Patrick - Love Slave to Ireland

the most important people of the land are gathered. Any ideas?” I asked our new converts.

“Well, at the hill of Tara, all of the kings, generals, nobility, and druid priests will be attending the pagan feast of Bealtine,” Cairneach said.

Ferghus saw some of the puzzled looks from Ross and Corc and offered an explanation, “May 1st is the festival of Bealtine, which just so happens to fall on Easter day this year. It marks the beginning of summer for the Scoti. On the eve of the festival the head chief of the land, which would of course be Laoghair, lights a bonfire.”

Just then the Lord gave me an inspiration, “We also light a fire at Pascal*. If we light the fire first it would be the challenge we need.” [*Pascal: Easter] “But isn’t it also the custom that if any one dare light a bonfire before the king, they must be put to death?” Daire asked squeamishly.

“If the Lord is with us, no harm will befall us. With divine guidance we can do it,” I reassured him.

“We will challenge the Devil at his stronghold. It is the seat of the king. If we win there, the whole land could be won to Christ!” Corc thundered. “Let’s get packing!”

“But that is in three days. How will we ever get there in time?”

Rabbit asked. I answered him again with, “The Lord will help us if it is His will.”

I turned to our Scoti brother, “Well, Cairneach, what are our chances?”

“If we take the curragh*, we’ll be paddling against the current on our way there, but if we put up our sail and the wind is blowing right, I think we can make it if nothing goes wrong.” [*curragh: a boat made of wooden ribs covered with animal hide] “And what if it does?” Daire asked.

“Then we’ll find a way around it with God’s help,” I suggested.

“Will we be able to navigate the boat in the river water? Will it be deep enough?” Ferghus asked him. Cairneach thought for a