I

Jeanne G. Smithey

RAVEN ON HIS SHOULDER

CONTENTS

Part I Abbot Brendan Meets Prince NiallCounty Galway, Ireland

Spring, AD 570Chapter 1 The Prince of Tara

Meets Abbot Brendan Page 1Chapter 2 Niall Defends Himself Page 8Chapter 3 Escape Page 13Chapter 4 Father Colman Volunteers Page 20Chapter 5 Logh Derg Page 23Chapter 6 Holy Island Page 28Chapter 7 Rage Page 35Chapter 8 Remembering Page 35Chapter 9 The Cave Page 41Chapter 10 Niall's 15th Birthday Page 47Chapter 11 Niall's Journals Page 51Chapter 12 Two Bards Page 56Chapter 13 Abbot Colman Page 59Chapter 14 Brendan's Verdict Page 65Chapter 15 Planning a Voyage Page 70

Part II The Voyage to Tir-na-n'NogAt Sea

Summer, AD 570Chapter 16 Aran Islands

Innishmore IslandChapter 17 The Hebrides

Island of Iona

Page 75Page 80Page 82

Smithey/raven/contentsPage 2

Chapter 18Chapter 19

Chapter 20Chapter 21Chapter 22Chapter 23Chapter 24

Chapter 25Chapter 26Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Faroe Islands Page 108North Atlantic Ocean Page 121Community of Abbot Ailbe Page 128

Iceland Page 143Greenland Page 152Northwest Atlantic Ocean Page 161Tir-Na-n'Nog Page 163Atlantic Ocean Page 169

Part IIIClonfert Abbey, County Galway,

Fall, AD 577Voyagers' ReunionAbbot Brendan

Ireland

Page 175Page 192

Niall, Kevin and MaeveGrieve Page 199

Prince, Artisan,and QueenRaven Look to the Future Page 203

THE END

ft,

Jeanne G. SmitheySelect Bibliography

RAVEN ON HIS SHOULDER

Aakhus, Patricia, THE VOYAGE OF MAEL DUIN'S CURRAGH,Story Press, Inc., Brownsville, OR, 1990

Ashe, Geoffrey, LAND TO THE WEST: ST. BRENDAN'S VOYAGETO AMERICA, Viking Press, N.Y., 1962, Collins,London, 1962

Benedictine Monks of St. Augustine's Abbey, Rarnsgate,BOOK OF SAINTS, Morehouse Publishing, Wilton, CN,1989BIBLITECA SANCTORUM, Instituo Pontificalete,--- Rome, nd

Bieler, Ludwig, IRELAND, HARBINGER OF THE MIDDLE AGES,Oxford University Press, London, 1968

Boorstin, Daniel, THE DISCOVERERS, Random House, N.Y.,1983

Buechner, Frederick, BRENDON, Harper & Row, SanFrancisco, 1988

Butler, Alban, BUTLER'S LIVES OF THE SAINTS, FOURVOLUMES, revised by Thurston, Herbert, SJ andAttwater, Donald, J.P Kenedy & Sons, N.Y., 1956

Cahill, Thomas, HOW THE IRISH SAVED CIVILIATION,Doubleday, N.Y., 1995

Chapman, Paul H., THE MAN WHO LED COLUMBUS TO AMERICA,Judson Press, Atlanta, GA, 1973

Cunliffe, Barry, THE CELTIC WORLD, McGraw Hill BookCo, N.Y ., 1979

D'Arcy, Mary Ryan, THE SAINTS OF IRELAND, IrishAmerican Cultural Institute, St. Paul, MN, 1974

Delpar, Helen, Ed., THE DISCOVERERS: AN ENCYCLOPEDIAOF EXPLORERS AND EXPLORATIONS, McGraw & Hill,N.Y. 1980

Dengler, Sandy, THE EMERALD SEA: THE QUEST OF BRENDANTHE NAVIGATOR, Moody Press, Chicago, 1994

DePaor, Maire and Liam, Eds., EARLY CHRISTIAN IRELAND,Thames and Hudson, London, 1959

deVaragin, Jacobus, Caxton, William, Trans. andPrinter, THE GOLDEN LEGEND, Temple Classics, VOL.IV, AMS Press, Inc, NY, 1973

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Edwards, Tugh Dudley, AN ATLAS OF IRISH HISTORY, 2nd.edition, Methuen, London and N.Y., 1981

Ellis, Peter Berresford, A DICTIONARY OF IRISHMYTHOLOGY ABC, Clio, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA,1987

Farmer, David Hugh, OXFORD DICTIONARY OF SAINTS,Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1979

Forde, Johnson, PREHISTORIC BRITAIN AND IRELAND, J.M.Dent & Sons, Ltd., London, 1976

Frazer, Sir James George, THE GOLDEN BOUGH: A STUDY INMAGIC AND RELIGION, McMillan & Co., N.Y., 1978

Frazer, Sir James George, Douglas, Mary, Ed.,ILLUSTRATED GOLDEN BOUGH, Doubleday & Co., GardenCity, N.Y., 1978

Fritz, Jean, BRENDAN THE NAVIGATOR: A HISTORY-MYSTERYABOUT THE DISCOVERY OF AMERICA, Coward, McCann &Geoghegan, N.Y., 1979

Gantz, Jeffrey, Translator, Introduction, Notes, EARLYIRISH MYTHS AND SAGAS, Penguin Books, Ltd.,London, 1981

Green, Miranda J., DICTIONARY OF CELTIC MYTH ANDLEGEND, Thames and Hudson, London, 1992

Laing, Lloyd and Jennifer, CELTIC BRITAIN AND IRELAND:THE MYTH OF THE DARK AGES, St. Martin's Press,N.Y., 1991

Lattimore, Deborah Nourse, THE SAILOR WHO CAPTURED THESEA: A STORY OF THE BOOK OF KELLS, HarperCollins, N.Y., 1991

Lehane, Brendan, THE QUEST OF THREE ABBOTS, JohnMurray, London, 1968

Little, George, BRENDAN THE NAVIGATOR, M.H. Gill &Co., Dublin, 1945

Lynch, Patricia, KNIGHTS OF GOD: TALES AND LEGENDS OFTHE IRISH SAINTS, Holt, Rhinehart & Winston,N.Y., 1968

Macdonald, lain, Ed., SAINT BRENDAN, Floris Books,Edinburg, 1992

Macmanus, Seamas, THE STORY OF THE IRISH RACE,Devin-Adair Co., Old Greenwich, CT, 1984

Matthews, Caitlin and John, Eds., CELTIC WISDOM:ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Element Books Ltd, Dorset, 1994

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Morison, Samuel Eliot, THE EUROPEAN DISCOVERY OFAMERICA: THE NORTHERN VOYAGES, A.D. 500-1600,Oxford University, N.Y. and London, 1993

Muir, Ramsey, HISTORICAL ATLAS, MEDIEVAL AND MODERN,10TH. Ed, George Phillip & Son, London, 1964

Newby, Eric, Ed., THE RAND McNALLY WORLD ATLAS OFEXPLORATION, N.Y., 1981

O'Donovan, John, LLD, ANNALS OF THE KINGDOM OFIRELAND BY FOUR MASTERS, VOL.1, University Press,Dublin, 1851

O'Driscoll, Robert, Ed., THE CELTIC CONSIOUSNESS,George Braziller, N.Y., 1981

O'Hart, John, IRISH PEDIGREES: THE IRISH NATION, Vol Iand II, P. Murphy & Son, N.Y., 1915

O'hOgain, Daithi, MYTH, LEGEND & ROMANCE: ANENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE IRISH SAGAS AND FOLK TALES,Henry Z. Walck, Inc., N.Y., 1954

O'Kelly, Michael J., EARLY IRELAND, CambridgeUniversity Press, Cambridge, 1989

O'Meara, John J., Translator, THE VOYAGE OF SAINTBRENDAN: JOURNEY TO THE PROMISED LAND, ColinSmythe, Ltd., Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire,1991

0'Riordain, Sean P., ANTIQUITIES OF THE IRISHCOUNTRYSIDE, Methuen, London, 1979

Otway-Tuthven, A. J., A HISTORY OF MEDIEVAL IRELAND,St. Martin's Press, N.Y., 1979

Pepper, Elizabeth and Wilcos, John, MAGICAL ANDMYSTICAL SITES IN EUROPE AND THE BRITISH ISLES,Harper & ROW, N.Y., 1977

Ryan, John, SJ, MN, IRISH MONASTICISM: ORIGINS ANDEARLY DEVELOPMENT, Talbot Press, Ltd., Dublin,1972

Ryan, Michael, Ed., TREASURES OF IRISH ART, RoyalIrish Academy, National Museum of Ireland andTrinity College, Dublin, 1983

Scherman, Katherine, THE FLOWERING OF IRELAND, LittleBrown & Co., Boston, 1981

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Scott, Michael THE RIVER GODS , Real Ireland Design,Ltd, Wicklow, Ireland, 1991

Selmer, Carl, Ed., NAVIGATIO SANCTI BRENDANI ABBATIFROM EARLY LATIN MANUSCRIPTS, Publications inMedieval Studies, University of Notre DamePress, South Bend, IN, 1959

Severin, Tim, THE BRENDAN VOYAGE, McGraw Hill Books,N.Y., 1976

Severin, Tim, THE BRENDAN VOYAGE, Century Travellers,Arrow Books, London, 1978

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Stewart, R.J., CELTIC GODS, CELTIC GODDESSES,Blandford, London, 1994

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_____TREASURES OF IRISH ART: 1500 BC to AD 1500,Metropolitan Museum of Art, N.Y., NationalMuseum of Ireland, Royal Irish Academy, TrinityCollege, Dublin, 1977

VandeWeyer, Robert, Ed., CELTIC FIRE, Doubleday, N.Y.,1990

Webb, J.F. VOYAGE OF SAINT BRENDAN, Penguin Books,N.Y., 1965

Wright, Thomas, Ed., ST. BRANDAN, 1844Bibliography from Manuscript Library,

THE BRITISH LIBRARY, LondonOriginal Tenth to Fourteenth Century Manuscripts

Unknown, NAVIGATIO SANCTI BRENDANI ABBATI, Addit.36736, Provo St. Maximin, Trier

Unknown, NAVIGATIO SANCTI BRENDANI ABBATI, Addit.6047, Cat. of Romances

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8eXVII

~ ... -~~~ ~"-'''E·.ei lI~~_~P~~P'" - ~ ~, ..... r.-

Woodcut from SANKT BRENDAN'S SEEFAHRT,Printed By Anton Sorg At Augsburg, 1476

I

RAVEN ON HIS SHOULDER

A Retelling of the Voyage of Saint Brendan to~erica in the Sixth Century'

For Young Adult Readers

by

Jeanne Gray Smithey

..~.I

"'/~ .

Jeanne Gray Smithey

AES DANAARMORER

BELTAlNE

BILGEBLADESMITHBLUE MOON

BOMB

BOON

BOUDHRAN

BLACKSMITHBRAZIER

BRENDAN TIME

BUIONCAULDRON

CHALICE

CLAIRSEACHCLOCHANCOENA

COIGEDH

CORMORANT

RAVEN ON HIS SHOULDER

Glossary

Artisan ClassA maker of defensive covering forwarriorsA Celtic festival held in the Spring.Cattle were driven between two fires topurify themFoul water in a ship's hullMaker of swords and spears for warriorsA moon which appears twice in one monthabout every three years. It has a bluehalo around it.A lump of lava thrown out of a volcanoduring an eruptionA blessing or gift bestowed by one inauthorityA round hand-drum made of bent oak,covered on one side with sheepskin,beaten with a stick or the handsA worker in a forge using dark metalsA large flat pan used to burn charcoalor wood, used under a pot orfor heatingTime warp: Brendan's miracle to compresstimeIrish bagpipeA large kettle or boiler used to cookover a fireA cup for consecrated wine served atthe EucharistIrish harpA hut made of daub over woven wickerThe last meal of a Irish monk's day

Irish clan chieftains from theprovincesA large northern sea bird

COWL

CUCHULAIN

CUISLEANCULDEES

CURRAGH

EUCHARIST

FES

FOSTERAGE

GANNET

GENEALOGYGOLDBEATER

GRYPTONGUANO

HADESHERMITAGE

HURLING

ILLUMINATE

JESTER

A hood; part of a monk's robe thatcovers his headLegendary warrior/hero of Ulster twothousand years ago. Name of Nialls'sIrish wolf hound, shorted to CUCHIrish tin whistleIrish monks, also known as ANCHORITES,HERMITS OR BLUE MONKS. They sailed Westto find a solitary life on an islandIIbeyond the seas"A wicker-framed long boat covered withwaxed ox hides. Still used by Irishfishermen.Communion, Last Supper. One of theSacraments of ChristiansA leather bag worn at the waist forpersonal possessionsParental care given to children byother persons than the parentsA large sea bird of Northern costalregions, having white plumage and blackwing tipsA history of a family or clanA worker in a forge making jewelry,crowns, utensils and sacred vesselsA fulvous vulture with sharp talonsThe excrement of sea birds or bats, usedas fertilizerHell, netherworldRural religious building, used forretreats by clergyA game played with a bat and ball; theearliest game played in Ireland; stillpopular in the British IslesTo make one understand; to make thingsclear; to decorate a manuscript eitherwith pictures or designs painted inbrilliant colorA man dressed in a clown suit hung withbells, paid to entertain kings and theircourts in ancient times

Jeanne Gray Smithey 40,300 words Young Adult Historical Fiction Adventure RAVEN ON HIS SHOULDER PART I CLONFERT ABBEY, COUNTY GALWAY, IRELAND Spring, AD 570 Chapter 1 The Prince of Tara Meets Abbot Brendan "I see an island covered with mist. I'm going to claim that island. I'll name it after me, Niall Mac Neill, Prince of Tara." The boy stood on a clochan, a bee-hive-shaped hut, his arms reaching out toward River Shannon. "Don't bother adventuring," an old man said. III sailed west twice and found the Island of Paradise both times. Discovering broke my heart." Abbot Brendan of Clonfert Abbey sat on a stone bench, surrounded by huts where his monastery schoo l students lived. His white beard matched his home-sp un 1

Smithey/raven 2

wool robe. A trace of red sprinkled his white hair,cut ear to ear in an Irish tonsure.

Niall noticed a worn, dirty rope cinched the oldman's robe. Leather sandals flopped loosely on hisbony feet. The ancient man's skin looked transparent.Faded blue eyes squinted from a wrinkled face, sun-burned almost black and puckered like a prune. A one-eyed raven perched on his left shoulder. He lookedunlike the other monks at Clonfert. Perhaps he was abeggar wanting a meal and a cell for the night, Niallthought.

"What do you know about discovering things, oldFather? I'm young and strong and smart," Niall said.IIYou'reold and useless. Go back to chapel to sayyour prayers and leave us students at Clonfert Abbeyalone. "

Niall threw his hurling ball and hit Brendan onthe head.

The raven flew at the boy to peck his eyes, butNiall batted her away with his hurling stick.

The old man pulled the hood over his eyes. Hisbody slumped.

A monk's staff knocked the boy off the top ofthe hut. "Dare you speak to Abbot Brendan like that?You'll spend a month doing penance, Prince Niall,"dour-faced Brother Malo said. IIDon'tyou recognizeyour own Abbot, the man who crossed the mighty sea to

Smithey Iraven 3

the west to find the Island of the Blessed?""Let him be, Malo. The lad's right--I'm old and

useless. Maeve and I will go back to our cell torest," Abbot Brendan said.

Brother Malo helped the Abbot rise and watchedas he hobbled down the hill to his Abbey, leaning on atall staff and stroking the feathers of his blackbird.

"Is that Abbot Brendan, The Navigator?" asked astudent. IlTel1us about his voyages, please."

Brother Malo motioned to the boys and girls togather around him.

Niall dusted his tunic, pushed his long blackhair out of his face, and joined the group. Theothers students turned their backs on him.

"Only Abbot Brendan, Navigator and Discoverer,tells of his voyages," Brother Malo said. /Jlntheyear of our Lord 545, I sailed with Brendan on hisfirst voyage to Tir-na-n'Nog. He rarely talks abouthis discovery of the island. I never do."

Niall's chin dropped to his chest. In the threeyears he'd studied at Clonfert Abbey, he'd dreamed ofmeeting Ireland's famed Brendan. The Abbot foundedmonasteries allover Ireland for thousands of monks,as well as finding the Island of the Promise twice.

As the students drifted to the playing field,Niall hung back to speak to Brother Malo.

Smithey Iraven 4

"Brother, I made a mistake. I'd never seen AbbotBrendan before. The man I insulted didn't lookimportant. I thought he was a beggar," Niall said.III know I must do penance for offending and hittingAbbot. It was a small offense, wasn't it?"

Brother Malo looked down his long, narrow nose atNiall and said, "Your arrogance offends all of us atClonfert. Today you broke one of our Abbey Rules.You're lucky your insult didn't bring on Abbot's blackrage."

Malo returned to the Abbey, where he wasAssistant Abbot and teacher.

Clonfert Abbey spread over four acres ofmeadowland enclosed by a stone wall. The studentslived on a hill overlooking the Abbey. The boys andgirls built their huts themselves, of wattle andstone, and lived in clusters according to their ages.

The students yelled at Niall as he joined them."Big mouth! Braggart! Got us all in trouble!

You broke Abbot Brendan's rule of order." The girlsthrew dirt in his face and the boys stuffed nettlesdown his tunic. "We'll get no meat tonight, and belucky to get bread and water."

"I didn't know the old man was Brendan. Come on,let's have a game of hurling before coena." Hurlingwas Niall's favorite sport. He carved his sticks fromash tree limbs and sewed cow-hide around a wads of

Smithey Iraven 5

hair for balls."Leave us alone, you stinking royadama. You're

trouble. We'll finish our May Day game without you,"a boy said. His mates found their curved bats andball and began playing on the rock-walled playingfield.

UPoor Niall. I'm afraid you've gone too far thistime," Rose said. The yellow-haired student, aroyadama of the prince's clan, always took Niall'sside, and made excuses for his bragging. But she knewthis offense against their abbot might cause theabbey's top student's explulsion.

IIHelpme if you can, Rose," Niall said. IlI'11honor you with a gift if you convince Abbot to keep meat Clonfert."

His friend muttered as she ran to the playingfield, IlIfyou're so smart, why don't you see I don'tneed gifts? I'd like some attention from you, thehandsome eldest son of my father's best friend."

The fourteen-year-old boy sulked in his hut. Hewent to vespers because he feared breaking any morerules. No one walked up the hill with him tonight.His single candle shone dimly compared to the hundredscarried by his classmates.

Niall couldn't sleep. He walked to the highestpoint at Clonfert to look east toward home on the Hillof Tara to see if any Beltane fires burned. His clan

Smithey/raven 6

hadn't celebrated the pagan spring festival since theybecame Christians. Many Celts, caught between paganand Christian beliefs, continued to set two fires andrun their cattle between the flames to protect themfrom underworld spirits.

Fires burned in every direction he looked.Beltane? Pagan spirits? For a moment he thought ofusing the pagan festival as an excuse for abusingBrendan. Could a witch disguised as a rabbit havecaused his outburst at Abbot? he asked himself. Heremembered seeing a hare before he got in trouble.

"No. No. No." Niall denied himself thepossibility of evil spirits causing him to misbehave.He hit himself on the head with both fists to knocksense into it.

The boy went back to his hut, and offered hisprayers to Jesus. Tears dampened his tunic as heconfessed his attack on his Abbot.

Niall waited. He tried to pardon himself byreasoning he didn't recognize Abbot Brendan.

No forgiveness lightened his heart, only reality.His behavior sank his hopes for an education atClonfert, with Abbot Brendan as his mentor. Except forRose his friends hated him. The priests and monkswould gossip about his abuse of Abbot, he faced aheavy penance, and he probably wouldn't be top boy atClonfert anymore.

Smithey/raven 7

Someone knocked on his leather door. "MeetBrother Malo in the Chapel before our morning meal," avoice said. "Do you hear me?"

"Brother Malo before prandium. Yes, I hear,"Prince Niall answered.

Smithey/raven 8

Chapter 2Niall Defends Himself

The sun rose behind his back as Niall looked downfrom Student's Hill to Clonfert Abbey, built by AbbotBrendan to house three thousands monks in AD 555.Because of the founder's skill in building anddesigning, Clonfert became known as the most beautifulAbbey in Early Christian Ireland. Abbot Brendan'srule and the excellence of the Abbey School enhancedClonfert's reputation.

NOw, fourteen years later, Niall studied withyoung men and women who came from allover the worldto study at Clonfert. Niall's family and clan choseAbbot Brendan's School for their prince's final yearsof education. He learned the Scriptures, Latin,Greek, cursive writing, astronomy, mathematics, Irishhistory, poetry, music and manuscript illumination.

The Abbey's students ate their two meals,prandium after morning mass and coena followingevening vespers, with the monks in the refectory.Their classes met outside on the hill in good weather,in the Abbey rooms in Winter.

Brother Malo found Niall waiting in the Chapelafter dawn mass.

"What say you?" Brother Malo asked him.Kneeling in front of the assistant Abbot, the boy

bowed his head and folded his hands. "I know of no

Smithey/raven 9

penance large enough for my sin, Brother. If you wishme to leave Clonfert, I will."

Tears from his dark blue eyes ran down his cheekswhen he looked up at Brother Malo. IIIdon't want tobe expelled, sir."

Without warning, Niall's temper exploded. Hiseyes squinted, his fists doubled up, his face turnedred, he ground his teeth together. "It's not fair.The old man was unknown to me. I'd never seen theNavigator before. How could I know that scruffy oldman was Abbot Brendan?" he shouted as he pointed afinger at Brother Malo. IIWhydidn't you tell a ladwho he was? I've waited all my life to meet theNavigator, and because I didn't know how he looked, Imade a mistake!"

Niall stomped up and down the chapel aisles. Hisfists crashed into all four walls, leaving bloodystains on their white stones. The furious boy threwhimself down before the altar and hit his forehead onthe stone floor. He screamed warrior yells loudenough to echo on the chapel walls. He pulled outhunks of his black hair and threw them on the altar.

1I0nemistake and my life plan is ruined," Niallscreamed. He knelt, bent his body back and forth andbegan the ancient rite of mourning, crying in a highvoice.

Brother Malo covered his pale, stern face with

Smithey Iraven 10

his hands. He feared the boy would strike him. Heran from the chapel, saying, "I will inform you ofyour penance after I talk to Abbot Brendan. You'd dowell to pray for forgiveness."

Niall stopped keening and prayed for forgivenessand an easy penance.

Malo went to the refectory to report to Brendan.He complained about Niall's rage and lack ofrepentance. "The Prince lost control. He acted likeCu Chulainn shape-changing before going into battle."Malo wiped his face. IIThenhe keened like a pagan. Ifear for my life, Abbot. We must send him down."

Abbot Brendan choked on his prandium gruel asMalo related Niall's brash excuse for defaming hisAbbot.

"Called me a beggar monk, did he? The lad fromTara is right," Abbot Brendan said. IIIfeel like adirty old bag of bones sometimes. He's a bright,sassy pup. Niall's rage reminds me of myself, Malo.When my foster father, Bishop Erc, took me to hisHermitage at Slane for education I was an eight-year-old red-headed terror, I was. Took to Latin, Greek,and the Psalms like salmon to River Shannon, I did.Like Niall, I suffered because of my temper and pride.

"Raged at everyone and everything, even dearJesu. Bishop Erc tamed me, finally, by sending me tolive in Fenit Cave alone. I chanted psalms in that

Smithey Iraven 11

dark place until I hated the sound of my voice echoingin the cave. I learned to listen. Heard Christ sayHe was glad to get my ear at last. Jesu told me tosave my big mouth for bringing pagan souls to Him.After He spoke I only used the voice to preach and totame the waves of the sea."

"I remember, Abbot. I heard you tame the waves onour first voyage to Tir-na-n'Nog. About Niall. He'shard to educate. His arrogance and temper hurt him.Yet, he's Clonfert's best scholar."

"Yes, he's faulted but I admire his goodqualities more than I despise his bad ones. Seeks anisland to put his name on," Brendan said. Hiseyelids drooped as remembered his journeys. IlIfheonly knew what I found out: questing satisfies thesoul more than discovering," he said in a whisper.He rubbed his cross with one hand and patted hisraven's head. Minutes passed.

Brother Malo broke the silence. "What punishmentwill Niall receive, Abbot?"

IIWhatdo you suggest?""A black fast. No games. Expulsion from

Clonfert School."The Abbot scratched the top of his head where his

hair was shaved. "Would any of those help the boy?""No. You'd be a fine mentor. You might take him

to Holy Island this summer as your body servant."

Smithey /raven

"Giving me penance instead of him? What do youthink, Maeve?" He put his ear close to the bird'sbeak and listened. liMy raven offers to humble thePrince. She says together we can tame Niall."

"Niall deserves a heavier penance than a Sunnneron Holy Island with his hero." Malo left, scowling.

12

Smithey Iraven 13

Chapter 3Escape

What will happen to me? Will they summon mymother and father from Tara? Will I be sent fromClonfert, where I want to study? Or will I get easypenance. I've never made a mistake this serious,Niall thought.

He couldn't eat, nor sleep. None of his friendstalked to him, or played games with him. Rose shookher blonde braids from side to side when he asked ifher plea on his behalf had worked.

On a Sabbath afternoon three days after his firstmeeting with Brother Malo, Niall went to the chapel tohear his penance.

JlYou look thin and have dark circles under youreyes, Niall. I hope you have been praying forforgiveness," Malo said.

"Yes, sir, I have," Niall answered. "1 promise Iwon't rage again, Brother Malo."

"Hrrump. Your penance for disobeying the order'srule is to become Abbot's body servant, in word anddeed, for the Summer months he spends on Holy Islandin Logh Derg. You must keep him well and happy."

The monk raised the boy from his kneelingposition, and held the handsome head in his hands.Malo said, "You must read Abbot's mind, understandhis wishes, and behave yourself. Can you do that?"

Smithey/raven 14

III can. I will. Thank you for not expellingme," Niall said.

Malo smiled. Perhaps his idea would work, andAbbot would be pleased.

IJTheprocession to Holy Isle leaves the Abbeyentrance gate the morning before the next full moon.Be packed and ready. Kneel for my blessing, Niall.You will need it."

Niall lay on his straw pallet in his hut afterVespers, trying to decide what to do. His pride wouldnot allow him to be a servant, even to a famous manlike Abbot Brendan. Summer on an island taking care ofan old man is not the job for Niall Mac Neill, hethought. He decided to run away to his family at Tarato avoid his penance.

The next morning he took a new tablet of yewwood coated with wax from his polaire and sharpened astylus. Niall ran to the library with a smile on hisface to plot his route to the Hill of Tara.

The librarian monks wondered why Niall spenthours pouring over their maps of Ireland. "Soscholarly. A pity about his temper," one said. Themonks clucked their tongues and shook their heads.

Niall studied the maps. He decided to build araft. He'd row five miles up River Shannon to RiverBrosna, leave the raft, and walk overland ten miles toClonard Abbey. The monks would remember him from his

Smithey/raven 15

school days there. Then he'd eat, rest, and build astronger raft to row up River Boyne to his family'sHill Fort in Tara.

He calculated the raft trip would take three orfour days. Perhaps his parents and clan would honorhim as an adventurer.

Dried bread, cheese, and fruit went into a linenfood bag he kept under his cot. Niall worked on hisastronomical chart, and plotted his route while thestudents slept.

