The Long Goodbye

When Fearfeasa saw the wonderful feast spread out before them he could scarcely believe his eyes.

He looked very closely at Annabel:

"What an extraordinary feat you have performed here, my dear. I see that my simple forest picnic pales into insignificance when compared with this feast you have set before us. I note the fine pot you have left in the centre of the table. May I ask you where you found that?"

Annabel took a deep breath and replied:

"It is with some reluctance that I answer you. This pot was given into my safekeeping by an old Irishwoman in New Zealand. You may remember the night we first met I was polishing a coffee pot. I was too fearful to reveal this casserole pot to you at that stage. I gather however, from the look on your face that you know something about this pot too?"

Fearfasa sighed and smiled.

"Indeed,I do Annabel. That pot I recognise as the "Cauldron of Plenty". It is as famous in its own way as the Holy Grail. The Irish know all about it, as do the Welsh. It has had many uses down through the years. It's most basic quality is that it satisfies all who have a need for it. It can feed, it can heal, it can repair and restore items. It can change its shape from a huge cauldron to a delicate looking soup tureen or casserole like this. I have been searching for it for years..."

While this exchange was going on,Brighid was observing them closely. She also knew of the magical qualities of this pot, and she remembered the last occasion she used it herself: the day she changed the troublesome children into swans.

Fearfeasa looked back towards Brighid. A thought occurred to him, and as it did Brighid frowned.

"No, no,Fearfasa! Please don't do what I think you are about to do!"

Fearfasa smiled and said calmly:

"Now,Brighid, listen to me for a moment. In our modern world we say scientifically that every action can cause an equal and opposite reaction. You used the power of the cauldron many years ago to satisfy a whim of your own. In truth, you have become one of the archtypical selfish evil stepmothers of myth and legend. Now we have a chance to restore your reputation, but you must be prepared to pay the price...."

Brighid trembled:

"I know what you are about to ask of me. It is a heavy price, but I have grown in maturity during those long years as a statue. I will do as you ask..."

With that, Fearfasa beckoned to the swans to come out of hiding from the far side of the pond. They glided gracefully over towards him. He addressed them in a serious tone:

"Swan family, I am about to give you another chance in life. You have suffered a lot of deprivation as you lived out the punishment of Brighid. Even though you can't speak, I can read your thoughts. You must trust me. Come to the shore, and I will put each one of you into this pot. When you do that your suffering will be at an end."

The swans started to raise themselves gingerly out of the water when suddenly, their leader, Siobhán Ciara, started to squawk furiously.
"Don't, my brothers! Don't listen to him! Put some air under your wings and let's fly out of here... Did you not hear this fellow say to the redhaired cook as they approached the lake that it had been a very long time since he tasted swan and that he particularly liked it, if it’s stuffed with chestnuts and sweet herbs and well roasted...”

And with a swish and a whoosh all four swans rose powerfully into the air and flew out of our story.

Fearfeasa picked up his suitcase, and asked Annabel to take very good care of her casserole pot, as there might be many untrustworthy people out there who would go to unscrupulous lengths to acquire it. .

He was about to say farewell to Brighid but there was no sign of her, or the casserole pot. He looked across the lake and saw a white figure disappearing through the trees....