Diarmuid awakes in good spirits, the first since his ailment. As word from Finbar confirms he has sufficient support from a majority of the Ulaidh council and the Ulaidh knights residing in Pollnagollum, the threat from Mannix weighs considerably lighter on his conscience. Although he dreads a coup, he is not isolated and is confident he’ll be backed up. However, a wedding to the daughter of his enemy only days away tanks much of his newfound ease, and only intensifies his obsession with regaining full control of his kingdom. Himself, Finbar and Finbar’s father, whom Diarmuid still doesn’t know by name, meet discreetly above the waterfall of Pollnagollum’s main entrance. Hiding in plain sight, they plot their next move.
“The council majority will follow you to the bitter end,” Finbar’s fa
