose. Is that your will? Should I proceed and trust that you will be glorified through Sean? Or am I blinded by politics and straying from your light?"
As he ends his prayer, Brother Ó Máille drops his face into his hands and falls silent.
"His will is ever unknown," the father comforts his son. "God speaks to you. You need only listen to your heart. As for Sean Quinn joining the clergy... I know that the path was always clear to you, but it is not so for most. I myself doubted when I was young and beginning my studies. Perhaps serving God and aiding Fintan are one and the same? Or perhaps there is another way?"
Aoife, sitting by and waiting to hear more of what Brother Ó'Máille might say, blinked a few times than slowly sat up. "Nial." She muttered as the thought came to her. Her head quickly turned to look at those who had gone to Boho with the bard. "A thought just occurred to me. Was Nial there when the Fili was questioning the King?" Aoife asked.
Kass sighs, "This is indeed a difficult place fer us ta' be in.
Yer Sanctuary once extended Father c'n be withdrawn.
We could trade Sean fer the Shard. Surely their lands would fall back inta tha' hands of Brigit but that'd just mean that they would end up being owned by Padriac. A loss fer tha' Church but an expansion o' power fer Largay.
We could threaten them so an see if'n their terms become more ehhh reasonable".
"I have granted sanctuary to Sean Quinn," Father O'Maille answers, shaking his head. "Once sanctuary is granted, it cannot be taken back. In good faith, I am responsible for Sean's well-being."
"Now it does seem you have a right pickle on your hands here. However, might I suggest that giving in to this Sean and Birgit need not be too much of a problem surely, although it may rankle. For if Father O'Máille deems that Sean would be suitable, then has he not spent more time with the lad than you? Secondly as a newly ordained priest, would he not need to be closely observed by the Bishop or a nominated mentor such as Father O'Máille? This would then stop any misuse of power that you might be worried about. If he doesn't meet the standards expected of the Bishop, then he can be moved elsewhere to a 'less difficult' parish or even to serve within a larger church organisation or monastery. Being that there are more of us than just you, Aoife, then surely we can negotiate them to the agreement that: Yes Sean can be ordained; yes their previous lands can be made his parish; but if he doesn't meet the Bishop's standards he will be moved elsewhere within the church. Otherwise we find this other person you mention and begin the haggling process again, for I do not think we want to steal or raid for this fragment, there is too high a price on failure for that."
"I don't believe that is how the church works but you'd have to ask Father Ó'Máille on that." Aoife said with a shrug. "I just despise Brigitt and wish to see her punished for setting the King of Boho upon my home." She clarified. "That said, the person I mentioned is Nial O'Fialain, the King of Boho's son." Aoife said with a small smirk. "Unlike his father, Nial can be reasoned with and if he wasn't there while the Fili was judging than he doesn't know what his father has done. I believe if we speak with him he just may help us." She explained. "Also do keep in mind that the Fili and King will not wait forever, if Nial wasn't there I will ask Fintan to give me permission to ride for Boho and speak with him."
"Perhaps Sean could find the light, but the bishop would need to consider the question and make a decision," Father O'Maille addresses Ruadhan's suggestion. "It is not for us – any of us – to negotiate these affairs of the church as ordination is no small thing."
"As for Nial," the old man continues, "I cannot claim to know his mind, but his being absent may suggest that he does not agree with his father's machinations? That said, he may be difficult to find, and more difficult still to convince to turn against his own kin..."
The young priest wears unreadable expression as he listens to
Ruadhán's suggestions. "Maybe you're right. I would prefer to find Nial, as Aoife suggested, but I'm not sure how long it will take us to find him."
"Then we may have to split up again." Aoife said as she stood. "I can have Fintan send me to Boho to speak with Nial. I cannot be the voice for him, but I take a message and if I happened to be spoken to by Nial well... it would be rude not to speak back." She said with a small grin. "Though I've no way of telling you if he agrees in time."
"I trust in your good judgement," Father O'Maille tells his son. "Attempt to find Nial if you prefer – how and where, I cannot advise. If you do not find him and if you so wish it, I will give Sean Quinn my word that I will meet with the bishop and advocate in his favour."
