When I wake again, it is full morning and the sun is streaming in the window. From the decor, I know I am in the Rian's house. A woman sits by the side of my bed. Someone has been keeping a watch over me through this past night, and has nodded off in her long vigil. I raise my head from the pillow for a better look at my nurse.

My heart begins to race and I nearly fall back on the cushions in my excitement. It is 'Tissa! My 'Tissa has returned to me from wherever she vanished to, so long ago. I reach out and touch her hand. She wakes with a start, shaking the sleep from her eyes, and smiles. I take her hand and try to draw her closer. She starts to resist, then leans over and gives me the sweetest kiss I have had in years. I am about to return that kiss, with interest, but we are interrupted by the appearance of one of the Rian's handmaids. She brings a steaming mug of broth and some bread which is fresh from the oven.

"Drink this!" she commands. It'll be buildin' yer strength back up." As she hands me the cup, she also gives me some good news. "The Cath Milidh has called a council of war and asks if you are strong enough to attend." This tells me that Fenian has survived that knock on the noggin, and that we are most likely going to plan an attempt to rescue our Rian.

"Please tell the Cath Milidh that I will join him, shortly," I tell the girl. She rushes out to carry my message and I set to work on the broth and bread. Sitting on the edge of the bed, I flex my leg experimentally. 'Tissa watches with a trace of alarm, not knowing that her husband has sworn a blood-oath of revenge. Between bites, I try to explain some of what has passed in the past two and a half years. Just the highlights, mind you.

When I am finished with my brief tale and my even briefer breakfast, I make my first attempt to stand. 'Tissa fetches a crutch which someone has fashioned, just for me. With 'Tissa's steadying hand on my arm, I manage to hobble from the Rian's house to the War Council.