Niall bounced down student's hill, deep in spring/shamrocks and grass, walked slowly through the abbey

grounds to avoid attention, and slipped out the AbbeyGate. Momentum carried him down the steep hill toRiver Shannon. He built his raft from drift wood andvines he found on the river bank, held together withlinen rope.

vThe abbey vesper bell rang. He hid his raft inthe brush and ran to the chapel.

The raft-building project took ten days. Niallwas too busy to copy manuscripts in the scriptorium,but he had a stockpile of finished work that satisfiedhis teachers.

The last day of work on the raft, Niall found astrong limb to use as a pole and a shorter one for anoar. He shaped them with his knife. The raft wasready.

Smithey Iraven 16

Niall threw his hands up in the air and yelledlike a victorious warrior. He danced up the path toClonfert and smiled during vespers and conea.

Niall packed his book bag, covering it with ansecond waxed cowhide for protection. His clothes,food, water, knife, and extra linen cord went into abag.

The next morning, he stumbled down the hillbefore sunrise. The boy loaded his raft and strappedhis leather and linen bags to his waist.

Niall signed the cross. "Bless this vessel and myvoyage, Jesus," he said.

Niall rowed the raft into the River Shannon.Poling into the middle of the river, he franticallytried to keep on course up stream. Swift currentspulled his raft into white water down stream. Thefragile craft snagged on a tree limb, rammed into anunderwater rock, and overturned, tossing the boy intothe rapids.

The power of the downstream current swept himalmost past Clonfert, in spite of his strong swimmingstroke.

Niall panicked.Farming monks working early in their garden near

the river heard his cry, "Help me. Help me. I'mdrowning! "

IILook.See the black haired boy trying to swim in

Smithey Iraven 17

the white water? It's the young Prince from Tara.The one who abused Abbot Brendan. He must be tryingto run away from Clonfert," said one of the monks.

Niall's head bobbed up and down in the swiftriver.

JJShould we rescue him, or let him drown?" a monkasked.

JJLet'ssave him. His father's rich. We mightget a reward," another said.

The monks tied ropes to a tree and their waiststo make a human chain to rescue the drowning boy.They carried him in a sling made of a cloak to theAbbey Infirmary, where the healing monks treated him.After they pumped the Shannon River water out of hislungs, they summoned Brother Malo.

"What have we here?" Malo sneered at Niall. "Ahalf-drowned swan? It's not even a River Shannonbird, is it? This looks to me like a River Boyneblack swan, trying to swim back to Tara."

Too exhausted to reply, the adventurer turnedhis head away.

J "No more escapes for you, boy. You sleep in theabbey where I can see you from now until you leavewith Abbot Brendan."

Malo blessed him, and Niall closed his eyes andbowed his head in submission.

The exhausted boy slept until morning. When he

Smithey Iraven 18

awoke, he thought about his river experience andrealized how near he came to dying.

He decided he wouldn't try the river route toTara again. His pride demanded that he try anotherway to avoid penance.

Niall decided to pester the monks so muchBrother Malo would send him home. He made a list of

»:the worst tricks students had pulled in other abbeyschools he attended, and decided to pelt the monkswith rocks. He could perch in one of the trees liningthe path from the abbey to Clonfert Crossroads, wherefive roads met.

He constructed a sling shot of a chewed leatherthong tied to an ash branch shaped like a Y.

Niall collected round river rocks to use asprojectiles. Climbing a tree near the Abbey gate, hebombarded monks, tradesmen, and visitors. After sixdays, a victim, his tonsured head dripping with blood,and roaring with pain, climbed the tree, dragged theboy down and boxed his ears.

His victims took Niall to Malo's cell to protest.They showed him the knots on their heads andcomplained.

"No more speeches, no more tricks, no moreclasses. Scullery duty this time, boy. Pots andfloors to scrub. Bread and water. Only three daysuntil Abbot Brendan takes you to his island. Thanks

Smithey Iraven 19

be to Jesu!"Brother Malo forgot to bless him this time. He

reported Niall's bad behavior to Abbot Brendan, andsuggested the student be expelled from Clonfert Abbeyand sent home in disgrace.

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Chapter 4Father Colman Volunteers

UYou sent for me?" Father Colman asked as heentered Brendan's cell.

"Sun-bright bard of the Kingdom of Munster, macLennin, now priested as Colman, help me with Niall macNeill, Prince of Tara, County Meath, like us roydama,and suffering from the glory of it," Brendan said.

"The wild, raging, brilliant scholar, player oftricks, plague of Brother Malo, good with slingshots, bad with rafts? I hear stories of him everyday in the refectory. What's his punishment?" FatherColman asked as he settled himself on Brendan's cot.The weight of the large man caused the cot's legs tocollapse.

llMustnot have fasted enough this month," Colmanmuttered.

III'mto take Niall to Holy Isle this Surrnnerforhis penance. He's to take care of me as my bodyservant." The old man scratched the dry skin on hisneck, rubbed his lips together, and fiddled with hiscross. III fear he will interrupt my quiet meditationand peace."

"You have reason to worry, Brendan. A holyterror on Holy Isle. Reminds me of myself, thebrawling, drunken, loud-voiced mac Lennin, Bard of theKingdom of Cashel. Don't forget your early years,

Smithey Iraven 21

Brenain mac Finlugh. You were the raging voice ofKerry. You and I acted the same at his age,remember?" Colman asked.

"That's my problem." The old Abbot closed hiseyes. lilt's like I'm reliving my youth. I rememberthe pain of it. Help me find a way to ease Niallthrough his difficult young years, old friend."

IIDidanyone ease ours?1IIINotmuch. Bishops Erc and my teachers helped.1IIIBishopJarlath cured me when you sent me to Tuam

Abbey for study." Colman laughed, and pointed atBrendan. IIDid Jarlath put you in a cave to yell awayyour fears and frustrations, like he did me?1I

IISeveral times. Took a while to cure my ragingwith black fasting and cave dwelling. I yelled thepsalms and beat the walls so loud dear Jesu sentangels down to tell me to shut up and listen."Brendan chuckled. "How many times did you do penancein a cave? II

Colman's loud, deep voice echoed off the stonewalls of the small cell. "How many stars are in thesky? Compared to this heathen bard's case, Niall isan angel. II

IIIlike Niall's spirit. Don't want to break it.I want to build him up instead of knocking him down. IIBrendan looked at Colman, hoping for a suggestion.

IILetme think what might help Niall." A giant

Smithey /raven 22

man, he could pace Brendan's tiny cell in two steps.Brendan crunched his frail body into a corner of hisbroken cot to avoid being stepped on.

At last an idea formed in Colman's mind. "I couldgo with you to Holy Isle, Brendan. Malo can run theabbey this Summer. He's a good monk, who gets on wellwith most of our students, except Niall. This ladcomes from a different background than Malo, being ofroyal blood and all. We've been in the same placehe's in now--too high-born for hardship, too smart forlearning, too stubborn to give in. Together we mightmake a change in his life."

"Using your fancy bardic words, you've explainedpart of Niall's problems. Pack your belongings. Weleave for Holy Island in two days. Go in Peace,"Brendan said.

IIIfNiall lives up to his reputation, our peacewill be disturbed all summer," Colman mumbled.

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Chapter 5Logh Derg

Monks, priests, and Abbot Brendan rode in theprocession to the River Shannon. Two-wheeled wickerchariots pulled by horses carried some; others rodehorses. Niall walked behind in the dust. The strap ofhis heavy leather book bag dug into his shoulder.

The boy heard a whistle. He looked back at theabbey and saw Rose standing in the gateway. Shewaved. Niall thought he saw her wipe tears from herface.

Tears came to his eyes, too, when he realized hehad one true friend at Clonfert Abbey.

When the group stopped for bread and cheese, heserved them. He ate the scraps of their meal.

Never in my life have I been a lowly servant,Niall thought. I won't let 'him' know how upset I am.Useless old man. Sitting in a comfortable chair inthe chariot with that one-eyed black bird on hisshoulder. I'd like to replace the raven as his pet,permanently. I want to sit beside him, listening tohis adventure stories. He's my hero. And I'm hisservant. I wish I hadn't offended him.

The trip from the Abbey to the river took twohours. When the group reached River Shannon, Niallhelped carry Abbot in his chair onto one of the threeboats.

Smithey /raven 24

"How much longer, Brother?" he asked a monk."Eight miles down the Shannon, then twenty-seven

more across Logh Derg. We'll spend this night on theshore of the Logh."

Niall knew that Abbot Brendan lived on his islandin the summer alone, praying and doing penance,until he became old and feeble. Now, monks came alongto help. Niall would be his major care-taker for hispenance.

I'd rather spend all Summer in the chapel sayingPater Nosters and Aves than look after this dirty oldman, Niall fumed to himself. The monks say, 'Boy.Serve us bread and drink. Fan our Abbot Brendan. Helooks faint. Look after your charge.' Don't theyknow I'm royadama? I'm not an ordinary prince. Imight be elected High King of Tara! The boy chewedhis nails and twisted his hair in frustration.

After vespers, the monks settled down on wovenmats. A full moon rose over the logh.

Niall pointed up at the sky, "Look. It's a bluemoon. See the blue halo? This only happens everythree years." He stayed awake all night watching thereflection of the moon on the logh. No one elseseemed interested in him or the blue moon.

He rose for dawn mass, served bread and water tothe others, and helped load the boats.

When the curraghs entered the logh Niall

Smithey/raven 25

noticed clear, blue sky except for one place, wheremist hung low over the water like a fluffy ball ofsheep's wool suspended from a cloud.

"How much longer, Brother?" Niall asked again."Fifteen miles more. Watch for ravens and swans.

They'll be welcoming Abbot Brendan, and you'll see oneof his miracles," the monk said.

I'll have to see that to believe it, Niallthought. I'm bored. Maybe salmon will bite for me.That will be my miracle--to have a decent meal for achange.

A linen fishing line, a hook hand-beaten from abronze hasp, and a bread crumb made up his fishinggear. He sat in the back of the curragh, baited thehook several times, felt a tug, and pulled hard. Thesalmon sailed over him and the monks into Abbot's lap.

"What do I have here--a gift to welcome me to myhermitage?" Brendan asked.

Niall moved forward in the boat, and said, "It'smy fish, Abbot. See. My line and hook are still inhis mouth."

"I'm sure you'll want to share your bountifulcatch. Cook this beauty when we get to the island.We'll break fast tomorrow to enjoy your fish."

Niall held the salmon to his chest and moved tothe back of the boat. "You are my supper," he told thefish. I won't share you with anyone." He wrapped it

Smithey/raven 26

in waxed hide and stowed the fish in his food bag."Boy! Come be my staff," a voice roared."Abbot, you want me?" Niall knelt in front of

Brendan."Stand sturdy while I rise." The Abbott's worn

knees buckled as he rose from his chair. The boysteadied him and handed him his staff.

"I will walk onto the Isle instead of riding inmy chair. Hold me upright while old Brendan arrangesa welcome." The Abbot's bony arm lifted his stafftoward the sky.

"Land us safely on my Holy Island, my dears."Niall took a deep breath. The miracle I've heard

of will happen now or never, he thought.The sky darkened with black raven wings beating

the air. The water turned white from swans churningthe logh with their wings and feet.

The boat rode high in the water as the largewhite birds ducked under the curraghs, spread theirwings, lifted, and moved the boats filled with menand supplies onto the beach.

Ravens circled and squawked. Maeve whispered inher master's ear and swooped landward to join theflock.

The mist covering Brendan's Island vanished whenthe boats touched land.

Niall grew light-headed. His legs went limp.

Smi they Iraven 27

His body sank to the bottom of the boat. Is this real,or is it a vision? he asked himself. Who is thisAbbot Brendan that I have offended? Jesus, help me, Ifear the power of this man.

Abbot called his name. Niall went to Brendan onshaky legs.

Smithey Iraven 28

Chapter 6Holy Island

The buildings hugging Holy Island were either lowtigos, or bee-hive clochans. Niall had expected tosee beautiful stone buildings like those at ClonfertAbbey.

"Where is your palace, Abbot, that I may lead youthere?" Niall asked when they stepped onto the sandybeach. One of Brendan's hands rested on Niall's head,the other held his crooked staff.

"Here I live as a hermit. No palaces for me. Ahard floor in the chapel, a rock, a cave or a curraghis the place for Brendan. And for you, too, Niall."

"Here comes your bird, sir."Maeve dived from the sky, lit on the old man's

staff and squawked before circling with the flockagain. A bird sang three times.

"What's that?" Niall asked, looking around."A blessed sign from the linnet bird: three calls

for the Trinity." Brendan lifted his staff, to signthe cross toward the land, to the hovering birds,then over the monks who knelt on the sand. "Jesu,bless this isle and those of us who come to do youhonor. Amen."

Niall supported Abbot Brendan as he walked in aprocession behind a monk holding a large wooden cross.Forty monks and priests marched single file up the

Smithey fraven 29

beach toward the Hermitage. Niall saw a few largerbuildings. One stone building looked like a ship. Across, with a circle around it, stood on its top.

The raven moved to Abbot's shoulder. "Maeve,you've come to roost on old Brendan again, in time forvespers. Lead me to the chapel, lad. It's thebuilding that looks like a ship."

Once Niall settled his charge in chapel,heunloaded their belongings from the curragh and carriedthem to the hut he would share with Brendan for threemonths.

Niall's stomach growled. He knew vespers wouldlast long enough for him to cook his salmon. A flintignited the dry wood he gathered to make a fire. Hecleaned his fish, spitted it, and turned the fishslowly over the fire.

The scent of the salmon reached the Chapel.Monks punched each other with their elbows, andwhispered, "Niall's cooking his salmon."

Abbot Brendan smelled the fish, too, and heardthe smothered laughter from his monks. His shouldersshook up and down. The Latin words of the masstumbled from his mouth and mixed with giggles. At theend of the mass, he lay on the floor in front of thealtar, overcome by his fit of laughter.

"Forgive me, dear friends. 'Twas not appropriatefor me to laugh at mass," Abbot told the departing

Smithey/raven 30

group. "We haven't had a sassy student with a mind ofhis own in a long time. Keep an eye on him, he'llmake trouble for sure."

Niall felt pleased with himself for fooling themall and enjoying a meal. Fasting does not suit aPrince of the mac Neill clan, he thought.

He buried the fish bones and stored the rest ofthe salmon in his food bag before Father Colman cameto give him orders.

"You sleep on the ground beside Abbot's bed to beready to care for Brendan's needs. Arrange his bookson the shelf, and yours as well," Colman said.

All the huts were alike, except the rounded oneswhere the lesser monks lived. A well in the courtyardserved the community. A small glade of trees shadedthe buildings, but most of the island was barren.

"Father Colman, I don't understand anythingthat's happened today. Can you help me understand themiracle of our landing on Holy Isle?" Niall asked.

"No. Be patient. Watch and write down what yousee and hear. Did you notice Brendan's scribe writingon his tablet in the curragh, on the beach, and in thechapel? Be like him. Record everything Abbot doesand says. You can write in Latin, can't you?"

"I write and read Latin and Greek well. I'm thebest student at Clonfert. I'm high-born and welleducated." Niall's lower lip dropped in a pout.

Smithey/raven 31

IINeverdid I imagine I would be a servant boy.""Bless me, you are full of yourself, aren't you?"

Colman sighed. "Pray thanks to Jesu for your chanceto serve Abbot Brendan. No book learning couldcompare to the education you'll get by being in theholy man's presence.

IIAnotherthing, Niall, Prince of Tara." Colman'svoice boomed when he announced Niall's title. IIShowreverence to Abbot. Your Abbot's temper mellowed withold age, but don't provoke him. Hear me?"

"I understand you."Niall swept the hut's dirt floor and arranged the

books. One tied-up stack of floppy sheep-skin pageslooked as if they had been in a flood. Others lay inleather boxes decorated with gold letters and jewels.He wanted to examine and read them, but feared beingdiscovered.

"Fetch Abbot from chapel. Put him gently tobed," Colman ordered.

The student lit a candle and ran to guide hismaster home.

"You hungry, boy?" Brendan asked as Niall helpedhim into his sleeping garment and onto his cot.

"Father ••er ••Abbot •••er . No. I mean, yes. I amhungry. Aren't you? Fasting's hard." Niall turnedaway from Abbot Brendan.

The Abbot noticed the boy's hands knotting and

Smithey fraven 32

unknotting the rope around his waist."Easy for me." Brendan pulled a sheepskin blanket

over his thin body. IIFasted for days, months, oncefor a year. For my sins, you know. I remember as alad feeling my stomach bump into my back bone, it wasso empty. Here. " He took bread and a jug of waterfrom his linen food bag hanging on the wattle wall andgave them to Niall.

"Thank you, sir. I'm most terribly hungry.Thought I'd be too weak to serve you, if I fastedanother day." Niall nibbled at the loaf and drankwater.

"Where did you hang your salmon, Niall?"The boy busied himself restacking Brendan's books

before saying, "It's gone. Flopped back to the loghand swam away."

"Swam away?" The Abbot covered his mouth to hidethe smile on his face.

"Say your prayers, lad. Kneel for my blessing,"Abbot said. 111'11 pray for you, and I'm sure BrotherMalo back at Clonfert is working over-time on yourbehalf."

"I will, Abbot. Sometime, sir, when you aren'tso angry with me, would you tell me stories of yourvoyages?"

"When I rest my bones from the trip, I'll tellyou tales, lad. You may write them on your tablets.

Smithey Iraven 33

Say your prayers and sleep now." Brendan turned hisface toward the wattle wall and slept.

Niall woke before sunup, drew water from the welland carried a pail back to the hut. He washed hisface and hands and put on a clean white tunic. WhenAbbot woke the boy helped him wash and dress. As theystepped outside the hut, Maeve flew from her roost ontheir roof to ride Brendan's shoulder to morningchapel.

"Does the raven go everywhere with you, sir?"Niall asked.

"Yes, she does. Speaks to me, gives me advice.Navigates for me when I'm lost at sea. She's mydearest possession, except for my cross and Bible,"Brendan said.

Niall stood aside to let Brendan enter thechapel. Maeve flew from the Abbot's shoulder to theroof to wait for him. She turned her head so her goodeye could stare at Niall and made angry bird noises.He reacted by sticking his tongue out at her.

111'11 show you what I think of Brendan's pet."Niall scooped up a hand full of sand and threw it inMaeve's face.

The raven shook her head and blinked her eye toremove the sand. She cocked her good eye at him,sighted through her yellow legs, and splashed a birddropping between his eyes.

Smithey Iraven 34

"What! No! The smell! I'm ruined," Niallyelled.

The dropping slid down the boy's nose, and intohis mouth.

"Ugh. You foul bird! I'll get you for this."He ran from the chapel to the well, drew water, washedhis face and rinsed his mouth. His tunic reeked. Onthe way back to the hut to change clothes, Niallplotted his revenge.

A trap baited with bread would work, he thought.He cut vines to weave around sticks of wood for thetrap. The door took longer to make. He decided on adoor he could close by pulling on a grape vine throughhis hut's window. When Maeve squawked Niall wouldpull the door shut. I'll kill that nasty bird. MaybeAbbot will notice me more if she's dead, he decided.

The trap was finished and hidden in the bushes intime to help the old man walk to the dining hall forbreakfast.

After nightfall Niall set and baited the trap tocapture his rival for Brendan's attention.

Smithey/raven 35

Chapter 7Rage

Loud squawking woke Brendan before daylight."Light a candle, boy. My Maeve is hurt."Niall didn't answer. His cot was empty. He sat

on the roof, pulling the raven's tail feathers out asshe lay helpless in the trap.

Father Colman heard the noise, lit a candle, andcame to help Brendan walk outside to rescue his pet.The priest grabbed the boy and pulled him off theroof. He cuffed the boy's ears, and said, "Kneel, yourascal."

Brendan took the wounded bird in his arms."Maeve, my dear. Stripped of your glory, your pride,your heroic tail feathers! My beloved companion, whohelped me navigate on my voyages and who lost an eyerescuing me from the claws of a vulture."

Tears fell down his rutted cheeks and wet hissleeping garment. The raven shook, and seemed neardeath. Her only eye rolled back. Her beak hungloose. Her head sagged against Brendan's chest.

"My cross, Colman, at once," Brendan ordered.Colman fetched the cross and put it in the old

man's hand. Abbot touched Maeve's body with it,whispering words no one could hear, except Jesu andthe bird.

Brendan wrought a miracle. A white light blinded

Smithey/raven 36

Niall and Colman. Brendan's and Maeve's bodies glowedwith a heavenly radiance. Maeve lifted her head andlooked at her master with two golden eyes. She blinkedthem, surprised. Full, glossy, black feathers beganto grow from her tail. She struggled from Brendan'sgrasp and flew to her usual place on his leftshoulder.

Her master's hand stroked her back. Maevefocused her two golden eyes on him and fluttered herrestored tail feathers.

Niall felt faint and sank to the ground. Hegreatly feared Brendan's miraculous power.

Brendan's old, remembered, shameful, black rageburst out at Niall Mac Neill.

The Abbot towered over the cowering boy. Hisface glowed red, light flashed from his eyes, blacksmoke rose out of his head, his teeth showed whitefrom his mouth, which enlarged to bellow, "You high-born bully! You smarty rascal! You ungrateful, mean-hearted terror of Tara! Remove yourself from mysight. I strike your voice from your throat. I banyou from my hermitage. To the cave with you!"

Holy Island became as bright as a summer day, butthere was no sun. The ground heaved and rumbled.Trees shook so hard their leaves dropped. High wavescrashed on the beach. Wind blew Colman off his feet.

Sleepy monks stumbled out of their huts to see

Smithey/raven 37

what miracle their Abbot had made. When they saw Niallcurled up into the smallest ball possible, his bodyglowing as though struck by lightning, the monks wentback to their tigos.

"Abbot's Black Rage," they whispered to oneanother. "Poor lad. He brought it on himself."

Brendan strode into his hut, Maeve still on hisshoulder, and closed the leather door.

Niall called to Colman, "Help me!" No sound camefrom his throat. He was mute. He covered his lipswith his hands which glowed like an ember. His bodyburned and his bones rattled. Sobbing silently, hehugged his knees with his arms.

Father Colman took charge. First, he put Brendanand Maeve to bed, then he stuffed Niall's clothes andbooks into a leather bag, pulled him up, and led himwith a candle's faint light to the other side of theisland.

"Abbot Brendan feels great anger at you, lad.It's best you stay out of his sight for a few days,"Colman said. He left Niall in a damp cave and walkedaway.

The boy felt abandoned. And afraid. Andhopeless. He had fallen from grace of man and Jesus.What could he do to help himself? No ideas came tohim. The candle burned out. The blackness of thecave matched the darkness in his heart.

Smithey lraven 38

Chapter 8Remembering

"You sent for me, Abbot?" Colman knelt andkissed Brendan's ring.

The two friends sat on a bench in the chapel.Colman waited for Abbot to talk.

"Last night I dreamed about meeting you on theHill of Cashel long ago, shortly before I became apriest," Brendan said. lIyou were the famous mac Lenninthe Bard, reciting poetry out of a face purple fromdrink, spewing nonsense about the pagan, Hugh theBlack, who aimed to be chosen High King of Cashel.Writing the best bardic poetry in Ireland's history.Keen on genealogy, too, weren't you?"

"Yes, Brendan. You won me to Holy King Christthat day with honeyed words and miracles. I've beenChrist's Bard since, with the new name you gave me:Colman. "

"You're a boon to our company of monks and ablessing to me." Brendan's voice quivered. His handsshook. He'd aged twenty years since Maeve wasattacked. IIA favor, old friend. Send a boat back toClonfert to fetch Brother Malo. I need confessing."

Colman took frail Brendan in his strong, hairyarms, and rocked him back and forth. "It's the boy,Niall, isn't it? Your rage against him last night?"

Brendan cried. "I thought I was free of that sin

Smithey Iraven 39

of rage. All my fasting and praying on my knees inmoldy caves and windy hill-tops went for naught. I amflawed and need Malo to shrive me."

"I could help you myself," Colman said."You care for me too much, Little Dove. I need

Malo's hard heart to set me right. Take care ofNiall, until I can compose myself." Brendan wavedColman away and knelt again on the cold chapel floorto pray.

A curragh with four monks rowing left Holy Islandthat day. In four days, it returned to the cove nearthe hermitage. Malo found Brendan in the chapel onhis knees before the altar.

Niall lay on his stomach, his head supported byhis arms, looking at Logh Derg. He spent the nighttrying to yell every psalm in the scriptures, hittinghis head against the cave's walls, praying all theprayers he knew, even squeezing his throat. Nothingbrought his voice back.

Abbot's taken my voice, maybe forever. Ioffended him mightily. I'm tired, but I'm too scaredto sleep, Niall thought.

The eerie noises made by strange animals, thesounds of the waves breaking on the beach, the smellsof the musty cave, the wet sandy floor where he lay,and the ultimate darkness closed in on him. Terrortook over his brain and his senses. The brave

Smithey Iraven 40

Warrior-Prince of Tara cried like a new-born baby andlost control of his bladder and his bowels.

What can I do? I have debased myself to thelevel of the lowest human being in Ireland, hethought. The boy pushed his straight, black hair outof his face and dug his dirty hands into his swolleneyes. He chewed his nails until they bled.

I can write down what's happened to me. Maybethat will help me understand why I hurt Abbot, Maeve,and myself, Niall decided.

At first light, he washed in the lake and beganwriting. When he reread the tablets, he found ananswer, but no solution.

All the deadly sins against Christ are here! Andagainst Abbot Brendan, too. I'm a lost soul. Whowill help me? Niall wondered. Will I be left here torot?

Wait. I hear someone coming.He left the mouth of the cave to look.

Smithey fraven 41

Chapter 9The Cave

Colman appeared. Niall buried his head in hishands. He pointed to his throat and shook his headfrom side to side.

"I know, lad. You're mute."Colman showed Niall a beach where he could bathe

again. Niall put on the clean white tunic the priestbrought him.

"Help me carry our supplies up the hill to thecave," Colman said. "You and I will stay here awhile."

A horse, tied to a tree at the bottom of thehill, carried two straw panniers full of goods to makecave living more comfortable. Each of them unlaced abasket and slung it over his shoulder. There was apottery jug of water, dried meat, fruit, fish, bread,oats, eggs, honey, a bronze pot for cooking, woodeneating utensils, bronze bowls and cups, fishing hooks,sheep skin blankets, an oil lamp and candles, and aBible and writing material. Colman unpacked a goldcross for the shelf on the cave wall, which wouldserve as their altar.

Colman read aloud from the tablet Niall handedhim. IICould I have some bread, Father?"

"Better than that, Niall. We'll break fast

Smithey Iraven 42

together. Help me build a fire and we'll cook a heartyprandium after we pray."

Both slept after their meal. Niall woke first,hungry again. He crept from the cave to the kettle,cut a piece off a loaf with his meat knife, andscraped left-over oatmeal into his mouth with thebread.

Former bards know how to cook and eat. By thesize of him, he must not have ever been hungry in hislife, Niall thought. I'm lucky he came to help me.I'll ask him to tell me some Bardic stories when hewakes.

Soon, the priest joined Niall at the cauldron. Hegrabbed bread to dip in the stirabout. Some ran downhis chin.

