DISCLAIMER:
I do not own ROAR or any of the characters associated with this show.  
I do not want to own any of these characters, (although I wouldn't mind 
*borrowing* Conor for a while.  I would give him a reason to REALLY 
ROAR!...HEY people, I'm married, not dead!)
Anyway...this is a fanfiction that is for pleasure only and I am no way 
making any profit off of it, so don't sue me!   The characters of 
Abiageal, Taithleach and thier late clan belong to me, and the 
characters of Dymphna, Liusaidh, and Livia are the incarnations of the 
MadTribe members who we all know and love. Please do not redistribute 
this story without my permission and all you have to do is ask if you 
would like to archive it...(i'm a giving person, really!!)


Author's note: This story takes place after "Doyle's Solution" but 
before "Red Boot"

I have noticed that some of the beginning tabs are messed up in the 
paragraphs.  If this is a problem, email me privately and I will send it 
to you as an attachment.

All comments, questions and suggestions are welcomed at 
maeve_aislinn@hotmail.com
Please, tell me what you think!
That does it with my 7 page intro...now on to part one!

The Soul Teller
by Maeve A. MacDermod
part 1
******


     The sun was setting over the cliffs casting a blue- orange glow 
over the ocean and the land itself.  Conor, the brave leader of the 
Alliance, often went to this site think about life, for this was the 
place where Galen first took him to hear the roar of the land and now 
Conor receives comfort from being there.  The sun continued to lower and 
Conor knew that if he didn't return to the sanctuary soon, Fergus and 
the others would begin to worry about him.  
     The young prince stood, and slowly began to walk back to the caves 
in which his people called home.  His brooding thoughts, as Fergus would 
call them, were troubled today, as he thought of his true love, Clare 
who had been murdered only months ago by her father.  It pained his 
heart to know that she gave her life to save him.  He did not know why 
she was on his mind today.  Recently he had begun to think of other 
things, and had even enjoyed spending time with Fergus' daughter, Molly.
     Conor had almost reached the cave, when he noticed a person and a 
child walking distantly in the faint light.  They did not seem to notice 
him, and if they continued in the direction that they were traveling, 
they would pass the Sanctuary completely.  Studying the figure in the 
distance closely, Conor realized the person was a woman from the length 
of her hair.  He hurried his pace to arrive at the cave swiftly and 
alert his people.
     "Fergus, Catlin, Tully!" he called into the mouth of the cave.  He 
knew that they would be close to the entrance, waiting for his return.
     Fergus emerged first.  "What is it, Conor?"  Catlin and Tully came 
up quickly behind the larger man.
     "Look!" he pointed into the distance, "A wanderer.  I wonder where 
she is going?"
     Catlin peered out.  "I don't know, but it will be dark soon.  
She'll not be safe out there wandering around in the forest.  One of us 
should go get her and bring her back here."
     All three of them looked to Conor.  "Why me?" he asked.
     Fergus smiled.  "Well you are the leader, and you did see her 
first.  We'll have a hot meal ready for the three of you when you 
return."
     Conor was not moving.  "Come on.  Will one of you not come with 
me?"
    "Ah, Conor, stop your whimpering.  Are ye afraid of a little woman 
and a child?"
Conor put a warning tone in his next words.  "Fergus, I ought to..." he 
threw a fake punch at his friend.
Fergus dodged it and chuckled.  "Aye lad, your right.  Tully will go 
with you."  He said without even asking the boy if he wanted to.
"Me?" squeaked the dark boy.
Catlin smiled.  "Good, then it's settled.  We'll see you both when you 
return," she and Fergus moved back into the sanctuary, leaving the 
younger men alone.
"Well then, I guess we had better get moving, Tully, if we want any food 
to be left when we get back."
"Shall I get the horses?" Tully asked.
"No, we can walk.  They are not all that far away."
They traveled for only a little while, before the woman and child 
noticed them and started walking towards them as well.  They were about 
forty paces from each other when Conor finally got a clear look at the 
woman's face.
"Sweet Brigit!" he exclaimed. "It's Clare!"
Tully was confused.  He had only seen Clare once and that was at her 
funeral, before they burned her body.  From what he could remember, the 
woman trudging towards them was akin to Conor's love.
Conor had to get closer.  He immediately quickened his pace, and 
realized that once he got nearer to the woman, that it was not his 
Clare.  The stranger was about Clare's height, and they both had the 
same build, not to mention similar hair, but this woman seemed tougher 
than Clare would ever be. Her walk made it quite clear that this woman 
had been through a lot.  She was wearing a tattered shift that was 
barely being covered by a filthy cloak.  Her hair was a mass of curls 
and she had dirt smeared on her face.  The child, a small somber girl, 
was in a similar condition.
At ten paces the woman called out to the two men.  "Are you friends?" 
she asked with a weary, but musical, voice.
"Aye, we are.  We have come to offer you and your child shelter for the 
night," answered Conor.  
The woman breathed a sigh of relief.  "Go raibh maith agat…thank you.  I 
am Abiageal, daughter of Adair and wife of Vaughn.  This is my own 
daughter Taithleach," she said motioning to the child of about three 
nestled close to Abiageal's side.  "Who might ye be?"
They set off towards the Sanctuary.  "I am Conor, son of Derek, and this 
is Tully."
Abiageal looked Conor over.  "You are Conor?  The leader of the 
Alliance?  You don't look like much," she commented doubtfully.
Tully chuckled.  "That is what I said!"
"That is enough out of you, Tully."  Conor blushed.  "How do you 
know of us, Abiageal?" he asked the woman.
"There is great talk to the north of tribes that are joining into one, 
to protect the land and its people.  An old white-haired druid speaks of 
your exploits, with such passion that I had to see for my self, if such 
fantasies could possibly be true."
"Galen," Tully said, in a surprised tone, and looked to Conor, who could 
only shrug, so the boy smiled at Abiageal.  "It is very true, my dear, 
and Conor here is our leader…our support…our inspiration…"
"Tully!  Enough!"  Conor snapped.
"And what of your followers?  Where are they?" she smirked, making it 
sound as if she was not really believing that this tale was actually 
true.
Just then, the group of travelers reached the mouth of the cave, and 
Fergus emerged.  "Sweet Brigit!" he exclaimed, just as Conor did, when 
he saw Abiageal.  Conor brushed him aside and ushered the two weary 
females into the Sanctuary.  The enormous cave was home to many 
people of many different tribes, but here they all lived in harmony.  The 
first thing that most new arrivals usually do, is exclaim at the beauty of 
the massive waterfalls near the entrance, but Abiageal did not.  She 
almost seemed as if she expected to see them there.  Abiageal and 
Taithleach were lead by Conor through the caves, past the staring crowd 
of people who now call this place their home, with Fergus and Tully 
following them.  They finally reached the center of the living area, and 
found Catlin, who was waiting for them.  She was kneeling near a slab 
of deer meat that was roasting on a spit over a fire.
When she saw the woman, Catlin abruptly stood.  "Hello," she started 
uncertainly.  "I am Catlin."
"I am Abiageal and this is Taithleach.  We appreciate your kindness to 
us."  Abiageal turned to Conor, who was standing a few paces behind her.  
"From all of you.  We have come a long way to find the fabled Alliance, 
and to see that it is true, is like a dream."
"From where have you traveled?" 
"Many days away.  We come from the village of Airdsgainne, near the 
height of the cliffs, on the north side of the island."
Catlin sounded concerned.  "That is a long journey for the two of you to 
take alone.  Where is the rest of your tribe?" she asked.
Abiageal bowed her head.  "They are dead.  All dead."
Conor was shocked.  "Why?  What caused this?"
"We were attacked by Romans, and ordered to follow them.  We resisted 
and they all died.  My entire family, my ma, my da, all of our tribe is 
gone, as is our land."
"Sweet Brigit!" said Fergus. "You're lucky to have lived,"
"Aye, Fergus, but right now all I want to do is sleep.  I know 
Taithleach and I have been through a lot, and we could use a place to 
rest."
Catlin smiled.   "I will get you both settled in right away, but you 
really should eat first, Abiageal.  Have some of the deer meat, and then 
I will find you a place to slumber."
"You are a very wise woman, Catlin.  I now see who keeps all these men 
in line," Abiageal chuckled, which lit up her face.
Fergus knelt down by the small girl and offered her a piece of deer.  
She soundlessly took it from him and started to nibble.  "Your girl does 
not say much, does she Abiageal."
"Taithleach has not spoken a word aloud since out tribe was murdered, 
but she is strong.  I know her spirit will return to me one day."
They ate the rest of the meal with only polite small talk, Abiageal 
answering questions when asked to her.  Finally, Catlin took charge 
again.  "Let's allow our guests to get some rest, shall we.  I will show 
you where my lodging is, and you can lie there for the night.  Tomorrow 
we can find you more permanent bedding."
"Dubhghall and Laoise are marrying soon.  I'm sure that you can have 
one of their huts, after the ceremony."
"Aye, that is correct," Catlin agreed, and the three females walked off 
into the darkness of the Sanctuary, leaving Conor, Fergus and Tully 
alone.  
        "Diana is attacking the villages to the north much sooner than 
we expected.  We should journey out that way soon, before there are no 
more tribes to unite with," started Fergus.
        "She mentioned meeting a druid who told her where we were.  You 
don't 
suppose it was Galen, do you?" asked Tully, excited at the thought.
"Lad, Galen is dead," Fergus began, but the younger man would not hear 
it.  
"You don't know that for sure, Fergus.  He could be alive still, isn't 
that so, Conor?"
Conor's mind was not on the conversation, and all he could think of was 
the mysterious Abiageal.
"Conor?" Tully questioned.
That snapped him out of his reverie and he was brought into the present.  
"What?"
"Galen could still be alive, couldn't he?"  Tully's expressive brown 
eyes were pleading with the leader to say yes.
"Tully, I want with all my heart to be able to tell you that Galen is 
still out there, but I don't honestly know.  If he is, then he'll return 
to us when we truly need him again.  Have patience."
Catlin rushed back to the group of her friends, by the fire.  "That 
child is so beautiful, it is a shame she had to witness such brutality.  
It has got to stop, Conor.  These wars will ruin the souls of the 
children, if they are allowed to continue.  Then who will we have to 
pass the freedom onto?"
"I know… I know.  What are your thoughts on Abiageal, Cat?"
"When I was a slave, I knew of another slave girl who was of 
Airdsgainne.  She told stories of how beautiful and free it was there, 
and oh, how I wanted to go there.  She spoke of the king and queen, and 
of their daughter, Abiageal.  The slave girl loved her home so much 
because of these people and the hope of returning there one day kept her 
alive.   I get a good feeling from her, but there is one thing that the 
slave told me about Abiageal, which I cannot remember, but I'm sure it 
will come to me."
Tully spoke next.  "She sure is a beautiful one." Not one of them said 
what was exactly on their mind.  They all wanted to speak of the obvious 
fact that the woman looked like Clare, but they remained quiet.  They 
did not want to upset Conor.
Conor had a somber expression on his face.  "I believe I will go to 
sleep myself." he stood and said his goodnight to his closest friends 
and wandered off through the Sanctuary, but not towards his hut.  Before 
he realized it, he was nearing Catlin's lodging, where she had led the 
two females to sleep.  Walking past the door, Conor was able to glance 
inside and see Abiageal and her sleeping daughter, who was snuggled 
close to the elder woman.
Abiageal was of unending beauty, even as dirty as she was he could see 
that.  She had darker, a deep reddish brown, hair than Clare, but it 
fell in the same mane of tousled curls that Conor adored so much on his 
beloved.  Just gazing at her now, Conor noticed how delicate the 
stranger seemed, but there was something in Abiageal that Conor could 
not quite figure out that made her so much different than Clare.  He 
felt his heart yearn for his love, and then realized the pain that he 
was going through just being near this woman.  As he was going to turn 
away, he remembered the sight of Abiageal's eyes.  They were piercing 
green and felt as if they could tunnel right into your soul.  Finally 
Conor broke away, went to his own bed, and fell into a troubled sleep.  

