Father sighed. “I will not make that error again,” he said. “But this is troubling. Relieved as I am to have Illann’s innocence established, it seems to me there is a threat of far greater significance in all of this.”

“For that, I take responsibility.” The edge was gone from Cathal’s voice. “The ills that have befallen your family recently have all been caused by my father’s quest to reclaim me. If I had not come to Sevenwaters, Mac Dara would have left you in peace.”

“In that case it’s at least half my fault,” put in Johnny with a faint smile. “You argued hard enough not to come. I thought the trip would be good for you. Next time I’ll listen more carefully when you put a case to stay behind.”

“Lord Sean is right about a bigger threat,” Cathal said. “If I remain here, my father’s attention will be on Sevenwaters and he will use whatever tricks he can to draw me back into his own realm. Clodagh’s decision to befriend me has put her at particular risk. We must both speak to you very soon, my lord, on the implications of that. The danger we face makes quick action essential.”

In the short silence that followed, I saw on the faces of Johnny, of Conor, of my father that each of them understood exactly what he meant.

“Let us deal with matters in a logical sequence,” said Conor. “Sean, it seems you owe Illann an apology. Should we call him in?”

“On that issue, I have a suggestion,” Cathal said.

“Tell us,” said Father. His tone had changed. While still less than warm, it had thawed considerably.

“I will apologize to Illann for all of us,” said Cathal. “I will give him a full explanation. He is your daughter’s husband; he should know the truth. The fault here is not yours, Lord Sean. On the matter of Glencarnagh, you acted as any chieftain would under the circumstances.” I heard in his tone, and in his words, that he was a leader to the bone and would answer to no man. I heard also that somehow, without any need for discussion, he had already become family.

“An apology,” said Father, regarding Cathal quizzically. “You believe you can summon the appropriate tone of humility?”

“I can summon whatever tone is required, my lord.”

“Very well,” said Father. “Let’s do it now. I’ll add a few words of my own; I cannot allow you to bear the full weight of this, Cathal. If Illann’s prepared to accept your apology, we may have this treaty signed tonight, and some real goodwill come out of this wretched course of events.”

That night after supper eight chieftains of Ulaid set their signs to Father’s treaty, and Illann was one of them. He was looking rather withdrawn, but the rest of them seemed well pleased. The two leaders who had stayed away from Deirdre’s wedding were both present, and Eoin of Lough Gall was smiling as he set his mark on the parchment. He made a little speech thanking Father for getting them all to the council table together and managing to prevent the gathering from descending into a brawl, and everyone laughed and applauded.