"I'm always hungry, lad." Colman said JlSince

being priested, I miss the banqueting halls and themighty feasts. We bards get fed well and often, youknow. Have a special niche of honor to sit in, on asoft cushion, and are served right after the King.Brendan won me to Christ at Cashel Castle, where I wasChief Bard and Genealogist. But you know about bardsand kings already. Coming from Meath, your father theWarrior-Lord of Tara, you have the same background asI do." The big man ate more oatmeal.

Niall nodded."Took to Brendan's Jesu right away, I did, but

Smithey/raven 43

not so easily to fasting." Colman looked in the emptycauldron and poured water in it to make cleaningeasier. "Want to explore the island a bit, boy,before we clean our cave and settle in? Food's gone."

IIHowlong will I stay here, Father?" Niall wroteon his tablet.

"All summer, if Brendan wills it," Colmananswered.

IIDid we walk across this spit last night? I don'tremember much that happened," Niall wrote, thenpointed to a narrow passage connecting two parts ofHoly Island.

"You were in shock, boy. Abbot Brendan laid ablack rage and heavy penance on you for maimingMaeve. "

III deserved it," Niall's tablet read."Yes. For sure, you did. To answer your

question, we indeed walked across the spit. Watercovers it during flood times and the island is splitin two."

Niall took the tablet from the priest, andscribbled, IILook. This part of the island hasdifferent vegetation, higher hills, and caves. And alarger, sandier, shore."

"Good observation, Niall. That's one reasonBrendan chose this island for his hermitage. He canbe isolated, while the others live in the huts across

Smithey Iraven 44

the spit. In this cave, he spends long weeks on hisknees, praying and fasting."

Niall led the way to the top of the hill. He sawthe chapel on the west side of the island, andwondered if Brendan was there. Seeing the roof of thehut they shared brought back his memory of trappingMaeve and enraging Abbot. He sat on a rock and staredat the hermitage.

Grabbing his tablet, he wrote, "I'm ashamed of mybehavior and fearful for my future. What could I doto change Abbot's mind about having me around?"

"Maybe angels know. I don't, lad," Colman said."You might think about asking Abbot's forgivenessbefore planning your future with him."

Niall hung his head. Colman spoke the truthabout his ambition to have Brendan for a mentor.

For a long time, neither man spoke nor wrote.Time hung suspended, as though waiting like the boyfor the answer to his question. He chewed hisfingernails. Doubts chilled him.

The older man ran his hands through his thick,dark hair and beard.

"We've not a clue about your future with Brendanand Clonfert Abbey, have we, Niall? What say we makethat smelly, smoky cave of Brendan's more livable,take a swim, fill the pot with fish we've caught, praysome, then talk about what you can do to make amends."

Smithey/raven 45

Niall worked harder than Colman, scrubbing sootoff the cave's walls, unpacking their possessions,catching and cleaning fish and building a fire. Thepriest cut vegetables and herbs to add to the fish inthe cauldron for their evening meal.

"This is my family cauldron. Brought it with mefrom Cashel Castle. Only relic left from my druidic,bardic life as Bard mac Lennin, except for my harp,meat knife, and sword. You have a sword at your homein Tara, don't you?"

Niall's tablet was full. He got a new one fromthe cave, and wrote,fourteenth birthday.held it in my hand.

IIYes , a gift from my clan on myI've never seen my sword, or

Today's my birthday, Father. Agift may be waiting for me at the abbey from myfamily." He handed the wooden slate to Colman.

"Indeed, indeed, I understand. Fifteen years oldtoday. We'll celebrate here tonight, to honor yourentrance into manhood. I might agitate my near-forgotten poetic thoughts and compose a poem for you,young man. You stir the stew, and I'll write abirthday verse for you."

Colman fetched his harp from the cave and tunedit as he walked up the hill.

Smithey /raven 46

Niall thought of home as he stirred the fishstew. He stretched his mind to recall his mother'sface bending over his bed box to kiss him goodnight,and his father sitting tall in his stall of honor inthe Warriors' Hall.

Even if he were home for his fifteenth birthday,his mother wouldn't dote on him like she did when hewas younger. The warm kisses would become a pat onthe back. The offering of a choice piece of meat toher baby boy would pass to the youngest child attable, not him. His father would be busy overseeingthe warrior training and education of his youngerbrothers, as well as leading his clan in battles toprotect their land and cattle.

What am I grieving for? Unreasonable things,long past. A childhood remembered fondly. Grow up,Niall, he said to himself. You had your turn beingthe spoiled baby. It's time to be a man. But, do youknow how?

Niall's head dropped low. Tears from sadness andsmoke flooded his face. He stood to look at thehermitage and thought again of Brendan's rage. Hebrought it on himself by hurting Maeve. Niallshivered and moved closer to the fire.

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Chapter 10Niall's 15th. Birthday

Niall's head popped up when he heard harp music.He strutted around the fire, smiling and thinking ofthe honor of having the best bard in Ireland write hisbirthday poem. He wished for his princely garmentsand his gold torc to show Colman how handsome a princehe could be.

He stirred the stew faster in time to the music.After vespers and coena, Father Colman took his

harp out of its leather case, tuned, and said, "ForNiall mac Neill, in honor of his fifteenth birthday."

A POEM FOR PRINCE NIALLOn Holy Isle, this 6th of June,Niall mac Neill of Tara attains manhood.The handsome youth appears at Clonfert AbbeyTrumpeting like a learned prince.

His mentor sees an unfinished scholar.The princely mouth spouts no wisdom.Selfishness and lack of compassionkeep him from perfecting goodness.

Love of Jesu and mankind is missing.The coo of the dove and triple call

Smithey /raven 48

of the linnet fallon deaf ears.Hearken to this bard and priest's voice.

Search for the treasure hiddeninside the Sa1mon of KnowledgeFinn mac Cumhaill left you, Niall,Prince of Tara, as an inheritance.

Strive for inward peace andbring harmony to our fair land.Walk the great high road of Lugh,the Shining One, your kinsman.

Seek soulful radiance.Niall, great-great-grandson and namesake ofEocchu Muigmedon, High King of Ireland.Hearken to this bard and priest's voice.

U Niall, heir to Ireland's throne.Dig like the Hound of Ulster,Cu Chulainn, to uncover your true self.Bury the lawless boy on Holy Isle.

Bend your knees to the Wise Ones.Draw courage from your brave sires.Harness the power of your faith totransform yourself into a man of honor.

Smithey/raven 49

May you go forth boldly into manhood,glorifying The High King of Heaven andhonoring your mentors, Brendan and Colman.Hearken to this bard and priest's voice.

UOnce more, sir, please," Niall wrote.The priest and bard chanted his poem again.Niall bent over his tablet. He turned his back

to Colman so he couldn't see his sorrowful face.Colman put his harp in its leather case, and

walked toward the cave.The boy followed him and shoved his tablet into

the priest's hand. It read: IIA lawless boy. Is thatwhat I am?"

Colman answered firmly, IIYes." The older man satby the fire and waited for a response from Niall.

The prince looked out over the dark waters ofLogh Derg. He dug his toes in the sand, skimmed arock on the water, bit his lip. A half moon rose onthe horizon while he struggled to admit his faults tohimself. Colman's poem showed the dark side of hislife that he was ashamed of, but had been taught atWarrior School as a requirement for a Warrior Prince.

Niall walked the length of the beach. I canchange, if someone cares enough to guide me, hethought. I want to become like the man Colman wrote

Smithey/raven 50

about in his poem. Would he help me? I'll ask him.He wrote on his tablet by the light of the moon,directly overhead now, and walked back to the fire.

Colman read the words.IIWillyou help me change?" Niall's tablet said.Colman stared at the dirty, tear-stained face.

He was tempted to be gentle with the boy, but decidedto reinforce the poem's challenge. "Why do you want tochange? You have everything. You're a handsome man,except now, when you look like an urchin. You alreadyknow everything we try to teach you at the AbbeySchool. You're good at hurling. You've had warriortraining. You might be elected High King of Tara in afew years. Why should you want to change?"

IIBecause I don't like myself as I am. When Ireread my journal of the last four weeks, I saw myselfas others see me," Niall wrote. IIYour poemreinforces what I wrote in my journal. I act like anlawless boy, not a future king, nor a man of honor,nor a man of Christ. When I heard you chant yourbirthday poem I realized ••••"

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Chapter 11Niall's Journals

Niall stopped writing, handed the board to thepriest and walked into the lake to wash his face

Colman joined him. "How old were you when yourparents put you in fosterage?"

Neill held up two fingers."Two years old?

tablet in the dark.Where? Wait. I can't read yourWalk back to the cave with me."

When they were in the cave with lamps lit, Niallwrote, liToMother Ita's first, at the age of twoyears. I went to Mother Brigid's Convent School atKildare when I was four."

"And then?"liTo Durrow Abbey, then to Clonard Abbey, now at

Clonfert Abbey to finish my education. Warriortraining fit in between school terms."

"Haven't been home with your family at Tara muchof your life, have you?" Colman asked. IIHasthatmade a change in your life?"

Niall took a long time to write his answer. II Ifind myself lonely at times. Also abandoned andangry."

Father Colman sat beside the boy. He strummedhis harp to fill the void of their silence.

"Tomorrow," he told Niall. "Tomorrow, we'll talkmore, you and I. Tonight, we rest, we think, we

Smithey Iraven 52

sleep. And we pray."Father Colman and Niall, Prince of Tara, followed

a schedule similar to Clonfert Abbey's, except theylived in a cave on a hill on Holy Isle in Logh Derg.

Praying before conea and prandiurn, studyingscriptures, copying manuscripts, cleaning the cave,fishing for salmon, finding roots, wild vegetables,and berries for food filled the day from dawn untilcandle time. Colman declined an offer of a hurlingmatch, citing old age, and a sagging stomach asexcuses. A week passed, with no word from Brendan atthe hermitage.

Afternoons became the time for the two princes toshare their life stories. Colman told of his beingchosen to be a Druid, what he learned, how hestudied to be worthy of becoming a bard andgenealogist to the King of Cashel. He describedBrendan's visit to Cashel Castle and the power of thesoon-to-be priest's, Brendan's, miracle. IIThatmiracle convinced me to become Christ's man." Tearsflowed while he recalled the time of his baptism byBrendan in a horse trough, when a dove flying over himfell dead into the water.

liThedove brought me a call from Christ to takeup His work," Colman said.

"To show you how I trust you, I'm going to tellyou a secret. Abbot Brendan renamed me 'Colman,' at

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my baptism, which means 'Little Dove' in Latin. Hecalls me that name when we are alone. Would you liketo call me 'Little Dove?'"

IJFatherLittle Dove, I would. Thank you for thehonor of it," the boy wrote.

On the wooden boards coated with wax, both menwrote daily of their early lives. After vespers,Colman read them aloud.

Niall wrote of being angry at his parents forsending him to fosterage with Mother Ita when he was ababy.

IJPeople, nuns, and other children surrounded me,but they weren't my people. I greived because mymother couldn't nurse me from her soft breasts, or putme to bed with kisses and stories in my own bed boxnext to hers. Instead, I was one of fifty childrenthe nuns took care of. I couldn't understand why myparents sent me away from the hill fort, and no oneexplained it was for my own good. I thought I wasabandoned so I acted lonely and sad all the time. Tomake myself feel better, I learned to boast and brag.

IJI'mbeginning to understand why I rage. Ihaven't accepted that my parents do the best they canfor me. They want me to be prepared for whateverChrist and my clan wish me to be. I've been blamingeveryone except myself for my lawlessness. I want tobe like the man you described in my birthday poem."

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"After reading this, I begin to understand howyour childhood brought on your problems, Niall. Nowwrite about your responsibility to Holy Christ, theKing of Tara, and your clan," Colman said.

Niall filled up ten boards, and bound themtogether with leather thongs to make a book.

Colman read the book, and told Niall, "You writebetter than any of the old monks at Clonfert Abbey whocall themselves historians. If Abbot Brendan hadn'ttaken your voice during his black rage, I wouldn'thave discovered your talent. This is your calling,lad. Do you know how well you write?"

"Yes, Father, I own that I write well. Would youteach me to be a poet, too?" Niall wrote. JlOnlyyou,with the training of a bard and priest, could teach mewhat I yearn to know."

"You've a grand thirst for learning, Niall.Later, I'll teach you to acclaim the power of Jesuinstead of some pagan king like I did at your age.Took me ten years to learn to commemorate a battle, ora king's election with words.

"I'll teach you to honor Jesu with a poem someday, but first you must work on finding your self."

In three days, Niall wrote another ten tabletsabout his life and bound them into a book. He wrote,"Little Dove, I am ready to compose poetry now."

"You will not have your way, Niall, until I see a

Smithey Iraven 55

change in you. Go, write more, probe deeper in yourheart, and explore your soul. You still show traitsof a lawless and selfish boy," Colman said.

Niall grabbed his book from Colman's hands, ranto the shore, and threw it into the lake. The ashtablets floated and washed up on the shore. Colman andNiall ignored them.

All night the boy paced up and down the beach ofLogh Derg.

Colman knelt before the cross and prayed,IIJesu , give Niall the strength to conquer his pride.Help him to drop his princely armor enough to let yourlight illuminate his heart."

Niall had stirabout ready in the cauldron whenColman came out of the cave the next morning. Theyprayed and ate.

IIPleaseforgive me for destroying my tablets.Here are those ten tablets and ten more I wrote bycandlelight," Niall's tablet said.

Colman took the tablets. After he read hisstudent's words, he said, IlGood work. You showimprovement. I accept your apology. We'll beginpoetry writing tomorrow."

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Chapter 12Two Bards

Colman said, "Let's sleep less and write morewhile I teach you to put words together to create aChristian poem. For now, I want you to find a themeto explore that warms the center of your heart. Writewords that unexpectedly bring tears to your eyes.Take a tablet and stylus and disappear until vespers."

Niall wrote ideas all day. He wrote about hisuncontrollable rage and pride and his wish to become aworthy man.

The portly priest and the slender prince forgotabout meals and study while they huddled with theirwaxed tablets. Niall began writing his first poem onthe day of a new moon and finished it the next day, aSabbath.

JlThisis a good start, Niall," Colman said as heread the words. JlI'llset it to music. Stay here--I'll whistle when I'm ready to chant and play it foryou. "

Niall ran back and forth in front of the cave sohe could hear Colman's whistle. Wish I had a voice tochant it myself. Wonder if Abbot Brendan will everrelease me from the curse of losing my voice? hethought. Colman whistled.

Smithey /raven 57

"Prince Niall's First Poem," Colman announcedI Jesus, tame my stormy temper.Christ, forgive me for my sins.Jesus, pardon me for raging.Christ, guide me to the High Road.High King of Heaven, please,Teach me to love Peace.

AMEN

"My harp and I rejoice with you, lad. It's afair start. My heart lifts entirely. I've made apoet out of a blue-white skinned, thin-faced, black-haired, blue-eyed sassy lad from Tara and River Boyne!Who would have believed what you're becoming thissummer, Niall? I'll start teaching you to play theharp tomorrow."

Niall pointed to his throat."I know you can't talk. But you can hear. And

you can write. Celebrate what you can do, not what'slacking. "

Niall nodded his head in agreement, took a newlywaxed ash tablet, and began writing a new poem.

The schedule of the priest and the studentincluded harp lessons now. They stayed busy fromsunup to sunset.

Three more days passed, with no word from the

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hermitage.Niall carved a walking stick out of a slender ash

58

limb in his idle hours. He copied the decorativeswirls on Colman's clan cauldron with a piece ofcharcoal, then used his knife to etch the wood. Headded Christian symbols and carved a cross to bind ontop of the staff.

He looked carefully at his work, and decided itwas a worthy gift for Father Colman, the best friendhe ever had.

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Chapter 13Abbot Colman

On the night before the Summer Solstice, a hoodedfigure entered the cave and nudged Colman on theshoulder with his foot. Colman followed the sturdyfigure out of the cave.

"A messenger awaits you at the hermitage,Father. He wears the livery of the King of Munster.Abbot says to come now. I'll stay with the lad."

"I've been expecting a message. Help me stow mybelongings in the panniers, and strap them to myhorse. "

"Wake up, Niall." Colman shook him. JJI'm calledto the hermitage. Brother Kevin brought a messagefor me and one for you. Stay here in the cave withh' "l.ffi •

The boy scribbled on a tablet. JJWait, Father,don't leave me! Aren't you coming back? Are youleaving Holy Isle? I'm not ready to be a man yet.You're the only one who can help me."

He grabbed the priest's robe and pushed thetablet into his hand.

Colman read the words, and said, "Youunderestimate yourself. You've mastered many skills:a scholar, a warrior, a future king, and a poet. Imust leave you to answer the summons of my clan'sKing. We'll meet again, but your instruction from me

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is over. Kneel for my blessing, Niall of Tara. II

Instead of the usual blessing, Colman chanted apoem Niall composed, made the sign of the cross overhim, and walked down the hill to where his horsewaited.

The student ran after his teacher with the staffhe carved and put it in his friend's hand.

liltwill serve me well, lad. I'm to be founderof an Abbey at Cloyne." Colman examined the carvingon the staff. IIAn Abbot needs a sturdy, beautifulstaff, and I'll treasure this because you made it forme. I'm sixty-two years old and King Hugh chose me asAbbot. Mac Lennin the Bard, now Abbot Colman,Christ's man in my own county. Pray for me, Niall."

*****Abbot Brendan gave Colman the scroll from the

King of Munster."The king asks me to come at once. He deeds me

land in Cloyne for a large Abbey, as he promised whenI was priested. I will be Abbot now, later Bishop.Would you believe, Brendan, that a pagan, druidicbard would be chosen by dear Jesu for such an honor?What did I do to deserve this?"

"I schooled you to be an Abbot and Bishop, LittleDove," Brendan answered. IIIrecognize a good man, nomatter if he's dressed in a purple bard's mantle or amonk's habit. My blessing on you, Abbot Colman.

Smi they lraven 61

Youlll be high cockalorum of Cloyne.1IColman knelt and kissed Brendanls ring.liMyheart is heavy about leaving the boy in the

cave. What will happen to him?1I Colman asked.IIBrother Kevin will tire him out with hurling,

swimming, and running, as well as prayers and study,until Brother Malo comes from Clonfert to direct thehermitage. I plan to join Kevin and Niall for therest of the summer. I will tell my remembrances whileNiall writes the story of my voyage to Tir-na-n'Nog."

IIAreyou strong enough, Abbot?1IIIITisthe binding truth, I donlt know how long

1111 last in that damp cave."Your report on Niall encourages me. I see a

worthwhile man developing in our young Prince ofTara. II

IIIfGod wills it. His temper and pride seemtamed somewhat. I tried not to break his spirit, yetbe firm with him. Will you let me know his progress?Wish I could become a lark in a tree, watching the twoof you reliving your voyage with words. II Colmanlooked toward the cave where he left Niall.

"Thank you for mentoring Niall, Little Dove. Gonow. Your curragh waits. Ask Good King Hugh to fityour chapel with silver chalices and candlesticks forthe Glory of Blessed Jesu. Remember to ask for whatyou need. Kings often forget past favors from God or

Smithey/raven 62

man, unless you remind them.""Thank you for reminding me. Good-bye, old

friend, for now."The new Abbot followed the rowing monks to the

lake, got into the boat, and left Holy Isle.Niall walked to the beach to watch Colman's

curragh leave for Cashel. Abandoned again, hethought. He kicked at the sand with his bare foot,then stopped and put his hands on his hips. Or am I?Colman left me with the confidence I need to grow up.So did my parents. The rest is up to me, he decided.

The sun set late, because this was the longestday of the year. One last golden sunbeam lit upColman's face as he turned his head toward the caveand raised his hand toward Niall in benediction.

Niall watched as the boat turned North on LoghDerg, following the East side of the lake to RiverSuire From there the party would row down the riveruntil they neared the Hill of Cashel, where a chariotwould take him to meet his kinsman, King Hugh.

In anger Colman's student threw a tablet in thefire.

The new Abbot looked back toward Holy Isle asthe waxed wood hit the fire and sent bright red sparksup into the night sky.

"Prince, I see your anger that I left you. I'mnot gone forever from your life." Colman did not look

Smithey/raven 63

back again.Brother Kevin cooked a fish stew, and brought

Niall a bowl. He ate and went back to the pot formore.

IIAbbotColman forgot his cauldron, Brother," hewrote. IIWe'llhave to send it to him."

"Father Colman said he leaves it to you. Alsohis harp." Kevin got the musical instrument from thecave to give to Niall.

The young man threw his bowl on the sand. Hescribbled, IIAIII had to give him was a staff Icarved. A poor exchange."

"Your gift of the staff pleased him," Kevin said."His family's cauldron and his harp. What he

loved most. He didn't tell me his harp's name," Niallwrote.

Kevin read the message, and asked, "What do youmean? "

"Every bard's harp has a secret name, known onlyto it's owner. I don't know my harp's name," he wrotebefore leaving the fire to walk on the beach.

The next morning after dawn Mass and a stiraboutprandium, they ran on the sand. Niall hit hisleather ball with his bat up and down the beach.

Kevin asked, "Could you carve me a bat? I'd liketo learn to hurl. Never had time for it before. Myfather is a bladesmith and armorer for the King of

Smithey Iraven 64

Munster, and I was apprenticed at ten years to learnblacksmithing."

Niall made the motions of cutting a tree limb andshaping it into a stick with a curved end. He alsoimitated warriors fighting with swords and throwingspears.

"Yes. Took warrior training early, before Ijoined the monks at Clonfert. I shoe horses, mainly,but I also hammer out iron objects. I have my ironspear points with me. We can put them on woodenlances to hunt game for food."

Both smiled, nodded their heads, and ran back tothe cave for their knives to begin carving.

IIWemust keep to the schedule Colman wrote forus, of study and prayer," Niall wrote. IIBut we canmake time for sporting, hunting, and exercise."

IJIdecide what we do. I have writteninstructions from Abbot Brendan," Kevin said.

Niall's face reddened and his hands made fistsbefore he remembered not to lash out in anger at theblacksmithing monk who gave him, a Prince, orders.Part of him wanted to refuse the muscular, overgrown,simple, working monk's authority. Little Dove's voiceechoed his birthday poem in his ear. IIBury thelawless boy on Holy Isle." He grabbed his stick andball. Niall ran and hit until the ball's seams burst.

-

Smithey/raven 65

Chapter 14Brendan's Verdict

Brendan read Niall's journals written during histime in the cave.

He prayed in the chapel, "Jesu, I pray to dowell by this lad during his transition from boy toman. Show me how to help him."

Brendan knelt two days waiting for an answerfrom Jesus. When an angel brought it, Abbot wrote twomessages on sheepskin, rolled them up, tied a thongaround each one, and gave them to a monk to deliver tothe cave.

The monk brought the letters: one for BrotherKevin, the other for Niall mac Neill.

"I fear Abbot's judgement. I angered himgreatly." Kevin read on Niall's tablet.

"My letter says for me to stay in the cave withyou for another week. Go on, open yours."

Niall held the letter in his hand, but dreadedopening it.

Kevin grabbed it, and untied the thong. "Brendansays he'll come here in one week."

From cockcrow to candletime, the two young menplayed, prayed, hunted, and ate. Also cleaned. Thecave sparkled from their scrubbing. Even Colman'sancient bronze cauldron shone like a bright summersun.

Smithey fraven 66

For the meal when Abbot came, they prepared aboiled hare, with fresh herbs and vegetables gatheredon the island, salmon from the lake, and berries withsweet cream and honey, brought by the messenger fromthe hermitage.

Abbot Brendan arrived on horseback. Maevehovered over him. Two monks carried him to the beach,where he sat in his chair to receive the two youngmen. His raven settled on his shoulder, folded herwings, and looked at Niall with her two golden eyes.

Niall knelt. Abbot blessed him. The lad kissedhis ring and withdrew to the cave. Kevin knelt forhis blessing and stayed to talk to Brendan. Niallpaced inside the cave, rearranging belongings,polishing the gold cross on the altar with his cleantunic, chewing his nails. Before he lost heartentirely, Abbot called his name.

"Go into the cave and busy yourself, Brother.Niall and I will talk."

Brendan raised himself from his chair and tookNiall by the arm. "We will walk. Maeve, stay here."

IIIsuffer remorse for raging and placing a curseon you. Will you forgive me this grievous sin Icommitted against you?" Brendan asked.

Niall wrote on a freshly waxed tablet, IIAbbotBrendan, please, sir, I am the one who needsforgiving. I insulted you, lied to you, hurt your

Smithey/raven 67

dear raven. I acted like a lawless boy. Please,Abbot, give me a chance to show you I have changed."

"One forgiveness at a time. Will you forgiveme?" Brendan asked again.

Niall's head bobbed up and down so hard hisstraight black hair almost covered his face.

"And I forgive you." Brendan raised his arm andmade the sign of the cross over Niall's head. "InChrist's name, I forgive you for your sins, Niall macNeill." He dropped his staff to wrap his arms aroundthe boy's shoulders. "I abolish the curse of mutenessI placed on you, Prince Niall of Tara. Let your voicebe heard in praise of Holy Christ. Play your harp andchant your poems, using your voice for the first timesince I laid my curse on you."

Niall ran into the cave, pulled the harp with noname out of its case, returned to the beach, andchanted his poems for his Abbot.

He ended with the first poem he wrote. His voicerose on each verse to match the ascending notes of theharp.

Brendan asked him to repeat the last two lines.IIHigh King of Heaven, pleaseteach me to love peace.

AMEN."Niall realized he was crying. liMy voice is

changing. For the time in a month I heard my voice,

Smi they Iraven 68

Abbot, and it's lower now. I thank you for grantingme speech.u He wiped his eyes with the sleeve of hisrobe.

The ancient also brushed moisture from his fadedeyes. IIFatherColman told me of your talent. Youwrite well, lad. Jesu blessed you with a gift.

"Now, we plan for our future. What say I moveinto the cave with you and Brother Kevin? He's a faircook, isn't he? Whatever's cooking in the pot smellsgood."

uBrother Kevin can cook," Niall admitted."I read your journals, lad. You worked hard to

change your attitude. Afraid I haven't changed minemuch, because I'm too old and set in my ways. I'masking you to be my scribe while I retell my voyagestories. Those above me in rank want a record of whatI did and saw while seeking the Land of the Blessedbefore my memories fade away completely. Does thatsuit you?"

Niall's knees crumbled beneath him. He sat onthe sand, hands over his mouth, eyes damp again,looking at Abbot. "What did I ever do to deserve thishonor?"

"Huh. Same thing Little Dove said about hisabbey. Can't you people come up with some originallanguage?" Brendan asked.

"I'll try. Thank you, Abbot. I'll be the best

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scribe I can be. I trust you will let me know if Iget out of line," Niall said.

Brendan assured him he would.Kevin heard the boy's laughter ring like

Patrick's bell. "Thanks be to Jesus, the lad'sforgiven," the blacksmith said.

"Enough talk. Let's say vespers, then eatcoena. My stomach's rubbing on my backbone," Brendansaid, taking Niall's arm for support. IIHelpme backto the cave to pray and try Kevin's cooking."

The monks accompanying the Abbot moved hisbelongings into the cave, placed torches around itssides for light, brought in stacks of wooden tablets,parchment pages, a desk, a stylus, inks, and leatherthongs for binding tablets together. They bowed toBrendan and left.

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Chapter 15Planning a Voyage

Brendan woke Kevin and Niall before sunrise.After mass and prandium, Brendan told the young men,"My plan was to tell my tales of voyaging to Tir-na-n'Nog to you, Niall, to write on your waxed tables. Mymonks stocked the cave with all the supplies you willneed. Clonfert's scribes or you, if you wish, canadorn the pages with pictures and colored letterslater.

