The banquet had ended, and Maeve had left in her grand carriage, vanishing into the night.
In the castle of the Kingdom of Ulster, King Conchieber dismissed the remaining servants from his throne room, leaving only the Druid Kaisba by his side. His expression betrayed his irritation.
"Why didn't you let me detain the Queen of Connaught?" Conchieber's voice carried a bitter edge. "You just let her walk out of here unchallenged?!"
Kaisba, calm as ever, responded with measured words. "Your Majesty, we could not act against the Queen of Connaught... not at that moment, at least. Her departure was necessary."
"Necessary?" Conchieber's frown deepened.
"Because she is under the direct protection of a god," Kaisba explained. "And not just any blessing—she has the presence of Morrigan, the goddess of war and death, safeguarding her!"
The mention of Morrigan's name silenced Conchieber instantly.
"God…" he murmured, his frustration ebbing into reluctant understanding. He sat back heavily. "Then what do you suggest we do next? Give her the sacred bull?"
Conchieber's tone turned grave at the mention of the sacred bull, but he refrained from asking about Kevin and Cu Chulainn. As the heroes of Ulster, handing them over was unthinkable.
Kaisba stroked his long beard thoughtfully. "Maeve's greed is well known across the continent of Erin. Her boldness at the banquet shows her determination to possess Kevin and Cu Chulainn."
"Then the sacred bull doesn't matter anymore?"
"Correct," Kaisba nodded. "Even if we surrender the bull, her ambitions won't be sated. She will still find ways to pursue the Sons of Light."
"So," Conchieber prompted, "what should we do?"
The druid hesitated. "Though the late Queen Macha cursed our kingdom before her death, I can use my power to delay the curse's full arrival—at great cost to myself."
Understanding Kaisba's resolve, Conchieber gave him a somber nod. "Tomorrow, Cu Chulainn departs for the Kingdom of Lask to marry Emer. He'll lead several Red Branch Knights with Kevin alongside him."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Kaisba smiled faintly, knowing the importance of the journey.
Conchieber exhaled deeply. "Good. Let us keep this matter quiet until Cu Chulainn returns... and tell me, who emerged victorious in his match with Connor?"
The question drew a proud grin from the druid. "Your Majesty, congratulations. Cu Chulainn is now the undisputed champion of the Kingdom of Ulster!"
"Is that so?" Conchieber nodded, though his face darkened. Cu Chulainn's brilliance came with an inevitability he wished he could deny—his doomed fate.
"And Kevin?"
"Ah," Kaisba's smile softened. "According to Cu Chulainn, Kevin is no less capable than he is. What's more, Kevin carries the blessing of Luger, the God of Light and the Sun."
Kaisba paused, his gaze distant. "Kevin's growth has far exceeded anyone's expectations, even mine. He has drawn the attention of both gods and mortals alike. Many, including Morrigan, are watching him with great interest."
Less than five days later, Kevin, Cu Chulainn, and Scathach (in her clone form) arrived at the borders of the Kingdom of Lask.
They rode divine horses gifted by Luger, leaving behind the rest of the Red Branch Knights to maintain speed. Any larger party would have doubled the journey time.
Both Kevin and Cu Chulainn sensed the looming shadow of war despite King Conchieber and Connor's silence before their departure.
"Kevin," Cu Chulainn began with a grin, slowing his horse as they approached Lask's castle, "how do you think Fergal will welcome us this time?"
Kevin smirked knowingly. "He won't be friendly. But he swore to marry Emer to you, so I'm curious to see how he plans to weasel out of it."
Cu Chulainn laughed heartily, unfazed. "Maybe he's grown tired of his tricks. Who knows? Let's go!"
The divine horses raced onward, carrying them to their destination by nightfall. To Kevin's mild surprise, the city gates opened without resistance, and they were welcomed inside.
The trio was led into the grand hall, where King Fergal awaited them. The two-meter-tall ruler sat imposing on his throne, his sharp eyes sweeping over the arrivals. His gaze lingered briefly on Scathach before settling on Kevin.
"I've been expecting you," Fergal said, his deep voice reverberating through the hall. "Kevin, the Man of Miracles, and Cu Chulainn, the Son of Light."
Kevin stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "It's been a long time, Your Majesty."
Fergal snorted, his eyes narrowing. "A year ago, you concealed the truth from me."
Kevin's brow furrowed in confusion before glancing at Scathach. Realization dawned. Fergal must have discovered Kevin's identity as Scathach's apprentice.
Kevin responded calmly, "Yes, I was indeed the Queen of the Shadow Kingdom's apprentice a year ago. But my brother earned her gift through his own trials—it had nothing to do with me."
Fergal's glare deepened. "Who knows if that's true?"
Kevin's expression darkened, his voice steady but firm. "Your Majesty, are you accusing my master, the Queen of the Shadow Kingdom, of dishonesty?"
Fergal's jaw tightened. "Of course not," he finally said, his tone begrudging. "Her reputation is well known across the continent."
"Then," Kevin pressed, "are you planning to break your oath?"
Fergal stiffened at the mention of his sacred vow to Luger. After a tense silence, he waved a hand dismissively. "Bring the princesses," he ordered a servant.
"...Princesses?" Kevin echoed, startled.
Moments later, a group of women entered the hall, all adorned in fine clothing. Among them, Emer's gaze locked onto Cu Chulainn's, her eyes filled with anticipation.
But Kevin noticed something odd—all the princesses were staring at him.
"King Fergal," Kevin began cautiously, "what is the meaning of this?"
Fergal stood, his massive frame towering over them. "What I offered before still stands," he declared. "If you become my subject, you may choose any of my daughters to marry—even all of them if you wish!"
The hall fell silent. Kevin blinked, incredulous.
Scathach tilted her head, studying Kevin's reaction. Her lips twitched into a faint, amused smile.
Kevin sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Your Majesty," he said slowly, his voice tinged with exasperation. "What exactly do you see in me? Whatever it is, I promise to fix it."
Ignoring the laughter threatening to bubble from Cu Chulainn, Fergal's tone turned sharp. "Do you think you can defy me? This is your fourth rejection. My patience wears thin!"
Kevin's response was immediate, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
"Your Majesty, with all due respect..." He paused, meeting Fergal's gaze directly.
"Are you stupid?!"
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