Celthair and Ciaran could not easily have children. They worried about it for a long time. Their lives were busy and full of purpose for their people. They adopted many orphans and built a home for them. Celthair’s favourite place to go was the orphanage, where she spent time giving the children the love that they missed from not having parents. She gave her love to them which filled some of the void. But she and Ciaran wished for their own flesh and blood. An heir and future ruler of Cathair Tsolais.

  After a few cycles it did happen. A long painful and problem filled pregnancy. The boy child they named Niam, nearly did not survive, but he recovered and grew up, yet plagued by illness and being small and weak, he did not enjoy being part of society. He withdrew and became distant from his parents. He did however love his grandfather, Tuatha and after months of painful thinking they reached a decision, they sent the now eager boy off to live in Athlethan. There he became a master of Riangbra and spent many hours with his grandfather and Cathabad the old Riangbra master. He became very wise in his youth. However, he had no friends his age and would wander off into the wilds around Athlethan. He wrote often to his parents, thankful to them that they had found him a place to belong, and a purpose.

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  Nobody thought much of him. Cathabad wondered how this small weak boy could lead them all into the white eternity. Because it had been prophesied. For a while he thought it might be Aillel and Dreya’s daughter Mairen who was the one who would lead them. But she chose the life of a trader and mariner like her grandfather Conail.

  Niam did have a purpose, the wisdom he learned in Athlethan was all he needed. Strength of character, bought about by his weaknesses, was more important and would help him through what was to come.

  When he stumbled upon the sword Klau Solas, everything changed.