Free The Legends by Robert E. Connolly

before, nor had any of her own druids or advisors. In fact, they laughed at the whole idea. Cathbad might be a powerful magician but she wondered if, perhaps, he was beginning to act the fool in his old age. After all, he was Conchubar’s father and Conchubar was ancient. Even if the old druid were able to deliver the children to the banks of the Boyne River before he was intercepted, his plan would certainly fail. Lugh would undoubtedly scoff at the whole idea or ignore him completely and Cathbad would have a long trip back. In that case the druid and his entourage would be an easy target for Fineen and her champions.
    Convinced that her goal of capturing Cúchulainn’s sons was in sight, Maeve sent the spy back to the Ulster stronghold with instructions that he notify Fineen as soon as he knew when the children would be moved. Maeve also sent a messenger to Fineen informing him of her instructions to the spy and ordering him to move on Cathbad’s entourage as soon as it left the protection of Emain Macha.

CHAPTER EIGHT
    In Conchubar’s stronghold, Cathbad had indeed decided that the first of May would be the day that Fergus and Ferdia would be offered to his grandfather. Beltaine had always been considered a day of good fortune and people throughout the Celtic world marked the occasion with festivals and celebrations.
    Cathbad was shrewd enough to know that the trip to the Boyne was a risk to the children’s safety, however remote that risk might seem. Since Beltaine was a holiday nearly everyone would be celebrating with family and friends and, perhaps, be less inclined to threaten the babies. With the excitement and confusion of the festival marking the beginning of summer, Cathbad thought it might be easier to slip away and complete his mission. Also, by not announcing the date for his departure to anyone, Cathbad might further reduce the risk because it would be more difficult for an enemy to plan an attack. Cathbad decided that there was no reason to expose the children to any risk, however slight, which could be easily avoided.
    In the weeks between Cathbad’s pronouncement and the first of May, Fergus and Ferdia grew stronger as those around them grew more despondent at their eventual departure. Mairéad and their other adoptive grandmothers were particularly sad but they never expressed their sorrow in the presence of the children. Knowing the children as they did, Fergus and Ferdia’s minders were confident that the boys would be well equipped to face whatever perils lie ahead and that gave the minders a measure of comfort.
    Celtic tradition required that all travelers be welcomed so even before the Beltaine festival began, the butchery, bakery, granary and kitchens in Conchubar’s stronghold were a beehive of activity. In more normal times the residents of Emain Macha would eat little more than bread, porridge and dairy products but these were not normal times. The influx of travelers meant that the celebration began several days early. Conchubar ordered that food be prepared and drink provided, as normally it would have been only for the great holiday itself.
    Great joints of meat were stewed in wood-lined holes which held water heated by hot stones. Game was cooked over open fires; oat and barely loaves were baked while wheaten ale and honey mead were served to visitors and residents alike. Each night the great hall was alive with the sounds of bards and musicians rendering honor to their long serving King as well as to Cúchulainn, their fallen champion. In addition, special songs and poems were written honoring Cúchulainn’s orphaned sons and wishing Fergus and Ferdia good fortune in the destinies that awaited them.
    Even as the celebrations began, preparations for Fergus and Ferdia’s departure were completed. At Cathbad’s prompting, Conchubar ordered that a collection of valuable treasures be gathered. Cathbad explained that it would not do for the sons of Ireland’s greatest hero to call on