Cian was back in Lochlin at the right time, unseen in his cloak of darkness, and brought away a child with him to Erin. The child was not thriving for three years, hardly lived, and was puny.
“The child is not doing well,” said Cian to the druid.
“The child will do well yet,” answered Bark an Tra. “Take him now to Lochlin as far as Balor; the child will not thrive till his grandfather calls him by name.”
Cian went to Balor. “Well,” said Balor, “who are you and what journey are you on?”
“I am a poor man looking for service.”
“What child is that you have with you?”
“My own child,” said Cian; “my wife is dead.”
“What can you do?” asked Balor.
“I am the best gardener in the world.”