quietly. He was content to believe that he had won this time. She could have her lovers on the side, and he could have his maidens, but he would be her king, her hus-band, and never her fool. He was Ailill Mac Mata! Thinking all this, he stood more erect.

Maeve hadn't lost yet, though. Being who she was, she already had an inspiration.

She made her way across the com-pound to find her herald, Mac Roth. She knew that he was

afraid of her and so would not fail her. Without knocking or any announcement, she burst into his chamber.

--Mac Roth, where might I find a bull to match Ailill's Findbannach? Do not tell me tales Mac Roth, tell me truths!

Mac Roth was used to such intrusions, so he thought quickly and announced his thoughts.

--I know precisely. Within Cualnge of Ulster, in the house of