Irritated by all of the politicking going on around me and Cearas' enigmatic answers to all of my questions, the alcohol takes control and my inhibitions are released.

I stand, grabbing a drink from Katlyne when she passes by again. I stand on the table where Cearas and I sit and begin to speak at the top of my lungs.

"I am Cathal, Cumhaill by name and blood. Who is there to stand in my way? Definitely not a Niall. There is not a champion among the Niall that can match me."

"Cathal, sit down, you are embarassing me" Cearas remarks, tugging on his pant leg.

"With an oath that I swear by, I will do whatever it takes to save this clan!" I add.

"Cathal, do you know what you are saying?" Cearas asks me.

"I do. I swear I will do anything!" I reiterate.

"Anything?" Cearas asks.

"Anything!"