"However, a vision came to me last night. I sawthe three of us arriving in two curraghs at the Isleof the Blessed."

Niall and Kevin looked at each other and atAbbot. The monk covered his face with his hands.

liDo you mean we, Kevin and I, are going with youto Tir-Na-n'Nog?" Niall asked.

"Yes. The vision showed me I couldn't tell youthe adventures of my sea voyage. I must show you thewonders. We sail tomorrow," Brendan said. III'm

anxious to be on the water as soon as possible.Before I woke you I used my powers to supply our needsfor the journey."

He pointed to two leather curraghs beached upsidedown, looking like large black turtles. Beside themon the sand were four oars, leather for patching, jugsof water, dried meat and fruit, bread, rope, four

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masts and four linen sails. Lumpy linen sacks heldother supplies.

"Can you row, lads?" Brendan asked.Both claimed to be experienced sailors."Good." Abbot got up from his chair, looking

confident. III propose we load the boats and sail assoon as the sun rises in search of Tir-na-n'Nog. Onmy first voyage I was gone four years. Tomorrow isthe first day of July. I am needed at Clonfort inSeptember for the opening of the Abbey School. DearJesu will help me compress time and distance in orderto be back at Clonfert for Fall term. We'll call thismiracle Brendan Time. How sounds it, lads?"

"Excellent idea, sir. A voyage to Tir-na-n'Nogwill be exciting indeed, " Niall said.

"Fine, Abbot," Kevin said in a shaky voice."I'll spin you a tale before we begin. Let's sit

while I talk," Brendan said. IIRemember in yourclan's genealogy a monk named Barinthus, Niall?"

"Yes, Abbot. I learned my clan history before Ientered Sister Brigid's School," Niall answered. IINot

to brag, but clan genealogy is important in myfamily."

"Of course. You know everything, don't you,prince? In fact, all Irish clans value theirancestors," Brendan said.

IIBarinthus told me a story long ago about the

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Land of the Promise. His son took him there.Barinthus' tales of the island of resplendent beauty,fragrant apples, beautiful people, singing birds andeternal life interested me. What I remembered mostwas the delicious scent that surrounded him after histrip to Tir-na-n'Nog. Years later, I heard an angelsay in a dream, 'Arise, Brendan, for God has given youwhat you sought, the Land of Promise.'"

"Your friend, Brother Barinthus, was the great-grandson of King Niall of Tara, my kinsman and yours.I know the story of Barinthus' voyage to Tir-na-n'Nog," Niall said.

"I'm telling this story." Brendan pointed afinger at him and said, lIyou listen, I'll talk."

Niall ducked his head, and said, III'm sorry, sir.Forgive me." He covered his lips with his hands toremind himself to be quiet.

"Yes, yes. Getting back to my tale, I had ayearning to become a blue monk like many of my friendswho loved to sail to an island to be alone with Jesu.I prayed about it, and He helped me decide to make avoyage to Tir-na-n'Nog. Fourteen Abbey monksvolunteered to go with me. For forty days we fastedto prove the worthiness of our dream.

"We built our boat from cured hides, rubbed withfat to make them waterproof. Our sails were linen. Wecut our mast from the North side of sturdy ash trees.

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In due time, the vessel was ready."We put in at Bantry Bay and sailed from Kerry to

the Aran Islands to receive a blessing from AbbotEnda. Three days later we made for Iona in theHebrides. Some water to wet my throat, Kevin,"Brendan said. "Haven't talked aloud this much inyears."

While Kevin poured Abbot's drink, he cut his eyesat Niall and shrugged his shoulders. Niall shruggedhis shoulders back at him.

"That's about all I'll tell you now, boys. Don'twant to spoil the surprise. We leave tomorrow afterdawn mass and our morning meal. A quick stir-aboutprandium will do, I think.

"Prepare four wooden waxed tablets, Niall, andwrap them in leather to keep them dry. We won't takeany vellum. You can transfer your notes when wereturn to Clonfert Abbey. Both of you are free for therest of the day to get your personal things togetherfor the voyage. Tomorrow we go adventuring." Brendanwent into the cave to rest.

Kevin rolled his eyes at Niall as he cleaned thepot after the evening conea. The scholar prepared hisash tablets and sharpened several styluses. Theywhispered their doubts about the Abbot's sanity whilethey worked.

Early the next day, after mass and a quick meal,

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the chosen sailors washed the cauldron again, andpacked their remaining possessions in skin bags.Brendan waited impatiently by the black boats.

"I'm anxious to get under way. Abbot Enda awaitsus on Innishmore Island," Brendan the Navigatoryelled. His voice rang loud and clear.

UHe looks younger and sounds better than he didyesterday," Kevin said.

uAnd he walked to the boats by himself," Niallnoted.

IIAre you coming?" Brendan called.The boys ran to him.

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PART IITHE VOYAGE TO TIR-NA-N'OG

Summer, AD 570

Chapter 16Aran Islands

Innishmore Island

"Clear skies, warm waters, enough wind to puffthe sails. A day on the water lifts my heartentirely," Brendan said.

"First, we christen the curraghs." He lifted hisstaff. "I christen thee Cara, in honor of my blessedmother. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.Guide our path, Jesu, and lead us safely back to ourblessed Ireland. Amen."

Kevin placed a chair in the back of one of theleather boats, tied it securely to each side withleather thongs, and carried Abbot Brendan through thewater to his seat. He and Niall rowed the curragh tothe middle of the Logh, towing the second boat behind.

"To the Aran Islands we go," Brendan announced."What does he mean, the Aran Islands?" whispered

Kevin."I've no idea. Only place to go from here is up

or down the Logh, or into the River Shannon." Niall

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pointed to the West. JlTheAran Islands lie off GalwayBay, in the big ocean. Let's keep rowing and see whathappens."

"Keep your eyes wide open. Landfall by highnoon," the Navigator called.

The boys rowed steadily. Abbot whistled. Aflock of ravens flew over their boat, darkening thesky. "Come, Old Maeve. Time for another voyage. Sayta to your mates, and roost on Brendan's shoulder."

Niall watched as the bird dived from the cloud ofblack birds and landed gently on the Abbot's shoulder.Brendan stroked his pet, and cooed to her. Sheanswered with squawks.

"Good day to you, dear Maeve." Niall rose fromhis rowing seat, and bowed to the raven. "I humblyask your pardon for abusing you."

Maeve whispered in Abbot's ear. "She almostforgives you," Brendan said. "Extra bread at mealtimewill set things right between you."

"Land Ho!" Kevin shouted and pointed. "LandHo!. I can't believe it. It's a miracle."

"I believe it, I do, I do." Niall shipped hisoar and shook his head in wonder. "I've seen drawingsof desolate Inishmore Island. II He smiled andclapped his hands. JlHooray for you, Abbot Brendan!What a voyage we have ahead of us. Now I understandwhy you called your Abbey Clonfert, Meadow of

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Miracles."A tall, rocky island with limestone cliffs surged

upward from the angry sea. High waves rocked the tinyboats, but they found a clef in the rock for a harbor.Fifteen hooded monks, one with a staff like AbbotBrendan's, stood on the rock.

"How did they know we were coming?" Kevin asked.IIAbbotscommunicate in miraculous ways." Brendan

cupped his hands and shouted, "We come for yourblessing before our voyage to Tir-na-n'Nog, AbbotEnda. "

"Welcome, my dear Abbot Brendan. And welcome toyou, too, Maeve. Let my monks pull your curragh upon the rock," Abbot Enda said.

The young men tied the extra boat to an iron ringhammered in the rock, then passed ropes under theirboat and threw them to the monks. The monks lifted theboat and its crew out of the pounding surf, singing asailing chant as they pulled.

Led by a monk carrying a cross, the party woundup a narrow mountain path to a monastery. There wasno soil on the island: the surface resembled limestonepavement.

"These islands are made of rock. What a desolateplace. How do the monks grow food to eat? There'snot even grass for sheep to graze on," Kevin said.

"They fast a lot. I've heard that the islanders

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bring soil with them from Ireland, mix it with guanoleft by the birds, and plant small gardens to growvegetables," Niall said. IIFishermen probably leave atithe of fish on the landing. Also birds can becaught and eaten. Did you see those bright puffinsflying around us before we came ashore? Thousands ofthem. The rocks are covered too. I wish I had onefor a pet. Their orange bills and feet make them looklike court jesters."

"One bird in a boat is enough. I wouldn't try tobring one on board the Cara. Maeve wouldscratch your eyes out and the bird's too," Kevin said.

Ilyougive sensible advise, Kevin. Thank you."The two Abbots said mass in a small chapel built

of large stones stacked one upon the other. WhileBrendan and Enda gossiped, the kitchen monks fed Nialland Kevin, then led them to a cell to rest.

"Miracles. All we see and do are miracles. Areyou writing this down as miracles?" Kevin asked.

"I'm writing down what's happening and where.The readers can recognize the miracles when they readmy books," Niall answered.

"Is that what's this is all about?" Kevin lookedpuzzled. IlYou'rewriting books about Abbot Brendan'svoyages?"

"Yes. I believe that's why all this troublehappened between Brendan and me--to bring us together

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to rewrite the Navigatio. Holy Christ wants Abbot'sdeeds recorded," Niall said.

After dawn mass Abbot Brendan announced threedays had passed, and the Cara would leave for theHebrides after prandium.of Iona by noontime."

JlWe'll arrive at the Island

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Chapter 17The Hebrides

"Where's the Hebrides, Niall?" Kevin asked duringbreakfast. IIl'm a blacksmith, I don't knowgeography •"

"The Hebrides are islands to the north and eastof Ireland, hundreds of miles from here," Niallanswered.

The monks put hides of water, wine, and loaves ofbread aboard the Cara, and carried Abbot Brendan tohis seat. The boys scrambled aboard and helped themonks lower the boat into the sea. Abbot Enda stoodon the rock, signing the cross, and blessing thenavigators.

"Another lovely day, lads. What say, Maeve?You comfortable on my shoulder?" Brendan patted hisbird, and moved her to a more comfortable place.

The boys rowed, and Brendan manned the tiller.He set a course to the north, then to the east. Theyput up both sails to catch a favorable wind.

"Land Ho, lads. The Island of Iona lies deadahead," Brendan announced two hours later.

"I can't believe this." Kevin dropped his handsfrom the oars and whispered, II00esthis look like thedrawings you've seen of the Hebrides, Niall?"

"Yes. Tall hills, with waterfalls cascading intothe sea. I see a monastery." Niall pointed. IIThere

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on top of the tallest hill.""Seek the cove. It hides itself. May have to

circle the island twice to catch sight of it. I told

81

you we would be in the Hebrides by noonday," Brendanbragged. "Are you writing this down, Scribe Niall?What you write about these journeys will be read bygenerations to come."

Niall nodded. "I write everything I see, you say,and we do, Abbot."

"Put in your notes that Iona is the outpost ofIrish Monasticism, Niall. Know what that means?"Brendan cut his eyes to see if his scribe paidattention to him while rowing.

"I do. Some of the first Irish missionariessettled here on Iona. The founding abbot was exiledfrom Ireland for copying a manuscript of AbbotFinnian's. Will we see Abbot Columba?" Niall asked.

The old man laughed. "You know everything,Niall, and you're alert. I chose wisely when Iselected you as my scribe. Be patient. Open yourheart and mind to the adventures we'll have on ourvoyage. Every island offers a opportunity to learn.Some experiences will be delightful, some painful. Ican hardy wait."

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Island of IonaKevin leaned toward Niall, and whispered, "I

need to talk to you. I've heard about Brendan'srages and odd behavior, but not the miracles. My headfeels like bees are buzzing in it."

Niall nodded, and said, "Later. When we land."Brendan rose from his chair, rocking the curragh.

IIAII eyes seek a landing place."The boys rowed around the island three times

without spotting a beach, cove or bay."What should we do, sir?" Kevin asked."Birds of Iona, hearken to my croaking raven.

Show us a harbor," Brendan yelled.Nothing happened.Brendan lifted his shoulder, looked at Maeve and

said, "Persuade your winged friends to quit fishingand be our guide."

The raven soared to the tops of the cliffs, wherea flock of gulls called, terns dived from the heightsto the sea, cormorants watched, hoping for a droppedcatch. Maeve squawked louder than the combined voicesof the various species. She flew into the mass offeathered creatures and pecked their backs toencourage the birds to take flight. Brendan's pet ledthe winged delegation to the curragh, where the Abbotstood with his staff raised.

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"Lead us to safe harbor, you lovely creatures ofGod's sky. Old Brendan will bless you mightily foryour effort."

The birds circled the boat and turned as one tothe North. The rowers tried to turn the boats aroundto follow them but ran into trouble. Kevin droppedhis oar and fell into the sea head first when hereached for it. Pulling the large man back into thelight boat posed a problem for Niall.

JlYou told me you were expert sailors," Brendancomplained. Jllfyou can't even turn a boat around,we'll never get across the big ocean. I've beendeceived." He put his head in his hands to hide thesight of the boys' poor seamanship.

/lWe'llget adept with practice, Abbot," Niallsaid. He whispered to Kevin how to hold his oar whileNiall rowed so the boats would turn in the rightdirection.

With hard rowing, the crew found the cove wherethe birds hovered.

Brendan cheered up. /lOur winged friends foundPort na Curraich, the same fine beach where AbbotColumba landed. I hear Columba ordered his curraghsburied to keep him from returning to Ireland, where heyearned to be. We'll not bury ours. We need them tocontinue to Tir-na-n'Nog. Look lively."

The old man raised his cross toward the flocks,

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and blessed them. They circled three times, calledthree times, and flew away.

"I remember, Abbot. Three calls for the Trinitymeans good luck," Niall said.

Brendan got out of the curragh, waded into theshallow water, and waited on the sandy beach.

"He walked. Did you see that?" Kevin whispered.Niall nodded."Where do we go?" Kevin asked."Be patient. Can't rush miracles." Brendan said.Kevin rubbed his hands together. As he dug a hole

in the sand with his sandal he mumbled, "Miracles.""Be at peace, brother. A messenger will come.

Here he is," Brendan said.A beagle ran down the path from the monastery,

and sat at the feet of Abbot Brendan.Abbot bent and patted the dog's head. "God sent

us a capable guide."The sailors followed the hound up the hill to the

Abbey.Later, after mass and coena, the serving monks

led the young men to their cell.Kevin's Problem

"Tell me what's happening, before I go crazy.Abbot makes miracles. I've heard of miracles, andread them in the scriptures, but I've never been inthe middle of any." Kevin paced back and forth in the

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small room. III'mscared. I want to go back toClonfert Abbey, to shoe horses, beat out knives fromiron, say mass, and live as a working monk. I'm asimple man. Talk to Abbot Brendan. Ask him to sendme home, before I fall apart ...

Niall knelt before the burly blacksmith andwatched tears fall from his eyes. His chest heavedwith sobs.

"Would you miss this re-creation of AbbotBrendan's voyage to Tir-na-n'Nog?" Niall asked.IIYou'veheard of his two journeys lasting four years,to places no one has ever seen before, in a curraghlike the one we row. Would you go back to yourblacksmith shop instead of being a part of thisadventure?"

"Yes. I've heard all his tales and wondered ifBrendan made them up. Now I see there's danger onthis voyage. I want to go home to Clonfert Abbey."Kevin said.

"1 believe you. Let me tell Abbot about yourfears and your wish to go home. Sleep now, if youcan."

Niall knocked at the door of Brendan's cell."Enter," a weak voice said.The old man lay on his cot, covered with a

sheepskin. His face looked gray instead of ruddy.His cheekbones were sharp enough to cut bread. Niall

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couldn't believe the change. The eighty-five-year-oldpriest seemed to glow with health while they weresailing in the boat.

Niall knelt by the cot. "Abbot Brendan, are youill?"

"No more than usual. My younger self returns tome while voyaging; my infirmities return when my feettouch land. Price I pay for pushing against time.What need you, Niall?" Brendan asked.

UYour miracles seem to fill Kevin with fear. Hewants to go back to his life at Clonfert as ablacksmith, and asks leave of you and our journey."

Brendan sat up in bed, his face reddened, and heroared, "The insolent monk! Does he think he candesert his Abbot in time of need! No. He will notreturn to his simple life at Clonfert. He will rowalong with you, until we finish our voyage."

"Please don't rage, Abbot. Holy Jesus, help me!As you calmed the waters of the Sea of Galilee, tamedear Brendan's black rage, and let your dove of peacedescend on him," Niall prayed.

He held Abbot tightly as the man shouted his rageabout a crewman deserting him.

Niall whispered in Brendan's ear, "Peace, calm,peace, calm, peace, calm, peace, calm, peace, calm."

Muscle by muscle, Niall saw and felt the old manrelax. The drawn face softened, the closed fists

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opened, the stiff body became limp. Brendan closedhis eyes and took a deep breath

"You worked your first miracle. My ragedisappears. Holy Jesu answered your prayer. Thankyou," Brendan said.

The elderly man slept.Niall's Solution

A hand shook Kevin's shoulder. "It's Niall.Abbot needs me tonight. Try to sleep. We'll settlethings tomorrow."

The big man woke enough to say, "Aye. Tomorrow."Niall took his belongings to Brendan's cell. He

spread his sheepskin blanket on the cell floor by hismentor's cot and lit a candle. Taking a new tabletand stylus from his book bag, he made a list.

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO KEVIN'S PROBLEM:1. Take K back to Clonfert2. Find another rower at Clonfert3. Leave K at Iona4. Nand B go alone5. Recruit Ionian monk for journey6. Call journey off

Niall gnawed on his nails as he searched hisbrain for more options.

Colman instructed me to become a worthy man.Little Dove, I wish you were here to help me, Niallthought. I feel responsible for Abbot Brendan's

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health, as well as Brother Kevin's sanity. I don'tknow what do to. I can't decide. I must pray forguidance.

"High King of Heaven, Dear Jesus, Abbot Colman,Abbot Brendan, help me. I love old Brendan, don'twant to let him down. He honors me with hisconfidence. But what of Kevin, so strong in body, yetfull of fear of miracles and unknown seas. Iunderstand. I've been afraid, too. No prayer in mybooks tell me what to do. I can only offer my humblepetition to you, High King of Heaven, and Dear Jesus.Please help me keep Kevin rowing. Amen."

Brendan woke and heard Niall's prayer. Hepretended to sleep. One crinkled eyelid opened. Hesaw the fifteen-year-old young man kneeling on thestone floor, hands together, eyes closed.

Good lad, he thought. You can handle Kevinyourself. I'll back you up with my prayers.

At first light, Niall washed, left Abbotsleeping, and tiptoed out of the cell.

He shook Kevin. "Wake up. Meet me on the beachin ten minutes."

"Huh, what? Oh, Niall. What did Brendan sayabout my going home?"

"Beach. Ten minutes." He left, carrying hisbook bag.

Niall sat on a rock on the beach. Rolls of

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vellum tumbled out of his bag. He selected sixGospels, located the passages he needed, and rereadthem.

White mist sat on the water, topped by blackclouds. A single apricot-colored beam streamed sky-ward from the east. Stronger rays shot through themist and tinted the clouds peach and orange. The sunpeeked up from the horizon, and thousands of vividrays streaked upward into the Western sky. The miston the sea lifted enough to let him see theendlessness of the ocean they would try to cross. Thestorm clouds lightened and blew away.

In the darkness last night, I lost heart, likeKevin, Niall thought. With the mist lifting, and thesun rising, my heart gladdens. Brendan, Kevin and Iwill find Tir-na-n'Nog with Jesus' and Maeve's help.

IIWe can find the Island of the Blessed," Niallshouted. He threw his arms up in the air and danced ajig. IIWe can! We will!"

Niall's First TryIIWhatare you yelling about?" Small rocks

tumbling down the path announced Kevin's appearance onthe beach. "What did you say?"

III said we will find Tir-na-n'Nog," Niallanswered.

III don't care about that island. Did Abbot say Ican I go back to blacksmithing at Clonfert?"

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"You'll know soon. Race you from this rock towhere the Cara is beached and back ten times. If Iwin, you sail with us to Tir-na-n'Nog."

"No way, Prince. I'm going back toblacksmithing. But I would like to race you."

The boys stripped down to their linen kilts,took off their sandals and ran.

The blacksmith monk's upper body strength gavehim an edge the first three laps. The scholar'swarrior training and hurling practice, combined withhis lean, muscular, build, gave him the advantage.Niall finished two laps ahead.

They sprawled on the sand to recover their wind."Good race, lad. I'm not usually the loser,"

Kevin said.Niall's Second Try

liTheonly one who has ever won over me is Jesus,through his servant, Brendan. I want to read severalmiracles from the Gospels, Kevin. I know you read,but you don't own many manuscripts."

"Don't have any of my own. Not many workingmonks do. Only the high born like yourself havelibraries."

"True, and I was fortunate to be taught how tocopy volumes for myself.

liThefirst hand-written manuscript I wrote while Iwas a student at Clonard Abbey was Matthew, Chapter 8,

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verses 1-3: 'When he was come down the mountain,multitudes followed him. A leper came and worshippedhim, saying, Lord, you can make me clean. And Jesusput out his hand, touched him, saying, I will; beclean. Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.' Do youbelieve this scripture, Kevin?"

"I do.""The other gospels tell of miracles, like Jesus

walking on the water, calming the waves, removingunclean spirits, raising from the dead. One, Luke7:11, speaks to the fear you have about Brendan'smiracles. 'He went to a city called Nain. A dead manwas carried out, the only son of his widowed mother.The Lord had compassion ••• and said to her, Weep not.He touched the bier •... and said, young man, arise.The dead man sat up, and began to speak. And therecame a fear on all: and they glorified God.'

"This shows Jesus' compassion, but also tells ofa great fear that came upon the people who witnessedthe miracle. Like the fear you have when Brendanworks miracles to move us from Ireland to the Hebridesin two hours. Can you see that, Brother?"

"Aye, Niall.""Another. John 11: 1. 'Lazarus, the brother of

Mary and Martha, from the town of Bethany, was sick.When Jesus heard, he said, 'This sickness will notend in death, but is for the glory of God so the Son

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might be glorified.' Jesus loved Martha, Mary, andLazarus. After two days, Jesus said, 'Lazarus isdead •..nevertheless let us go to him.' The man lay inthe grave four days. Jesus told Martha, 'Your brotherwill rise again.' Martha said, 'I know that he willrise again in the resurrection.' Jesus said to her,'I am the resurrection, and the life, he that believesin me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: Andwho ever lives and believes in me shall never die.Believe you this?' She said, 'Yes, Lord: I believethat you are Christ, the Son of God, who came into theworld to give us eternal life.'

"The last of the story, 'Jesus wept ..... andsaid, 'Take away the stone.' He cried with a loudvoice, 'Lazarus, come forth.' The dead man came outbound with cloth. Jesus said to them, 'Loosen him,and let him go. '

"Lazarus was alive. Jesus waited to come untilhis friend died so he could resurrect him, in order toshow the people that God glorified Jesus as the Son ofGod. He also glorified Jesus' disciples so they couldwork miracles.

"This is the same power of the Holy Spirit AbbotBrendan has. God allows Brendan to perform miraclesthat glorify Him, to help his people believe. Doesthis make any sense to you, Kevin?"

"Maybe. But not enough for me to sail west with

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you and Abbot. I want to go back to Clonfert whereI'm safe."

Defeat"You try my patience, Kevin. Let me rest a

while. Go to the Abbey for food, or run, or jump offthe cliff. No, don't do that. I'm not angry. Comeback after prandium."

In his chair on the hill overlooking the beach,the Abbot scratched his chin, and shook his head.

"Niall presented a good case for Kevin toovercome his fear and understand miracles," Brendantold the monks gathered around him. III know what'sscaring him--his clan's paganism. They professChrist, but hold on to the gods, goddesses andotherworld spirits their ancestors believed in. 'Tishard to convince Kevin to take a leap of faith. Nialldid well."

Brendan called Niall to the top of the hill."Kevin's being pulled apart by two kinds of

spirits: evil pagan spirits and our blessed ChristianHoly Spirit. How can I convince him?" Niall asked.

"He understands physical labor and blacksmithingmore than spiritual matters. You did all you could topersuade him to journey with us, Niall."

"No, wait. Something you said gives me an idea.Kevin understands physical strength. I'll try onemore way to help him understand his fear of miracles.

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First, I need to feed my body. Wait here if you wish.We'll be back."

Niall's Third TryWord of the battle for Kevin's presence on the

voyage reached the community of monks. They clusteredaround Brendan to watch.

Both the student and the blacksmith had cleantunics and faces when they loped down the path to thebeach.

They sat facing each other."Tell me how you feel about the miracles Abbot

Brendan works on our voyage," Niall said. ""I'm afraid. I see Abbot at Clonfert and on Holy

Isle, eating, saying mass, praying, like the rest ofus. When we begin the voyage, he makes miracles. Ishake like a leaf. Jesus' miracles happened way backat the beginning of things. Brendan's involve me.I'm moved from Ireland to the Hebrides in two hours.I don't understand. Brendan isn't God or Jesus. Whydoes he have this power?"

"Are you afraid of the power Abbot Brendan has?""Yes.""Jesus, through God, gave his disciples the power

to work miracles, didn't He?""But Brendan is an Abbot, not a saint.""He will be, as sure as Patrick and Brigid will

be. God anointed Brendan for special work, like the

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voyage to Tir-na-n'Nog. He's worked miraclesthroughout his ministry. Don't you remember them?1I

"1 do, but they didn't involve me.""Were you scared by spirits as a child, when you

heard tales of the pagan gods, goddesses and spirits?"Kevin looked down, then out to sea. He didn't

want to answer. Niall let him take time to remember."I'm a Christian, but scary stories about pagan

spirits, mainly the ones under the ground and the sea.haunt me. I'm sorry. Do I need to confess that as asin?"

"I'm not a priest so I can't judge that. I havescary dreams, too. Almost everyone does. Do youthink you are more pagan than Christian?"

"No. Brendan's miracles and my clan's paganspirits get mixed up in my head sometimes. When I getscared, I lose my faith in Jesus. It's my problem,not yours, Prince. When I'm back in Clonfert, I'llfeel safe being a Christian again."

Niall's Fourth TryNiall looked at the waves pounding the beach.

Waves don't give up when a rock is in their way. Theybeat it with all the power they possess until theywear the rock down to a pebble. I must wear Kevindown, physically, not with words, he thought.

"1 want you on this voyage with Abbot and mebecause you are my friend. You've come to a

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crossroads. You must make a choice now, on whetheryou embrace pagan ways or Christian ways.

"This voyage with Brendan could change both ourlives. I'll do anything to keep you from leaving.I'll even wrestle the pagan out of you. Would youagree to a wrestling match to decide whether youcontinue the voyage, miracles and all, or go back toClonfert?"

Kevin laughed, and clouted the younger boy on theshoulder. "I can't be whipped at wrestling, lad. I'mtwice your size and strength. You wouldn't stand achance of pinning me."

"Jesus will empower me. I'll be whipping thepagan spirits out of you, to make room for more of HisHoly Spirit.

"Don't expect to win, little man."Kevin and Niall stripped off their tunics. Kilts

were better for wrestling.The student turned away, knelt and said, "Send me

your strength so I may uphold your Holy word with mydeed, if this pleases you, Jesus. May I wrest thepagan fear from this good man, whom I love as abrother. Amen. " He crossed himself, and took acrouching position on the sand.