*****
The next morning, Abiageal and Taithleach were awoken by a deep voice 
nearby.  "Abiageal," whispered Fergus, "I hate to disrupt your sleep, 
but Catlin felt that you should now that we are going out to hunt for 
some food.  She didn't want you to wake and not know where we went."
"Thank you, Fergus.  May the hunt be well for you and your party this 
fine morning," she said, groggily.
"Catlin also left the both of you some fresh clothes to change into.  
You can clean up in the pool at the waterfall.  We shouldn't be too 
long," he said as he started to walk out the door.  "Then we can 
properly get to know each other.  Feel free to explore the Sanctuary, 
and meet our people.  They are very curious about you and your little 
one."
"Fare thee well, Fergus."
        Abiageal tidied up the sleeping area after Fergus left them, 
washed 
herself and Taithleach in the water, and the two strangers wandered 
their way through the caves following the scent of delicious food, until 
they found a some people eating a meal.  The woman, who was cooking, 
greeted them.
"Hello.  You must be Abiageal.  I am Dymphna."  Then she bent down to 
the child's level.  "And this must be Taithleach.  Fergus told us that 
you joined our clan last night, and we would like to welcome you.  Are 
either of you hungry?"
Abiageal nodded, "Aye, Dymphna, we are very famished."  The cook 
offered the two a bit of the stew that she was stirring.  "It is nice to see a 
cook with the name and the heart of a poet.  What else has Fergus told 
you of us?"  She questioned, curiously.
"Not much, seeing as he just met you himself, but apparently he's said 
much of me.  Did he tell you I was a poet?" Dymphna asked, but then 
didn't give Abiageal a chance to answer as she noticed the ornament 
around Abiageal's neck.  "That is a beautiful torc, but it is rather 
large for your delicate body."
"It belonged to my father.  I removed it from his body after the 
massacre of my tribe.  It means a lot to me," she explained, gently 
running her fingers over the cold braided metal.  "How did you find 
yourself to be here, Dymphna?  I assume you have a family in this 
sanctuary."
"Aye, that young one over there is mine," Dymphna gestured over to a 
small dark-haired girl of about seven years.  "Donella.  She certainly 
is a spitfire like her father.  He was killed in an attack of our 
village one summer ago."
"I am sorry for your loss, Dymphna."
"And I, yours.  It is hard to lose the ones that you love."
"Aye," she nodded in agreement.  "Dymphna?  What do you know about 
Conor?"  Abiageal asked, out of nowhere.  The quickness, in which she 
asked it, surprised even her.
"Ah, that poor boy.  He has lost so much, and overcome his grief to lead 
us against the Romans.  In fact, now that I mention it, you are similar 
to her.  Maybe a little taller you are, your hair is darker, and there 
is something else that I cannot place different, but you do have a lot 
in common."
"Dymphna, you are speaking nonsense woman.  What are you talking 
about?"
"Conor's love.  She was a beautiful lass, almost as beautiful as you 
are, but she was killed trying to protect him from her father's sword.  
He murdered her, as well as Conor's whole family.  Only Conor and 
Fergus survived."  Dymphna patted Abiageal's arm.  "He is still 
hopelessly devoted to her.  You should know that."
"Aye, I do.  More than you can imagine."  Abiageal realized what the 
horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach meant.  It was Conor's 
feelings for her that were in the air.
"There is still hope, lass.  One day he will move on, and the way I see 
it, is that the two of you are about the same age.  Perhaps you will 
free his heart from Clare and make it yours."
Conor and the rest of the hunting party returned to the Sanctuary as the 
sun was reaching its zenith, shortly after Abiageal and Taithleach 
finished their stew and as they were helping Dymphna clean the cooking 
area.  They had killed four rabbits, three chipmunks and two large deer, 
which will provide plenty for the upcoming wedding.  Fergus seemed 
sullen upon his return, and the cook was the first to notice it.
Dymphna grinned at him.  "Ah Fergus, what is it?  Did you not catch 
anything?"  He shook his head.  "Not even a chipmunk?"  She joked 
mischievously.
"Not even a chipmunk, Dymphna," the sullen man repeated.  "Is there 
any ale around?"
Conor interrupted.  "Fergus, you know the ale we have is being saved for 
the upcoming wedding.  No dipping into our already dwindling stock.  
Besides Cat killed enough to make up for you're not getting anything."
Dymphna chuckled.  "Catlin, you got both of the deer?"  The satisfied 
smug on Catlin's face let them know the feat was true.  "Well," said 
Dymphna, dipping into the stew pot, "I guess we should feed our 
champion."  She handed the clay bowl full of steaming stew past Fergus, 
to Catlin, who still had a satisfied smug on her lips.

*****

It was obvious that Fergus planned to brood the rest of the day, but 
Abiageal was not going to let him.  She enjoyed the big man's company, 
and asked him to walk with her outside the Sanctuary, leaving Taithleach 
with Dymphna and Donella.  They traveled deep into the forest, then sat 
in a grassy clearing.
"Fergus," started Abiageal, "why do you fight?"
"Why?" he asked.  "We fight for our land, our people and our freedom."
"No Fergus.  That is why 'we' fight.  Why do you personally fight?"
"To repay a debt," he murmured quietly.
"To Conor?"
        "Aye, and to myself."  The woman gazed into his eyes and deep in 
to his 
soul.  They both sat in a silent trance for along time until she broke 
off eye contact with him.  After that time of quietness, Abiageal knew 
almost everything there was to know about Fergus.
"You love your daughter very much…I can see that."
"Aye, I most certainly do.  Did Dymphna tell you that I had a daughter?"  
He was confused.
"Nay, she didn't have to.  I can see it in you."  She got to her feet.  
"Come on, we should get back.  I don't want Taithleach to worry of us."

*****

        Abiageal and Fergus returned to the cave and sought out Conor, 
Tully 
and Catlin.  They were sitting all together under a large tree, 
discussing the next village that they were going to visit.
"I think that the next one should be Coilleach.  They are near the 
forest and will be valuable allies in the fight against Diana."  Conor 
turned when he heard Abiageal's voice.
"The Coilleach have drawn themselves in to seclusion.  They will allow 
no one near their village, since a rival tribe tried to force them into 
uniting with them and bloodshed broke out.  They are fearful of all 
strangers and will kill any who near the gates."
        "We do not want to force them into unity…we want them as our 
allies and, partners," swore Tully.
        "It does not matter to them.  All who near will perish, as a 
survivor told me."
        "We will try to reason with them, as always.  Once they hear the 
reasoning of Unity, they can decide their loyalties.  We were wondering 
where you went, Abiageal.  We just wanted to let you know that you and 
Taithleach are welcome here for as long as you wish.  Time will heal 
your wounds."  She reached down and picked up his sword that was at 
his feet.
        "I want to fight, Conor.  I want to bring those Roman bastards 
to their knees."
        "Abiageal, let us handle the fighting.  You have greater 
responsibilities here within the Sanctuary."
        "NO!" she exclaimed.  "I will not be put down here.  I may not 
be the strongest or the fieriest one here, but I do have some battle 
experience, and I can use a sword.  I want to fight!"
        He was surprised at the emotion in her voice.  There was a fire 
in her eyes that he had never fully noticed before.  She turned away 
and appealed to Catlin, Tully and Fergus for assistance.  
        Conor spoke to her back.  "Why?  Why do you wish to fight so 
deeply? You have a greater purpose here as Taithleach's mother."
        Abiageal made eye contact with Fergus, who raised an eyebrow to 
agree with his leader, and she almost got lost in his chaotic soul again. 
She broke away and faced Conor a second time.
        "I don't want to live, as my husband died…on his knees before 
the Romans, begging for his life.  Taithleach deserves so much more."
Conor was without words.  "Abiageal, some men are destined to become 
great leaders…" he trailed off.
        "And it's obvious that Vaughn was not one of those men, isn't 
that so 
Conor.  Well then I shall pick up where he failed.  My family name will 
not be dishonored because I married a coward."  She took his sword and 
stuck it point down in the stone at Conor's feet.  "I will fight with or 
without you, Conor."  She paused for a moment and peered into his soul 
and did something that no one expected.  She started to quote a speech 
that Conor gave several months ago.  "'This is the first step in uniting 
our land.  Now when we fight, we fight for each other, for our freedom, 
our future and those that have come before us.  This is our home, and we 
a people who will not be put down.  We'll not be broken and we'll never 
be silenced.'"  She pulled her gaze away and stared at her feet.  "Did 
you mean it when you said that, Conor?  We're you being true to yourself 
when you spoke those rallying words?"
        The young man in front of her was again at a loss for words.  He 
did not trust himself to answer her question, so he instead put his hand 
over hers on the hilt of his sword.  "You can fight, but you have to get 
your own sword.  This one belongs to me."  He then grasped the sword 
and left the Sanctuary.
        Abiageal watched him go, then turned to the trio of friends that 
were gathered openmouthed behind her.  "I'm sorry.  I never meant for 
that to happen.  I just got so angry for a moment and forced myself 
into his thoughts.  I will get my daughter and leave this place, before 
I hurt Conor anymore.
        Fergus stepped in front of her as she tried to walk past him, 
"Let's not be hasty, Abiageal.  Go talk to Conor.  He is a very 
understanding lad, trust me, I know.  Let him know how you feel…"
        "How do I feel?  I don't even know anymore, nor do I know 
where to find him."
        "He'll go down to the cliffs," said Catlin.  "That is where he 
likes to think things over.  Go after him, Abiageal.  It has to be done."
        As Abiageal left the trio she heard Catlin say to the men, "I 
remember now, she was raised by the Druids, not by her family.  They 
say she has special abilities…"

