I remember the face of the giant warrior who came flying out of the kitchen of Brigid's Bruidean. It was twisted with rage. I remember thinking that his sword was different from any I've ever seen, a magnificent weapon, likely far superior to mine. It was a shock to see this raging Pict charging at me, so much of a shock that I almost laughed at the little woman who came running behind him with her dagger out. And the plump old bruighaid was swinging that stick too! Three on one? I thought I might be able to hold them off for a little while. I yelled a warning to the others and then proceeded to do my best.

It wasn't anywhere near enough. Hadaig came howling and with a few blows of his axe he made quick work of the old man's shillelagh but then the bruighaid grabbed a meat hacker and doubled his fury when he saw Baine holding his daughter at swordpoint. Nion leaped into the fray, battling the dagger banshee. I didn't see Sean but his arrows would be for naught anyway in a close fight. He must be guarding the door.

Then, strangely, in all the crashing and screaming I distinctly heard the soft twang of the archer's bow. At the same time I felt one arm go senseless. It was all I could do to grip the handle of my sword! I saw the old man fall, arrow straight through his heart. The monstrous Pict growled and danced forward to deal me the death stab. All I could do was flail my numb arm and watch the blood pour out. All I could think was how I'll never see Briar again.

An arrow whizzed past my ear. Everything went red. My legs failed me.

Next thing I know, Hadaig is pouring mead down my throat. I'm by the water. Am I swimming? Yes, cool, cool water. Baine, beautiful Baine is here, tying red ribbons on my arm and singing songs about Lugh. We must all be in the summerlands. Everything is green. I smile at Baine and let Nion and Sean lift me into a little boat. I drift down the bloody river away from all the pain.

"It burns, it burns!" a voice protests. It sounds like my voice but hoarse and raw.

"Shut up, cry baby!" Was that Nion? He's alive? Dead? Am I...

There is a babble of fast talk. A strong arm slips around me, holding me up. With Nion on the other side, I can take a few more steps before I am slowly eased down onto a cot. My arm is on fire. I am too weak to make another sound.

"We've found a healer for you, lad," someone says quietly. I see her face peering down at me through a red mist. She's a pretty lass with dark hair and bright eyes. I try to speak. More mead goes down my throat. Then there is nothing but cool darkness.