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Innsidh na geòidh as t-fhoghar e
Donaidh sighed, looking back once more at the gates of Culhaven before shrugging his shoulder to adjust the weight of the lyre case slung from it. Would he see these gates again as a friend? He hoped so, there were many within he considered friends, but it seemed war was inevitable between Culhaven and Bretwalda Cwenfrith, sooner or later, and such a war would drag Dòmhnall Ruadh MacAonghais in on Cwenfrith's side, unless perhaps Cwenfrith clearly started it, in which case he could perhaps justify staying neutral.
Fintan's proud and stubborn refusal to form an alliance ensuring Dalriadan support in the case of Cwenfrith's aggression meant neutrality was the best they could offer. Donaidh understood, of course, Fintan was a proud king of a proud people, such an alliance might suggest weakness, or recognition of the Dalriada as an equal power.
Unfortunately, Dòmhnall Ruadh was also a proud king of a proud people. A proud people who had long enjoyed an independent spirit that had stood between them and unification, let alone submission and recognition of a higher authority.
Well, he thought, innsidh na geòidh as t-fhoghar e, "the geese will tell it in autumn". This summer he'd at least get to enjoy some time with his family, though that reminded him, his son, Fionnlagh, would see his fifteenth summer this year. If negotiations broke down and Dòmhnall Ruadh's unification of the Isles led to war, Fionnlagh would want to sail with the fleet. Further realisation dawned... if the Dalriada were dragged into a war against Culhaven, Fionnlagh would sail proudly under the MacNèill banner, possibly even to throw himself against the walls of Culhaven itself...
His heart heavy with a mix of fear and fatherly pride, Donaidh set his feet to the road home.
Innsidh na geòidh as t-fhoghar e...