The Hill of Tara
Three days later, an assembly of the inhabitants of Murias gathered on the south banks of their island home. Deirdre stood before her people, facing the six travellers. She smiled when her eyes fell upon Raven who stood with them. It had taken a lot of convincing and promises from Deirdre but they had finally agreed to let Raven join them on their journey. "That way, you'll get to spend more time with your father" Deirdre had told her with a wink. Dagda's Cauldron had been presented to the travellers, along with any other provisions they required, all of which had been loaded into a ship that stood waiting for them in the docks. Now it was time to leave.
Deirdre cleared her throat and said "My friends, I bid you farewell and good luck on your quest. May the Tuatha De Danann and the goddess Danu smile bless and guide you and march with you into battle. Farewell."
They then piled onto the ship. Before departing, Raven ran to Deirdre and hugged her tightly. "Thank you!" she whispered.
"Save travels, my child" Deirdre said, gently patting her back.
The ship sailed away from Murias towards the mainland where the men and Raven were dropped off, along with their provisions, then set off to find the last of the treasures of the Tuatha De Danann: the Stone of Fal. It was a five day journey to the stone but they persisted tirelessly, knowing that there was no going back now. Not when they had come this far. Raven proved to be a valuable addition as she had picked up a few survival skills over the past few years which were put to good use. She provided advice on what berries and plants were safest to eat and even managed to shoot a rabbit or two (luckily she had opted to bring her bow and arrows). Everyone enjoyed getting to know Raven and came to love her company. Their short time travelling together gave them something to take their minds off of the trials they would soon face and, indeed, they would be perilous.
On the sixth day after leaving Murias, they finally reached their last destination: the Hill of Tara. According to legend, the hill had once served as a place of coronation for the kings of Ireland and the Stone of Fal, which resided upon the hill, was said to cry out in joy when the rightful High King of Ireland put his feet upon it and allow him a long reign.
Upon sighting the stone, the group raced up the hill and gathered before the stone. George brought out Sharon's book and, from its pages, instructed his companions on how the ritual must be performed. The Sword of Light, the Spear of Lugh and Dagda's cauldron were all ceremoniously placed before the stone, then everyone stood in a circle around it, joined hands and chanted the following spell from Sharon's book:
"Tuatha De Danann, hear our call.
Upon this hill, we stand tall.
Grant us your power, we beg of you,
And help us see this peril through.
Aid us in this fearful fight,
And guide us with your radiant light."
As soon as the last word was spoken, a brilliant light shone down from the heavens, engulfing them and the four treasures. Everyone shielded their eyes from the light for fear of being permanently blinded. When they felt it was safe to open their eyes again, they noticed that the four treasures had a dull white glow about them and Dagda's Cauldron was now filled with swords and daggers.
"Did it work?" Paul asked.
George consulted the book and nodded, smiling. "Yes. The Tuatha De Danann have given their power to our weapons. That is what that light is for. Now, with their aid, Caorthannach and her minions will be no match for us."