Prologue: Supper is now over in the cosy botháin ósta. Rísteárd Mac Grailt the innkeeper is putting some more turf on the fire; the fire that is never allowed to quench. Each night before retiring, the remaining fire would be raked to cover over the live embers of turf with the ashes. The embers would then be left to repose comfortably there throughout the night until just before aurora when they would be gently breathed into to coincide with the flowering of the daystar. In this manner was impressive continuity been given to the ancient custom of ensuring the perpetual presence of the Inner Sun in the hearth of the home. Outside it is a wet dark night with the wind blowing in from the southwestern Atlantic; the kind of night that one feels thankful for having the right side of the house facing out. Sitting across the hearth from Rísteárd, is his guest, Receptive. The fire glows interesting shadows up the walls to the rafters to join up with those already making sport there from t...
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