He got up, went to the bedroom door and knocked. There was a growl from within, Cathbadh entered, and a few minutes later came out with Cuchulainn. The later’s step was visibly unsteady, and his melancholy seemed to have deepened. He walked to the head of the table and sat down in the chair again.

«Sure, and this is the saddest tale in the world I’m hearing about your wife having such a bad geas on her. The evening is spoilt and all. I hope the black fit does not come on me, for then it will be blood and death I need to restore me.»

Therewere a couple of gasps audible and Laeg looked alarmed, but Cathbadh said hastily, «The evening is not so spoilt as you think Cucuc. This Mac Shea is evidently a very notable druid and spell maker, but I think I am a better. Did you notice how quickly I put down his wine fountain? Would it not lift your heart, now, to see the two of us engage in a contest of magic?»

Cuchulainn clapped his hands. «Never was truer word spoken. You will just do that, darlings.»

Shea said, «I’m afraid I can’t guarantee.» but Belphebe plucked his sleeve and with her head close to his, whispered, «Do it. There is a danger here.»

«It isn’t working right,» Shea whispered back. Outside rose the mournful sound of Uath’s howling. «Can you not use your psychology on him out there?» the girl asked. «It will be magic to them.»

«A real psychoanalysis would take days,» said Shea. «Wait a minute, though — we seem to be in a world where the hysteric type is the norm. That means a high suggestibility, and we might get something out of post-hypnotic suggestion.»

Cuchulainn from the head of the table said, «It is not all night we have to wait.»

Shea turned round and said aloud, «How would it be if I took the geas off that character out there training to be a bar-room tenor? I understand that’s something Cathbadh hasn’t been able to do.»