*****

She reached the cliffs and Conor was right where Catlin said he would 
be.  He had his left hand resting on the hilt of his now sheathed sword, 
and was just staring out into the deep blue ocean.  Abiageal walked up 
behind him.  
"You think of her often, don't you?"
"Aye, but in recent, not as much as I used to…" he paused, "…until you 
came."
He still hadn't turned to face her.  "It hurts you to be with me.  It is 
painful for you to see me because I remind you of her.  The last thing I 
want to do is hurt you, Conor, after you've been so kind to us."
"You don't think of Vaughn at all?"
"Nay, I never loved him.  It was a marriage of convenience for me ma and 
da.  The only good thing that man did for me, was give me Taithleach."
"How could they do that?  Force you to marry another when there is no 
love?"
"I accepted it as inevitable.  My father was very old and he knew that 
he would not survive much longer.  Our family had no male heirs, so he 
felt that the best way to keep the clan safe was to marry his only 
daughter off to an influential family.  I loved my father dearly, and he 
was a very wise man, but he was wrong in this regard.  And our clan paid 
the price.  It hurts to know that the last words out of your husband's 
mouth, before he was run through with a Roman sword, were, 'Please 
spare me.  Take my wife and daughter instead.  They will make you 
much gold in the slave market'."
"What a cretin," he said, taking her hand and helping her to sit down on 
the cliff edge next to him.
"He deserved to die," she said simply.
"No one deserves to die, Abiageal."
"Not even Gar?"
He didn't know what to say.  "That was different," was all he could 
manage.
"Why?"  Her eyes showed the fire in her soul.  "Why is it different?  Is 
it because you wanted revenge against Gar?  Because you needed to 
avenge your family's death?  Well so do I.  I didn't get the chance to 
kill my cowardly husband, but I do want the chance to get to get 
some of those Roman bastards who murdered my clan.  Children died 
Conor.  Children much younger than Taith, who had their whole 
lives ahead of them, were slaughtered along with their parents and 
elders."
"Our fight is not about revenge anymore, it is about Unity."
She did not answer him, and instead gazed out into the calming sea.  
"The ocean is beautiful here.  It reminds me of Airdsgainne.  We have 
beautiful cliffs there near our fort.  I used to take Taithleach there 
when we wanted to get away from Vaughn."  Conor noticed a slight flash 
of guilt in the woman's eyes, but did not know of its source.  "Taith 
would love it here…she would sing at the sea at home for hours until her 
throat was hoarse, and still be a happy child."
"She will be well again soon, Abiageal.  She is a strong child."
Abiageal sighed.  "I know, but it still hurts not to be able to help 
your child."  He placed a hand on her shoulder and she leaned against 
him.  "Oh Diarmid…" she breathed out.
Conor was confused.  "What?  Who is Diarmid?"
"Why do you ask?" Abiageal said, keeping her head on his shoulder.
"You just called me Diarmid." 
Now it was her turn to be confused.  "I called you what?"  She lifted 
her head.  "He's no one."
"Abiageal, don't lie to me.  Please, I would like to know."
"He's no one, Conor."  She gazed into his eyes and begged him to stop 
his questioning.  "Please…" a single tear ran down her cheek.
He reached out and tenderly brushed it away.  "I never meant to hurt 
you, Abiageal.  Forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive, Conor.  You did not a thing wrong.  Favor 
me by just sitting with me here for a while."
Conor wrapped his muscular arm around the woman's slight body and 
held her tight, forgetting that she was not his Clare.  But he didn't care, 
for he felt strongly about this stranger, almost as much as he did 
Clare.  "I will, as long as you'll allow me."  And she simply laid her 
head down and felt his love.
*****

They returned to the Sanctuary well into Fergus' story-time with the the 
children.  The both of them approached the mob of tribe's children 
clustered around the large warrior in the center of the cave, and 
Abiageal was pleased to see Taithleach there next to him.  Catlin 
advanced cautiously towards the two new arrivals.
"Is all well?" she asked, hesitantly.
"Aye, Catlin.  All is well," responded Abiageal with an outwardly glow.
"What tale is Fergus spinning today for the children?" questioned Conor.
Cat chuckled.  "Who knows.  Another one where he is the champion in 
the end, most likely.  The children really like that though."  She glanced 
at Abiageal.  "Taithleach appears to be having a good time with Fergus.  
He is very well-disposed with the children here."
"Aye, he is.  He has a very gentle heart for a warrior."
Tully approached the trio.  "Conor, can I speak with you?  Alone?"
"Aye, Tully.  Let's go over by the waterfall, though.  I could use to 
wash up before supper."
Conor gave Abiageal a meaningful look and then followed Tully off to 
the pool.  Catlin grinned at her.  "What was that all about?"
Abiageal shrugged, "I don't know, but we should go see if we can help 
Dymphna with supper.  I'm starved!"
*****