Kass shakes his head, "There's no way that ye should go alone Aoife. What happens if'n this time yer assaulted by those who'r not swayed from dastardly bandit deeds?"
"I don't know if Brigitt will take that as an agreement. She seems to think we will wave our hands and it will all be done." Aoife stated as she crossed her arms with a sigh. However when Kassidy objected she looked to him and offered a charming smirk, "I think I can handle bandits." Aoife said with a small chuckle. "I'm not so much a fool I wouldn't run if I was outnumbered and outmatched. That said, I don't think I'd say no to another trusted blade. Though how will it look it we show up without the one you where sent to get?" She asked. "After all the Fili knows you, but they don't know me."
Pushing himself upright from his place slouching at the back wall, Ruadhán pipes up.
" Well maybe I should volunteer myself then. Boho don't know me and so wouldn't be suspicious of why I am there. Also with two people, one of us can always bring a message back if needed. Father how long would likely be needed to ask the bishop and hopefully obtain his consent? If we know when we need to return to the Fili and we have a timeframe for asking the bishop, then Aoife or myself can return before then with an update on how we are getting on. It won't necessarily answer the questions, but it may allow you to make an informed decision. Finally, one last suggestion is this. If the Father doesn't need the rest of you for contacting the bishop, then perhaps you could look at camping within easy reach of Boho. It will be cold miserable I am sure, but the benefits I see are this. Firstly should we need to head somewhere to find Niall, then we can all travel together for safety and possibly for that extra persuasion. Secondly if something goes wrong, then Aoife and I have some backup to fall back to. Thirdly it offers the option to speed up any message, as we can run to get to you, knowing a fresh runner can then carry on.
And besides, Aoife almost trusts me now!" This last bit with his easy smile spreading across his face.
"It may take more than the day that the Fili has granted you for me to reach Cavan, get an audience with the bishop, and convince him to ordain Sean and grant him the parish of Belcoo," Father O'Maille responds, "but Sean trusts me and I believe that my word will suffice to convince him to cooperate. Truth be told, he has nothing to lose. And as far as getting there, Padraic could accompany me..."
"With regards to finding Nial," the old man continues, "given that he left in order to avoid the Fili's questions and that the Fili is still in Boho, wouldn't it be likely that Nial is not in Boho?"
"I thought about that but had some what disregarded it. I don't think Nial would travel too far from Boho. I mean last time he left Boho, to my knowledge at least, it didn't end well for him. I mean we did kidnap him." Aoife remember with a small sigh. "But more over I've no idea where else he would go."
The younger Ó Máille finally speaks after listening to his companions offer their opinions. "We don't have the time or information to find Nial." The brother stares intently at the floor as his shoulders fall in defeat. "Aoife, I don't doubt your capabilities, I doubt my convictions. We have seen incredible things, and worked so hard to get this far. I - We need to do this. For Fintan. For Braeden."
"... Braeden is gone..." The young woman said, her voice heavy with sadness. "Fintan wants that shard." Aoife continued as she crossed her arms. "Even with Sean they may not accept his story, or more likely he'll bite us in the ass." She pointed out with a shrug. "We've nothing to lose by me trying."
Thorun suddenly rouses to life. "Just let em try to bite us in the ass. Do it Aoife, f#@$ 'em."
Aoife gave a nod to Thorun before she looked to everyone else. "I'm going to ask Fintan to let me try and find Nial. If I cannot find him then I will let you all do what you see fit." She stated as she uncrossed her arms and stood. "I will return here by midday tomorrow if I haven't found him by then." With that she headed for the door but stopped short, she turned her head back to speak to them. "I will not ask you to come with me, but I would not turn away those who wish to help."
Swiftly now Aoife moved, she as working against time itself now. Making her way to Fintan she tried ran what she needed through her mind and just where Nial would actually go... maybe back where they had been hunting swans? How poetic would the tale be.
Aoife rushes to the king's hall. Making her way through the kitchen, she is halted by two slaves whom she has known since she was a child.
"You can't be here," the older woman warns. "You are no longer allowed into the hall. I am sorry."
"I don't know what you said, but the Queen was furious!" the younger girl explains.