Seeing that Katelyne was reunited with her brothers and that the number of warriors in the Cumhaill Cean Fine's escort was growing to the size of a small army, Conall turned back to help the remaining Cumhaill and MacRoth round up the stray cattle and strip the dead of their offerings to the bandia bás 's cogadh.

He started with the Morna he'd been forced to strike down, chanting prayers for the lad's safe journey as he divested the corpse of its sword, shield and other valuables. Pity the head was so badly damaged. Nice sword, though. The boy must've been a rich man's son.

He helped the Cumhaill strip the last of the prizes and joined in on the roundup, whooping at a pretty little heifer who was trying to make her way back to the Niafer fort. The poor terrified beast looked to be heartbroken. Ah well. T'was not for him to be judging which cows belonged to which clans.

He knew one thing for certain. Lughnasadh was drawing near. Soon there'd be enough feasting, games and lassies for all, and the warriors would be rewarded with the choicest cuts of meat and all mead they could drink. His stomach growled at the thougt.

~~~~~~~

bandia bás 's cogadh ~ goddess of death and war