Setanta is my name by birth.
I am a student at the court of King Conor. Tis my duty to ride with the others to the Feast of Quelgny.
But as luck would have it, my cinch had snapped. Telling my companions to continue on, I walked my horse back and made the repairs.
Realizing it was much later than I would wish, I raced my horse through the Ulster countryside. Darkness fell as I crested a steep hill. Torches glowed against the darkness and I could hear the pipes and bodhran playing, hear the singing accompany the rhythms.
Trotting slowly to the gates, thinking of all the good food and drink waiting for me, I failed to notice the hounds coming up behind me.
A low growl alerted me, telling me to go no further. Slowly turning I spot the hound of Cullen, the famous wolfhound known for it's strength and undying loyality to the fortress Cullan.
I tried to reassure the beast but it leaped, aiming for my throat. Feeling the sharp teeth pierce my skin I knew I had no choice but to kill or be killed.
Summoning all my strength, I pushed the beast away. Watching as it sailed through the air, I felt a deep sadness knowing this proud animal would not survive the fall.
After staring at the unmoving beast for a minute, I turned slowly and noticed all from the banquet watching. Cull, the dogs owner, walked over and tenderly stroked the dogs broken neck. He looked up at me with eyes filled with unashamed tears and all I could say was, "I am sorry Sir".
Cullens eyes held no malice. "The hound did what he had to do as did you.""But how?, you are but a boy."
I had no answer for the smith I could just stand and watch. Feeling the old mans pain and grief, I said, "Sir, I will train this ones pup and until he can take his sires place, I will stand in as the guard of Cullen. This is my geise." "I will be the hound. With the shield of Brid and my fathers spear I will stand fast."
Cullen accepted my offer and King Conor announced to all, "From now on Setanta has earned the right to enter adulthood. Henceforth, he will be known as CuChulain, The Hound of Cullen."