Conor waded out into the water, wearing only his pants, and splashed the 
cool water on his bare chest.  "What is this all about, Tully?"
"Did you ask her how she knew?"
"What?  What are you talking about?"
"How she knew what you said to us after we stormed Gar's castle?  Did 
you ask her that?"  There was urgency in the boy's voice.  
Conor shook his head.  "No, we did not talk about it.  I didn't think to 
ask."
"A woman reads your mind, and you do not think to ask how? Tully 
snapped.  "Why don't you keep your mind on being the leader here, 
rather than on all the women."
The man in the water stopped in mid-splash and stared at his friend.  
"What?  What is your problem, Tully?  Why all this concern of 
Abiageal?"
"Catlin says she was raised by Druids, not her own family, and she is 
thought to have special powers.  But I'm sure that wouldn't interest 
you, since you can't seem to get past the fact that she looks like 
Clare.  She is not Clare.  Clare is dead, and you have to come to terms 
with that," he said bitterly.
Conor ran through the water and up to the shore.  He leaped out of the 
pool in a fit of anger and punched Tully in the face, who fell to the 
ground.  "I know she is dead, she died in my arms!  Don't you ever 
speak of her like that again."  He was shouting over the figure of his 
friend on the rocky ground, with blood coming from a cut he inflicted 
on the dark boy's cheek.  The angered leader's voice alerted others to 
the argument.  Fergus was the first on to come to the pool.
Conor waded out into the water, wearing only his pants, and 
splashed the cool water on his bare chest.  "What is this all about, 
Tully?"
     "Did you ask her how she knew?"
     "What?  What are you talking about?"
     "How she knew what you said to us after we stormed Gar's castle?  
Did you ask her that?"  There was urgency in the boy's voice.  
     Conor shook his head.  "No, we did not talk about it.  I didn't 
think to ask."
     "A woman reads your mind, and you do not think to ask how? Tully 
snapped.  "Why don't you keep your mind on being the leader here, 
rather than on all the women."
     The man in the water stopped in mid-splash and stared at his 
friend.  "What?  What is your problem, Tully?  Why all this concern of 
Abiageal?"
     "Catlin says she was raised by Druids, not her own family, and she 
is thought to have special powers.  But I'm sure that wouldn't interest 
you, since you can't seem to get past the fact that she looks like 
Clare.  She is not Clare.  Clare is dead, and you have to come to terms 
with that," he said bitterly.
     Conor ran through the water and up to the shore.  He leaped out of 
the pool in a fit of anger and punched Tully in the face, who fell to 
the ground.  "I know she is dead, she died in my arms!  Don't you ever 
speak of her like that again."  He was shouting over the figure of his 
friend on the rocky ground, with blood coming from a cut he inflicted on 
the dark boy's cheek.  The angered leader's voice alerted others to the 
argument.  Fergus was the first one to come to the pool.
     "Conor, are ye mad, boy?  What is going on here?" he asked, pulling 
him away from Tully.
     "Ask him," he said bitterly.  "Tully is the one who's mad!"
     Abiageal and Catlin came up behind the large crowd that was 
gathering.  "What is going on here?" asked Cat, just as Fergus did. 
     Abiageal knelt down by Tully.  "Are you alright?"  She dabbed at 
his wound with the hem of her shift.  "Let me get a closer look at that, 
Tully."  She helped him to his feet and led him away from the crowd.  
The two men glared at each other as they walked past.
     She led him to an area that was well lit with torches.  Ripping a 
piece of cloth from her skirt, she wet it in the small pool of water 
nearby and dabbed at the blood on the boy's face.
    "It was about me, wasn't it?" she asked suddenly.
    "No, it's about Conor and his inability to lead us."
     "You don't mean that, Tully.  Something is clouding your judgement 
towards Conor.  Tell me the truth, please.  It *was* about me."
     He nodded regretfully,  "I don't know why I angered so much.  I 
could hear the words come out of my mouth and I knew they would hurt 
him, but I didn't seem to care.  I just said them anyway."
     "For as long as I can remember, I could look into anyone's eyes and 
read their soul.  It has always been there and is a natural part of who 
I am.  My parents sent me away as a child to live with a local band of 
Druids, because I would be the cause of many arguments in the village.  
It would disrupt life there, just as it has here.  For some people just 
being near me causes chaos in their lives, and that is the last thing 
that I want to happen here.  I should leave now, before it gets too 
difficult."
     Conor, Fergus and Catlin stepped out into the area from the 
shadows.  "No," said Fergus, "you can't leave.  We want you to stay with 
us.  Conor and Tully can work out their differences like men, and then 
there won't be any more problems, right lads?"  They both nodded 
grudgingly.  "Good.  Now lets go eat supper.  I smell a delicious feast 
coming from Dymphna's direction."
     Abiageal stopped them.  "You don't understand, Fergus.  None of you 
do.  I have seen things in other's souls that no person is ever meant 
to.  No woman should be able to live through that, and the Druids that 
raised me feel as if my soul deals with it by pushing the negative 
emotions to those near me.  It can tear loving marriages and lifelong 
friendships apart, and I don't want to see that happen here.  I would 
rather die, then see that happen, after you've been so kind to me."
     "Nonsense, woman.  If you can live with the strain of this gift 
then so can we," explained Fergus.
     Catlin took her hand.  "You belong here, Abiageal, I can feel it.  
You and Taithleach make our clan complete and we want you to stay for 
as long as you wish."
     "I will stay, for I feel at home here as well, but..."
     "No 'buts'," interrupted Conor.  "You will stay as long as you 
want.  Never feel pressured to leave because of this ability."
     Abiageal simply nodded and allowed herself to be led off to supper.
 Several days had passed with no incidents and the day of the 
wedding arrived.  It was a beautiful day and all of the Sanctuary 
inhabitants were out to celebrate this joyous day.  The ceremony was 
set up in the main cave area, where sunlight streamed in from above right 
onto the area where the Druid and the couple to be joined were standing.  
Conor stood near the two, with Fergus, Catlin, Tully and Abiageal at his 
side.  In the past days, Conor had grown accustomed to having Abiageal 
by his side, and felt empty when she was away.  This feeling alarmed 
him, for he felt as if he were betraying Clare's memory by feeling so 
strongly about this new woman.
     Many of the tribe children got together and decorated this area 
with fresh, colorful flowers and green vines, and everyone's attention 
was on the man and woman who were getting married. They joined hands 
and prepared to speak the words of love and commitment that would 
bind their souls together. Laoise, who was wearing a ravishing white 
dress stitched with delicate flowers, began her vows.
     "As I step into this sacred circle, the burdens of a lifetime slip 
from my soul, for as I gaze up into your eyes, I see only me, only love, 
only life.  This is what I've waited for, searched for, and longed for.  
In your arms I feel protected, in your presence I feel warmth, in your 
love I feel whole.  The love we share binds our souls.   Together we 
will create living legacy that will be a reminder of our love long after 
we come to dust.  For now, for always, I am yours.  With you I am 
complete…This I swear to you before all, my life, my love, my 
husband...."
     Dubhghall gazed into her eyes lovingly, and took his turn.  "As I 
step into this sacred circle, I leave behind all that I was before you, 
for as I gaze down into your face, I see all that I have missed and 
searched for in my life; love, compassion, comfort, tenderness.  You are 
all that is soft, pure and true.  You are my hope, my salvation: You are 
my friend, my lover.  You are my strength when I falter.  You are my 
heart.   Without you I am only half a man, lost and alone.  The love we 
share binds us together, forever.   I will always stand beside you…For 
now, for always, I am yours.  With you I am complete.  This I swear to 
you before all, my life, my love, my wife...."
     At last the Druid consecrated the marriage.  "I am the wind that 
blows across the sea, I am the wave of the deep, I am the Roar of the 
Ocean, I am the Stag of Seven battles.  O'n saol seo go dti' an 
saoleile…From this life to the next."
     The couple both repeated this vow and then embraced in a lasting 
kiss.
     Conor stepped forward.  "Friends, we are here to celebrate this 
union and celebrate we shall.  These two souls are forever intertwined 
with each other and let no man ever separate them.  Rejoice!" 
The crowd gave a elated roar for the newly married couple and then the 
music began.  Tully and a few of the other tribes men were playing 
instruments and people danced cheerfully.  Abiageal noticed Conor 
sitting alone, and went to his side.
     "You seem sad, Conor.  What distresses you on this joyous day?"
     He motioned towards Laoise and Dubhghall.  "They are so happy.  
This day reminds me of my brother's weeding day, before it all happened.  
It was a day such as this."
     "Your family," she said, kneeling next to his rock, "they died that 
day, isn't that so?"
     "Yes."
     Abiageal took his hand into her own and told him how sorry she was, 
with her eyes.  He gave her one of his crooked grins that she secretly 
found so adorable and melted her heart.
     "Enough of this sadness.  I said we are to celebrate this day, and 
we shall."  He gently pulled her to her feet.  "Dance?" he asked.
     "Why I'd be honored, Conor."  He led her to the main dance area in 
front of Tully's band, near Fergus and Dymphna.  Taithleach and 
Dymphna's daughter, Donella, were also dancing nearby, and Conor was 
pleased to see the smaller girl enjoying her self.  He noticed right 
away what a graceful dancer Abiageal was, and again he thought of Clare.  
Abiageal gazed into his eyes and saw his sad thoughts, even though he 
was trying to cover them with laughter and a grin.
     She reached up and lightly brushed his cheek with her fingers.  
"I'm sorry..." she breathed, and started to walk away.  He stopped her 
by taking her outstretched hand, and after holding it to his face a 
moment, moved it to his chest over his heart.
     "I am here with you today," was all he said, and they continued to 
dance in silence.  
     After some time, Fergus came over to the two linked dancers, patted 
Conor on the shoulder, and then moved to face Abiageal and spoke to her.   
"Might I have this next dance, lovely lady?" he asked and then glanced 
to Conor and back to Abiageal.  She nodded and Conor passed her hand 
off to his dear friend, not really wanting to let go.  Finally he did, then 
went to sit down.
     "Are ye being kind to the ale this even', Fergus?"
     He laughed a big belly laugh that shook Abiageal.  "Ah, lass, I 
never met an ale that I didn't like.  Might I say that you are a lovely 
dancer."
     She blushed.  "Thank you, Fergus.  You are too good-hearted."
     "No darlin, you are too king to let an old timer such as myself to 
dance with you.  Conor didn't want to let you go, you know."
     "Nonsense, Fergus.  I believe the ale is going to your head.  
Perhaps you should lie down," she giggled.
     "My dear, you of all people should see what is on his mind."
     The woman sighed, "Aye, Fergus, I do.  I see images and thoughts of 
Clare whenever I am near.  He doesn't see me, only the 'her' inside of 
me.  I bring him pain, yet he allows me to stay.  I do not understand."
     "Conor is a good man and he will not allow his personal feelings 
get in the way of your happiness here.  One day his pain for Clare will 
fade and you will be there for him."
     She studied Conor in the corner wistfully, then returned her 
attention back to Fergus.  "I hope you know as much about love as you 
do about ale, my Champion."
     He gently squeezed her arm, "I know about Conor and that is what 
matters."  The song ended and the band needed to take a break, so 
Fergus went off to find more ale while Abiageal sought after the 
newly married Dubhghall.
     She did not have to search very far.  He was over in a corner, to 
which Abiageal was fortunate to find him alone.
     "Comhghairdeas, Dubhghall…Congratulations!  You both seem so--."  
Abiageal cut herself off as she looked in to his eyes and saw the awful 
truth.  "You are a spy," she hissed.  "You are a Roman spy!"
*******
The shock on his face registered instantly.  "How do you…?  It's 
not like that.  I can explain!"
     "There is no explanation for what you are.  I am getting Conor," 
roughly he grabbed her arm.
     "NO!" he exclaimed loudly, knocking her to the ground.  His out 
burst quieted the sparse crowd near them.  "You will not tell Conor 
anything!" he growled, springing on the downed woman and hitting her 
several times.
     Somewhere deep inside Abiageal, her warrior spirit woke up.  She 
tucked her knees up to her chest and pushed the large man off of her 
body, then sprung to her own feet.  "Conor, Fergus!"  She yelled out, 
and they came running immediately to her aid.  Once Dubhghall saw them 
coming through the gathered crowd, he abandoned his fight and left the 
Sanctuary.  Fergus, Catlin, Tully and a few others attempted to follow 
him.
     Conor stayed with the injured woman.  There was blood streaming 
from a small cut at the side of Abiageal's mouth, and one side of her 
face was beginning to bruise.  Conor took her face into his hands and 
tenderly dabbed at the cut with his tunic.
     "Are you all right?  What happened?" he asked confused at the whole 
thing.
     "Dubhghall is a Roman spy.  I saw it in his soul.  He infiltrated 
your clan by the commands of Diana."
     Catlin, Tully and Fergus returned to where they two were standing, 
amid a group of onlookers.  "He is gone, and we found no traces of his 
tracks," said Catlin.  "What was that all about anyway?"
     "Dubhghall has been spying on us for Diana and the Romans," 
explained Conor.
     "What!" exclaimed Fergus.  "He's been here a long time, even longer 
than you and I, Conor."
     "That can't be possible," said Tully.  "Galen brought him here in 
the last winter.  That was way before you and the quest for unity.  
There must be some mistake."
     "There is no mistake, Tully.  I saw it in his inner self.  He is a 
Roman operative sent here to report back to Diana and her army."
     Laoise heard the ruckus and came to see what was ruining her 
wedding day.  "What is going on here?  Where is Dubhghall?"
     Fergus took her arm.  "Laoise, Dubhghall is gone.  He attacked 
Abiagael and ran out into the night."
     She shook her head.  "That can't be.  I don't believe you.  Where 
is my husband?"
     The large man tightened his grip on her small arm.  "Listen to me, 
lass.  He is a Roman spy. Dubhghall was in league with Rome.  He would 
have killed us all, given the chance."
     Laoise was in denial.  "No he is a good man, a gentle man.  He is 
my husband!"  She turned to Conor for an appeal.  "HE is your friend 
Conor, you know that. Dubhghall would give his life to save yours, for 
the cause, for unity.  Don't tell me you believe all this."
     "Laoise, look at Abiagael.  He hit her and knocked her to the 
ground because she found out what he was.  Look at her…she's bleeding 
because of him.  That's not something the man who was my friend would 
do." stated Conor.
     "What if he found out she was the spy, and attacked her for that 
reason?" the woman tried to sound optimistic.  
     "Why would he run away if she was the spy?" asked Fergus, turning 
her towards her again.  "Listen to reason, woman!"
     "Dubhghall knew of the love between Conor and her.  He probably 
realized that Conor wouldn't believe in him, for our leader is following 
his heart and not his head!" she yelled in Conor's direction, but Fergus 
jerked her back.
     "Let her go, Fergus," said Abiageal.  "She is going through a lot 
right now.  Let the woman go."
     He did as she requested, but it wasn't a wise idea.  Laoise 
immediately sprang for Abiageal.  "This is all your doing!" she 
screamed.  "You have turned everyone against my husband, and now 
he is gone.  How would you know that he is a spy anyway.  You 
are..." she was pulled away from Abiageal, who just stood there 
during the whole tirade, "you are just jealous of the happiness that 
we found together!"
     Catlin held the woman back again as she lunged for Abiageal, 
"Laoise, calm yourself.  Abiageal has a gift for seeing into the souls 
of people, and finding their darkest secrets."
     "What kind of dark magic is this?  You let evil into our Sanctuary, 
Conor.  That woman is purely amoral.  She has corrupted you all!"
     The others of the crowd started murmuring, but Conor put a stop to 
it right away.  "I will not have this happen again.  The last time, you 
banished Shannon, I went along with it, and she died.  If you banish 
Abiageal and her daughter,  I will leave and never come back.  I don't 
care what each of you thinks.  This is not an evil woman, she is just 
like you.  The Romans killed her family, burned her home, and she was 
brought here by destiny, just as all of you were.  I will not have you 
dismiss her because she is different.  Abiageal has hurt no one here, 
not even you     Laoise.  She has a right to be here as much as the rest 
of you do.  It is not her fault that your  husband is a spy."
     "You promised to protect us, Conor," a man called out from the 
crowd.
     "I will protect you.  WE will protect you all, but this woman is 
not a threat to you.  She has done nothing to deserve this kind of 
