Having gathered enough food and drink to last for a few days, I hurry from the Elphin Inn and down the path through the village. Casting one final glance behind me, I blow a kiss in the direction of the healer's hostel.

"When I return, Baine, you will be mine," I whisper into the wind.

With stealthy step, I make my way to the stables, knowing that my young friend Torann waits for me there. He is the boy who helps with the cattle when his mangled leg is not hurting him too badly...or when he can tear himself away from the miller's daughter. I rap lightly on the doorpost and Torann pokes his head out, grinning from ear to ear.

"I have the horses ready, 'Daig!" he eagerly assures me. I put a finger to my lips in caution. Torann nods and disappears back into the stables, then returns leading out two good mounts.

"Good man!" Looking over the chosen horses, I realize with some foreboding that one of them is the Cean Fine's favorite but it is too late now. I take that one and Torann climbs onto the other. We depart as quietly as possible.

When we are a safe distance from anyone overhearing us, Torann starts chattering questions at me. "Where will we meet this chieftain, 'Daig? Tell me again why you want to kill him? Is it only because you want to wed the healer? Or do you hate him just as much because he is Niafer? Why didn't you kill him during the cattle raid then? And when will you be handfasted to Baine?"

I smile and begin to tell Torann the plan. He will carry a message to Inver Colpa and lure Dobhar to Mag Croimor where we will meet for the mighty war chief's final battle.