He leaped across fire and disappeared.
The others leaped after him, with a wild yell from Ardan.
Conachúr had sent a flying messenger to the palace.
“Bring Cathfa back with you,” he ordered. “Tell him I want him. Say that the king beseeches him to come.”
The captain of his troop stood by.
“Alas for the Red Branch!” he said mournfully.
“All that can be destroyed can be rebuilt,” said Conachúr. “I shall rebuild the Red Branch.”
He was in terrible distress and agitation.
“The morn is nigh,” he said.