treatment, and I for one will not stand by and watch it happen."  He 
took her hand into his.
     Catlin reached out for Abiageal's other hand, "Either will I."
Tully moved in front of the woman to separate her from the growing 
crowd and Fergus took to the back of his group of friends.  They 
started to move as a group to take Abiageal and Taithleach to Conor's 
hut.  Abiageal stopped them for a moment, and turned to the now 
sobbing  Laoise, who was being comforted by a friend,
     "He does love you, I could feel that.  I hope you can take comfort 
in that thought.  Laoise continued to weep, so the group continued 
onward towards Conor's hut.
Four days have passed since the wedding day.  Abiageal and 
Taithleach were slowly being integrated back into the Sanctuary life.  
Every night, Fergus would bring Taith to his story time, and she would 
sit on his lap as he told the story.  He wouldn't let the young girl out 
of his sight for anything.  But this night, Donella, Dymphna's child, 
approached the champion with a smile.
     "Fergus, may Taithleach sit with me this evening?  I will watch her 
as carefully as you do," she asked sweetly.
     "Aye, Donella, just exercise caution with her."
     "As always, Fergus.  She will be only a short distance from your 
diligent watch."  Donella took the small girl's hand and led her to a 
spot near the fire.  Taithleach still had not spoken a word, not laughed 
since she had been brought to the caves 12 days previous.  Usually, 
Fergus or Tully could manage a slight smile out of her, but even that 
was getting rare.  Fergus couldn't help but to wonder if perhaps the 
girl could sense something bad was going to happen soon.
     Abiageal and Taithleach had been moved into Dubhghall's old hut, 
much to the dismay of his bride, and for protection they had a guard 
that would watch over them during the night.  In recent, the opposition 
to them staying in the Sanctuary has passed, and people were getting 
used to the two strangers.  Conor was confident that soon all memory of 
the incident would be but a shadow in the past.
     In the past days, Abiageal would leave her hut to wash, eat and for 
battle practice, which was going very well for her.  She was given a 
sword that the Sanctuary blacksmith, Ioasef, forged for her and she was 
quite proficient in its use.  A day ago, Conor asked her where she 
learned to fight.
     She answered cryptically.  "From when I lived with the Druids."
     "The Druids taught you how to fight?" he asked surprised.
     "No, a local boy," and that was all she would say.  Conor wanted to 
ask if it was the one named Diarmid, who he often heard her call out to 
in her sleep as he was guarding her tent, but he held his tongue.
     Catlin came by the hut, as Taith was busy with story time, and the 
two women decided to go outside of the sanctuary for a stroll near the 
river.  As they were leaving, Abiageal saw the expression on several of 
the people's faces.
     "They're afraid of me."
     Catlin studied the clansmen near them.  "People fear what they 
don't understand.  It's a natural feeling."
     They exited the cave and hiked out towards the river.  "You're 
afraid of me, Cat, aren't you?"
     "Why would you say that?"
     Abiageal rested her hand on the hilt of her sword.  "You haven't 
met my eyes for four days, since the wedding.  What am I supposed to 
think of that? You fear my abilities, because you have a secret that you 
don't want anyone to know."
     The woman put her long bow on the bank of the river and sat down, 
submerging her feet in the cool water.  Abiageal followed her example, 
and felt the water rush by her bare feet.  "I don't fear you, I dread 
what you will think if you know the truth that have been so well at 
hiding from everyone, including Conor and the others.."
     "We all have secrets, Catlin, and we all must be accepted for them.  
Conor and the others have secrets, as do I.  That is what separates us 
from the deer and the trees.  There is a balance that must be achieved 
between the two sides of our selves: our public side and our private 
side."  Abiageal hesitated for a moment and then continued on, in a 
rush.  "I wasn't there when my clan was slaughtered. That is how Taith 
and I survived.  We were at the cliffs trying to get away from my 
terrible husband, instead of helping my family fight.  I will die with 
the knowledge that I could have helped, but I didn't."
     "What could you have done?  They were up against an entire Roman 
battle troop.  You would have died with them.  At least now you can help 
our cause of unity.  We want and need you here, Abiageal."
     "It's still hard to know that you should have died with your 
family."
     "Don't think that way.  God...ummm...the gods didn't feel it was 
your time."  Catlin felt so comfortable around Abiageal, she almost let 
her own secret slip.  "It was destiny that you were gone that day.  You 
are protected."
     "Sometimes I just wish I died with them, for it would make every 
thing so much easier."
     Catlin patted her hand.  "Don't say that, Abiageal.  Death is the 
easy way out, but you...you are a fighter and cannot be silenced that 
effortlessly."  She picked up a stone near her leg and carelessly tossed 
it into the rushing river.  "As is Conor."
     "May I ask you a question, Cat?" Abiageal removed her feet from the 
cooling waters and turned to her friend.
     "Anything," Catlin immediately responded without even hesitating.
     "Conor...there is a love for him in your heart, am I correct?"
     She abruptly looked to her companion.  "Conor is a good man, a kind 
man.  He saved me from a life of slavery and for that I will be forever 
grateful.  He was the first man to be kind to me, and never expect 
anything back in return.  He has a love for our people, and this land, 
which makes him a natural leader, and I am honored to stand at his side 
through all this.  Conor--they all have: Fergus, Tully, Galen-- has 
given me a trust in people, and that, in turn, allows me to feel a love 
I never knew existed in my broken soul."
     Catlin and Abiageal continued to speak of the past, until the sound 
of approaching horses were heard.  The two women immediately scouted 
the best area for cover, and were about to run for it, when Tully and 
Fergus hurried into the clearing on horseback.
     "Catlin, Abiageal," shouted Tully.  "Conor is searching for you.  
We have just received word that the Romans are gathering for a strike on 
Creag."
     Abiageal has a confused look on her face, for she was unsure of the 
location of Creag.  "It's a large village about a quarter day's walk 
from here," clarified Fergus.  "Come on, lasses.  We need to get going."
     "Fergus, by the time we reach the villiage, it may be too late," 
said Catlin.
     "They are an Allied Clan, darlin.  We have to at least try to help 
them."  He reached out and helped Abiageal mount his horse, as Tully did 
the same for Catlin, and they galloped off back towards the Sanctuary.
Conor had all of the Sanctuary warriors lined up and was readying 
them for the upcoming battle.  The women and children were nearby 
watching nervously, as their husbands and fathers prepared to go out and 
kill for the sake of unity.  Abiageal found Taithleach there with 
Dymphna and Donella.  Dymphna walked up to Abiageal as she jumped 
down from Fergus' horse.
     "Where do you think you're going, young lass?  How can you leave 
her here like this to go off to fight?" questioned the elder woman, 
gesturing to the young child by her side.
     Fergus stepped between the two.  "Woman, we don't have time for 
this.  Abiageal has made her choice and we must respect her decisions."
     The younger female took her daughter's hand and led her to their 
hut.  She needed to change out of her flimsy shift.  "Taith, Dymphna is 
right.  I should stay here, but I have to go.  There is something 
pulling me to this battle, just as it led us here.  I know the gods will 
protect us both from harm, but if something should happen, I want you 
to know that I love you with all my heart and soul, and nothing can ever 
end that, especially something as trivial as death."
     The child's only response was to barely smile.  Abiageal pulled on 
a pair of leather pants, which Catlin helped her to fashion, and a 
shortly cropped tunic.  She then strapped her sword and scabbard to 
her slight waist, and pulled her wild hair back with a piece of rawhide.  
All except one piece, which she braided one end of and then cut it off 
with her dagger.  Abiageal handed the bundle of her hair to Taithleach, 
and then did the same to her daughter's hair, tucking the strands in to 
the waist of her pants.  
     "There...now we will never be apart," she hugged her child, and 
then led them both outside, to the warriors.
     Dymphna and Fergus still seemed to be arguing.  "Dymphna, I have 
made my decision, as he said, and Taith understands that.  I would be 
honored if you would watch over my little one while I am away... 
please."
      Dymphna understood what her last plea meant.  If anything were to 
happen to Abiageal, she wanted the cook to take responsibility for her 
child.  "Aye, lass...I would be honored to have such a task bestowed on 
me.  I shall protect her with my life."
     With one last hug to the child, Abiageal headed off towards Conor 
and the others, as Fergus lingered behind.  He turned to Dymphna.  
"You look after her well, and yourself, woman."
     Tears filled her eyes.  "Fergus..." she started and then broke into 
silent sobs.
     "Hush, love," he said taking her face into his hands and brushed 
the tears away gently.  "I will be back soon, and I will bring her with 
me."
     "May Brigit herself watch over you, my love."  She embraced him, 
tenderly and after she released him, he joined his leader.
     Conor was speaking with Abiageal but Fergus only caught the end of 
the discussion.  The young man asked her, for the last possible time, if 
she still wanted to go through with this.  She had a demeanor of stone 
about her, and would not crumble to the pressures from everyone to stay.  
Fergus admired that in the young woman, just as he hoped that it would 
not bring her untimely demise.
     Conor stood in the middle of the group again and raised his voice.  
"Now we leave, to defend our Alliance Brothers.  We do this in the sake 
of Unity, with pure hearts and that shall help us triumph.  The unity we 
strive for is not unlike the mighty tree, for even with many branches, 
it still always is joined in one sturdy trunk.  Today we defend a branch 
to fortify the trunk of our tree.  Peace be with us, my friends, and we 
will prevail, for we fight for our land, and each other as it should 
be!"  There was a great roar that followed his speech.  "Those of us 
with horses shall ride ahead, and the rest of you catch as soon as 
possible.  We will need your defense to back us up."
     Since Abiageal did not have a horse, she rode with Tully.  They 
rode quickly, so she had to hold on tight.  Part of the way there, the 
boy slowed the horse, explaining that she needed to rest.  Abiageal 
could understand that, for she was tired from just riding the animal.  
As they trotted along, Tully twisted his position so that he could speak 
to her.
     He hesitated a moment, and then continued on with what he wanted to 
tell her for days.  "I was pulled from a trade ship when I was four 
years old, by Galen, the man who used to bring people to the Sanctuary 
before Conor," he started.
     "I know.  I can see that in you."
     "Then I suppose you know what I am going to ask," he answered, 
quietly.
     "You wish to know about your life before, isn't that so?"
     The lad nodded eagerly.  "I remember nothing before a time when I 
became Tully, Galen's apprentice and son.  If you could just help me, 
please."
     She held to him tighter, "Tully, you are loved here, isn't that 
enough for you?"
     "It should be, but I still hunger for more."
     She had him stop the horse, he jumped off and then helped her down.  
They sat on the ground, knees touching, as she stepped into his soul's 
past.  She witnessed him as a young babe, being separated from his 
family by brute force, and pushed onto a trader ship.  Abiageal dug even 
deeper.  She saw an elegant dark-skinned woman holding an infant before 
a cluster of people similar to herself, and heard her speak a mysterious 
tongue.  Abiageal did not understand the words, but the emotion was 
evident in her speech.  The woman was presenting her new son to her 
family members and they were obviously joyous.
     "Tully, you have lived a life full of such love, you are truly 
blessed," she broke contact and then wiped the forming tears from her 
eyes.  
     "Did you see my mother?  Is she as radiant as my weakened memory 
recollects?" he asked enthusiastically
     "Aye, Tully.  She is a vision.  The traders had to take you from 
her by force, she didn't want to let you go."
     A weak smile passed over his face.  "That is what I wanted to hear.  
She did not give me away by choice, as I feared."
     "If you thought that, then you are horribly mistaken.  She would 
have rather gone in your place or even died, then let them take you."
     He was going to respond when another horse rode up.  "What is this 
all about?" questioned Conor, somewhat angrily. 
     Abiageal stood.  "Nothing.  The horse needed to rest," she 
intervened before Tully could speak.
     "The horse looks plenty rested to me.  We have allies that are 
depending on us to protect them.  Tully, mount your horse and get 
moving.  Abiageal will ride with me."
     That made Tully upset.  "Who are you to say who she rides with?"
     "I am the leader.  If your horse is so badly taken care of that she 
is fatigued by two riders, then she should ride with me." With hostility 
in his actions, Conor jumped down from his horse, and moved to 
challenge Tully.
     Abiageal stepped between the two.  "STOP IT--" she yelled, "--both 
of you.  How can you speak of unifying the warring tribes of the island, 
when you can't even settle a petty argument between two dear friends?  
This is my fault.  I warned you before, offered to leave, but you 
wouldn't have it.  Well, neither will I any longer.  Either get over it 
and move on, or I will."
     She stared at the two men for a moment, and when neither of them 
said a word, she simply set off walking towards Creag.
     Both Conor and Tully were speechless after the woman's outburst.
     "She's right you know.  We've been acting like children," started 
Conor.
     "Worse even," laughed Tully, then he became serious.  "I'm sorry, 
Conor, about what I said... about Clare."
     "And I'm sorry about hitting you, Tully, and what I said about your 
horse.  Friends?"  Tully nodded.  "Now let's get going.  We have a date 
with the Romans..."
     "We don't wanna be late for that," agreed the younger boy.  "Go get 
her, Conor.  I'm sure that's what she wants."
******
Tully got up on his own 
horse and rode off in Abiageal's direction.  As he passed her, he called 
out, "How did you become so wise?"  But she simply smiled.
     Moments later, Conor rode up behind her and stopped his horse.       
"Will you ride with me, Abiageal?"
     "Have you two worked out your differences?  I don't want to come 
between your friendship."
     "Aye, we have settled it, Abiageal.  Will you ride with me?"  He 
reached out his hand towards her.
     She submitted, and took his hand.  He helped her climb on the back 
of his horse, and then he took off quickly.  "We have to hurry to get to 
Creag, now."  He explained.     
     She held him tighter.  "I feel so secure with you, Conor.  Not that 
I didn't when I was with Tully or Fergus, or even Catlin, but there is 
something more when I am with you.  Perhaps it is because you remind 
me of him..." she trailed off.  Conor immediately knew whom she was 
talking about.
     "Diarmid?"   
     "Aye.  You don't necessarily look like him...it's more what I see 
in your soul that is similar.  Honor, truth, trust, love...." 
     "Who was he, Abiageal?"
     "He was my first love," she nestled her face into his back, trying 
to stop the tears, "and died in my arms."
     Conor slowed the horse a bit.  "You don't have to..."
     "I want to.  It's time for you to know."  She hesitated, then 
began.  "I met Diarmid on the celebration of my sixteen years of life. 
He was a son of a local tribe leader near the druid temple where I was 
raised, and would often come to the temple to draw, and compose great 
poetry.  His father never approved of these activities, and certainly 
never approved of our friendship, but he didn't care.  He wanted more 
out of life than to be a warrior, for he saw the beauty in all things, 
the land and the people.  We became very close, and eventually fell in 
love.  His father became enraged, swore that he would destroy all that I 
loved, was determined to slaughter the druids that raised me..." 
     "Why?" asked Conor.  "Why did he hate you so?"
      "My clan and his had warred for many years and, at the time, had a 
very shaky peace agreement.  He thought that I was sent to lure his son 
away from him, and to weaken his power."
 "The druids would never have had a chance," commented Conor.
 "No they wouldn't have, but Diarmid gathered a group of his friends and 
attempted to hold off his father...and was struck down in the 
process..."
      "Just as Clare was..."
      "Yes.  He took his last breath in my arms, and it was then that I 
knew..."
      "Knew what?"   
     She glanced into the distance, "hmmm?"
      "You said, 'It was then I knew,' knew what?"
     "Nothing.  I left the Druids soon after and returned home to marry 
Vaughn.  I will always carry my love for Diarmid in my heart though, 
just as you carry yours for Clare." she raised her head and looked 
before them.  "Is that Creag?"  Abiageal asked, pointing to the fort in 
the distance.
 "Yes," replied Conor, "but they don't seem to be under attack.  I 
wonder what is going on?"

