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wanted them dead I would not have wasted my time returning here with them.” I was weary and I did not choose my words wisely, “I am tired but my warriors and I will spill blood here if you dispute my decision. It matters not to me!”
    Fergus spoke, “Prince Fiachra we have our people back.  The prisoners are payment to the Warlord.”
    I was grateful to Fergus.  He had given me a diplomatic way out of the dilemma.  Had Myrddyn been awake he might have counselled me but we had let the old man sleep on.
    “Very well, Warlord, but we will speak more of this in the morning.”
    “I would have your guards be vigilant, Prince Fiachra.  The Uí Néill may be hot on our heels.  I do not believe this is over yet.”
    He looked at me in surprise which confirmed my opinion of him that he was not the cleverest of leaders.
    It was Myrddyn who woke me the next morning.  He was shaking his head as he handed me the warm beaker of honeyed beer.  “I can see that either Gawan or I must be with you at all times. You are a warrior and a good one but you know not how to control your words!”
    I smiled.  Myrddyn was as close to a grandfather as I had and he was right. “In my defence I was tired.”
    “I know but you are Warlord think on that. You have a greater responsibility than just to yourself. Now tell me all.” When I had finished telling him of the pursuit, the fight and the conversations I had had he nodded. “Had you not upset the Prince then I might be praising you for doing so well.” He turned to leave, “I will now go and speak with the Prince and use my honeyed tongue.  You need to speak with the prisoners.  We shall need them sooner rather than later.”
    He was still enigmatic but I was pleased that he was on my side. I went to the prisoners who were still bound. I took out my dagger and slit the bonds of Aengus.  “Come we will walk and we will talk.”
    I saw that it was almost noon and a bright blue sky greeted us as we stepped out into the light.  Aengus shielded his eyes from the sun’s glare.
    “Well Aengus, have you thought on my words?”
    “I have but I have questions for you.”
    I gave him a thin smile, “And you are in a position to make bargains?”
    He shrugged, “If it is my time to die then so be it but I would know all before I answer you.”
    “Very well ask away.  My wizard has mellowed me.”
    He nodded, “He spoke with us when he brought us drink this morning.  Is it true he once flew into a castle and killed a king?”
    “Is that one of your questions?”
    “No, but I am curious.”
    “He and my father did go to Din Guardi and slew King Morcant Bulc but they did not tell me how they did it.  He is a powerful wizard.”
    “What is it you wish me and my men to do? There are but a handful of us.”
    “I have more than just your band in mind.  I intend to hire two boat loads.”
    “Then we will not be fighting in Hibernia?”
    “No, you will be fighting Saxons.”
    That seemed to please him. “Already I am more inclined to serve you.  And what would we be paid?”
    “I will arm you and your men, give you a boat and pay twenty gold pieces.”
    “In return for?”
    “That I will tell you when you have agreed and when I have all the warriors I need.”
    He seemed satisfied. “Then I am your man.” He held his hand out and I clasped it.
    “You speak for all of your men?”
    “I do.”
    “Then let us go back and speak with them for I fear we may need your skills before the day is out.” When we returned to the Hibernian prisoners I slit the bonds binding them.  They looked from me to Aengus. “Your chief has pledged his word that you will work for me.  I will now take an oath from him but all of you will be bound by this oath.  Is that clear?” They all looked to Aengus who nodded.  They stood and inclined their heads. I took out Saxon Slayer and held the blade towards Aengus. “Swear an oath on this blade to be my man and not to take up arms against me