Fionn 2

The sky glowed crimson red above the village of Clan Bascna. People moved quickly across the clearing as fire engulfed one house after another. Mothers grabbed children from their beds and scurried to safety. People rushed to help one another as cries for help rang out from every direction. The fire was the beginning of the calamities of the long night, because an army of invaders waited at the edge of the village to attack the mighty Clan Bascna. When the signal came, they swarmed in through the smoke until they came to where the people were fighting the fires. So sudden was their appearance that there was no time for the villagers to search for weapons. They turned to face the intruders unarmed and exhausted from battling the flames. Amid the chaos and tragedy of the long night, a child of destiny was born.

Deep in the center of the village, far from the fire and battle, set the home of the chieftain, Cumhail, of Clan Bascna. In the bedchamber long haired Muirne, wife of Cumhail, wrapped her new born child in a soft blanket and set him in the crib beside her bed. Alone and exhausted, she leaned back on the pillows to await the return of Cumhail.

Sometime in the dark hour before dawn, two slender figures slipped through the front door of Cumhail's house and padded down the long hall. Lia Lara and Bovmal, sisters to Cumhail, entered the room where Muirne lay in a strange, deep sleep. Lia Lara went to the side of the bed and whispered her name. Muirne opened her eyes and what she saw brought terror to her heart.

She looked at the disheveled appearance of the sisters. Their golden hair flew in disarray around their pretty, pale faces and the colorful gowns they wore were torn and smudged. Bovmal, the older sister, held out the golden torque that Cumhail always wore around his neck.

"Cumhail is dead," she said. "Morna has attacked under the cover of darkness. This night has seen the end of clan Bascna." Bovmal's voice was thick with tears.

"Morna himself is at the head of his men," added Lia Lara. "He has put to sword all the leaders and captains of the Fianna."

Muirne realized the danger to the child. She reached her hand toward Lia Lara. Lia was known as the fastest runner in Ireland. "Lia," said Muirne. "You must take Cumhail's son away before Morna comes."

The sisters turned their eyes toward the small bundle nestled in the crib. It was at this moment that they realized the baby had been born. A light ignited in the eyes of Bovmal as she moved closer to see the tiny boy. "Clan Bascna still survives," she said as her hand reached out and clasped the hand of Muirne.

The women knew that Morna would not allow the son of Cumhail to reach manhood. He would take no chance that the son might avenge the death of his father and this nights miserable deeds. The women formed a quick plan.

"Go to Slieve Bloom," Muirne implored them. "If I am alive, I will follow you."

Bovmal, whose husband had fought at the side of Cumhail, brushed away her tears and rushed to gather the necessary items needed for the journey. Gentle and kind, Bovmal would care for the child as if he were her own. Lia Lara tied up the skirt of her dress so it would not encumber her flight. When all was ready, Muirne kissed the tiny boy and held him out for Lia Lara to take in her strong arms.

"I will get the child to safety, or give my life in the attempt," swore Lia.

Muirne's heart filled with gratitude for the courageous sisters of her fallen husband. A door crashed open at the front of the house. Gruff orders were given and the sounds of doors thrown open and the thudding of footsteps came closer.