*********



     They reached the fort and were met by Tully, Catlin, Fergus and 
another man, who approached Conor.  
     "It was good of you to come, Conor.  I knew the son of Derek 
wouldn't let us down."
     Conor grasped his forearm in greeting.  "You sent for help, 
Tiarnan, but I don't see any reason for it.  We got word that the Romans 
were gathering on your borders."
     "That they are, Conor…come see," the leader of the Creag clan led 
Conor's group of friends to the highest point of the fort.  In the 
distance, a large group of Romans lingered.  
     The new comers were all surprised.  "What are they doing, Tiarnan?" 
asked Catlin.
     "I'm not sure, but it seems they are waiting for something…what, I 
do not know."
     Almost if they were answering the man's question, the Roman troops 
started to advance towards the fort.  The group of them watched as a 
light resistance near the far borders met them, but that was quickly 
crushed.  
     "Let's go," exclaimed Conor, and they all quickly moved onto the 
battlefield to pick up where their fallen friends had left off.

*******
     The battle was a treacherous one.  Abiageal took a brief moment to 
glance around the field and notice all the dead bodies lying carelessly 
around her.  She silently wept for the souls of her fallen friends, but 
forged forward.  A roman man came at her from the left side, but she ran 
him through with her sword and continued on.  'This battle is for our 
land', she repeated to herself, over and over every time she killed 
again.  'The Druids would understand my reasoning for that'.  But in 
reality she knew they wouldn't.  Every roman that Abiageal killed took 
another part of her soul away, and she wanted to stop, but the sight of 
Conor and his friends ahead of her kept her moving.  'I asked for this.  
I forced Conor into letting me fight and I will not let him down.'
     As almost in mention of his name, Conor turned and searched for 
Abiageal in the battle carnage behind him.  He prayed that she was still 
alive and fighting hard.  He let out a sigh of relief as he watched her 
kill another Roman soldier, and the woman persevered on.
     Fergus' voice to his left alerted him to the fact that he was not 
paying attention to the battle, and Conor swiveled just in time to avert 
a near deadly blow and kill his attacker.
     "Keep focus on the battle, Conor.  What do you think this day is…a 
stroll in the meadow?"
     Conor's only reply was to give out a tremendous roar, as he smashed 
his next would-be assassin with a crunching blow to the head.  He raised 
his sword, roared again, and started running towards the front line of 
the battle.  Inspired by his war cry, most of the other able bodied 
Celts followed.


*******

     Queen Diana stood far away from where her soldiers were engaging 
in battle with the rats of this island.  The hill that she was standing on 
gave her an excellent vantage point from which to view the battle.  
Finally, she spotted what she was searching for.
     "Longinus, that must be her," she said, turning to her advisor and 
lover and pointing out the auburn-hared Abiageal in the battle.
     "And how can you be so sure, Diana?" the cloaked man asked her.
     She returned to watching the battle.  "Look at her… the hair, the 
build, the spark in her fight…this must be the same woman Dubhghall 
spoke of."
     "A woman with the power to read minds would be a great ally, in our 
search for the spear.  Do not allow her to get away, to get killed."
     Diana faced away from the battle.  "GUARD!" she yelled, and was 
greeted moments later by a ruddy-faced Roman guard.  "I want that girl 
and anyone around her at the time brought to me," she demanded.
     "Yes, My Queen," he replied and slowly began to back away.  
     "NOW!" she barked, and he quickened his pace.


