“In ten minutes we shall go,” said Naoise.
“What arms?”
“Shield and spear, brother. Strip off all armour. We must run lightly.
“I shall be out first,” he continued. “Give me twenty seconds before you follow, Ainnle, I can make room in twenty seconds. You will run ten paces to the left of the door. Deirdre and Ardan will run immediately into our interval; turn all to the right, and at my shout, run. Single file; Ainnle at the end. If I shout ‘halt,’ you two turn about and protect the rear. When I shout ‘run,’ drop every combat and fly. You, Deirdre, take Iollann’s shield.”
“And his spear,” said Deirdre.
“Keep actually at my back, beloved, and each time we halt drop flat on the ground.”
He was shouting his instructions now, for the voice of the fire was like the steady rage and roar of the sea, and through every window monstrous sheets of flame were leaping and crashing.
“This door,” said Naoise. “A kiss for every one,” he called. “We shall win yet. Pull, Ainnle!”
“The door is red-hot,” said Ainnle.
“Back for a mantle; two. Now grip. Pull! Give me twenty seconds, Ainnle.”