I hear the clattering of a stone and a whooshing sound. Looking up I saw a white falcon taking flight from the rock where just moments ago sat a beautiful woman. It circled then flew off towards the sea. I sat up rubbing my eyes, unsure of what just occured yet there was a strange sense of deep longing in my heart as the bird disappeared. Somehow there was an empty feeling.

Just then, Orla came, dagger in hand looking ready to strike anything that moved. She hurriedly searched the sky and seeing no bird, she sheathed her dagger running over to sit beside me, eyes wide in concern. I just looked at her in my nakedness, embarrassed and abashed, knowing I had no self control and that I had not been fair nor faithful to her. I felt like a dog.

"Lets get you back to the hut, my love. The witch is gone but I shall kill it if it returns." Feeling a sense of weariness and confusion, I allowed her to pull me up and walked the short distance back arm around me. Lying down beside the hearth as she went for more kindling, I felt myself drifting off into a deep slumber.