*******

     The battle raged on.  Several times during the bloodshed, Abiageal 
saw Conor, Fergus and Catlin, but she still had not spotted Tully, and 
worried for the boy's safety.  Another soldier ran towards her, and in 
the instant before she stabbed him in the stomach, she made the mistake 
of making eye contact with him.  There, in his soul, she found the heart 
of a poet, a husband, a father, and a son, but it was too late.  He was 
already dead on her sword.  Finally, Abiageal broke down, and sank to 
her knees over the Roman's body.
     "For the love of Dagda, why did this have to happen?  Seanan, my 
Druid father, why did this boy have to die?" she yelled towards the sky.
     Heavy footfalls came up behind the weeping Abiageal, which caused 
her to reach for her sheathed dagger.  A hand came out and stopped her, 
and she realized that Tully was standing behind her.  
     "Abiageal?  Are you hurt?  Can I help?"
     "I broke the vow that I swore to the Druids, Tully.  My soul is 
lost among the breeze of the wind."
     Tully was confused.  "Abiageal, you need to get off the 
battlefield, before you get killed.  Please, follow me," he urged her.
     As he was trying to pull Abiageal to her feet, a Roman guard came 
up behind him and tried to hit the dark-skinned man, but he ducked, and 
Tully was able to knock him out.  "Abiageal…let's go, NOW!"  The 
sound of him raising his usually soft voice seemed to disrupt the 
woman's trance, and she got to her feet.  Glancing down at the 
discarded sword on the ground, Abiageal stooped to get it, in time to 
see a soldier come up behind Tully with a knife.  Abiageal slid her 
sword between the Roman's ribs.
     "You saved us, Abiageal, not killed another.  It is survival of the 
strongest…kill or be killed.  You must understand that, as do the 
Druids.  You are not at fault for trying to survive, now let's get-."  
Suddenly Tully was attacked from behind with a club, and was lying 
motionlessly at her feet.
     "TULLY!" she screamed.  "You bastards!"  Someone grabbed her from 
behind and started to haul her away.  "Release me!  TULLY!  CONOR!"
     The roman was struggling, trying to get her to leave the field with 
him, but she was resisting with all her might.  He finally got her back 
far enough that another soldier was able to help him.  The second one 
hit her over the head, and she fell into unconsciousness.  
     The first Roman turned to the second.  "Should I go back for the 
dark-skinned one?"
     "No, this one is going to be enough to handle as it is.  We'll take 
some of the wounded barbarians with us.  That should keep the queen 
happy."
     The first adjusted his helmet, and laughed, "Nothing will keep that 
woman happy except her freak…" They both laughed, as they carried 
Abiageal back towards their own fort.


     Conor heard Abiageal's screams cut through the clamor of the 
battle.  He turned to see her limp body being carried away.  The leader 
called for Fergus, who was only a few paces away.  "Fergus!  Abiageal 
has been captured.  We must help her."
     The two men reached as far as Tully lay, before another onslaught 
of Roman soldiers surged forward.  Fergus bent down and picked up the 
unconscious boy and slung him over his shoulder.  "Conor, we have to 
retreat... before we all die."
     But Conor was not listening.  He was fighting three Romans, trying 
to get through to Abiageal.  Fergus laid Tully down again and helped his 
friend dispatch the soldiers.  When they were dead, Fergus grabbed 
Conor.  "We cannot save her if we are dead, lad.  Let's regroup and try 
after her then."
     Conor yielded to Fergus' logic, but he was disheartened by their 
retreat.  Fergus picked up Tully again, and the two men steadfastly 
backed up.  
     "Fall back!  Fall back!" Conor shouted to his warriors.  Slowly but 
steadily, they began to retreat towards Creag, and the Romans did not 
follow.  Catlin caught up with them as they neared the fort.
     "Is Tully all right?" she asked, concerned.
     "Other than being dead weight, he seems fine.  A little knock on 
the head is too much for the young lad," responded Fergus.
     "I have been unable to find Abiageal in the people coming back to 
Creag.  Have either of you two seen her since the battle?"
     "Catlin, Abiageal was taken from the field by two roman guards.  
She has been captured."
     "Captured?  The Romans aren't much into taking slaves from those 
they fight; they would much rather kill them where they stand.  That cow 
must have other plans for her."
     Conor and Fergus thought of the same thing at the same time.  
"Dubhghall!"  They said in unison.
     "That traitorous sod-head!  I'm going to kill him when I get my 
hands on him," swore Fergus.  "He will not get out of this alive."
     "Fergus," started Catlin, "let's get Tully home first, rethink our 
position, and then get the sod-head.  I want a shot at him too."
     "Cat is right.  I want vengeance on Dubhghall as much as you, but 
first we need to check our troops and be certain that Tully is well," 
said Conor.
     They made it back to Creag, got their horses and set off for the 
sanctuary.  Those who could follow did, while the rest stayed at Creag 
until they were well enough to travel.

**

     Abiageal's first awareness as she stumbled back into consciousness 
was of the cold, hard ground she lay on.  When she was fully alert, she 
sat straight up and glanced at her surroundings, much against the 
protest of her pounding head.  A damp musty odor filled her nose, as she 
realized that she was in a dungeonesque type room with only a small 
window and a heavy-chained door.  And then she realized that she was 
not alone.
     "Hello?" she called into the dark corner of the cell, where a 
person lay.  "Hello?"  Where am I?  What is this place?"  A rustling of 
movement started her, and forced Abiageal into her own corner.
     An old man in rags stumbled out of the darkness towards her.  "We 
are going to die here lass.  Say your last prayers to Brigit, for we 
will be leaving this land soon to travel to greater places."  He rambled 
on.  In the dim light, Abiageal finally realized that his eyes had been 
burned shut.
     "What is your name, Old One?"
     "I was called Keenan in my youth, but that is about to end.  I have 
been here most of my life and I welcome the escape that the Romans 
offer me.  I will be with my beautiful wife soon..."
     "Keenan," said Abiageal, reassuringly, "I am Abiageal.  I have 
friends who will come for me, and you will come with us.  Conor will 
get us out of here."
     A woman's sudden voice at the door startled her.  "I was hoping 
you'd say that my dear.  It only proves you are who I think you are."  
The dark-haired woman turned to the guard next to her.  "Open the door 
and bring her to my chambers."  She swiftly moved through the corridor 
to her room to wait for the prisoner.  
     A few moments later, Diana heard a struggle outside her door, and 
almost immediately, Abiageal was dragged through it, and pushed to her 
knees.  She instantly struggled back to her feet, refusing to bow before 
the Roman Queen.
     "Well... well... well, you certainly do have a lot of fight in you 
my dear.  A real spitfire, but we can break that can't we..." she nodded 
to the guard, who at once, struck Abiageal in the face, knocking her 
back to the ground.  The woman grunted, but refused to cry out in pain.
     "What do you want of me?" she asked through clenched teeth.
     Diana motioned to the guard, who hauled the woman to her feet then 
pushed her over toward the balcony doors.  Outside, the courtyard was 
filled with people that she had fought side by side with earlier in the 
day; all of them chained to each other.
     In the daylight, Diana was able to study the enslaved girl.  "Why 
do you seem so familiar to me?" she asked Abiageal.
     Abiageal spit at her feet.  "Just fifteen days ago, you had my 
entire clan killed in their homes."
     "No... no, I usually don't remember things like that.  Oh well, it 
will come to me.  So you want to know why you are here.  Well, I think 
that should be obvious.  You have something that I desire, your ability 
to see beyond this world."
     "Go to Falga, cow!" she said with disdain.
     "Please, come on.  I am offering you a chance to really live.  A 
comfortable bed, decent food, a roof over your head…all you have to do 
is pledge your alliance to me."
     "Never!"
     At that time, a guard called up from the courtyard to Diana.  "My 
Queen?  What shall I do with them?"
     Diana studied Abiageal's face and then yelled back down to the 
roman.  "Kill them all," she said dispassionately.
     "No!" shouted Abiageal.  "Conor will never allow you to kill us 
all."
     "That's it!  You remind me of my late husband's daughter, this 
Conor's girl.  That is until she was murdered.  So... do you take her 
place in his bed now?"
     Abiageal, in a fit of rage, struck out with her foot, and kicked 
the queen in the face.  
     "You will not live to regret that, girl," she swore, spitting blood 
from her mouth.  "Guard!" she called down into the courtyard.
     "Yes, my queen?"
     "We will be postponing the execution until tomorrow.  Show me one 
of the prisoners."  A young boy, not more than fifteen years, was pushed 
into Diana's sight.  "You are being released.  Go back to your leader 
and tell him that there will be a public execution of his followers 
tomorrow, as the sun reached it's highest point.  Tell him that this 
one," she said pointing to Abiageal, "will be first!"  As the scared boy 
ran out of the fort, Diana turned back to the guard behind Abiageal.  
"Throw her back in the dungeon."
     "Yes, my queen."
     "No better yet," she said with an evil glint in her pained eyes, 
"put her in Mistress Clare's old room.  I think she'll like that."
     Abiageal was forcefully taken from Diana's chambers and then thrown 
in a room that was decorated beautifully, but less than the one she was 
just in.  She sat down on the lovely bed, and wept.
**** 

     The young boy that Diana released ran all the way back to the 
sanctuary, and straight up to Conor. 
     "Bevyn!" exclaimed his leader. "We feared that you had been 
captured." 
     "I had been Conor, but the queen allowed me to leave. She has a 
message for you. All of those who have been captured are to die 
tomorrow noon, starting with that woman who had just come to live 
with us." 
     "Abiageal?" asked Tully, who was being attended by the sanctuary 
healer, Luisaidh. She hushed him and forced him to lay down again, 
lovingly. 
     "Yes, the dark-haired one. I think that was her name. She is to be 
killed at sunrise tomorrow, followed by the rest of the 
prisoners…Caolán, Darragh, Lorcán, Naoise, and many others. My 
father is there, Conor." 
     "Sweet Brigit!" exclaimed Fergus. 
     "Why did the cow let you go? She knows we'll try to save her," 
announced Catlin. "It has to be a trap, but why?" 
     Conor shook his head. "I don't think that it is a trap. Diana 
doesn't want me as a prisoner, at least not yet. I think Abiageal did 
something that made her angry," he stated. 
     "Angry enough to kill? And why let us know about it? Diana isn't 
thinking too clearly lately," said Fergus. 
     Conor pondered that thought for a moment. "She must have noticed 
the similarity between Clare and Abiageal and feels that if I am there 
to watch her die, then her vengeance is complete." 
     "Abiageal seems to have really angered queenie. Way to go, lass," 
smiled Fergus. 
     Catlin frowned at him. "Well, let's save her before we start 
celebrating, Fergus." She moved to the center of the cave for better 
torch lighting. "We'll need a good plan for this. The queen will be 
expecting us." 


