Passage through the Mountain
It were a fine summer evenin' when I continued tellin' stories about the lass Beannaithe to me grandkids...
'From the rollin' hills of the Middleland, Mac Énbarr swiftly carried Beannaithe south through the lands of the clans then east to the green province of the horse-lords. The pony turned south again towards the White Mountains. He slowed when he came upon a windin' path into the dark wood, then quickened his pace again when he reached a straight narrow path that led directly to the foot of the mountain.
The path through the dark wood was lined on either side by tall standing stones. The stones, which were pointed at the top, looked like the talons of a great black bird piercing the earth from below.
No sooner had Mac passed the last of the talon-like stones when he came upon a single black stone in the center of the path. It were very tall. Strange symbols were carved into the stone the like of which Beannaithe had never before seen.
Beannaithe did not know what to make of the signs, but knew her way lie forward along the path. Mac were reluctant to continue along the path. Beannaithe dismounted, then patted the pony's flanks while hummin' a soothin' tune to calm him. She were now able to lead the pony to a cave entrance that led through the mountain to the other side. The lass lit a torch, then entered the cave.
Almost immediately Beannaithe and Mac heard murmurin' voices, speakin' a tongue that Beannaithe could not understand. She felt a strange sensation as if there were hands graspin' at her arms and legs. Then a great gust of wind blew out the torch. Beannaithe cleverly drew Claíomh Solais from its sheath, holdin' it aloft to light the way. At the drawin' of the sword the graspin' hands ceased and the murmurin' voices dimmed to a mere whisper.
The lass and her pony friend walked as swiftly as they may through the haunted mountain. After several hours they finally came to a doorway on the other side. Although they did not know it, they had reached the Blackroot Vale in the western region of the Stone-land.
A stream trickled on the western side of the path that wound down into the valley. This they followed for awhile before findin' a spot to rest and take a bite to eat. The smell of fir-trees and the merry chirpin' of birds greatly cheered both lass and pony.
After a restful meal, Beannaithe mounted Mac Énbarr once again and continued their journey. When the path divided they took the eastern way. South they rode, turnin' east at the southern reaches of the mountains. They passed through the Coldflood Vale into the Land of Five Streams. This is where they hoped to find and aid more of the River-woman's daughters.
Lass and pony came upon a quiet wooded area....'
'This seems like a find place to stop for the evenin',' interjected Ériu.
'It is indeed, daughter,' I replied. 'Oíche mhaith, me wee darlin's!' I says to me grandkids.
'Good night, Granda!' they cheerily replied as they followed their mothers to their beds.