"I don't want to hurt you, little Niall," Kevinsaid.

A monk ran down the path to the beach to referee.

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Brendan's lips moved constantly as the boys begantheir match. Maeve whispered in his ear. He strokedher feathers for good luck.

liTheblacksmith's chest and arms bulge withmuscles. The student moves faster and recovers from atake-down quicker," one monk said to another.

When Kevin fell on the prince, the watchers onthe hill groaned, thinking the match was over. Nialltook a deep breath, and flung the giant man off him,then bounced up to pin the monk's arm behind him. Themonk easily broke the grip.

Soon the wrestlers were covered with sand Thereferee said, "Time. Wash off in the surf."

Brendan's raven flew from his shoulder, andcircled low over the boys. She hovered over Niall,finally landing on his head. He reached up andstroked her feathers. "Thank you for your support,Maeve. I need it."

The match resumed, and neither lad had a point.Hours passed. The tide inched up the beach, almostcovering the wrestlers. Niall showed no signsof tiring. His strength amazed Kevin, whose red facedripped with sweat. He began to pant.

"If we go up the hill path to dry land we cancontinue the match," the student said.

"Nay, lad. I want to cool off in the water aminute and think."

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They waded out into the surf, turned on theirbacks, and floated. The sun dropped lower, turningthe water gold and red.

Anxious eyes followed them from the hill. "Whatsay you, Abbot, did Niall or Kevin win the match?"asked a monk. Brendan shook his head.

Maeve flew over the swimmers again, squawking."Ask Maeve. Only she and Jesu know," Brendan said

VictoryKevin put his arm around his friend's shoulder,

and said, "Niall, your Jesus gives you strength Ican't match. I'm Christ's man now, for sure.You made a miracle I can believe in. God, Jesus,Abbot Brendan and yourself beat the pagan spirits outof me, entirely. Bless you, Prince Niall. I'll neverbe fearful of miracles again. I'll go voyaging withyou and Brendan, for sure."

Brendan hobbled down the hill, a smile crackinghis wrinkled face. "Good lads. My fine crew. Godbless our voyage anew. Rest, refresh yourselves. Wesail for the Island of Lewis in the morning."

*************"Before me sit two tired sailors, who slept

through mass, and are about to fall face-first intheir gruel," Brendan said at prandium the next day."Wrestling must use more energy than rowing. What saywe rest here another day?"

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Niall and Kevin agreed, and slept all day andnight in their cell.

Two Old AbbotsAbbots Brendan and Columba met in the Refectory

to gossip before vespers."Good things are said about your prodigy, young

Niall Mac Neill. What do you plan for his future?"Columba asked.

"Nothing. I'd been searching for a scribe whoyearned for a quest. First words I heard Niall saywere about searching for an island and naming it forhimself. Niall insulted me and hit me with hishurling ball at the Abbey when I told him not tobother adventuring.

Brendan sighed. III'mtoo old and frail to bereliving my journeys to Tir-na-n'Nog with a brashprince and a strong-willed monk. However, thearchbishop wants a manuscript of my travels to guidefuture explorers and reassure Christians of a heavenlyafterlife."

"Back to Prince Niall. What will he do after hefinishes the NAVIGATIO?"

"Who knows? Niall will follow his own way. He'sheir to the throne of Tara, you know. We're kinfolk,Niall, Colman, you and me."

IIAlmost all of Irish Royadama are kin if you lookback far enough. You think he's king material?"

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IIProbably. When Niall came to me to finish hiseducation, I recognized his talents and faults.Tamed him out of a raging temperament at Holy Isle bytaking his voice away. The boy wrote a book while hewas mute. That's how Colman and I found out he writeswell. Has faults that might block his way tokingship, or priesthood, but don't we all, Columba?"

"That's why I'm in the Hebrides instead of mybeloved Ireland. I envied Abbot Ninnian of MovilleAbbey his Vulgate Bible and secretly wrote myself acopy. He caught me, expelled me from the Abbey, andreported my theft to the High King of Ireland, whofound me guilty. I called up my Northern mac Neillwarriors and won a battle over King Diorrnid. Threethousand Irishmen died."

IIWait.Stop talking." Brendan put his hands overColumba's mouth. IIIwon't listen to your sad storyagain about being excommunicated and exiled forcopying a Bible. I'm thirty-seven years older thanyou are and my time's too valuable to hear you rehashyour sins. If you continue, I'll be tempted to fillyour ear with my own shortcomings."

IIYou're right. My transgression lays sour on mytongue, and causes me to whine," Columba said. "I'mmiserable. I pay a heavy price for my greed andarrogance. If I explored other lands and founded moremonasteries would it take my mind off my grief?"

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IIWhoknows but Jesu himself. I've not foundpeace from my quests for Tir-na-n'Nog." Brendan roseand stretched. "I need to rest my rusty bones. Wesail tomorrow after mass and prandium for the Butt ofLewis."

"Sail Little Minch, the inner passage. Sea's notso rough."

Brendan laughed. "Who's the navigator here, youor me?"

They fell in each other's arms, and cackled theirold men's laugh. The noise woke the raven onBrendan's shoulder.

"Maeve, let me look at you. You have two eyesnow. How did it happen, Brendan?"

"Read Niall's manuscripts, Columba. He's writtenthat story in his first book.

"If God wills it, may we meet again here and inHeaven, Abbot Columba."

"Jesus make your path easy, Abbot Brendan."They blessed each other with the sign of the

cross, and parted to go to their cells.Learning to Navigate

After the morning meal, Brendan said, "Youngmen, from now on you will be participants in planningour voyage. I failed to count on your bountifulenergy and need for involvement. Follow me to thecove where our curraghs await us."

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JlWe sail today to the Isle of Lewis, due North ofhere. With my staff, I will draw a map in the sand toshow the two ways we can reach the Butt of Lewis. Youdecide which route we take."

He drew the islands and mainland of Scotland onthe sand. The boys knelt for a closer look.

"What do you say to the western route, BrotherKevin? "

"Higher seas and winds, Abbot. We might bepulled off our course."

"Good thinking. And of the inner route, LittleMinch, Niall?"

"From my study of your map, we will be shelteredby the chain of islands called the Hebrides from thegales of the mighty sea. Therefore, the inner routewill be calmer."

"I agree with both of you," Brendan said. JlWewill travel the inner route. Kevin, stow the suppliesthe monks have ready. Put them in our extra curragh.We sail in an hour, for our next adventure. Niall,stay here, to write the end of our stay on Iona.

The Hidden Demon"On my first journey West, one of the three late-

comers who joined my fourteen monks stole a silverchalice from the chapel here at Iona," Brendan toldNiall. lIAnangel told me and I accused the man, whocollapsed on the floor. A demon jumped out of him,

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screaming to be allowed to dwell in the monk. Iordered the demon out, the monk died after taking theEucharist, and his soul was received by the angels.We buried him in the cemetery. Did you get that downon your board?"

Niall said, "Yes, sir. I write it as you tellit, Abbot. Here's a wonder, though. I fill fourtablets a day, and place the finished ones in my bookbag. The next morning they are replaced by emptytablets. Another miracle?"

"You are too valuable a scribe to waste timepreparing tablets. A minor miracle speeds things up.How long will it take you to write the story of myVoyage to Tir-na-n'Nog?"

"As long as your miracles say it will, Abbot.""Bless you for your faith in me, Prince Niall.

We'll finish this book before old Brendan's time isup, won't we?"

"For sure, sir. For sure."Inside Passage

Brother Kevin loaded the extra curragh with ananvil, tongs, hammers, and scrap iron as well as theboys' hurling sticks and balls. He questionedBrendan, who said, "All part of my adjustment to yourneeds, yours and Niall's."

"Thank you. If I could, I would also like tolearn more of the scriptures. Since Niall read me

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parts of the gospels, I want to know more.""That's grand, lad. You study and read as well

as rowing, blacksmithing, and hurling. Hear that,Niall? Another student aboard the Cara."

"Aye. He and I can both learn from you."Brendan steered west from Iona to Tiree, North

into Little Minch Channel past the Isle of Skye, intoNorth Minch. Ca~ seas and a light wind made perfectsailing conditions.

Maeve moved from Abbot's shoulder to the prow ofthe boat. She spread her wings, and let the wind blowthem out to their full span. "Her wings are aswide as I am tall," Kevin said.

"Old Maeve was reborn on Holy Island. Jesu gaveher a new life when He brought her back from the dead.Get Niall to tell you the story sometime."

"I wrote that story while I was mute, living inthe cave," Niall said.

"Enjoy this calm part of the voyage. Our nextdestination takes us across an angry sea, withmerciless winds. The Island of Lewis looms on ourleft. We sail up its coast, to the Butt of Lewis."

Island of the Cannibal MiceBrendan lowered the anchor one hundred feet from

shore. "We need not land at this place. Another ofthe late-comers died here. A jester came to me afterthe other three, and said, 'Brendan, take me for God's

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sake.' A vision showed me the man would die soon, andI told him to come aboard, if that would make his lastdays happier.

"When we approached this fair island, we saw itwas covered with hideous furry mice as large ascalves. My monks feared them and asked what theywanted of our crew. 'They want to devour us,' Isaid."

Niall shivered as he wrote on his tablet."An angel came to tell me it was the death hour

of the jester. I gave him the body and blood ofChrist. He rejoiced, his spirit leapt forth and wasreceived in heaven."

The boys' eyes searched the beach and saw thefour foot long mice Brendan described.

Kevin's eyes widened with understanding."We see what the monks saw fifteen years ago. I

thank Christ I didn't go back to Clonfert. Now Iunderstand the honor of this voyage."

The mice piled up four deep at the edge of thesea, trying to build a living mouse bridge so theycould jump aboard the boat. Their red eyes and longsharp teeth added to the horror the boys felt as themice neared the boat.

"Shall I raise the anchor, Abbot, so we can sailbefore we are eaten?" Kevin asked.

"No need to, Brother. Look at Maeve," Niall

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said. "She drives the mice away from us by peckingtheir eyes. She's our protector, isn't she?"

"That and more, lad. I'm glad you appreciateher," Brendan said.

Maeve flew to the ship, opened her beak, anddumped a dozen mouse eyes at Brendan's feet.

"Thank you, Maeve, for sharing your meal. Youmay pick out more eyes while I finish telling thestory. "

The raven flew back to the island to resume hermouse eye hunt.

Some of the eyes rolled to the middle of the boatwhere the rowers sat. Niall gagged, turned his headand threw up over the side.

"Don't be a coward," Kevin said.About that time one of the bloody eyes lodged

under his bare foot."Sticky, slimy, horrible things. Still warm.

Dozens of eyes looking at me. Ugh! I'm going to besick."

Abbot waited until the boys' stomachs settleddown before continuing. "The Island of the Mice storyends sadly. The mice ate the body of the jester, thenslept. I went ashore, buried the man's bones, prayedfor him, and we went on.

"For forty days we sailed until we came toanother island. Let's leave this fearful place, and

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take our tiny boats to toss upon the mighty sea.""Gladly. If it gets too rough, could you please

work a miracle? I'm seasick in high seas," Kevinsaid.

"Listen to the lad, Niall. First, he wants me toquit making miracles, now he asks for one."

"A man can change his mind, can't he Abbot?"Niall asked.

The boys took up the oars, and Brendan manned thetiller as they began another leg of their adventure.

"Bishop Erc taught me to bell the silver-hornedstags, the heaving waves of the sea, when I was fouryears old. Two hundred miles of wild sea and galesface us. I could calm the sea with a miracle, but Iwant my scribe to experience its power.

"However, I shall compress time, to shorten yourmisery." He whistled Maeve back to the boat.

The raven brought her final meal of mouse eyesaboard, again offering to share them with the sailors.

The lads gagged again and threw up their coena.Maeve tucked her head under her wing and slept.

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Chapter 18FAROE ISLANDSRaging Seas

Mighty waves, stirred up by a gale, attacked theCara. The ocean became calm for a short time. Darkclouds rolled and reshaped, and the wind changed tothe South, whipping heavy rain across the sea. Thecurragh began filling with water. A stronger galetossed the leather boat like a leaf falling from atree. The hissing rain soaked the crew.

"The boat is lifting and falling, lifting andfalling," Niall said. All three sailors clung to thesides of the curragh. Maeve deserted Brendan'sshoulder for a dry spot under a cover of waxedleather.

"I find myself afraid, Abbot," Kevin said."Me too. I get used to the calm, then the sea

goes wild again. The boat is out of control andfilling with water. Do something before we capsize,"Niall squealed in a high-pitched voice.

Kevin mumbled a spell he learned from his clan,"Manannan mac Lir. Manannan mac Lir. Save me,Manannan. Take me in your sea-chariot to yourUndersea Kingdom. Manannan mac Lir. Manannan, saveme."

"Are you praying, Brother?" Niall asked him.Kevin didn't get a chance to answer before the

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Cara swept forward, sideways, and backward, all in aminute. She rode up and down the waves, sometimesskittering on top of them, before dropping twentyfeet. The mainsail ripped away from its mooring andfell, covering the rowers.

IIGrabthe sail, Niall. Help me roll the wetlinen into a ball and stow it." Kevin said

The mainmast splintered, toppled and fell intothe sea, missing the boys by inches.

Brendan noticed the white faces and furrowedbrows of his crew.

"I shall turn the tiller loose, lads. Jesu isour navigator on this sea. Wipe the salty water offyour tablet, Niall, and record your feeling ofhelplessness when the ocean becomes angry."

"Sir, I don't have a tablet. What can I doinstead?" Kevin asked.

"Pray to Jesu, Brother. He's in charge of thisboat and our voyage."

"Aye, Abbot. Our Father, who art in Heaven ••.••"He prayed to be delivered from the storm, but also notto die like the monk at Iona and the jester at theIsland of the Mice. Brendan said three died on hisfirst voyage. Kevin worried that he or Niall would bekilled to illustrate the perils of this journey. Hedared not talk about it--the others would think him acoward.

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"Land Ho," Niall shouted.The wind blew the Cara past an easy harbor. The

main tide ran in a circle around the island, carryingtheir boat with it.

Maeve flew to the high cliffs on the north sideof the island to circle a safe landing place.

An eddy caught the boat. Around and around thecurragh spun. Brendan sat gripping the seat of hischair with his eyes closed. Kevin and Niall held onto the sides of the boat and threw up.

A tide race, common during a gale, shot them outof the eddy and into the deep water of the MykinesFjord.

Kevin crossed himself and said, IIThanksbe toJesus." He took up an oar.

The Island of the Sheep"No need to exert yourself rowing, Brother.

A favorable wind and tide will see us into theharbor," Brendan said. The young men landed thecurraghs on the sand, unloaded them, and propped themupside down on rocks to let the sea water drain out.

Abbot Brendan led his crew up the hill. They sawspring-fed streams full of fish.

"Come higher. A surprise awaits you," Brendansaid.

"Look at the sheep. They're as big as oxen. Andwhite--all of them are white. Hundreds of huge, white

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sheep. So thick I can't see the grass they graze on.Great Archbishop Patrick, what a treat for Irisheyes." Kevin laughed and ran up the hill, scatteringthe sheep.

"I believe Brother Kevin takes to land betterthan sea, Scribe. My first voyagers called this ITheIsland of the Sheep,'" Brendan said. IIAre you glad tobe on land again?"

"Abbot, I'm grateful. That encounter on the wildwaves scared me. A month ago, before I admitted myfears, I would have pretended to be brave. Theexperience with the gale helps me write moregraphically about the power of the ocean."

"You're getting the idea, Niall. You can't writeabout an adventure without being there. My firstscribe wrote the facts only. I want you involved inthe fear, suffering, surprises, and joys of thevoyage. Also I want you to record the hard decisionswe make every day."

"Each day I understand my mission as your scribebetter, " Niall said.

The Abbot looked around the island. He pointedto a grove of trees near a spring.

"Shall we have our Maundy Thursday Service here?Take what you need from the flock for our mealtonight. Later we will choose a spotless lamb for ourEaster feast."

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"Excuse me, Abbot, but this is July, not April,"Niall reminded him.

"Don't forget I've put us on Brendan Time. Thechurch calendar will speed up, as our sailing timedoes, to let us experience all of the Holy Days duringthese two months I've allotted for the trip."

Kevin wandered back from his romp with the sheep.uTell me what needs doing and I'll do it," he said.

UGuess what today is?" Niall asked Kevin.IIToday is Maundy Thursday, Brendan Time."

IIHolyDays? When will we repair the curragh? Welost the main mast and need to repair the sails,"Kevin said.

IIJesuwas a fisherman. He understands. The Carais sea-ready now," Brendan said.

III like this miracle," Kevin decided.While they were preparing their meal, a man

dressed in white appeared, holding a basket full ofbread, wine and vessels needed for mass. He kneltbefore Abbot Brendan, saying, "I am honored toprepare food for you for these Holy Days. God ordainsthat you celebrate Good Friday and Holy Saturday onthis island, and Easter on the island you see nearby."He pointed to the west."

The man served them and appeared the next twodays to bring more food.

He said, "Your boats cannot carry any more than

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eight days' supply, so I will bring you food and drinkuntil Pentecost."

"Do you know where we will be after eight days?"Brendan asked.

"Saturday night and on Easter Sunday until noonyou will be on the island I showed you. Afterward youwill sail to another island, to the west, called the'Paradise of the Birds.' There you will stay untilPentecost."

"Can you tell us why the sheep here are solarge?" Kevin wanted to know.

"No one takes milk from the sheep and the wintersare mild. They graze in their pastures always, dayand night, and grow as large as cattle."

*********UHoly Days gave us a chance to come together as a

crew," Kevin said. IIIfeel better about our voyage."IIAbsolutely. I began gaining confidence on Elbe,

and have no doubts we'll reach Tir-na-n'Nog," Niallsaid.

Brendan sat under a tree, stroked Maeve, andsmiled.

Holy Saturday afternoon Abbot suggested theygather their supplies and food and sail to the isletheir provider recommended.

"Our Easter feast will be bountiful," Brendansaid.

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The Cara and her crew sailed to the island theysaw on the horizon, at peace with each other,expecting a quiet Easter.

JasconiusBrendan steered the Cara to a stony, ugly,

sandy, landing place. He directed Niall and Kevin tojump into the water to secure the boat to driftwood.

"Go ashore for your prayers and Easter vigil.I'll stay in the boat."

Kevin cut his eyes at Niall, who shrugged hisshoulders. They carried out Abbot's directions.

When morning came, Brendan led them in the EasterMass from the boat.

"Prepare the lamb we brought for our EasterFeast. I will rest myself a bit."

The young men's stomach's growled because oftheir fasting. They gathered driftwood and built agreat fire in the brazier. Lamb and fresh water wentinto Abbot Colman's cauldron, and soon boiled.

Suddenly, the island began to move, back andforth, to and fro, like Atlantic waves during a storm.A tail as big as a tigo appeared at one end, splashingthe sea into a furious eddy. At the same time, waterspouted from its center, and the end opposite the tailopened, spewing out more of the sea. Two glassy blueeyes as large as warriors' shields opened, one on eachside of the beast's head.

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"All the Saints protect us, we have landed on amonster instead of an island," Kevin yelled. "Save,us, Holy Brendan."

Niall joined Kevin's cry. They abandoned allthey had on the moving island and swam to the boat asfast as they could. The "island" moved out to seawith their cauldron of mutton boiling on its back.

"Brendan, you fooled us. You knew what wouldhappen, didn't you?" Niall asked. "You sat in theboat to watch us react with surprise and terror."

The ancient's eyes twinkled, and his toothlessmouth spread open like a cave. His laughter reachedhis shoulders as well as his voice.

"Wanted to add adventure to our voyage, don't youknow? Don't be afraid. God revealed to me in avision the secret of our Easter Island--it's not anisland, but a fish as big as an Irish County. Hetries to bring his tail to meet his head, to ensureGod's blessing on him, but he cannot, because of hislength.

"You have met Jasconius, a whale, where we weredestined to spend every Easter for four years on myfirst voyage to Tir-na-n'Nog."

Niall said, "When I journal this adventure, Iwill draw a picture of the wondrous creature, soreaders can see what Jasconius looks like. Was hesent by God to help us?"

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Even though his back was covered with sand from theocean floor, the heat reached his tender skin, andhurt him. The pain caused him to throw water onhimself and frighten you."

"Will we see him again this voyage?" Kevin asked."Wait. Be patient. All things will be revealed

as our journey unfolds," Brendan explained. Helooked around the Cara. IIOur Easter meal sailed awayfrom us. What did our brother on the Island of theSheep supply for our Easter Feast?"

"There's cooked mutton, salted fish, bread, andwine, Abbot. We won't go hungry. But my cauldronsailed away on the monster's back," Niall said.

"Put that in your story, too," Kevin said. "I'llhelp you describe Jasconius. He's a creature I'llnever forget. You can see our fire burning brightlyon the monster's back, far on the western horizon."

They ate in the boat, prayed, Brendan and Kevinslept, but Niall wrote and drew on his tablet bycandlelight until the voyagers departed at dawn fortheir next destination.

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The Paradise Of BirdsTo the west of the Island of the Sheep, the

explorers found another island."Maeve, find us a landing place," Brendan

ordered.The raven flew from his shoulder, and circled a

fertile spot covered with grass, trees, and flowers.She came back followed by a flock of white birds, whohovered over a stream. The curraghs barely fit intoits banks.

"Corne,Niall, grab a rope. We'll pull the Carafarther up on land," Kevin said.

They pulled her almost a mile to the source ofthe spring, while Brendan stayed in the boat.

"Jesus has given us a beautiful place to stay.Look at this large tree, covered with white gannets,"Brendan said. III don't understand why so many birdsare collected here on this island. Call this chapterof your story 'The Paradise of the Birds,' Niall."

"I will. 'Tis an amazing sight. Shall weunload the boats, sir? I wish you would restyourself. Kevin and I can handle everything."

"Yes, I will. After unloading, have a game ofhurling while I ponder the reason for this host ofgannets. We'll have vespers in three hours."

"Let's go, blacksmith. You get the lorgs and

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I'll find the liethroid. Hope they're not waterloggedlike we are."

Soon they were hitting the ball with their sticksup and down the grassy hills, glad to be out of thesmelly, wet curragh.

"I like hearing you laugh, lads," Brendan calledfrom his resting place under the tree. "I'm stillpuzzled by the mystery of the birds. I pray thesecret will be revealed to me."

One of the white birds flew from the tree andlanded near the Abbot. She rubbed her wings together,making sweet music like a hand bell The gannetstretched her wings, cocked her head, and stared athim.

"If you are God's messenger, tell me where youbirds come from and why you gather here," Abbot said.

"We are the spirits of people who weren't chosengo to heaven as soon as they died," sang the bird."On Holy Days and Sundays, we have bodies of birds andpraise our Creator with our songs. May we join you insinging vespers? Avoid the fruit and the springwater--it brings on sleeping sickness. Food will beprovided."

Brendan thanked the bird as she flew away. Maevecame to sit on his shoulder to squawk her jealousy ofthe beautiful white creature.

"Dear Maeve, you are my best friend. No one can

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take your place. Enjoy the trees here. Mingle withthe birds. You needn't watch after me on this lovelyisland. I gave the lads the day off and I offer thesame freedom to you."

The black bird cocked her head, blinked heryellow eyes at Brendan, and flew away, chirping at hernew winged friends perched in the trees.

Niall and Kevin, faces red, tunics dirty, cameto Brendan, asking about dinner.

"The bird said the spring water is unsafe--itcauses those who drink it to fall into an unnaturalsleep. Who do I see coming in a boat? It's ourfriend from the Island of the Sheep. Go meet him andhelp him unload his stores."

The steward told the voyagers to stay on theIsland of the Birds until the beginning of Pentecost,when he would come with more supplies.

With their food and drink supplied, the threeadventurers spent what seemed like a month with thesinging birds. Kevin's hurling improved, and Nialladded to his journal. Brendan taught the gannetts tosing his favorite hymns.

Only three days passed, however, because of themiracle of Brendan Time.

The steward came at Pentecost, bringing with himenough food and water to last several months.

The birds sang a hymn Brendan taught them as the

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Cara sailed away to discover another island."What a delightful place," Niall said. "Surely

our bad and scary experiences lie behind us."

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Chapter 19North Atlantic Ocean

Hardship"For three months, my feet have not touched land.

I've rowed with nothing to eat but moldy bread and asip of water every third day. Has God forsaken me?"Kevin moaned.

"Endure, Kevin. Pray God to deliver us to afriendly harbor on yon isle," Brendan pleaded. Hedecided to make this leg of the journey hard for hiscrew. They had become complacent, believing theAbbot's miracles would solve any discomfort or problemthey encountered. He reasoned another hard lessonwould bring out the best in the lads.

Again and again they circled the island seekinga landing place.

Maeve flew low, her eyes searching for an openingin the rock.

"I've watched the sun set forty days while thewind has blown us away from this land. What are we todo?" Kevin whined.

No comforting words carnethrough Brendan's orNiall's cracked lips.

Maeve fell off Brendan's shoulder, her strengthdepleted.

"You're not doing your part of the rowing, PrinceNiall," Kevin complained.

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"The only time I quit the oars is when I'mwriting on my tablet, you great ox of a man. I can'tbe a scribe and row at the same time," Niallresponded.

"Because you can write Latin on a waxed tabletyou think you're better than I am. I'll show youwho's the best man in this boat."

Kevin swung his oar at Niall's head. The youngerman ducked and shoved the paddle aside, then used theoar to push the blacksmith overboard.

The heavy man grabbed the side of the lightleather boat.

"Don't turn us over, you dumb oaf!" Niallyelled.

"If I drown, you go, too. Or maybe your woodentablets will keep you afloat," Kevin said.

"Better than your anvil, for sure."Kevin sputtered sea water as he pulled himself

back into the curragh. He glared at Niall. Angerreddened his face.

The student ignored him and kept writing on histablet.

"write that you don't pull your weight, PrinceNiall of Tara. Write that I am likely to throw you tothe hungry monsters in the sea if you don't shape up,"Kevin said.

Brendan moved his sun-blackened arm off the

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tiller and flipped it into the sea. "If youadventurers lose courage and continue fighting, wewon't need this."

Later in the day Niall and Kevin began pickingat each other again.

"Write and read. Write and read. That's all youdo, smarty boy," Kevin said.

"I've written that I threw you in the sea and yousmelled so badly the sea monsters threw you back,"Niall smirked.

"Lads, lads, let us be at peace, one withanother." Brendan's voice sounded hoarse from thirstand yelling.

Kevin grabbed the prince and threw him over theside. Wooden tablets from his book bag floated aroundhim.

The younger boy scrambled aboard, yelling like aCeltic warrior, grabbed the blacksmith's arm, andtwisted it behind his back. The bigger man loweredhis shoulder and head and flipped Niall into the wateragain.

Instead of climbing back into the first boat,Niall pulled himself into the supply boat.

Brendan shrank into a bundle of dry bones and wetwhite wool robe. He prayed, then said aloud, "Colman,my strong friend, I wish you were here to help me bellthese boys' tempers like I can calm the waves, without

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sacrificing the lesson I'm trying to teach them.""Come to me, dear Brendan," he heard a quiet

voice say.The elderly man shaded his faded blue eyes with

his hands and peered out to sea.The new Abbot of Cloyne stood on a rock motioning

to him.Brendan made a miracle which caused the boys to

sleep before he left them."Thank you, Jesu, for sending my friend to me."

He stepped out of the curragh. His robe barelytouched the water as he walked on the waves to joinColman.

