Seamus did his best to turn the dinner into a celebration, but there was no hiding the fear and concern everyone felt for Emer and Amelia entering the trial caves the following morning. Walter would not leave his wife's side for fear it might be their last night together.
Kahal and Orla picked at their food and gave monosyllabic answers to any questions about their day. Finally, unable to keep the exasperation from her voice, Orla said, 'Mum, all of that is so unimportant considering what you face tomorrow.'
Emer covered her daughter's hand with her own and gave it a squeeze. 'It is precisely because of what I am facing tomorrow that I want tonight to be as normal as possible. It is the time I spend with you all that gives me the strength to face the gods.'