Stories
& Legends of Ireland
for
Children
The
Stolen Treasures
Sinéad
Bean Uí DeValera
In olden days there lived in a magnificent castle near the centre of
Ireland a rich chieftain named Ruairi with his wipe Manissa and their
three sons, Sean, Aindreas and Brian.
There
was another member of the household who was regarded as one of the family
and who was loved by all.This was Maire who had been nurse to the mother
and afterwards to the three boys. She was very clever. Indeed it was
believed she was friends with the fairies and knew some of their secret
ways.
They were
a happy family. Each of the sons had many precious possessions. Sean
was a talented artist. Among all his work that which he treasured most
was a picture of his parents which he had painted when he was quite
young. Aindreas, a musician, was the owner of a splendid small harp.
To Brian belonged a precious gold chain that had been in the possession
of the family through centuries.
These
treasures were kept among others on a large table in a room at the uppermost
part of the house.
One lovely
day in spring the family went to visit friends who lived at some distance
from their home. They were to spend a few days with them. Maire accompanied
them.The other members of the staff were given a free time during their
absence.Great care was taken to secure all entrances to the castle against
robbers or intruders of any kind.
At some
distance from the castle there was a strange little house known as 'The
Black Witch's Den'. It was situated on a narrow road remote from any
other dwelling or building of any kind.
The witch, a small, thin, wizened old creature was the terror of the
people for miles round. All in the neighbourhood were careful to bolt
their doors when they had occasion to go from home. It was said she
cast cruel spells on anyone who came her way. She saw with delight that
the inmates of the castle were about to leave their home. Oh! what treasure
would now be hers! But how was she to gain an entrance to the castle?
