noon
Nuala was of the opinion that a short cruise would do Brian great good , so they decided to set off that evening in her two ships , leaving Turlough to keep the castle against Cathbarr 's return . Had they taken Turlough Wolf with them or had Brian been less close-mouthed on his return from that cruise , the evil that befell might have been averted . The old man was cunning and swift at piercing beneath the craft of other men and turning it back upon themselves ; but as Brian 's mind lost its bitterness at his own failure it gained joy at being with the Bird Daughter , while Nuala had no less friendship and liking for him , so that neither of them gave much thought to O'Donnell Dubh who lay in Galway and bided his time after his own fashion . Once having reached their decision , they hastened it somewhat and sent men and muskets aboard the two ships at noon . Nuala wished to sail first to Gorumna Castle and make all safe there , then reach back for Slyne Head . She proposed that Brian take one carack and she the other , but at this Brian laughed . `` No , lady -- I am no seaman , and I am your guest on this cruise , so I go with you . ''