"I put a bit of hardship into the voyage and mystrong boys become weaklings. What's to be done,Little Dove?"

"Miracle us to the nearby Isle of Ailbe. That'sthe next stop on your voyage, right?"

Brendan nodded his head."Allow the lads to work out this problem

themselves. Maybe they'll learn about working as ateam. When they find Ailbe's harbor, we'll celebratetheir arrival.

IIMayI put my arm around your shoulder as we walkthe waves to Archbishop Ailbe's island?" Colman said."You're tired and deserve some rest."

Bishop Ailbe met the two Abbots and took them to

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the refectory of his Abbey without speaking.Monks served a meal and took each of them to a

cell to rest. Both prayed that the lads would findthe island before they damaged each other.

CooperationThe fifteen-year-old student and the nineteen-

year-old blacksmith awoke from the deep sleep Brendanplaced on them.

When he discovered the Abbot was missing, Kevinkeened, rocking his body back and forth, and crying ina high pitched voice, as his clan did when a deathoccurred. "Abbot, you abandoned me. You left me todie on this wretched sea. I wish I had gone back toClonfert to my blacksmithing job. I'm angry at youand Jesus and Niall." He continued his keeningthroughout the night.

Niall moved back to the first boat when the sunrose.

"We ran him off, with our bad tempers andjealousy of each other. Our leader tests our courage,Kevin. We can give up and perish, or solve ourproblems and live. Which do you choose?"

"Keening didn't help me. I can sit here and rotin this leaky boat or try to find a way to get homealive."

"I don't believe Abbot's dead. He wants us tofind our way alone to the next isle to prove our

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courage to him and to ourselves. It's a test of ourspiritual and physical strength. Can we do it?"

Kevin looked around him at the shining sea, theblue sky, the sun warming him for the first time indays, and said, "I'm ready to try harder. You wantto steer or row? At least we have Maeve to help usfind a harbor."

Maeve roused from her sleep. Her yellow eyessearched for her master. She cocked her head asthough listening and hopped to each boy, chirpinginstructions.

"I don't understand. What are you telling us,black bird?" Kevin asked.

The raven stretched her wings and took to theair. She circled the boat, squawked at them, and flewto the south.

"Hoist the sail. I'll attach the extra rudder.If we work together we'll find that illusive island,"Niall said.

IIWhenwe find land, let's take out ourdifferences in a game of hurling, what say?enough dunking and fighting."

I've had

"A splendid idea, friend Kevin."Maeve flew back to the boat as the sun set, weary

from her search for a harbor."Thank you for trying. I saved one piece of

bread and I want you to have it," Kevin told her. He

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pulled the dry morsel from his fes to feed the bird.She ate, folded her wings and rested. The

sailors hauled down the sails and quit rowing. Thesea calmed. The wind stilled. Tired muscles relaxed.They dozed.

The sudden flurry of a cormorant's wings wokethem at sun-up. A tree branch loaded with fruit fellfrom the creature's beak into the boat.

"Another Brendan miracle?""Yes, a welcome one, Brother." Niall stuffed his

mouth so full that purple juice ran down his chin.The branch held enough sweet, purple grapes to

satisfy the boys' and raven's hunger and thirst. Astheir strength returned, so did their courage.

Maeve flew south again to search for a harbor,while the sailors hoisted sails and began rowing.The raven circled a location Niall and Kevin hadoverlooked many times. When the Cara sailed into theharbor, they saw eleven white-robed monks waiting onthe shore. Each held a finger to his lips to indicatesilence. After helping them beach the boats, the menled them to the Abbey, washed their feet, and fed themwhite bread, vegetables and fresh water. The boysshared a cell, and kept the rule of silence.

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The Community of Archbishop AilbeTwenty-four monks, led by Abbot Ailbe, sailed

from Ireland to an island in the Atlantic Ocean eightyyears ago during the time of Archbishop Patrick. Theywere culdees, monks who sailed west looking for aplace where they could worship Jesus in solitude.

Miracles happened on the Island of Ailbe, as wellas in Brendan's curragh. Each day twelve loaves ofbread appeared on their table, more on feast days andSundays. All other supplies arrive when needed.

After resting and bathing, Kevin and Niall foundthe chapel and knelt for Abbot Ailbe's blessing. Hepointed to two abbots entering the room.

Forgetting that speech was forbidden, Kevin said,"You're not dead. Thanks be to Jesus, you're alive.We thought you'd drowned yourself in despair over ourfights."

"Abbot Colman--where did you come from?" Niallasked.

Suddenly remembering the rule of silence, theyclamped their hands over their mouths.

The abbots motioned for them to kneel for theirblessing. Two hands rested on each head--one plumpand soft, the other bony and dry.

Niall covered their hands with his and brought

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them down to his lips to kiss the rings they wore.Niall knew his temper took control of him again,

when he and Kevin I fought. Niall prayed, IIThankyou, Jesus, that abbot is safe. Help me learn fromthis test."

Abbot Ailbe escorted his guests to seats on eachside him. The young men sat with the monks. Theyfound it hard to concentrate on the words of the massbecause of the beauty of the crystal room.

The square-shaped chapel was carved from crystal.Twenty-four seats encircled the space. Each of thethree altars held crystal patens, chalices, andcruets. Seven lights, three before the main altar andtwo before each of other two, were unlit.

After the evening meal, Niall and Kevin went totheir cell, making signs to each other, trying tofigure out how Colman and Brendan got to the island

"Maybe we'll know tomorrow," Niall wrote on histablet. Kevin nodded. They slept.

The three abbots kept watch for the miraculousflame at candle-lighting time. A fiery arrow spedthrough a window, lit the seven lamps in the chapel,then darted out another window.

Brendan rose to examine the candles. Abbot Ailbespoke for the first time of their visit. "The candlesnever burn away or get smaller."

"Why?" Colman asked.

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"My dear brother in Christ, the light isspiritual, like the burning bush at Mount Sinai,"Ailbe said.

Brendan and Colman sighed, and nodded theirunderstanding.

All night the Abbots knelt before the altar,keeping vigil and praying for the success of Brendan'svoyage to Tir-na-n'Nog.

After morning prayers and prandium, Abbot Ailbegave the travelers permission to speak to one another.

Colman put his arms around Niall and Kevin'sshoulders

"Could we spend time together? I want to refereeyour hurling game. Had any time to write poems andcompose songs on the harp, prince?"

"Our adventures on the wild seas and islands arewaiting to be told, written, played and chanted,"Niall answered.

IIAndyou, Kevin. Been plying your hammer andanvil at blacksmithing?"

"I only replace broken iron parts of the curraghand row."

II I see," Colman said.Brendan and Ailbe met to plan the rest of the

voyage. The Navigator asked permission to set out onhis journey at sunrise.

"No, you must celebrate Christmas with us, and

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stay until Epiphany. Abbot Colman may return to hisabbey when he pleases, but God sent me a message tokeep you here to rest and renew your strength," Ailbesaid.

"Thanks be to Jesu I have a High King who looksafter me. Never learned to do the job myself,"Brendan admitted.

The monks fed Brendan nourishing food. His onlyactivity was to say mass when Ailbe needed him.

Reunion"Blacksmith, get the hurling sticks and ball. I

hope your game has improved. You, Niall, fetch yourharp and your tablets. We'll write a song together."

When the monks saw a hurling game starting, theybrought out their sticks, tucked their robes up intotheir belts and joined in the game.

Colman cheered both sides.The athletes washed in the spring and put on

fresh tunics and robes supplied by the Abbey monks.After vespers and conea, Colman and Niall took

their harps out of their leather cases."I thank you for this harp, abbot. It cheers my

spirits. Abbot Brendan won't listen to any musicexcept choirs. He keeps balls of wax strung on a'ropearound his neck to plug up his ears when I play."

"Ask him why. 'Tis an interesting story," Colmansaid. IIBrendan's a grand abbot, but he does have some

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peculiar habits.""Tell me something. Every harp has a name."

Niall pointed an accusing finger at Colman. "You leftHoly Island without telling me this harp's name."

liMy name for her was 'Little Dove.' Listen toyour harp. She will tell you her name."

Niall plucked the clairseach's strings, his earclose to the dark wood. He closed his eyes and playeda melody. A smile broke through his usually seriousface. He danced around Colman and Kevin. "A song cameto me, a gift from my harp:

'My name is Coo of Little Dove.My master is Prince Niall.My maker was Bard Mac Lennin,Now Abbot Colman of Cloyne.

I take Niall as my master,that he may glorify God withhis hands and heart and mind,plucking my strings and chanting.

I, Prince Niall of Tara,pledge myself to honor Jesuswith music from this blessed harp,whose name is Coo of Little Dove.

I promise to strum true

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notes on your strings,as you, Coo of Little Dove,will sound pure notes for me.

I pledge myself to write poemsand compose sweet melodiesLauding Christ's name.· ..

The former bard said, "Never has Little Dovesounded so well. Bless you. You gladden my heartentirely, " Colman said. "Le't's play and chant yoursong together."

When the monks heard the music of the harpers,they came to listen and play. One brought a boudranmade of a sheep skin stretched around a circle of ashwood which he drummed with a stick. Another brought awooden cuislean. While the musicians played livelyIrish tunes, the monks danced the intricate steps theylearned as children at their clan ceilis. Kevintaught them dances he learned at his family gatheringsin Munster.

Colman put his harp away before candlelightingtime and waved the monks away.

Colman Confesses his Weaknesses"On my voyage to Tir-na-n'Nog with Abbot Brendan

years ago, I showed my cowardly self. Understandingyour guilt about behaving badly on the hard partcompels me to confess my own shortcomings.

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IIAbbothas used miracles to make most of youradventures pleasant and comfortable. When he put insome hardship and pain to test your mettle, you tworeacted like I did.

"Remember, he journeyed twice before. Do youthink he enjoyed quartering the ocean for the fouryears each voyage took, watching his beloved brothersin Christ become destitute in spirit, resigned todeath, pressed together in the stinking boats? Oureyes cast down, we existed in a nameless regionbetween waking and sleeping, neither alive nor dead.None of us had any hope of survival.

"Brendan turned the tiller loose to let Jesuguide the Cara, never faltering in his faith we wouldbe delivered to the Island of the Promise.

"When our hearts were sick and faint, his pulsedwith faith and hope. God sent Brendan on theseadventures. Abbot bent his will to God's. He wasdetermined to find Tir-na-n'Nog. He succeeded andgave the glory of it to God."

Colman towered over the boys. "I offer you thesewords of comfort and strength. I admit to you my ownweakness on my voyage, so you won't be overcomewith shame for losing heart. I confess. The worse-spirited of the fourteen monks was me." The powerful,strong abbot put his head in his hands and cried.

Colman blew his nose and wiped his eyes. "You've

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come through with courage most of the time. I commandyou to keep faith with Brendan. Your reward will begreat, but claiming recognition may take time. Bepatient.

"Brendan's voyages will be celebrated and writtenabout through all ages to come. Niall, you werechosen by God and Brendan to write a record of theNavigatio. You do them both honor with your words.

"You were chosen, Kevin, because of your strengthand blacksmithing skill. Anything that breaks, youcan fix. You show your obedience to Brendan and Jesuswith your work. I believe you will find a satisfyingvocation because of this journey."

Kevin wiped away tears with his robe sleeve.Niall let his fall. He ran to Colman to hug him, andsaid, "Thank you, Little Dove. I understand now.Brendan and Jesus can count on me to tell the worldabout Brendan's heroic voyage to Tir-na-n'Nog when Iwrite the Navigatio."

"And I will try to row harder, quit fighting, andstop complaining," Kevin said.

The two friends walked to the Abbey arm in armwith Colman to join their mentor, Brendan.

Kevin Confides in ColmanBefore Colman left the island, Kevin asked to

talk to him alone. He twisted his hair and shuffledhis feet before he began talking.

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"You helped Niall become a better man. Maybe youcan help me. There have been two deaths in Brendan'sre-creation of his Navigatio and he said there will beanother. Will either Niall or I die to show thedangers of the quest for the Land of Paradise?"

"No, Kevin. No deaths or sacrifices mar thisjourney. I assure you, Brendan will take you safelyback to Ireland," Colman said.

"Thank you, sir. I feel better." He sat on abench in the garden.

"Something else is bothering you, brother. Shareit with me. I'm your friend. Are you concerned aboutyour future?"

The blacksmith paced the stony path. Hescratched his beard and rubbed his callused handstogether.

"You read my mind, abbot. This voyage ischanging me. I've seen different lands and seas,animals and people, and survived things I didn't thinkI'd live through. I've learned to read and writeLatin better, and to draw and journal my experienceson waxed tablets."

"Going back to Clonfert Abbey as a blacksmithwon't be enough to keep me interested. My world andexperiences have widened. I want to keep learning."

Colman asked, "Any idea what you'd like to dowith your life?"

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"I have dreamed of studying metalsmithing. I'dlike to be able to work in silver and gold as well asbronze and iron. If I knew how to design and makeobjects for cathedrals, crosses for bishops andabbots, maybe even jewelry for kings and warlords, Iwould be a contented man. I must have a way to showothers the wonderful sights I've seen and the beautyof the world and its creatures.

"When we get back to Clonfert Abbey, AbbotBrendan will tell of his voyages, Niall will write thestory of our journey, and I will pound on iron bars ina forge. It's not enough for me now."

"Hrnm. You'll be the forgotten man when you getback to Clonfert, won't you? I see your point. Yes,you should have a way to create art to express yourparticipation in this journey. Let me work on this, Ileave tomorrow, but I'll be in touch with you. Keepheart, brother."

Colman left before sunrise to return to hisAbbey. This time he went in a boat, instead ofwalking on water.

Sailing AgainAfter Christmas and Epiphany, the monks stocked

the voyagers' two curraghs with food and water."Kevin and I start this leg of our journey with a

new understanding of our mission, Abbot," Niall said.IIAbbotColman helped us see a larger picture of

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this voyage," Kevin added."Colman. His wise words strike the depths of a

person's heart. Good lads. I count on your help inthe hard days ahead," Brendan said. "We sail west."

AT SEAThe Island of the Three Choirs

Brendan pointed to an island where one of thethree late-comers found a home.

"On this island live three choirs: one of boys inwhite garments, one of adults, dressed in blue, andone of elders, wearing purple.

"Growing there were fruits as large as a man'shead, which tasted like honey. One fed a monk fortwelve days. We departed with our boat filled withthese fruits, which nourished us for four months."

Niall wrote this experience on his tablet, whileKevin rowed and tended the sails.

AT SEAThe Grypton

A noise caused Niall to look up from his writing.A bird's wings, spanning seven and a half feet,disturbed the air above the boat.

"Abbot, Kevin, look--we are about to be snatchedand eaten by that monstrous bird."

The black gryphon stretched her talons wide andcurved them to grab Brendan's head. Her strengthseemed great enough to carry a man away. Niall batted

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the buzzard away with an oar."Don't be afraid. God will send us a savior, for

sure."Brendan's raven attacked. Squawking, she flew in

the gryphon's face, and tried to peck out its eyes.The powerful bird's wing knocked her into the sea,filling the sky with black feathers. Then it divedbeak down to where Maeve struggled. Scraping itssharp claws across one of her golden eyes, the gryphonblinded her. The raven spread her wings, shook offthe sea water, and flew into the buzzard's face again,trying to keep it away from Brendan's head. Thestrong wings knocked Maeve into the ocean once more.

Their savior came. The same friendly cormorantwho dropped grapes to the boys arrived to defend thevoyagers

The gryphon turned to attacking the cormorant,who fought back by pecking the vulture's eyes out.Croaking a terrible cry, the injured bird soared high.The friendly bird flew faster, caught the gryphon,and killed it.

The sailors watched the ugly body fall into thesea.

The cormorant flew back to the Cara and called tothe injured Maeve.

Kevin and Niall rescued the wet raven, whose eyehung from its socket, wrapped her in a robe, and put

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her in Brendan's arms.Brendan blessed the cormorant, and she flew back

to her island."Can you save her eye?" Niall asked."No, she's blind in that eye, unless Jesu grants

her a miracle. The best I can do it cut it loose soshe won't try to scratch it out with her claws. Handme a sharp knife, Niall." Brendan said.

The scholar took the knife from his belt forBrendan to use.

"Hold her still. She's shaking." He cut the eyemuscles to release the dangling eye. "I'll save thisin my treasure box, dear Maeve, to remember your bravedeed. Twice you attacked the grypton who would havecarried me off and eaten me." He held her close tocomfort her.

Niall sat with his head down, remembering thetime he trapped Maeve on Holy Island.

"Your noble raven fought for you again, and lostanother eye. I remember my black deed against her,and the miracle on Holy Island, when Jesusbrought her back to life, and gave her a new eye. Ipray she may be granted another miracle."

As the prince talked, he stroked the dark wingsand head of the object of his jealousy and vengeanceat the Hermitage.

"My forced isolation in the cave on Holy Island

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helped me see what an arrogant bully I was. I'mtrying to become a decent young man," he told Brendan.IIThankyou for giving me a second chance."

The scribe took a fresh tablet out of the leatherbag, and wrote of the day's scary events.

"Only been gone from the Island of Ailbe for halfa day, and we've had enough adventures to fill abook," Kevin said to Brendan. "Thank you for choosingme to sail on this voyage with you."

"Your strength helps me, Kevin. I know I cancount on you." Niall said.

"Bless you both for indulging an old man'sfancy," Brendan answered. "Was the time on the Islandof Ailbe restful? Did you learn anything during ourlong stay?"

"My hurling game got better. The monks may beold, but they can run," Kevin said.

"Abbot Colman taught me more about harping andcomposing, but my most important lesson came when thetwo of us were lost at sea, and you disappeared.Never in my life have I been as fearful and alone,except in the cave at Holy Island. Both times Iadmitted my helplessness to Jesus, and asked him toguide me," Niall said.

"I felt angry at you, Niall and Jesus, when youleft us alone. Sulking like a spoiled child didn'thelp. Praying did," the blacksmith said.

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"Anger and fear are allowed in this life, youknow," Brendan said. "I act the same way sometimes,then sentence myself to harsh penance. I put you tothe test, boys. You showed me you have strengthenough to finish the voyage. When you appeared in thecrystal chapel at Ailbe, my heart leaped with joy."

He reached his arms out to his two companions,put his hand on each head, and ruffled their hair.

Maeve squawked her jealousy and bit Brendan'shand.

"You're my savior and protector and I won'tneglect you, raven," Abbot told her. "Druids andbards reciting our pagan history told us the raven wasa symbol of war and death. My Maeve works to overcomeher breed's bad habits. She is protective, sweet andloving."

"Of course she is. Here, let me bandage yourbleeding hand," Niall said.

All three laughed at the paradox of Maeve'sdisposition.

"Listen to me. I've learned to laugh instead ofpout," Kevin said.

"Everyone needs to laugh," Brendan said, wipinghis eyes. "It does us good."

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Chapter 20ICELAND

Island of the SmithsWhat seemed like eight days passed. It was only

four hours, Brendan Time. A breeze moved the curraghssmoothly atop the waves in a westerly direction.

Brendan's eyes closed, and his head dropped tohis chest. Niall took over the tiller while Kevintended the sail.

The blacksmith pointed to a land mass dead ahead.Niall nodded. "Looks bleak. No grass or trees. Rockyand rough. The wind is carrying us toward theisland," he whispered.

"Ugliest land I ever saw," Kevin remarked. "Notlike our dear Ireland, with its forty shades of green.I'm homesick, to be sure."

Brendan woke, saw the island, and yelled, "Manthe oars. Pull away from that island. I fear itmightily. "

What promised to be a peaceful day at sea turnedinto a nightmare, a vision of hell. As the powerfulwind took Cara closer to the hideous island, fire andsmoke rose from the core of the place, accompanied bynoises louder than thunder.

A stench burned the voyagers' noses."What is this island?" Kevin asked.

Smithey/raven 144

"Looks like a huge forge on top of a mountain.Many more on the sides ooze fire and puff smoke,"Niall said.

Kevin stood to see better. "Look, people arecoming out of the forge. And going back inside. Theysee us."

"Row, man, row. Let's get away from this hell,"Niall pleaded.

Brendan prayed for their deliverance.The relentless tide and wind carried the curraghs

onto the rocky beach.One islander tossed a fiery missile at the

voyagers with a pair of tongs. The tephra glowed likea fireball until it hit the water, where it sizzledand threw a burst of steam hundreds of feet in theair. The rock turned black, then floated alongsidethe Cara.

More howling men came from the forge, all of themcarrying tephras, and hurling them at the sailors.None hit the men or the boats. The rocks bobbed in thesea, glowing, hissing and steaming.

"Jesus, help us. The top of the mountain blewoff! It's afire. Flaming rocks and soot will buryus. We don't have a chance to live through thishell." Kevin pushed Niall, Brendan, and Maeve underthe extra leather skins with him. Niall stuck hishead out to see what was happening.

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A blob of molten lava as large as a room flew twohundred yards over their heads into the sea, where itsent a spurt of steam higher than a man could see.Pieces of the bomb broke off, exposing the fireinside. The ocean boiled. The weight of the tephracaused a wave to form. The power of the wave tiltedtheir boats. Some of their stores fell into the sea;others caught fire.

"Holy Patrick! The sea is hot from the fieryrocks. The water looks like a huge cauldron boilingover a fire." Niall said. He grabbed a tablet towrite on.

"Put that tablet down. Help me. The demons willkill us. They surround the boat. Don't write,prince, help me put the fires out. Our supplies willbe lost. Our skins to keep us warm, even our boatsmay burn," the blacksmith yelled.

The islanders howled their names, "Brendan,Niall, Kevin; Brendan, Niall, Kevin; Brendan, Niall,Kevin. We will roast you in our furnace. Burn.Burn. Burn. Then we will eat you. Eat you. Eatyou. Eat you."

"Truly, we have reached the edges of hell,"Brendan said. He held his cross and prayed, "Jesu,send us a southwesterly wind, and a tide to carry ussafely away from this wretched place."

The Abbot's prayer was answered. Their sail

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filled with wind and the tide lifted the boat off theglowing beach. The demons followed them into the sea,threw tephra at the men and the boat, and shoutedthreats of torture until the boat was out of sight.The boys bent their backs to the oars to get away fromthem.

When the Cara was two miles southwest of theblazing island, Brendan asked them to rest. "Lookback at the Island of the Smiths and tell me how youwill remember our visit that hellish place."

"Humph!" Kevin growled. "I don't want to talkabout it." He moved to the other boat, coveredhimself with skins, and slept.

"Our blacksmith reacts to danger with action, notwords," Niall said.

/lWe11said." Brendan laughed his toothlesschuckle.

Niall caught his mood and doubled over, his eyesstreaming tears. He laughed himself breathless. Herolled around in the bilge until his mouth filled withthe foul water.

"What a relief to be alive. I may laugh all day.But first I'm going to strip off these sooty clothesand bathe in the sea," Niall announced.

Brendan joined him. They ducked each other,scrubbed the ash from their bodies, washed theirrobes, then got back in the boat to rinse the their

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skin with fresh water from their supply.Maeve appeared from under the skins that

protected her from the ash and rock. Her eye sockethad healed, and she could fly again. She dipped inthe sea, then sat on the prow and preened herfeathers.

"Get your tablet, prince. Put in your tale of myvoyage that here the third newcomer monk leaped fromthe boat. His hair caught fire from the glowing slagfloating in the sea," Brendan said. IIOne of thedemonic smiths carried him up the mountain and threwhim in the furnace, where he perished. I pray forh· "am.

When Kevin awoke, he saw the others were clean.He bathed, dressed in fresh clothes, and joined them.He didn't talk. He looked at the sea, and wondered ifhe would ever be the same. Things that were happeningto him on the voyage were changing his life, andenlarging his vision of the world and the people init. Yet he had left his companions and sulked again.He hadn't been brave when the volcano exploded. Hewished he could have laughed and swam with Brendan andNiall, to celebrate their escape from danger.

I'll learn from this, Kevin thought. Next time,I will be braver. I won't run off and hide.

Kevin decided to risk asking for help."I'm sorry I moved to the other boat," Kevin

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said. "My fear of death returned. I wanted to laughand swim with you after the danger passed, but Isulked again. I don't want to act like a coward anymore. Could you help me trust Jesus to look after me?"

"Not to worry. You are being transformed now, byasking for help," Brendan said. "You acted as bravelyas we did. The eruption and demons scared us all. Isee a difference in you--your strength and good sensegrow with every adventure."

Niall punched the blacksmith on the arm, andsaid, "You're as courageous as we are. And morehonest than I am. Having 'prince' in front of my nameobligates me to fake bravery. My insides boil whenwe're in danger. You came through our last perilwell."

"Thank you, but I want your help to become abraver crewman."

"We'll help each other," Brendan said.Niall nodded.

The Island of Unhappy JudasThe rudderless ship sailed southwesterly.IIWhat'sthat?" Kevin asked. IIIsee a rock. Is

that a large bird sitting on it?"As they grew closer, Niall shaded his eyes,

and said, "It's a man. Why is a man sitting on a rockin the middle of the ocean? He looks miserable."

The wretch, covered with bird droppings, wore

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The wretch, covered with bird droppings, woreonly a rag of cloth. Waves breaking over his headbattered him.

JlWhoare you and why are you here?" Niall asked"I am Judas. This place is better than my usual

abode. It seems almost like paradise to me. I livein the depths of hell in the fiery mountain under thisrock. The good Lord in his mercy allows me to spendthe Sabbath and Holy Days on this rock--my place ofrefreshment."

A cormorant dived and left a dropping on theman's head. He didn't seem to notice.

"Poor devil," Kevin said."I take you for a Holy Servant of Christ, sir,"

said Judas to Brendan. "I beseech you to intercedewith the Lord Jesus Christ to let me stay here untilsunrise tomorrow, that I may rest one more night fromthe torture of the demons."

"I will help you, if Jesu agrees." Brendanprayed.

When the sun set and the sea darkened, Judas'stime was over. However, Jesu honored Brendan's prayerto allow Judas twelve hours more on the rock.

Hundreds of demons appeared near the rock,carrying torches. The boat barred them from grabbingthe solitary man.

"Move away. Do not protect this sinner from us

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tonight," they screeched.Brendan stood in the boat, raised his cross high

over his head, and said, "I do not protect him. TheLord Jesus allows him to remain here until morning."

"This evil man betrayed your Lord. He deservesto burn. Give him to us," the demons demanded.

The boys looked confused. Brendan spoke to them,"This is not my doing. Let the scene be played out,as Jesu wills it."

To the demons, he said, "I order you to do him noevil this night."

More demons filled the sea around the rock. Theyhowled and cursed the Abbot and his crew all night.The sailors stood watch, protecting Judas.

Daybreak came. The rock where Judas sat rose outof the sea covered with demons. Steam rose from itstop. The sides of the mountain split, and molten lavaran out like a red river seeking the ocean. Thunderousnoises deafened the voyagers.

"One more day, Holy One," Judas cried, stretchinghis arms out to Brendan. "Ask Lord Jesus for one moreday of peace for me."

"I cannot, Judas. You willed yourself tosuffer," Brendan answered.

Their boats' sails filled and the Cara pulledaway from the island. The stench of sulfur, thefalling ash, the tephra and the glowing cone

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eyes.Brendan watched the mountain rise higher than

the Hill of Cashel.The devil's helpers lifted Judas, held him high,

and threw him into the inferno inside the cone. Hehowled louder than the volcano's explosions. As hisbody reached the fire, the top of the mountain blewoff, showering the sea with glowing slag and lavabombs.