** 

     Abiageal dried her tears long before she heard the door open, but 
since she was facing away, she was unable to see who entered. 
     "Clare! Sweet Jesus, you are alive!" Abiageal turned, but was 
immediately taken into the arms of a petite dark-haired woman. "They 
said that you were dead, that Conor killed you, but you are alive!" She 
pulled back and looked straight at Abiageal, the realization showing 
clearly in her eyes. "No... no... I wanted you so much to be her," she 
said flatly. 
     "I am sorry. I wish that I could be her," Abiageal answered. 
     "You are both very much alike, but now that I look carefully, you 
are less like her. I am Livia, Clare was one of my closest friends." 
     Abiageal was mildly surprised. "You are Roman?" 
     Livia nodded, "Yes, but that never mattered to Clare. She had a 
kind heart." 
     "I am Abiageal. You were very fortunate to have such a wonderful 
friend. She was loved by many." 
     Sadness clouded Livia's eyes, "Until that barbarian Conor killed 
her. He said that he loved her and then he cut her down with his sword," 
she said bitterly. 
     "How can you say that? Conor loved Clare more than life. He would 
have gladly died for her that day, but it was not meant to be. Clare was 
murdered by her father as she tried to protect Conor." 
     "I don't understand. Queen Diana told us that Conor killed her in 
cold blood... she's lied to us all this time?" 
     "I'm sorry, but you should know the truth." 
     The door opened behind them and both women turned to see who was 
entering the chamber. It was a tall man draped in a dark cloak that 
swirled around his feet. Livia gazed at him lovingly for a moment and 
then bowed her head to him. 
     "Leave us, girl," he ordered, and the woman at once bowed again and 
moved out of the room. 
     The man examined Abiageal from head to toe, an act that gave her 
the chills. "How does it feel to know that you are going to die 
tomorrow?" Longinus asked her, staring into her eyes. 
     A total feeling of solitude washed over the woman as she searched 
his soul. It was an ancient soul that seemed to never end, and she has 
to break away before she got lost in it. "How does it feel to know you 
will never die?" she asked him in return. 
     A total look of shock passed over his face. "You can see that in my 
eyes?" 
     "No, I see it in your soul. You are not an evil man, just done some 
evil things. Please let me return to my friends and my daughter." 
     Longinus ignored her request. "Will I ever find the Spear of 
Destiny?" he questioned, pleadingly. 
     "I am not sure. My abilities are not to see that what is the 
future, but to speak the past and the present of the soul. I cannot tell 
you what will occur, only what has already passed in your life." 
     "DAMN YOU!" he screeched at her, but she was no longer afraid of 
him. 
     "I feel your pain, Roman, but I cannot bear it myself. I am not to 
blame for your eternal life, and I cannot help you. Remember that I am 
to die tomorrow. It seems your queen has already damned me." 
     Longinus did not respond, only turned on his heel and swiftly left 
the room and Abiageal alone. 
***


     Conor and his friends sat in his hut trying to construct a feasible 
plan to rescue their captured warriors.  
     "Diana won't be stupid enough to put Abiageal in the slave pen with 
the others.  It would be too easy for us to release her.  She must have 
her in the castle itself," explained Catlin.
     "How well do you know the layout of the fort, Cat?" asked Conor.
     "As well as I know the Sanctuary, better even.  It was my home for 
so many years, and I could get around there blind."
     Tully interjected.  "What if we created a diversion and then sneak 
in with our people."
     "She'll be expecting that. Tuaigh has already reported seeing the 
number of guards at the gate double. We'll need something more."
     A voice at the door interrupted them.  "Conor, there is talk that 
you are going to attack the fort of the Roman Queen," said one of the 
men whho was so against Abiageal staying at the sanctuary, Quin.
     "It is true."
     "That would be suicide, boy.  Our numbers are low and more will die 
just so you can save that woman."
     Fergus growled angrily and advanced towards Quin, "You shut your 
mouth, or I'll shut it for you."  Quin steadily backed out of the hut 
and the four of them followed only to be greeted by a large group of 
Sanctuary inhabitants.  
     Conor glanced out at all the men and women that he assumed backed 
Quin's concern.
     "You think that I am just doing this for her, for Abiageal?  I am 
doing this for all of them... Caolán, Darragh, Lorcán, Naoise, and the 
others who do not deserve to die at the Roman's hands.  I am not forcing 
any of you to follow me.  I will do this myself if necessary, but don't 
ever think that I would risk anyone's life for a woman.  I am doing this 
for our freedom and theirs."  He turned and went back into the hut, 
leaving all of them to do as they pleased.
     Tully was the first to speak in the hushed silence of the room.  
"Let's get back to our plan."   Conor went to a corner and pulled on his 
cloak.
     "Where do you think that you are going, Lad?" asked Fergus.
     "I'm going to the Druid settlement in the crook of the river.  We 
helped them fend off the Romans earlier in the spring and they owe us.  
I shall return before supper."
     They all watched him go, as Catlin turned to Fergus and Tully.  "He 
really does love her, doesn't he?"
     "I'm not sure, Catlin, but there is something there.  A feeling of 
familiarity that exists between the two of them... I feel it myself as 
well."
     "As do I," both Catlin and Tully said at the same time.
     Fergus looked at both of them, two of his three best friends, and 
smiled.  "I think I will go with Conor.  You two will tend the home 
fires?  Tully, remember Luisaidh wants you to rest tonight."
     "Aye, Fergus.  How could I forget."  If the dark boy was blushing, 
none of them could notice, but he did have a hint of something in his 
eyes that betrayed his feeling for the healer.  


      Diana stood in the dining hall drinking wine from a chalice to try 
and dub the pain when Longinus entered.
     "You cannot kill that girl, Diana.  She has a power that will be 
useful to us."
     "I want her dead, Longinus.  She is too headstrong to be any use to 
our search for the spear."  She stepped closer to him and into brighter 
torchlight.  "Look what she did to me.  We could never control her."
     "There must be a way!"  He said sternly.  "She was able to look 
into my eyes and search my soul, Diana.  With her on our side, force 
would be unnecessary on this island.  We could go from tribe to tribe 
and steal the information from the native's minds."
     "Unless you know of another way to control that woman, the 
execution will go on as planned.  I swore that she would die for what 
she did to me and seeing that I have no other use for her, she will."
     The anger in Longinus's eyes was quite apparent and he spoke in 
clipped words to his woman.  "What about her daughter?  Have you 
thought of using the child as leverage."
     She downed another glass of wine, "Of course, Longinus.  I'll just 
go pick her up from their hiding place and bring her here," she slurred.  
"How do you know that she has a daughter?"
     "She begged me to allow her to return to her child.  We can surely 
use that to our advantage." He called into the hallway, knowing that his 
servant would be waiting there.  "Livia!  Get in here girl."
     She swept in, momentarily bowed and then met her master's eyes.  
"Yes, my Lord.  How might I serve you?"
     Diana scoffed, but Longinus silenced her with an icy stare.  "Bring 
Dubhghall to me right away."  The woman bowed again and backed out of 
the room.
     "I don't like her, Longinus.  Why does she fawn over you so much?"
     "Her presence here is my doing.  She is my personal servant and 
does a very fine job.  You could say she performs the same duties as 
your personal guard does to you..."
     The queen looked at him openmouthed, knowing that he was referring 
to the guards that she used as play toys.  "What I do with them is none 
of your concern--."
     He cut her off.  "As is what I do with my servant is none of 
yours."  Livia returned with the Roman spy trailing behind her.
     "Ah, dear Dubhghall... The Queen has a very special request of 
you," started Longinus.
     "Anything for you, my Queen," he said facing her.
     Diana stood silent for a moment, the wine rushing to her head, not 
knowing exactly what Longinus had planned.  
     Longinus stepped in front of her and draped his arm around the 
burly man.  "Dubhghall, we are in need of your knowledge of the location 
of the Prince's Sanctuary."
     "I do not understand, Longinus?"
     "Of course you don't.  Tell me where you were living the entire 
winter and summer that you lived with the natives of this island.  I 
know it was a cave, but I need to know where."
     "So you can take siege of it?  My wife is there... she may be 
killed in the battle."
     "Your wife?  Your wife?"  Longinus's fury exploded and he tossed 
the man, twice his size ,across the dining hall.  "Did you think that 
removing the woman who betrayed you to the others would make it able 
for you to return to your life with them?  Do you think that they would 
just all forget that you are a ROMAN?!?"
     "No, Longinus," he said cowering into a corner, and wiping the 
blood that was streaming from his mouth.  
     "Tomorrow, after the execution of the other prisoners, you will 
lead me and an army of men to the sanctuary and present me with that 
woman's daughter, so that I will finally attain what I desire… and IF 
you refuse, I will kill you myself.  Is that clear?"
     "As rain water, Longinus," Dubhghall rose and limped out of the 
hall.
     Longinus turned to the two women in the room and searched their 
eyes.  In Diana's he saw fear, but strangely enough in Livia's, he found 
admiration.  "The woman lives, for a little while longer, but she does 
not need to know that.  Nor does the Prince.  I have a feeling that he 
will be coming out for the festivities tomorrow."  He moved over to his 
servant and stroked her ivory face.  "I want you to go out and collect 
these herbs and other things," he handed her a scroll with a list.  
"When you return, wash the woman's hair in a mixture of the ingredients 
and rinse it out after a while."
     "Yes, my lord."  Livia departed on her search.
     "What are you planning, Longinus?  You know that I have no need for 
the prince's capture," Diana said, her drunkenness beginning to really 
catch up with her. 
     "That is not my intention at all.  If we can get the boy truly 
angry, he will leave his home unprotected long enough to take the child 
without losing too many of our own men."
     She sauntered over to the ancient man, in a haze forgetting that 
she was angry with him only moments earlier and covered his mouth with 
her own.  "You know, this is why I truly love you, My Longinus...My 
Roman Centurion..."  She led him away, into her private chambers, as 
Livia stood in the other hallway, embittered with jealousy.


To be continued....

END PART 12