1014: Brian Boru & the Battle for Ireland by Morgan Llywelyn

made no effort to discourage their behaviour. In fact he encouraged it. He was happy to have the cattle they stole fattening on his grass.
    Maelmora’s pride and arrogance had been sorely tested by having a Munster man claim authority over him. Gormlaith’s marriage to the Árd Rí had not encouraged her belligerent brother to mend his ways. The marriage itself was a disaster, as everyone knew. For Maelmora this was just another reason to hold a grudge against Brian Boru. He had rejoiced in every little cut his men took at Brian’s authority.
    Reimposing the Boru Tribute brought the rivalry between the two men to a whole new level. Sourly, the king of Leinster considered his options. They were very few. He knew Brian of old, and was sure the Árd Ríwould enforce his demand to the letter. In fact, within days of being informed of the reintroduction of the Boru Tribute, Maelmora learned that Brian’s son, Murrough, had led an army into one of Leinster’s tributary kingdoms , Ossory. They were sweeping across the land, seizing spoils and taking prisoners.
    It was an open invitation to war – a war Maelmora was unprepared to fight against the full power of the high king. But what else could he do? If he sat on his hands and did nothing his people would turn against him. The Gael were a warrior race. A leader who failed to answer the challenge to battle would soon be overthrown. Or worse.
    At Naas the king of Leinster paced through his fort, swore at his women and kicked his hounds.
    Once again, Brian did the unexpected. While Maelmora was struggling to find a solution to his problem, a messenger brought a graciously worded request from Kincora. Would it be possible for the king of Leinster to supply the Árd Rí with three tall masts for his fleet on the Shannon? The Árd Rí would be most grateful. The implication was obvious. By gifting Brian Boru with three of the mightiest oaks in Leinster, Maelmora might hope to escape further punishment.
    The astonished Maelmora hastened to comply. His fortwas thrown into chaos as he called for his finest apparel and jewels, collected whatever baubles he could find to offer as further diplomatic gifts, and sent gangs of foresters to locate and cut down the tallest oaks in the province . He also demanded a company of strong men from the three foremost Leinster clans. Each clan would be responsible for carrying one mast to Kincora. Maelmora’s own clan, of course, would carry the largest. The entire procession would make a fine display.
    Crowds gathered outside Naas to watch the king and his party set out. It was a festive occasion. Women waved, children cheered, and barking dogs got in the way. The journey took almost a week, with Maelmora demanding his men trot at top speed every step of the way. By the time they reached the east bank of the Shannon everyone was tired and out of sorts. Maelmora, however, insisted he felt as strong as ever. Before they stepped onto the bridge which Brian had built to span the river above the ford, Maelmora ostentatiously put his own shoulder to the largest mast. The rough timber tore a heavy silver ornament from his tunic, a royal gift from Brian Boru in an earlier time.
    Maelmora tucked the ornament into the gilded bag of personal valuables that he carried around his waist, and completed his journey.
    At Kincora the king of Leinster was greeted by Brian himself with elaborate courtesy. There was the customary exchange of gifts. Maelmora’s entourage was directed to their quarters while the two kings shared goblets of red wine and chewed on honeycomb in the great hall. They discussed the weather, the condition of the roads, the length and weight of the timber masts. No mention was made of the Boru Tribute. Nor of Gormlaith, who did not appear at the welcoming ceremony. Brian assured Maelmora that his sister would be joining them for a celebratory banquet that evening. Meanwhile Maelmora was to enjoy all the hospitality the palace could offer, which