The breeze of the lough and the swift gliding of Manannan's coracle lifts our spirits to giddy heights. Defiantly, Auntie Freedom remains standing in the boat, despite concerned warnings from the oarsman. She stays on her feet, glaring over the rippling waters at her former caretakers. Maide and Braca haplessly watch us escape the shore of Inis án Ghaill, then they turn away and disappear into the shadows of the hostel. Only then does Saoirse sink down beside me, drooping heavily with all the weight and woe of her age.

I throw a cloak around her and pull my own brat closer against the damp chill of the dying day. The boatman glances at my aunt, frowning with puzzlement. I smile at him in what I hope is reassurance. He nods slowly and some unspoken understanding passes between us as a pathway of trust opens up. There is no choice but to trust him. He is our only friend here, so far.

"Your horse and hound await!" Manannan says cheerfully. There is warmth and interest in the way he looks at me. He's young, hardly yet a man, but the smooth lilt of his voice reminds me of Feargus. Quickly I try to put those thoughts aside but, as if she knows my mind, Auntie Freedom blurts out -

"Y'know, Mossie...we shoul' go find tha' Feargus an' bring him back to his home!"

The idea so overwhelms me that my throat tightens up and I'm unable to make any answer. Oh, if only we could find him! If only I knew even where to start looking...

Manannan surprises us both by speaking up. "Feargus? The Cean Cath of Niall? I've heard them talk about him! Do you know if he still lives? They say he had the strength of ten men in his sword arm. They say he is in a cave between the loughs, where someday he will come out again with his army of heroes. They say he'll return with a whole tribe of druid warriors and take the curse off the crannog!"

It is hard to tell from Manannan's twisted grin if he believes these stories or not. I can only stare at him in astonishment.

Saoirse, however, is never slow to respond. She nods solemnly and throws me a sideways wink. "Aye, lad, Feargus was a god among men! Beware the day he returns, for he will be even more powerful after his long rest." She claps me on the shoulder, nearly knocking me out of the boat, and adds, "This little woman here was wife to the great Cean Cath before he went into his exile-"

"I am STILL his wife!" The words come quick and proud. Manannan blinks at me in unabashed awe. Auntie Freedom cackles and throws her arms around me. I am not sure how I feel about Feargus being so glorified but there is no time to think.

The curragh lands to the music of Thorn's excited greetings. The huge wolfhound leaps towards me and I hurry to meet him, fearful that he will capsize Manannan's little boat. Roisin arches her neck, seeking a treat. Saoirse lavishes affection on both of my loyal companions.

I slip a small piece of silver into Manannan's hand. He bows and touches his hand to his brow in a humble gesture. Then he clears his throat.

"The day is almost done, and you have no place to stay the night. I dinna know where you will go from here, Moss. Perhaps to seek the noble Feargus? But for tonight I would offer you and your aunt the simple comforts of my own hearth. Supper and shelter. My hut is just over this hill. Please, accept my hospitality! I am at your service."