The creature waded forward into the dark. Now there was not a song left in me to keep away the shadows. I could not hold Felix’s hand. It was taking the combined efforts of him and Gull to keep Colm from leaping off the serpent’s back to be smashed on the rocks or stamped to death. Or drowned. Water gurgled and gushed around the creature’s legs, a rising surge.

“The hand of Danu lie over us,” I prayed. “The courage of the ancients fill our veins. The wonder of wild things be not terror to us, but inspiration. The memory of good companions, of hearth fires shared, of brave deeds achieved, beat in our hearts and give us strength.”

There was quiet for a while, and then a voice rose in song. Not my voice or Cathal’s, but that of Felix, singing in Irish.

Farewell, my mother and my home
Farewell my sisters three
For I am bound for oceans far
And isles of mystery.

A talking bird I’ll bring for you
Gold brooches and fine rings
A chain of pearls, a silver clasp
And other costly things.

A refrain came next, full of oh-ree-ohs and somewhat melancholy in its style. Felix’s voice was as strong and sweet as fine mead, and commendably steady. If his chest was still tight, there was no trace of that in the lovely flow of the ballad. Gull was quick to join in the refrain, followed by Sigurd and, after a moment, several others. The sea beast moved steadily forward in the darkness.

The brave young sailor crossed the sea
To places near and far
Until he found a treasure rare
As bright as any star.

She sat upon a rocky shore
Combing her golden hair
A princess from an ancient tale
Lovely beyond compare.

“Oh-ree-oh,” we sang, a ragged chorus indeed, but full of new heart.

Come here, come here, you creature fine
Oh come away with me
And I will give you hearth and home
And children one, two, three.

We started the refrain once more; even Donn had joined in now. As we sang on I became aware of another sound. Beneath the tune a low, humming accompaniment had begun, a sound surely conjured from sea and shadow or arising from the very depths of stone. I felt it vibrating up through me, filling my whole body. One by one we faltered and fell silent. Gull cleared his throat.

“She laughed to hear those words so bold,” sang Felix. I could no longer see him, for the darkness was almost complete, but I imagined him sitting bolt upright on the creature’s back, arm around Colm, eyes fixed ahead. Where others saw only shadow, he saw the shining light of a mission achieved. If ever your hope falters, I thought, I will remind you of this moment.

She laughed to hear those words so bold
And shook her tresses free
She gazed upon the surging waves
And never a word spoke she.