I am wandering by the river, thinking of how I can find the fianna. I know they may be right under my nose and I might never realize it. Feeling a bit lost, I follow the riverbank, all of my senses open to the slightest human sound. Nothing.

Then suddenly I hear the unmistakable clash of sword on sword. Is it the band of rogues who attacked the Brigantes? I crouch down behind some rushes and peer cautiously through the mists.

There is the dragon-headed boat that belongs to the Keeper of the Ford. At first it looks like he has fallen victim to the bandits. They leap onto the deck, two by two, and Amlaidh draws his blade. Another pair springs out from the other side of the embankment, engaging the Vatling in a brisk exchange of strokes and dodges.

A spear soars through the air from out of the nearby thicket. I gasp but Amlaidh easily catches it. Oh! These are no brigands, they are the fianna! As I watch, still holding my breath, the Rigfennidh of the Coirí Filíochta gives a blessing upon the spear, accepting Amlaidh into the warband.

Much to my amazement, I then hear him say, “And now, shall we collect our champion – the one who wields the sword of Dunn Seannachaidh?”

Before I know what I am doing, I rise up and step from my hiding place, boldly calling out, "He is here, Rigfennidh!"