Free The Legends by Robert E. Connolly Page B

to separate twins, he also considered that if the children took different paths, the chances that at least one of them would survive would be increased. Summarily, two things were certain; the day had arrived for the children to be presented to their grandfather and he was not prepared to risk the life of Fergus who was obviously ill.
    Turning to Mairéad, he announced his decision. “Prepare Ferdia for the journey as planned and instruct Áine to attend to Fergus. He will not be travelling with his brother.”
    Although she was also disheartened at the separation of the twins, Mairéad quietly accepted to wisdom of the decision andshe watched as Áine removed Fergus from his crib. The little fellow seemed to look over at his brother, perhaps for the last time, and it seemed that a tear slid down from the corner of hiseye. Ferdia watched until his brother, wrapped in Áine’s arms, disappeared across the room.
    Hiding her own tears, Mairéad fussed over the remaining infant in an attempt to distract him from the fact that for the first time in his life, Fergus was not at his side. Ferdia was taken from his crib, bathed and dressed for the last time, at least among the people of the upper earth. Mairéad then passed the child among all of the women who had been entrusted with his care and for the last time the little fellow was showered with affection while sweet endearments were whispered into his ears. Ferdia apparently knew that something different was about to happen. His eyes seemed to reflect a slightly quizzical expression, particularly at the sight and sound of the women’s tears and weeping. In a short time, however, he seemed to accept whatever change was to transpire and the questioning look disappeared. After all present expressed their love and affection, Ferdia was adorned in the gold jewelry that had been crafted at Cathbad’s direction.
    With the preparations completed and farewells whispered, Conchubar himself took the child in his hands and kissed his forehead. “Godspeed my littlest knight,” he whispered as the eyes of even the most hardened fighter teared over.
    Conchubar then returned the child to Mairéad who tenderly placed Ferdia in his rock crib for the first time. The infant placed his hand on the cold stone looking around with interest at his new surroundings. Satisfied that everything was in proper order, Ferdia closed his eyes and slept. Mairéad adjusted the infant’s mattress and tucked a woolen blanket between the mattress and the stone. Satisfied that her charge was comfortable, she pulled the cover over the granite crib.
    The heavy crib was the placed on a litter for its journey to the fairy hill located not far from the hill of Knowth near the Boyne River. The weather remained fine if a bit chilly but as the morning progressed, gathering clouds made it quite clear that although the beginning of the long journey might be pleasant, the end would probably be a different story entirely.
    A procession was formed led by Cathbad the Druid adorned in his white robe trimmed in gold. In deference to the chill and coming storm, the robe was covered with an animal skin travelling poncho. Cathbad was followed by seven other druids and druidess of lesser status, similarly clad. Following the druids, seven of Conchubar’s handpicked champions led the litter bearing Ferdia as well as second litter carrying the remainder of the treasures that would accompany him to the land of the Tuatha De Danann. Following the litter, providing additional protection, were seven more champions. At the end of the procession were seven men and seven women, representatives of the people, who would witness whatever might transpire.
    First among these women was Mairéad. Cathbad gently suggested that perhaps the journey would be too much for the old woman and that, as she had so selflessly and loyally performed her duty, she should remain behind. It was clear in the face of the determined Mairéad, that there was no