"Merciful Jesu granted him one more night ofcomfort," Brendan sighed.

Niall looked back. IIThisisland and itssuffering Judas will not be easy to forget."

The crew seemed dazed after the encounter withthe betrayer of Christ. Brendan slept sitting at thetiller. Maeve slept on his shoulder.

Niall unfurled both sails to catch the prevailingwind. Kevin shipped the oars. No one ate or drank.

They slept fitfully. Visions of Judas beingcarried to the pit of Hell haunted their dreams.

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Chapter 21GreenlandAT SEA

The Contest of the Sea MonstersKevin felt a change in the sea's motion. He woke

the others. "The air is still, the sky is unclouded,but the waves are building like they do in a storm,"he said.

Niall splashed water in his face to wake himselfup. "I feel the boat being tossed around. Day isbreaking. Soon we can see what's causing thedisturbance."

Abbot Brendan lit a candle and moved to the frontof the curragh. "Come see this creature, lads. 'Tisa sight to behold."

"Whale. Spouting steam and showing its bigteeth," Kevin said. "Pushing our boat around, tryingto dump us in the ocean."

"Jasconius, is that you?" Niall asked."No, prince, our friend Jasconius swims near the

Faroe Islands. This monster of the deep likes colderwater and is a man-eater. Grab your oars. Try topush him away from us." Abbot said.

Abbot wet his finger, and held it up to test thedirection of the wind. He adjusted the sails, andhoped a breeze would carry them away from the whale.

"The mouth. He has a mouth large enough to

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swallow all of us. His teeth shine in the sunlight.They're half a foot long. He's chewing and eating theleather on the bow of the boat. What can we do?"Kevin asked.

"We need a champion to defend us," Niall said."Jasconius, hear our prayer. Come to our rescue,kindly whale, wherever you swim in this vast sea."

The killer whale thrashed his tail. Salt watersplashed into the boat, half filling it, drenching thesailors.

"Both of you bail," Brendan ordered. "We sitheavy in the water."

Niall said, "This whale is black and white,Abbot. Jasconius covered himself with gray sand fromthe sea bottom, so I don't remember what color he was.I wish he would come to save us."

"Quit talking and bail, Niall," Kevin said."And pray Jasconious comes soon."

"Look to the North. I see a twenty foot spout ofwater. I hope it's not a cloud. Dear Jesu, send us asavior," Brendan prayed.

The sixty-foot sperm whale cut a wake through theocean, parting the water as Moses did the Red Sea.Before he fought his enemy, he flipped Colman'scauldron into Niall's arms with his tail.

The killer whale quit chewing on the leather boatand turned to fight Jasconius.

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"Holy Patrick and Jesus, look at our friend'steeth. They look like tent pegs, and must be eightinches long," Kevin said.

"They both have teeth," Niall remarked. "Whichmonster will win this battle, Abbot Brendan?"

"We'll soon know. I wish they would move fartherfrom the boat, so we could mend the leather and sew upthe rips. I fear sinking. Keep bailing, lads. UseColman's cauldron."

Bailing water seemed boring to the young men,while ten feet away two whales battled with teeth,lashing tails, and bodies weighing twenty-five tons.

Finally, Brendan took over the job of emptyingthe boat of water and let the boys watch. Their handsheld onto the prow of the curragh, their bodiestensed, as first the black and white, then the graywhale gnashed rips in the other's skin. The mightypower of their tails roiled the sea like a gale.

Brendan's arms tired from bailing water. Heprayed, "Jesu, let this battle end, so I may restmyself."

Jasconius opened his mouth as wide as the killerwhale's girth, fended off the other whale, and bit thekiller's tail off.

"Look, our friend is winning," Kevin said. "Themonster lost his tail."

Quickly, the sperm whale moved to the front of

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the wounded man-eater and severed its head from hisbody. The ocean turned red.

The sailors' savior dived to wash the blood fromhis body and teeth, then surfaced to allow his friendsto thank him. Brendan raised his cross, blessed themammoth creature, and patted his head.

"Thank you, Jasconius, for saving our lives, andreturning the cauldron Abbot Colman gave me." Niallbowed to the whale.

Kevin said, "Continue to be our friend and watchover us for the rest of voyage, and we will do youhonor when we return to Ireland."

The whale spouted water twenty feet into the air,stood on his tail, making him taller than their mast,and spoke in a shrill, whistling voice.

Brendan translated. "Jas says to tie the threeparts of the killer whale to the side of the boat, cuthim up, and salt his flesh. We can boil the blubberto make oil for our use. The beast's carcass can beeaten by other sea creatures and birds."

Kevin and Niall obeyed. With their oars, theypulled the head, body, and tail of the dead whale tothe boat, and tied them to the second boat with rope.Both sharpened their knives, looked at each other,shook their heads, and turned to Brendan.

"How do we cut up a a whale and salt it? Where

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do we start? We have twenty-five feet of carcass,about the length of our boats. cutting off all theflesh and fat will take weeks," Niall said.

"We can tow the whale to yon island, pull it uponto the beach, and prepare it there," said the Abbot."I'll show you how, and will use my powers to shortenthe labor."

The three men finished butchering the whale intwo hours, Brendan Time.

"Now we have enough food on hand for the rest ofour voyage, as well as oil for our lamps," Kevinsaid.

/lColman's cauldron is large enough to boil theblubber." Niall said. /lI'mglad Jasconius broughtColman's gift back to me."

The Cara and crew alike reeked of whale oil.Maeve groomed her black feathers with whale oil

after a dip in the ocean, and took her place on theprow as the Figurehead of the Cara.

The Crystal Column"I see a column rising from the sea. It looks

like crystal or marble," Kevin called out."Row toward it and I'll set the sails to catch

the wind," Brendan said.For three days, one hour Brendan Time, the

sailors tried to reach the magical sight.

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When they drew near it, Brendan said, "I'velooked up as far as I can, but can't see the top. Thecolumn seems to pierce the sky."

Kevin pointed ahead. "More buildings behind thecolumn make it a huge crystal city."

"This building material puzzles me, Abbot. It'sshiney like silver, clear as glass, hard as marble,"Niall said.

"Lower the sails and ship the oars.this beautiful place, " Brendan said.

We'll enter"Grab the

sides of the column and pull the curraghsthrough the opening in its base."

Looking up, a dazzling white light shone in theireyes. Looking down, they saw endless crystal columnsunder the sea.

"The glittery, shimmering formations remind me ofquick-silver. Their beauty takes my breath away. Thepinnacles must be two thousand feet tall." Niallgrabbed a tablet and began writing and drawing.

Kevin's mouth gaped open. His head moved fromside to side, trying not to miss any of the amazingsights.

Brendan lay back in the boat, folded his handsinside his robe sleeves, and smiled.

Maeve flew from the Abbot's shoulder, circled thetallest column, and examined every room. She stayedin flight for an hour, then reported back to Brendan

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about a discovery she'd made."My raven wants us to follow her. She's found

something she thinks was left here for us."Moving around in the "cathedral" was easy. Walls

were close together. They could move the boat aroundby pushing on the walls with the oars and their hands.

Maeve sat on a window ledge, waiting. Beside hera clear crystal chalice, cruet, and paten picked uprainbow colors from the sky, the sun, and the sea.

"Jesu has sent us a gift of communion vessels,so we may say a proper mass to thank Him for thiswonder," Brendan said.

After mass, they ate a meal and rested. For whatseemed like days they explored the place. By BrendanTime, they stayed two hours.

At day break, the three voyagers left the placethat enraptured them, raised the mast and spread thesail. A favoring wind blew behind them. Niallcontinued to write of the crystal columns. Maeve flewin and out of the magical city until the curraghs werealmost out of sight. Brendan and Kevin looked backuntil darkness fell.

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Chapter 22Northwest Atlantic Ocean

Darkness and DespairFor forty days, four days Brendan time, the sun

did not rise or set. Endless darkness and dense mistas well as hail the size of a hurling ball depressedthe adventurers.

IIWe failed. Our quest ends in darkness anddespair. The Terra Repronnnissionis does not exist,"Niall wailed. IIIwelcome death to stop the pain offailure I feel in my heart."

Kevin's head, body and facial hair matted andgrew into the loose weave of his wool robe. Hehunched over, looking like a dejected brown bear.IIManannan . Manannan mac Lir. Manannan, " spilledfrom his mouth like an unending chant.

Brendan spoke. "I recall on my original voyagethis passage took forty days. All of us, even me,despaired of finding the island we sought. Days andnights ran together; the gray threat of the sea neverlifted. Our faults loomed large, our nerve ends feltshredded. Fights broke out for a morsel of bread, abetter blanket, a warmer cloak. I remember one monkasked me if there was no God to save us."

"Is there a God to save us,?" Kevin asked. "Ifear the end is near."

Brendan laid his hand on the blacksmith's head

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and said, "Indeed He will save us. Jesu has his handon our tiller, and will steer our boat to the Land ofPromise."

Both the boys moved closer to Brendan, as if todraw strength from him. He prayed for patience, mercyand change.

"Abbot, I sense how small I am, compared to thisimmense and murderous sea," Niall said. "Even if wedon't find the Island of the Blessed our voyage willbe a success for me."

After a restless night Kevin saw the man whosupplied their food for most of the voyage sitting inthe second boat. He woke the other men.

"Be of good cheer. You are nearing thedestination you sought," the steward said before hedisappeared.

"We're almost there," Brendan said.II A small glow of hope begins to grow in my heart

that Tir-na-n'Nog lies beyond this mist," Niall said."I see a light!" Kevin pointed to the west.

"It's brighter than any sun I've ever seen. Is thisTir-na-n'Nog, Abbot?"

"Aye. Long sought, seldom found, the Land ofForever Young lies ahead," Brendan affirmed.

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Chapter 23Tir-na-n'NogDiscovery

"The white misty cloud lifts magically from theocean and the island," Niall said. He shaded his eyeswith his hands.

Kevin sniffed. IIIsmell heavenly scents. I hearbirds singing."

IIWe've found Tir-na-n'Nog." Niall dropped hisoar and bowed to .Abbot Brendan. IIIthank you forbringing me on this voyage. The pain and hardshipswere nothing compared to this moment of bliss."

A powerful light lifted them to the shore of afair country seen only by persons on the way toHeaven.

IITreesheavy with ripe fruit, blooming flowers,clear, bright skies, ever-lasting sunlight, with atemperature neither too hot or too cold, clear streamsfull of jewels, radiant people. Surely we have foundthe paradise we and voyagers throughout eternitysought," Brendan shouted.

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Elation and Illumination"Jesu's' Light lifted us to this blessed place.

Let us thank him." They knelt and Brendan prayed.IIYour faces, wrinkled and sun-burned, became

soft and white as soon as we stepped on the island,"Kevin said. IIOur calluses and broken nails on ourhands and feet smooth out. And we smell good."

Maeve's golden eye, lost in the fight with thegryphon, grew back. She flew over the island,squawking her joy at having two eyes again.

"Look, look at Maeve." Niall pointed to her asshe circled them. "See the inside of her wings?"

Brendan's mouth opened. "Amazing! Her wings arelined with silver. Maeve, my dear, you aregloriously beautiful."

The raven caught the wind with her silvery wings,and soared and dipped as the voyagers watched.

"She'll hate to lose her silver wings when weleave here," Brendan said. "If you notice, boys, ourlooks are changing for the better, but will return totheir former condition when we leave."

The stench of sheep and whale blubber disappearedfrom their bodies. Brendan's wild, wiry, longwhite hair changed into its usual ear-to-ear Irishtonsure. White robes, golden ropes, and sandalsreplaced their tattered clothes.

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Niall laughed. "I must show my joy. My spiritoverflows with happiness." His feet moved to anancient Irish step. He caught the abbot andblacksmith's hands and they danced together,laughing, singing, joyously happy.

"Play your harp," Abbot said.Niall's instrument appeared in his arms. The

weathered wood became gold, the strings turned tosilver. The music reached others on the island whojoined in the Ceili, playing instruments, singing withheavenly voices.

"Let's rest a bit," Kevin said later. "I want tolie on the soft grass to look around me and count myblessings."

Brendan's knees, worn from kneeling in prayer,loosened up enough that he could sprawl among theflowers and fruit trees with his crew. His raspybreathing became even. His eyes, having seen so muchsuffering and terror, looked serene as they viewed thevistas of Tir-na-n'Nog.

No one spoke. Human words might break theheavenly peace of the place and the moment. Maeve saton Brendan's chest. She rubbed his face with heryellow beak.

"I need to be alone to find my own meaning ofthis holy place," Niall said. "If you will, could wego our own ways for a time?"

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They set off in three different directions.When they met again, the Abbot suggested their

discoveries remain their own. "Keep yourilluminations in your heart and soul. Letthem shine in your life and work. Trying to explainwhat happened to us on this Isle of the Blessed is

impossible. I tried, and failed miserably. Thisgift from God is yours alone, to cherish andremember."

Niall and Kevin nodded their heads. Theyunderstood.

"Have you tasted the fruit, sir?" Kevin asked."After hearing the story of Adam and Eve, I fearedeating any until I checked with you."

Instead of his old man chuckle, Brendan brokeinto a young man's deep belly laugh. "Of course,let's eat fruit and drink from the springs. All is

safe here, all is unique, all is ideal, as we hope tofind in the hereafter. Come, we are Jesus' guests.The banquet awaits us." They feasted.

"The birds have feathers and colors I've neverseen before," Kevin said. "See the one with the tailfeathers four feet long, carried upright like a cock'scomb? And the long-armed animals with people's facesthat swing from tree to tree? Everywhere I look, Isee a miracle. I do believe in miracles, Abbot. Thewhole island is a miracle. And you miracled us here

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to see it.""This must be a place of innocence, Abbot,"

Niall said. "I see men and women embracing with noshame. I see wondrous trees, jewels sparklingin the springs, fruit as delightful to look at as totaste. No one is afraid or angry or selfish or mean.I never dreamed I'd have a glimpse of paradise likethis."

Kevin said, "I never want to leave Tir-na-n'Nog."Expulsion

After forty days, four days Brendan Time, theparty came to a river too wide to cross. A young manappeared. "Greetings to you, Abbot Brendan." Heknelt and kissed his hand. "Welcome, Prince Nialland Brother Kevin. Be joyful, for this is the landyou sought. Do not cross the water you see, becauseno person can see that place until he dies. Seeingthis Isle gives you a taste of eternal life."

The young man told them to load their boats withfruit, flowers, spring water, and precious stones andsail back to Ireland.

Kevin was the first to fallon his face, crying,and saying, "Please, don't send us away."

The Prince of Tara joined the blacksmith inbegging for more time on Tir-na-n'Nog.

Brendan bowed and added his voice to the lads'plea for another day.

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"Bless you, Abbot, and your companions. Godwills that you return to your land. Brendan will tellmultitudes of people about finding Tir-na-n'Nog. Thebook Prince Niall writes will give hope to all whoread it. Kevin will recreate his experience in adifferent way."

The young man embraced them and wiped away theirtears with his robe.

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Chapter 24ATLANTIC OCEAN

Voyage HomeWhen their curraghs were loaded, they asked

Jesu's blessing of their voyage east to theirhomeland.

As soon as the boats were launched, their skinreturned to its black and sunburned state. Theirwhite robes with gold belts disappeared and once againthey wore their smelly, soiled brown ones. Abbot'shair stood on end and his tonsure disappeared. TheCoo of Little Dove played as sweetly as ever, but theoriginal scarred wood replaced the gold finish itacquired on Tir-na-n'Nog.

The heavenly scent of the voyagers' bodies wasthe only gift which endured the rest of their lives.

However, Maeve kept her second eye and silveredwings.

"Dear bird, you must be one of God's favorites--he left you adorned and blessed," Niall said.

"Here we are, three enlightened men, once againpoor servants of Jesu, humbly dressed as suits ourcalling. Back to Ireland we sail, hurried on our wayby a following breeze," Brendan said.

They passed through the dense fog and hail storm,unafraid this time.

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IIAbbot , Tir-na-n'Nog has as many names asHeaven. Could you tell us about them?" Niall asked.

Brendan mused a while, recalling the names of theLand to the West from pagan times through the present.IIIwill tell you, but not in chronological order.write the words on your tablets and use the Library atClonfert to date them."

Niall and Kevin grabbed tablets and styluses./ICOUNTRY OF THE YOUNG. SAINT BRENDAN. HY

BRASIL. THE FORTUNATE ISLAND. LAND OF FOREVER YOUNG.HAPPY OTHERWORLD. ISLAND OF ETERNAL YOUTH. EARTHLYPARADISE. I BREAS IL• 0 BRAS IL. BRENDAN'S ISLAND.LAND OF THE PROMISE OF THE SAINTS. OCEAN ELYSIUM.LAND BEYOND THE SEVENTH WAVE. ISLAND OF DELIGHT."

IISome of these are pagan names," Niall said.How far back in history does the search for Tir-na-n'Nog go?"

IIBeyond recorded history. The legend of Manannanmac Lir's Undersea Paradise and his chariot that rodethe waves still lives in the west of Ireland,"Brendan said. JlSome of the tales are myth. Some arelegends. Some are visions. Our journey is real."

Kevin said, III want to admit that I called outthe god of the sea's name twice when I feared we werelost in the darkness. I asked him to save us. Pleaseforgive me, Abbot, for my lapse of faith.1I

IIIheard you petition Manannan mac Lir, Kevin,"

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Brendan said. IICrewmembers on my other voyages havedone the same. Ours is only the third Christian questfor the Land of the Blessed. The other voyagersrelied on pagan gods for help .."

Brendan laid his hand on Kevin's head and said,"You are forgiven. You are Christ's man now, BrotherKevin."

Niall also heard his friend call for Manannan torescue them. He changed the subject. "Abbot, when wemet I spouted off about finding an island I could nameafter myself. You told me not to bother, youdiscovered one and it broke your heart," Niall said."I know two of the island Tir-na-n'Nog's' names areBrendan, but I don't know why they broke your heart."

"I felt a little foolish when I became famous forfinding the island. I'd hoped to live and die inblessed obscurity at Clonfert Abbey. I still wonderif I followed Jesu's will or mine when I wentdiscovering.Brendan asked

I won't know until my death, will I?"liltbreaks my heart to know I might

have followed my own path instead of Jesu's.""Thank you for telling me." Niall said. III've

never met a man as honest and humble as you.""I hope Jesu agrees," Brendan whispered in an

uncertain voice.The curraghs sped by the islands they had visited

on the way to Tir-na-n'Nog. Niall and Kevin reviewed

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their experiences at each place. Brendan remainedquiet, his eyes searching the seas to the east for aglimpse of his beloved Ireland.

A strong current and breeze carried the Cara tothe Aran Islands in two days, Brendan Time.

Aran IslandsAbbot Enda waited to welcomed them at the

landing.JlHowdid you know when we would arrive?" Brendan

asked.liThewind brought Tir-na-n'Nog's fragrance," Enda

said as he gathered his monks to hear Brendan'sstories. Niall and Kevin listened, but didn't talk.The moment belonged to their leader, Abbot Brendan,the Navigator.

Clonfert AbbeyThe next day they sailed up the River Shannon to

Clonfert Abbey. Maeve, flying as fast as a youngraven, flew over the settlement, squawking to announcethe voyagers' arrival home.

A farming monk pointed at Brendan's raven,saying, "Look at Maeve in her heavenly raiment. Shehad silver wings and both golden eyes. They found Tir-na-n'Nogl Another miracle for our Brendan."

Brother Malo stepped out of the Refectory intothe courtyard. He sniffed. IIRing the bell. Assemblethe monks and the students. Breathe in the heavenly

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fragrance wafting upward from our Abbot's boats on theriver. Our voyagers are home."

The Abbey's monks shouted "Hosanna" and wavedriver reeds in welcome as the abbey's chariots enteredClonfert's gate.

IILookat the treasures they brought from Tir-na-n'Nogl a monk said. liThesecond chariot carries heapsof riches."

IIMore than last time," another monk said. II Someof the fruit and flowers look as if they've just beenplucked."

liThejewels will support Clonfert Abbey for ahundred years," said another brother.

Kevin and Niall carried Brendan from theirchariot to the chapel.

IINowthirty-one of us at Clonfert walk with asailor's rolling gait," an older monk said. III nevergot over mine, nor wanted to."

Outside the chapel, Abbot Brendan said, "Pleaseexcuse us, Brothers. We will join you in theRefectory after we thank Jesu for our deliverance fromthe perils of the sea."

The Navigator, Prince Niall, and Brother Kevinthanked God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in their ownwords for the successful voyage.

An hour later, after the voyagers bathed andchanged clothes, Abbot Brendan told the monks,

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priests, and students of their journey to the Islandof the Blessed. Again, Niall and Kevin listened.

111'11 never tire of hearing him tell about ourvoyage. Not once did he claim the glory of it," Kevinwhispered.

IIIknow. His humility sets an example for us,Brother," Niall said. His eyes searched the sectionof the dining hall where the students sat.

Kevin punched him on the ann. Illsshe here?"The young man's face turned red. IIYes. I see

Rose. She's twisting her braids and ignoring me."Niall grinned. IIShe'sone I might tell about Tir-nan'Nog."

Brother Malo said, IITonight's vespers will be aService of Thanksgiving for the safe return of AbbotBrendan, Prince Niall, and Brother Kevin to our Abbey.

liThestories you have heard from Abbot Brendanwill outlast everyone at Clonfert Abbey. He willtravel to enlighten our brothers in other lands withhis tales of his voyages and discoveries of Paradise.Brother Kevin will express his views of the journey inhis artistic work. Prince Niall will write of theirjourney on vellum and illuminate the book. Monks willcopy it and carry the NAVIGATIO BREDANI ABBATI whenthey travel as missionaries. Reading about Brendan'sdiscovery of the Island of the Blessed will give hopeof a life everlasting to the world. The NAVIGATIO

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will live forever."The date was August 31, AD 570.

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PART IIIClonfert Abbey, County Galway, Ireland

Fall, AD 570Chapter 25

The Voyager's Reunion

Prince Niall and Kevin ran, sweaty and out ofbreath, to visit Abbot Brendan in the refectory amonth after their return to Clonfert Abbey.

Brendan said. IILetme guess--you've been on thehill hurling with the boys and girls."

"We try to find time between classes and our jobsto hurl every day," Niall said.

liTheAbbey School children say we help them playbetter," Kevin added. II

"I'm glad you fit me in your busy schedule. Areyou satisfied with Abbey life, or does the restlesssea draw you to it for more adventures?"

III'd like to do both, Abbot," Niall said. IIButfirst I want to finish our books."

"I miss the excitement of our sea adventures, andthe beauty of the new world we discovered," Kevinanswered. IIIfwe could journey with you again, Abbot,I'd be the first one in the boat."

Brendan rubbed his wrinkled face with his bonyhands, and said, III finished my voyaging when we

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landed in Ireland a month ago. Having you young menwith me made me forget I'm almost ninety years old. Iaged mightily as soon as my feet hit land. The way isopen for you to adventure, however. I'll send youanywhere you want to go. You've proven yourselves tobe worthy sailors."

The room became quiet."Show me what you have been working on since our

return," Brendan said.Kevin took a wooden box from his fes, opened it

and took out a brooch."I asked the Abbey goldsmith to teach me to work

in gold and silver, Abbot. I need more training,perhaps at Cloyne Abbey, where Abbot Colman has hireda fine goldsmith."

"May I see that?"Abbot Brendan held the brooch close to his eyes,

turned it around, examined the clasp, and said, "Look,Niall. Kevin has recreated our savior-whale,Jasconius, in his fanciful work."

"How did you make it?" Niall asked."I drew the pattern on vellum I borrowed from

you, hammered out a bronze piece to fit the pattern,layered other metals on the bronze, then placed thesilver whale so he curves around the brooch. Tofasten the pin you close Jasconious' mouth. I haven'tfinished the etching, or set the stones."

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"Your work pleases me. You used what you saw onour voyage as an inspiration for the design. I choseyou because you seemed to be waiting for an experiencethat would change your life," Brendan said. "Yourartistic talent shows in this brooch. I'll transferyou to Cloyne Abbey to study metalsmithing."

"Thank you, Abbot," Kevin said. JlI'd rather stayat Clonfert Abbey with you and Niall for a year ortwo. You're like family to me."

Brendan said he understood, and felt the sameway. Niall nodded his head in agreement.

"Have you any book pages to show us, Prince?"Niall spread four vellum pages on the table. The

black-inked Latin words stood out on the sheepskin.The first letter of the first chapter was large,enclosed in a decorated box. A rectangular drawingof the first island they visited, decorated with theunending Celtic design called "La Tene, " ran alongthe left side of the first page.

"When I finish writing, I will fill in theenlarged box with lapiz and paint the initial gold,"Niall said. "Next, I will color the picture I drew.One of the scribes taught me how to apply the paint.Gold is hardest to work with; lapiz is the costliest."

"You show us trying to land on Innishmore Island,where waves swamped us until Abbot Enda's monks pulledus up the mountain with ropes," Kevin said. "That was

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the first time you used Brendan Time, Abbot."IIHowwell I remember. My miracles posed a

problem for you," Brendan said."Excellent work. I chose well when I picked you

to be my scribe. The illuminations of the wave-dashedisle and Enda's brave culdees show the difficultiesvoyagers endure. You write well and the script iseasy to read. Do you need some gold and lapiz tohighlight the letters and pictures?"

"Of course. But so does my brother, Kevin, todecorate his cloak fastener."

"I can speak for myself, Niall. You taught meto ask for what I need. Abbot, I need gold, silver,amber, precious stones, and lapiz," Kevin said.

"I will supply the gold and lapiz," Abbot said.JJAs for the gems, you may choose what you need fromthe jewels we picked from the springs at Tir-na-n'Nog.One-third of them belong to you."

Kevin sat with his mouth open. III had no ideapart of the treasure was mine. I'm no longer poor.Now I'm rich in experience and goods. I'm sograteful." He knelt and kissed Brendan's hands overand over.

"1'11 decorate the Navigatio's book boxes withsome of my gems," Niall said. JJThe rest will go intothe Abbey's treasury."

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"Seeing your beautiul work brings back memoriesof our voyage. Old men's only pleasure is relivingour blessed moments, you know."

Kevin blew his nose on his sleeve.Niall cleared his throat. "You'll see I have

duplicate pages of the Navigatio." I'm making fourcopies of the book: one for the Abbey Library, and onefor each of us."

"Very generous of you. I hope I live long enoughto see it finished. Promise me you'll bury our bookbeside me."

USo be it," Niall said. Kevin nodded hisapproval.

Kevin picked up a page and said, "I can readthis in Latin. You taught me to read and write thelanguage of our church. What have you been doing,sir?"

"Not anything that satisfies my restless spirit.Your first impression of me as old and useless fits mewell, Niall."

"Not so. I was a lawless boy then •• You're thebest Abbot in Ireland, and my respected mentor."

Brendan wiped away a tear.Kevin put an arm around the Abbot. "Let me help

you do anything, or go anywhere you wish, Abbot ..."No, your lives lie ahead. You've served me

well, but it's time you man your own tillers. I'm

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thinking of building another monastery for my sister,Briga, and her nuns. I have a picture of it in mymind. I'm well satisfied if I'm building, sailing, orconverting pagans to Christ.

"We've been productive since we got back home,haven't we? My heart warms when I see how you usedyour travel experiences in your work. Bless you both."

