It has been a long journey from Crannog Niall. With my pony Roisin and wolfhound Thorn, I set foot at long last on the old road that leads to Inver Colpa, my second home sweet home. The faces of old friends rise before me as I pick up the pace. I pray to Brighid that everyone is well and still living in this blessed river valley. The Rian Flidais will be surprised to see me again! I've missed the jovial MacMorna and the old sage, Nevvyn. Amleth the Vatling, too, has often been in my thoughts, as well as gentle Summer Isle the storyteller, and the elder lady Skene. I say their names aloud as I think of them. It lightens my tired feet. I hope my little hut is still empty.

Thorn bounds ahead, up the last hill and around the bend. The round walls of the keep can be seen from here. I'm almost home again.