The Legends Read Online Free PDF Page B

the din rose as discussions continued.
    Cathbad raised his hand and silence again descended, “I see a strange world, one I do not recognize from any story or legend I have heard. I see strange people, dark-skinned people, light-skinned people and people of all shades in between, dressed in strange clothing gathering to honor Ferdia. But I do not recognize these people. Who are they? Where do they come from? Where are they gathered? These are the things I do not know and I do not understand. That is the reason I will have to ponder what I have seen and consider what is to be done.”
    “But what of Fergus?” a voice cried from the rear of the room.
    Cathbad looked for a time at the second child before replying, “I see a similar destiny for Fergus, but it does not appear to be identical. I see the same strange people and strange clothing but the shadows have descended on my vision and I see little else.”
    The druid handed the children back to Mairéad and he retired from the room disappearing as mysteriously as he had arrived. The discussions among the guests resumed immediately with everyone asking questions and giving opinions. The feast continued well into the night but by the time the group retired to their sleeping mats, the future of Dundalk and the young orphan sons of Cúchulainn was no clearer than it had been when their parents died.
    The next morning dawned bright and sunny as if Mother Nature, having expressed her sorrow and grief at the loss of Cúchulainn and Emer, was announcing that life must continue. Many of those who travelled to pay their final respects to the great hero and his wife gathered their belongings and prepared to depart. It seemed that no one was actually leaving; rather they milled around outside the main residence within the compound talking among and looking anxiously for some sign of the chief druid. It was apparent that no one wanted to leave before hearing what Cathbad might have to say, particularly as it related to the fostering of young Fergus and Ferdia.
    The sun was nearly at its highest point when Cathbad arrived, this time clad in a white robe, trimmed in gold. Calling for the children, he held them close to his heart and made a pronouncement in a loud and clear voice, quite in contrast to his hesitancy of the prior night.
    “I will take Fergus and Ferdia with me to Conchubar’s court at Emain Macha and there I will discuss the boys’ future with the king. I acknowledge that many of you gathered here would rear these children with love and affection preparing them for their destiny, whatever that may be. Conall, I know that in your care, Fergus and Ferdia would become great champions, as you yourself are. You have avenged the death of Cúchulainn and I have no doubt that you would protect his sons. I know that others, related by blood or fosterage, would also do these children great honor as their foster parents.”
    Cathbad concluded, “The boys are, however, grand nephews of Conchubar and it is only appropriate that any decisions regarding the fostering of the children must originate with the king. Finally, I fear that we have not heard the end of Maeve, whose own son was killed in reparation for the death of Cúchulainn. She may yet try to take the lives of Cúchulainn’s sons in further revenge. In my opinion Emain Macha is the safest place for children of their vulnerable years.”
    Everyone present accepted the wisdom of this pronouncement. Conall, who had avenged Cúchulainn, stood and, speaking for the group, said, “Your counsel, great father, is wise. I am prepared to ride with you to protect the children and yourself from any attempts on their lives, or indeed, on your own.”
    Cathbad replied, “I thank you for your generous offer, however I think it best that I travel in my own way and I can assure you that we will arrive safely at the court of Conchubar. I will report your kindness and support to the king and I am confident that he will call on you should