Kevin Recalls Tir-na-n'NogKevin seemed edgy. "About Tir-na-n'Nog. We

agreed not to tell about our personal experience onthe island. I want to talk about what happened tome. "

"I wanted you to know my insights, but didn'twant to bore you," Brendan said.

"I've been anxious to share my vision, too.Thanks for bringing it up, Kevin. Will you go first?"Niall asked.

His large hands rubbed his face. Kevin walked upand down the dining room and drew a deep breath.

"I'm not as good at talking as you are. I'lltell you in my simple words what I remember."

Kevin closed his eyes and took a few minutes torecall the Isle of the Blessed. "I'll tell it as if Iwere there today."

"I choose a path from the sandy beach down theleft side of the island. I see trees heavy withfruit, flowers of every color, a stream that sings as

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it runs to the sea. In the stream are colorful fishand jewels as big as my hand.

"Lovely people talk, eat, and drink. They lietogether on the soft grass. They hug and kiss withoutshame. I see love between men and women, as pure asJesus' .

"A pretty lass takes my hand, and we walktogether. She feeds me a ripe apple. She rubs my faceagainst hers and laughs. I laugh, too. I've neverbeen close to a woman before, and I like it.

"Everywhere I look I see beauty. Harmony.Peace. Love.

"This is my Heaven, my Tir-na-n'Nog vision. Iwant that feeling again. When I go home to Munster tostudy goldsmithing, I will ask my family to find me alass to marry. I can still be a monk, have a wife,raise a family, and honor Jesus with my goldsmithing."

"Beautiful, Kevin." Niall said. "Don't everapologize for the way you talk. Your words made myeyes moist."

"Amen to that," Brendan said. "Your totaltransformation from an unlettered, shy blacksmith to acreative artist will go down as a miracle in myjournal. Now you talk, Niall."

Prince Niall's VisionsThe Prince stood tall like the U Neill warrior he

was trained to be: feet apart, arms behind his back.

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His voice deepened during the Summer just past, and hespoke with the authority of a Royadama.

Abbot Brendan and Kevin exchanged glances.Niall's maturity and physical growth escaped theirattention until now.

Niall spoke. "My path takes me to the right sideof the island. My vision of the island's landscape issimilar to Kevin's.

"Instead of people on a hillside, however, myeyes discover a Scriptorium, a Cathedral, aBattlefield and the Hall of High Kings at Tara. Eachplace draws me to it, as a magnet draws metal.

The Scriptorium"I enter the library, and sit at a desk. With a

pen, I draw fanciful pictures, and write beautifulscript on page after page of vellum. After a while, Ifidget, and spill ink on my paper.

"Linnets call in the trees outside my window.Ravens squawk and fight for bread stolen from theAbbey kitchen.

"The walls in the Scriptorium close in, making ithard for me to breathe. Except for the bird noisesoutside, the room is silent. I find no contentmentor companionship there except for the books. It's notenough. I leave to seek another place, where I can bewith people."

The Cathedral

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"Angelic music fills the Cathedral. I wearwhite. My body forms a cross on the stone floor infront of the altar. A bishop speaks words in Latin.I feel content. Suddenly my heart pounds. The lovingspirit of Abbot Brendan enters my body. Instead of theservice or the music, I hear Brendan say, JThrow awaythe tiller, Niall. Let Jesu be your navigator.'

"A dark cloud passes over, and the noise ofthunder echoes in the stone cathedral. The monks cryout in fear as lightening strikes a tree outside thewindow. I rise, bow to the bishop, and leave, sad anddisappointed I will not be ordained as a priest.

JJWhen I realize my search for a life-work is notover, I'm full of excitement. I trust Jesus andBrendan to guide me on my quest."

The Battlefield"My next vision takes me home to the Hill of

Tara."A rival clan makes a cow raid on our lands at

Meath. The High King of Tara calls for our clan toraise our army, and fight to recover our losses.

"My father is Warrior High Lord of Tara, I am hisAdjutant. Three of my brothers serve under me.

"An armorer fits my leather vest and helmet,fastens my shield to my arm, and I mount Lugh. Mysword and spear are sharp and ready.

"I whistle for Cuch. He, unlike me, is always

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ready for war. My wolfhound outruns my horse. Nothinginterests the dog except food, a warm fire, andbattle.

"Our armies win over the other clan. Fifty-fivegood men die, ten of them ours. Forty-five newly-severed heads will hang in the Warriors Hall tonight.Blood will drip from their helmeted faces. The ideaof celebrating the victory sickens me. I go to thehorse lot and vomit. My hound follows me and nestleshis muzzle in my hand.

"lIt's easier for you, Cuch. You like battle andblood. I hate war. Would you be loyal to me if I gaveup warrioring?' I ask him. His warm tongue assures meof his devotion.

"Cuch and I enter the Warrior's Hall. I hang mybloody shield and sword in my stall of honor.

"The High King of Tara, my uncle, calls to me.'You took four heads today, Prince Niall. You're thebravest warrior of your clan. We recovered all of ourcows and one hundred of our enemy's animals.'

"I bow my thanks, and accept a sword as reward.""A poor exchange. Warrior's lives for cows," I

mumble as I sit and wait for the Victory Feast.JlWarriors get bored sitting around the hill fort.

If they don't have an enemy to fight, they kill eachother, to practice their warrior skillsCouldn't a wise king control cattle raids? Abbot

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Brendan wrought a miracle to stop the King of Cashelfrom raiding the herds of the King of Connacht--hepulled off tufts of fleece from a sheep, gathered itin a cloth, and let the wind blow the white woolover the battlefield. It turned into a mist so densethe blinded warriors from both clans fell in the RiverShannon. Not a man or cow was lost.

"I can't do miracles like Abbot to keep thepeace, but I can refuse to battle again. If Cuch andLugh want to fight, I'll loan them to my brothers."

IIItake my armor off the wall, bow to the HighKing, and go to speak to my father about leaving thearmy. "

Teach MiodhchuartaThe Banquet Hall of the High King of Tara

liTheHall of the High King has changed since mylast vision. A cross of Jesus stands where heads cutoff in battle hung when I was here last. Tapestries,woven with Irish and Christian symbols, brighten thewalls. Some things I remember from childhood remain.Stalls decorated with shields and swords of theRoyadama circle the room. The King, Queen, and Bard'sstalls dominate the round hall.

"I enter, and see only one empty stall--the HighKing of Tara's. I realize I am that king.

"A lovely lady, her blonde hair coiled on top ofher head, meets me, takes my arm, and kisses my cheek.

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She smoothes my hair, and places a golden circlet onmy head which matches hers.

"We're waiting for you, dear Niall. I let thechildren stay up to hear news of the clan'sgathering."

"My queen fits a tartan cape around my shoulders,and fastens it with a golden brooch, adorned with awhale for a clasp. I sit on my throne. Two boys anda girl fight to climb on my lap. They snuggle in myarms, content and happy.

"A raven with silver wings and golden eyes sitson the back of my throne. She coos and I understandher.

liMy books have a stall of honor. NAVlGATIO SANCTIBRENDANI ABBATIS, encased in a jewel-encrusted leatherbox sits in a candle-lit niche of its own.

"I rise, and say, 'The war with our neighbors iscanceled, thanks be to Jesus.'

liMy Coigedhs, my Aes Danas, their wives andchildren stand and cheer. The Archbishop of Tara saysa prayer of thanks to our High King of Heaven forpeace.

"Cooks bring platters of beef, venison, pork,potatoes, bread, fruit, and flasks of mead and wine.

"We feast. After the children are bedded down, wepush the tables back to clear the floor. I say,'Royal Bard, play the songs of Jesus and the music of

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the MacNiell clan. Let us sing and dance all night.'liTheharpers, drummers and bagpipers tune and we

celebrate with singing and dancing.""My wife dances with me, then takes 'Coo of

Little Dove' from its niche of honor, and asks me playand chant a song I wrote about my voyage to Tir-na-n'Nog with Abbot Brendan and Brother Kevin.

"We never tire of hearing it, Niall," she says"I'll play Land of Forever Young later. First,

the one I wrote today: a poem about peace in ourland," I say.

"A fulfilling life as the first Christian HighKing of Ireland replaces the restless spirit thathaunted my younger years."

Niall drank a mug of water, and spoke again."My visions let me experience four vocations I

could follow. I discovered mine was follow the HighRoad of Christ, and become a worthy prince who mightbe elected the first Christian High King of Tara.

"I own that my problems would have overcome me ifyou had not sent Abbot Colman to mentor me when I wasin the cave, then taken me with you to Tir-na-n'Nog,Abbot. My life had to change. With Jesus' love, andyour example, I'm beginning to become a better man.without your faith in me, my head would probably bedripping blood in some Warrior's Hall. Thank you forhelping me want to change myself into a man of honor."

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Niall Lauds Maeve"And I want to thank Maeve for taming me with her

bird droppings," Niall said.Maeve woke when she heard her name. She hopped

around, trying to discover what she'd missed. Givingup, she tucked her head under her wing and sleptagain.

"Maeve hates to be left out of our conversation,"Niall said.

The raven opened her eyes and turned her headfrom side to side, questioning each one of thesailors. She fluttered her silver wings and cawedimpatiently.

"Maeve will not be left out of anything we do orsay," Brendan said, as his raven flew to his shoulderand whispered in his ear. "She heard Niall say 'birddroppings,' and is ready to do the act if someoneneeds correcting."

"No, no, Maeve," Kevin said. "We're civilizedand nice enough not to need any more training."

Maeve seemed to believe him, and flew outside topeck the ravens in the oak trees who might bemisbehaving.

The former War Raven's actions broke theseriousness of the meeting. Niall giggled, Kevinbelly-laughed and Brendan produced his old-man'schuckle. They slapped their legs with their hands,

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pounded each other on the arms and danced. Monkspeeked in the window and wondered what made three men,including their Abbot, dance a jig in the middle ofthe day.

"We deserve a laugh after all this 'vision'retelling," Kevin said.

Brendan shook his head. "You two are the onlyones left on earth who make me laugh. The voyage Itook with you was the best one. I'm glad we went,aren't you?"

"Indeed, sir, indeed, " Kevin said."I don't know what my life would have been

without the lessons I learned on the sea. May I serveyou a cup of mead before we hear your vision?" Niallasked.

They sat quietly as they refreshed themselves.When he was ready, Brendan began his remembrance ofthe Island he sought and found three times.

Brendan's FutureliMy vision of Tir-na-n'Nog shows me my death at

Anaghdown Abbey, my sister Briga's new nunnery,"Brendan said. III have the plan here." He unfolded avellum map, and spread it on the table. "The King ofConnacht deeded me the land when I stopped a cattleraid for him with the Miracle of the Mist.

"I will build a worthy nunnery on Logh Corrib,and live my last four years with my sister." A smile

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spread over his toothless gums, and he said, 111'11 becontent with Briga. She and I can look West towardsTir-na-n'Nog while I relive my voyages. I won't havelong to wait to revisit the Isle of the Blessed ifJesu chooses me for Heaven. I'm almost ninety yearsold. "

"You danced that jig like you were Niall's age,Abbot," Kevin said.

"We promise to corneto visit you, to dance andsing and play and laugh, wherever you live, as long asyou live." Niall said.

III can't imagine your not being at ClonfertAbbey," Kevin said. III would be honored to make thealtar pieces for your sister's chapel, sir."

"My fine lads." Brendan tried to pat theirheads, but they were taller than he was. They kneltfor his blessing before they went back to work.

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Chapter 26Abbot Brendan

Brendan and Brother Malo PlanBrother Malo joined Abbot Brendan in the

monastery garden two weeks following his visit withNiall and Kevin. IISunnnerflowers have faded. Fallharvest has begun. Clonfert Abbey School overflowswith returning and new students," the new 'headmasterof the school said.

"Good day, Maeve. You look fine with your twogood eyes and your silver wings. You, Abbot, look sadand tired. Are you still weary from your oceanvoyage?"

"Not sad or tired or sick. I'm restless. Oldand useless, that's what young Prince Niall called me.Much has passed since that Mayday."

"A wild boy grew into a man. A blacksmith ridhis spirit of pagan demons. An old priest undertook avoyage full of perils and taught two lads thatstriving counts more than gaining. All that youaccomplished in three months."

"Aye, we accomplished many things in a shorttime. Of course, Brendan Time helped. I've been backat Clonfert six weeks, long enough to see the Abbey isin good hands. You are my choice to follow me asAbbot as well as Headmaster, Malo.

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"I've told my new adventure tales to everyone atClonfert, even the fosterlings. I've written to mysister, Briga, and my brothers. I've reported to theArchbishop. He ordained me a Bishop. I don't thinkI'm worthy of the honor." Brendan sighed. "Niallwrites my tale on vellum from the tablets heinscribed. Kevin makes beautiful objects from goldand silver.

"I need a new project to keep my mind and handsbusy. I will build a monastery for my sister atAnnadough. You run Clonfert while I'm away."

Malo thanked Abbot Brendan for his confidence inhim, and left smiling.

Brendan and his SisterBrendan's sister, Abbess Briga, came to see him

as soon as she read his letter. She was the onlywoman with whom the Bishop was at ease. All his lifehe had been too shy with girls to communicate withthem.

"Briga, remember that lovely spot on Loch Corribthe King of Connach gave me? Would you like me tobuild you a place at Anaghdown? I'm bored andrestless."

"You've been saving that spot for my nunnery,haven't you? I'd love for you build me a new home.We could see each other more, and I could see that youeat well, don't fast so often and get enough rest."

Smithey/raven

Briga hugged him, and kissed his hands.Brendan's restless feeling was replaced by

excitement. After Briga left to go back to her nuns,he walked briskly to the scriptorium to begin

192

redrawing plans for Annaghdown Abbey.The stonemason and carpenter monks who

constructed Clonfert Abbey built Abbess Briga'snunnery with Brendan's supervision.

"I pray that it's not pride that pushesme to leave monuments of stone allover the Irishlandscape, sister," Brendan said to her in a quietmoment during the construction. IIIfit is pride, mayJesu forgive me."

After the Abbey on Loch Corrib was finished,Brendan spent more time there than at Clonfert. Hesat in the sun to watch the nuns weave linen and wool,milk their cows and churn butter, tend their sheep andfowl, and read the gospels. He led mass on Sundaysand Holy Days.

What he loved most was being with his sister, andfeeling her warmth and devotion.

"I don't feel the itch to travel the seas to theWest anymore, Briga. Watching the sun rise and setsatisfies me as much as discovering another island."

Brendan patted his sister's hand."You would have been a good wife and mother. Do

you regret your vocation to be a nun?"

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"Sometimes. Then I remember I take care of twohundred children, girls and women, and do it well.Being an Abbess suits me, as being an Abbotsatisfies you. Neither of us was handsome enough tocatch a good looking mate, you know."

She felt Brendan's long, hooked nose, and he felthers.

IIWeinherited our noses from our father, didn'twe? And our tempers. Our marriages would be sorelytested by our black rages, sister."

Anaghdown AbbeyAfter three years of traveling the forty-five

miles from Clonfert Abbey to Anaghdown, Bishop Brendansettled at his sister's nunnery. Two monks took careof his needs.

Malo replaced Brendan as Abbot of Clonfert Abbey.Often the brother and sister sat looking into the

West, watching the sun set. Maeve ate the breadcrumbs Brendan fed her, and scratched in the grass forworms. Her golden eyes and silver-lined wings set herapart from the other ravens, who shunned her. Shestayed by Brendan's side.

"Maeve, you're not getting old, like I am.You've been made younger by your trip to Tir-na-n 'Nog," Brendan told his bird.

The raven strutted around leaving three-toedprints in the sand, spreading her wings and cawing at

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her master.After four years with his sister Brendan declared

his wishes about his burial. "I'm of an age when Ineed to think of last things, Briga. When I die, andI think that will be soon, I want my two monks totake my body back to Clonfert Abbey for burial in theCathedral. Keep this a secret. I've heard gossipthat the Archbishops wants to bury me besideArchbishop Patrick and Abbess Brigit in DownpatrickCathedral. Don't let that happen. Clonfert is theAbbey dearest to my heart, and my choice for my finalresting place. Make sure my copy of Niall's NAVIGATIOrests beside me, and the gold and silver cross Kevinhannnered for me over my heart. And of course, myBible. "

"I will see it's done as you wish."Briga held his hand. "Was Tir-na-n'Nog really

beautiful? Are you yearning to go back, as Jesupromised you, on your first stop to Paradise?" sheasked.

"Yes. I've never heard a word fit to describethe island's loveliness. But I'm not anxious toreturn. I worry about my many sins. The longer Ilive, the more I fear my journeys did not please Jesu.I could have gathered more monks and priests, builtmore monasteries, educated more children, traveledEast instead of West. Did I listen to His plan for

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me, or did I choose my own path? I fear the judgmentof the Master."

Tears dampened his beard and the front of hisrobe.

Briga knelt in front of him, and embraced him.She wiped away his tears with her veil.

The Death of Bishop BrendanThree weeks before Christmas, in the year of our

Lord 577, Bishop Brendan said mass for the nuns,assisted by his two monk helpers. As he started outthe door of the chapel with his sister, he saw flakesof snow falling. Maeve flew from the roof to sit onhis shoulder. He looked to the heavens and said,"Now is the time I am taken up by death, Briga. Askmy monks to feed me the blood and body of Christ andanoint me with Holy Oil."

The nuns walking away turned back when they sawBishop Brendan sink to the steps of the chapel. Theycovered him with their cloaks, and knelt around him.Abbess Briga held his head in her lap.

"I fear the judgment, sister. Pray for me, asinner. "

"A saint more likely, brother Brendan."Bishop Brendan's eyes opened wide. III see a

light, Briga, brighter than the one that carried meonto Tir-na-n'Nog. People beckon me to join them."Brendan inhaled a deep breath. IICan you smell the

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aroma of fruits and flowers, sister? I'm going backto Tir-na-n'Nog. I'm on the way to Heaven."

Brendan died.She closed his eyes, and kissed them. III always

knew your only port after death would be Heaven, mydear brother."

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Chapter 27Niall, Kevin and MaeveGrieve Brendan's Death

Niall bent over the last page of his manuscript,which told of the crew's arrival at Clonfert Abbeyafter their voyage seven years and four months ago.He blew on the vellum to dry the ink.

Dipping his quill in red ink, he stretched hisarm out, and wrote in large, embellished letters:

THE END

The young man painted a cross in gold and wrotehis name on the bottom of the page: Niall McNeill ofTara, and the date: December, AD 577

Maeve flew in the scriptorium window and lit onNiall's shoulder. Her head nestled under his chin.

She quivered."Are you here to tell me Bishop Brendan's life on

this earth is over? I know it must be true. Youwouldn't leave him as long as he drew breath."

The Prince knelt and prayed for the soul of hisbishop, mentor, hero and friend.

"I wish he could have seen his finished bookbefore he died. I wrote the last words of NAVAGATIOBRENDANI ABBATIS as he lay dying."

Maeve flew to the top of his head.The Prince rubbed her wings, and brushed the

tears off his face.

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"Will you let me take care of you now that BishopBrendan is gone?"

Maeve turned her tail toward his face, sightedand hit Niall's face with a bird dropping. He wincedwhen it ran into his mouth, then laughed.

"Seven years and eight months since you first didthat, bird." He wiped his face and mouth with hissleeve. "Please be my raven. I need you with me--youknow how to keep me humble. Abbot Brendan suggested Iask for your help if I try to win the Crown of theHigh Kingdom of Tara. He said Ireland needs aChristian King who will bring us peace."

The Prince lifted Maeve off his head, and heldher high. The raven's wings spread to their five footspan. A sunbeam coming in the window illuminated thesilver lining she acquired on Tir-na-n'Nog.

"You are beautiful and regal. I declare you theHigh Queen of the Ravens of Ireland, Maeve. I willplace you in a stall for Royadama, and I will honoryou all my life."

The beam of light formed a golden coronet whichsettled on her head.

The Prince, a candidate for High King ofIreland, laughed again. "I knew all along you wereRoyadama. Brendan hinted you'd lived four lives.You've been a Queen in another life, haven't you, oldbird? Tell me, which Queen were you?"

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She bit his hand.Niall placed his best copy of the NAVlGATlO

BRENDANl ABBATlS in a leather box, adorned with gemsfrom Tir-na-n'Nog. He found Abbot Malo and asked himto put the volume beside Bishop Brendan in his coffin.IJlinscribed it to him," Niall said. IIFor TheNavigator, Bishop Brendan, beloved teacher andfriend."

Niall's tears hampered him as he hitched hishorse to his chariot. He drove to Tara for hisprincely clothes to wear to Brendan's funeral. Hisraven perched on his shoulder.

Raven Queen Maeve used the bumpy ride to Niall'sfamily's hill fort to teach the Prince the language ofravens.

Before their arrival at the Hill of Tara, hecould speak to and understand her.

Maeve set the rules he must abide by in his newrole as her Master on the journey back to ClonfertAbbey for Brendan's funeral mass.

Prince Niall knelt with his friend, the ArtisanKevin of Munster, six Kings, twelve Abbots, fiveBishops and three Archbishops who came to honorBrendan in his beautiful cathedral. Bishop Colmansaid the Mass. Niall played his harp and chantedBrendan's favorite psalm. Maeve sat on a window sill.

Bishop Brendan was laid to rest in a crypt in his

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Cathedral with NAVIGATIO BRENDANI ABBATIS in one hand,his Bible in the other. Kevin's cross layover hisheart.

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Chapter 28Prince, Artisan and

Queen Raven Look to the FutureThe Raven Queen Maeve flew to the Prince's

shoulder as they left the cathedral. Kevin bowed toher.

"Come, let's have a visit before you return toCashel Castle, Kevin," Niall said.

"Did Maeve bite you?" Kevin asked Niall, whosehand dripped blood on the stone floor of his cell.

Niall nodded. "Bishop Brendan told Maeve to cometo me when he died. I'm to take care of her and beher master." Niall shook his head from side to side."She'll never let me be her master."

"No, but she can teach you valuable lessons inexchange for her care. She'll lead you to the Crownof Ireland, like she helped Brendan navigate our wayto Tir-na-n'Nog."

"Maybe, if she wills it," Niall answered."Can you believe the changes the journey with

Bishop Brendan made in us?" Kevin asked.III see a great change in you," Niall said. You

were a monk blacksmith with the heart of an artist,without any hope of rising above your station. TheLand of the Blessed opened your eyes to beauty, andBrendan and Colman helped you learn Latin andgoldsmithing and whitesmithing. Now you're honored

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and promoted to the Aes Dana, the Artisan Class, witha lovely wife and a son, living in Cashel Castle andworking for the King."

"It wasn't only Tir-na-n'Nog that changed youfrom a spoiled brat into a worthy man," Kevin said."Bishop Brendan invested time and prayers in yourfuture, and trusted you to write the book about hisjourneys. Bishop Colman helped you see yourself as alawless boy, admit your mistakes, and change thedirection of your life."

"You r re right," Niall said. JJHe taught me tojournal and write poems, which helped me stay on theHigh Road of the High King of Heaven.

IIBrendan showed me the traits I lacked: honesty,bravery, charity, leadership, trust in and love of theHigh King of Heaven."

liThevisions we had on Tir-na-n'Nog decided ourfutures, and gave us hope," Kevin said. JJIwant toleave a legacy of the voyage with my art work."

JJIhope to be worthy to serve my people when thetime comes," Niall said.

"Don't forget Maeve's part--she taught youhumility. That's the trait you haven't learned. Itrust she will continue to train you."

JJOfcourse she will, won't you Queen Maeve?"Niall asked as he fed her bread and rubbed her head.

The raven ate the bread, looked for more food in

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Niall's hand, didn't find any, and bit his palm.IIGood , Maeve, keep the Prince in line." Kevin

gave the raven his bread.The artisan Kevin looked out the window and

imagined what his, Niall's and Maeve's lives would belike twenty years from this day. He envisionedhimself as goldsmith to abbots, bishops and kings ofIreland. His house was filled with a happy family. Astudio and workshop with a dozen artisans busy at workwas attached.

Kevin pictured Niall being crowned High King ofall the Kings of Ireland. He had won the electionwith Maeve's magic and knowledge of Irish politics andhis own piety. A loving wife and family surroundedhim.

IIWhen you are crowned High King of Tara andIreland, I will make you a brooch to hold your capetogether, old friend," the artist said. IIThisbroochwill be like none other the world has seen. Gold andjewels set in an intricate design will show thehighlights of our voyage to Tir-na-n'Nog."

"Thank you, Kevin. Also, make a gold circlet forMaeve's glossy black head. If I gain the throne 1/11share the glory with her." Prince Niall looked at hishand, dripping blood from the latest raven bite.

"I have a corrnnissionfor you now, Kevin. Couldyou make two armored gloves for me that would repel

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Maeve's bites? And a wide-brimmed hat with a flat topwhere she could perch while she keeps an eye on all ofIreland?" Niall asked. He pulled the hood of hisrobe over his head before Maeve could land on his headand deposit a bird dropping.

The irate black raven circled the cell, squawkingand flapping her wings. Since Niall's head wascovered, she chose Kevin as the target of her anger.

The goldsmith yelled, IINo , no, Maeve, I'm notyour master. Niall is. This is terrible. I neverknew how bad it is to have a bird, you know what, onyour head."

Niall sat on the floor of his cell, his head andhands covered with skins to protect him, laughinguntil he lost his breath. IIIwish Bishop Brendan washere. I hope his spirit stays with us."

III know it will," Kevin said. He sniffed, theninhaled deeply. IITakea deep breath, Niall."

liTheheavenly aroma of flowers and fruit wesmelled on Tir-na-n'Nog surrounds us! Brendan'sspirit comes to us as a familiar fragrance. He's sentus a sign he is headed for Heaven!" Niall shouted.He grabbed his harp and played as Kevin danced. Maevefluttered her wings. She rubbed her wings together tomake a sound like hand bells. The gannets who livedon the Paradise of the Birds taught her to make music.

IIMayI share your cell for the night? I leave

Smithey Iraven

tomorrow for Cashel Castle after I talk to BishopColman," Kevin said as he washed his head in thewater bowl. IISince we three are bonded for life, I'll

205

make some gloves and a hat for myself when I makeyours."

Maeve sat on the window cell, her eyes hooded,staring into the future. Her master, Brendan, leftNiall and Kevin in her care. The raven would carryout his plans for them. She cooed like a dove threetimes, tucked her head under her wing, and slept.

IIHolyPatrick, Maeve cooed. What does thatmean?" Kevin asked.

IIMaevewants us to understand she is inscrutableand unpredictable," Niall answered. "Cooi.nqlike apeaceful linnet today, she'll be fierce as a gryphtontomorrow. Part of her soul is War Raven, part isBrendan, but the largest part is Jesus. She cooed theTrinity to bless us."

The next morning, the friends talked about thesweet scent of Tir-na-n'Nog which still clung tothem.

lilt'sBrendan's last gift to us," Niall said.III wonder if he left the scent with his sister

and Bishop Colman," Kevin said.In truth, the delicious smell faded with time but

returned abundantly to Sister Briga, Bishop Colman,Aes Dana Kevin, and Prince Niall whenever they spoke

Smithey/raven 206

about Bishop Brendan or Tir-na-n'Nog.Niall and Kevin promised to meet again at

Clonfert Abbey on Easter Day."If Jesus, Brendan and Maeve make it happen,"

the friends pledged, clasping hands.Maeve sat in the window looking inscrutable. She

knew their adventures were only beginning.

THE END