When next I waken, I find myself in the comforting arms of one of the Rian's handmaids. She tips a clay cup to my lips and I sip, expecting a draught of cool ale. The jolt that runs through my body causes me to choke on the next sip. It is water, straight from The Mother's Well, cold as snow-melt and even more refreshing. The curative properties work wonders in restoring my depleted energies. Within moments, I am able to sit up on my own and look about. I spy what I am searching for, my bag and my staff, and ask the girl to fetch these for me.

Using the staff and the handmaid's arm, I am able to stand. She carries my bag on her other side and gently guides me toward my own little cottage. Fenian and his war band and the rest of the Rian's advisors are busy plotting their next move, so I make no effort to disturb them. I let the lass lead me to my bed. She leaves me there with the knowledge that she will return with something to eat.

True to her word, she is not gone long. She reappears with a tray with bread and a bowl of broth with barley. She starts to feed me and I make it clear that I am sufficiently recovered to perform that small task for my own self. She laughs and helps me to the table where, true to my word, I manage to clear away everything she has brought. While I am finishing my repast, she busies herself with tidying up the place. She fluffs up my bed, which was still rumpled from last night's sleep, empties the chamber pot which I had neglected, and generally makes herself useful.

Much restored but still very tired, I take myself to the doorway, where I can watch the activity around the War Chief's cottage. When she wants to know if I'll be needing anything else, I ask her name. She tells me it is Cliodhna. I unpin the gold brooch from my robe and fasten it to the collar of her own, with my thanks. She makes a sweet curtsy and leaves out the door. For myself, I am needing a good night's sleep. I close the door and hang up my robe, and fall into and exceedingly comfortable bed.