…left the bulbous masses that were impersonating his lips, The red-haired harridan arose from the spot where she had fallen, and shouted to the demon, "Aye, that would be me, ye evil thing! Ye not only take me son, ye turn around and take me long-lost daughter from me! For that I should send you back into the hell you came from!" Grabbing the wooden stake that she had hidden within her boot leg, she lifted it to lunge directly between those eyes, those eyes that glow brighter as Saoirse ran closer, howling as she went.

She quieted just as suddenly as she was distracted by a glint of light. The bracelet on her arm, the one Siobhan presented her with the words, Dear sister, you will need all of your legendary patience and forbearance to see you through this time. When it is tested, hold fast to this and remember, our kin holds fast to us as we to them. Patience? Forbearance? How was she to defeat this demon with passivity? But Saoirse realized that she had been giving the demon his strength! He fed on the anger and malice toward him.

She stood fast, grit her teeth for a moment, and dropped the stake to the ground beside her. On her own will, her three children filled her head: Dubhglas, Brandubh and Arwen. She kept their image in her head as she said, "I've got no more hate for ye, demon." She lifted her arms, not in defeat, but acceptance. "If ye can take me now, take me. Ye've gotten Brandubh and Arwen--and I'm beginnin' t'think yer responsible for Dubhglas' death too. Everythin' I love, ye've got. I've no desire t'fight ye anymore. I just need ta be with my children, no matter where they be."