Ardgal’s eyes flickered open immediately. For a moment all was still, he allowed his senses a moment and sought out the source of whatever it was that had taken him from his broken sleep. Outside the sky lay in darkness and the city along with it for the sun had not yet begun its ascent. Ardgal listened closer, the faint noise of footsteps approaching his bedroom came to him and he tensed. An unusual noise at this time of night, something is amiss. Ardgal gathered himself and eased out of bed. The footsteps grew louder until they reached his door. There was an unmistakable knock at his door.

“Enter.”

Michaél strode purposefully in wearing a worried expression on his face.

“We have news from Concani.”

Ardgal raised his brow, whatever it was to have been awoken at such an hour meant it urgent.

“Is it the Milesians, have they foreseen our plans?”

Michaél scratched his beard. “Probably, though I cannot say for sure. Either way I am sure they had a large role in destroying ours.”

“How?”

“The King is dead. Brandubh has seized control with the help of Earl Harfrigh and any of those loyal to Breogan were quickly swept aside. For how long this has been their aim we do not know but it was not evidently a last mad rush of blood that caused it. They must have had strong reason for carrying out such an act. I don’t doubt the meeting at Teorainn was little more than a final ruse before they made their move.”

Ardgal breathed deeply.

“Strong reason indeed, one likely provided for by the Milesians. And tell me how is it that we know of this treachery and deceit. Brandubh is not a man to allow loose ends easily escape.”

“One of his more useful traits, in times past at least. However though Breogan has for a long time now trusted Brandubh with his affairs it seems he never forgot what he was and has now proven to be. A man of ambition. Great ambition.”

Ardgal grunted, “A grand name for one willing to cast his morals and principles aside for his own ends.”

Michaél nodded gravely. “In any case fortunately for us the King kept a man he knew could not be reached by Brandubh in his inner circle, a man named Cillian Fruail. He is the one who gave us the news, he rode out immediately and was found on the forest borders by our patrols not three hours ago. He is seated now in the Guest chambers for you, I reckon you’d want a word. Sooner rather than later.”

“Good, there is much we need ask him.”

Ardgal pulled his cloak about him. His mind was a race with so many different thoughts to process. It seemed the only thing that hadn’t changed was that there would soon be war. Now however it would be on terms not designed by them but their enemies. If the Milesians had caused Brandubh’s uprising then their first target would no doubt be the Druaidíi. The Council would have to be called and a decision on their immediate future determined. Now though he needed to speak with the informer. He needed to hear it from the source. Ardgal rubbed what sleep he had got from his eyes and stood. Gathering his claíomh he motioned to Michaél and he led the way back to their visitor. The first thing that struck Ardgal as he laid eyes upon Cillian was his plainness. Breogan had chosen well. His was a most ordinary face and appearance with nought out of the ordinary or easily discernible. Of average height and build he would have blended into any group of men without detection. Eagerly attacking both the meal and drink placed in front of him he near tripped himself in his enthusiasm to bow to Ardgal.

With a quick wave Ardgal acknowledged him and signalled back to his seat.

“Sit, I believe you have ridden hard and fast to be here. A fact we are most appreciative of. You are Cillian Fruail yes?”

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The man swallowed deeply and nodded. “Aye yes that is me. A man of King Breogan now and always.”

Ardgal sat himself down opposite and Michaél did likewise alongside him. He looked deep into Cillian’s eyes and he stared back unblinking. Ardgal placed his hands in front of him on the table.

“Tell me again all you know of what happened. From the beginning.”

Cillian took a last sip of his mug before wiping his mouth with his sleeve. He pushed his plate away from him and stared at it.

“Well like you here we were all busy with the preparations. We were to march at first light, I was up late doing the final rounds of the Men, checking supplies, making sure they weren’t out drinking or whoring that kind of thing. Once I returned back to the Castle I noticed something was amiss immediately, none of the guards were at their stations and the wing given over to Breogan was deserted.”

Cillian paused to look down. “Then the screams began. Brandubh is nothing if not thorough. All of the King’s retinue were at Concani to see him off and clearly those which were not privy or deemed untrustworthy to their plot were seen as being too good a target to miss out on. All were rounded into the great hall, not just those of noble blood either, but some of the Generals too, Breogan’s Generals. Marc O Follain and Brian Fleadh were brought in cuffed and beaten.”

Ardgal grimaced, both were veterans of the Empire Wars and solid, reliable men.

“Most bent the knee and were sent on their way but some few resisted, refused to acknowledge Brandubh’s claim.”

“And? What is to become of them? Have they been imprisoned?” Michaél asked.

“No, any which refused were beheaded there and then by the man known as Fathach, Branudh’s faithful hound. Each one lost their head and their families lost their lands, riches and titles. Gorias will have a rather differnet look and feel to it when next you visit.”

“I would not worry, we are unlikely to be invited anytime soon.” Ardgal flicked back his untidy loose hair from his face. “And you? Surely Branudbh would not have misplaced you? Had he not considered your position?”

Cillian smiled, “I am not surprised you ask. No Brandbuh did not forget, like I’ve said I am one of the very few he did not have control over. No doubt he expected me also to be abed at such an hour. However wary as I was when I slipped back to my given apartment I found the room was already occupied by two of his men. Fortunately for me not two of his best, they hadn’t expected me to return thinking that I was likely out in the city enjoying myself and so they were easily dispatched.”

Ardgal nodded. Perhaps he was not so plain as he seemed, Breogan would have chosen him carefully.

“Once done it was no difficulty in the chaos assimilating into the crowd already gathered in the Hall. There Brandubh stood judge with Harfrigh beside him, any who bent the knee were allowed free. Any who didn’t were not. Nor were their families.”

“And Breogan.”

Cillian dropped his gaze, he shrugged. “He wasn’t there. I considered sticking around but to find out more I would have placed myself in great danger. Every moment I delayed increased my chances of being apprehended. Breogan’s orders have always been clear. Any sign of trouble I am to personally get the message out. I did not want to fail him.”

Ardgal rubbed his jaw thoughtfully.

“He placed his trust in the right man it would seem. Your information is as invaluable as it is troubling and I and my people are grateful. Now eat and drink your fill. Tomorrow you will be escorted back to the border.”

Cillian went back to his meal but stopped with the cup pressed to his lips.

“Is it safe to assume I’ll be bound and blindfolded once more then.”

“It is. You have proven yourself a friend, it is true. But the same laws apply to you as any outsider.”

“Very well.”

Ardgal got up once more and headed outside straight for the Council room. Michaél fell in alongside him.

“Do you believe him then?”

“Yes, I’m afraid I do. We are in far greater trouble than we could even have imagined. If Earl Harfrigh and Brandubh have made such a move then they have done so fully confident of success. We must prove them otherwise. Awaken them all and have them brought to me. Sleep must wait. War will be at our door soon and we must be ready.”

Michaél nodded and headed quickly off. Ardgal pulled out a chair and closed his eyes a moment. A moment of peace, he savoured it. It would be the last he would have for some time.