Aisling was days from giving birth (well that's what everyone thought), but instead of being safe in her home, she was in the Abbot's room. The reason was, Cellach laid in his bed dying. He couldn't get out of bed. He needed assistance to sit up and eat.

At his bedside, was Brendan, Aisling, Brother Tang, Rose, Rum, Vanora & Violet. In the Chapel, the villagers and the other monks offered prayers for the Abbot's soul and Brother Tang, his successor.

"Brendan," Cellach said, voice slightly horce, "my life has been dedicated to raising you, I know I haven't always been right," Brendan was about to speak, but was cut off by his Uncle, "but I did what seemed best, all in love. Please, do what you can to help Brother Tang."

"I will Uncle." Brendan replied. If him being a Lay Brother was his Uncle's dying wish, then he wouldn't deny it.

Cellach turned to Brother Tang, "Brother Tang, I leave this place in your capable hands."

"Thank you, Abbot." Brother Tang replied. "I won't disappoint you."

Cellach turned to Aisling. "Aisling, I may not understand you, but, I could't think of a better wife for my nephew."

"Thank you, Abbot." Aisling replied. She felt a fetal kick in her stomach. She rubbed her belly, hoping to sooth the baby.

Then, he turned to the Protectors, "Thank you, for all you've done."

"You're welcome, Abbot." Rose replied.

"It was our pleasure. And still is." Vanora added.

Rum and Violet nodded, unsure of what to say.

After the Rites were given, the Abbot felt all the pain leave his body, he felt nothing but happiness. He saw a warm light that washed over him, then he saw a beautiful sight. His sister, ever the more lovely, white silk gown and ginger hair flowing around her. She floated by the window, she took a few steps towards him. The only ones who saw her was Cellach and the four Protectors in the room.

Ceather extended her hand, "Come, dear brother." She said in a voice that was like silk.

Cellach smiled, then, to Rum and Violet's amazement, Cellach sat up, but, his body stayed still. What they saw, was Cellach's soul leaving his body. They had heard of it, but never seen it for themselves.

Cellach's soul fully left his body, and his hand grasp his sister's. As soon as he did, the years disappeared, and he looked as he did when Brendan left, but undoubtedly happy. The two gave other a passionate hug, they had missed each other so.

The Protectors shielded their eyes as a bright light surrounded Cellach and his sister.

OOO

The bells tolled. Abbot Cellach was dead. Brother Tang would be named the new Abbot after the mourning period. Then, suddenly, Aisling let out a scream.


It was an odd sight. In the highest room in the Tower of Kells, on the bed, lay the corpse of the Abbot. Meanwhile on the floor, on a makeshift cot, lay his niece-in-law, giving birth to his grandnephew.

A puddle was near the deathbed, Aisling's broken water.

Aisling squeezed Brendan's hand, nearly cutting off his circulation. With the help of Rose, Rum, Vanora and Violet, Aisling gave birth to a healthy boy.

As the new mother held her baby in her arms, she thought aloud, "What shall we call you?"

"How about Cellach?" Brendan suggested. Rose took a swig from a metal flask she always kept with her.

"I was thinking about Oisin, Ronan or Lug." Aisling replied. "After my late friends and father."

"I know, but I promised Uncle that I would name a son after him."

After some talking, it was decided that the boy would be called Ronan Cellach Mac Ailello.