By and copyright of Owen Quinn
“Maybe we really should leave it and figure something else out,” Bobby said, worried they would offend the rainbows and the leprechauns.
“No, they have to help us!” Rose insisted. “They simply must.”
O’Brien sat back and watched the kids thoughtfully.
“You could just ask a rainbow. That would be the easiest way don’t you think?”
“We don’t know where to find the end of the rainbow,” said Diamond sadly. “We only have tomorrow to find it.”
“Why tomorrow?”
“We have school on Monday but we will ask the teacher to let us sing,” promised Rose.
“Well, there’ll be a price to pay but I can bring the rainbow to you,” O’Brien said ominously.
Maggie stopped and looked across at him. She clutched the tea towel tightly in her hands.
O’Brien bit his pipe tightly in the corner of his mouth, stroked his ginger beard and crossed his arms sternly.
“If your quest is true and one born from an honest and virtuous heart, like Cuchulain himself, I will grant you the chance to ask a rainbow for help. So, tell me, children of Ballinfree; I, O’Brien of the Causeway clan of leprechauns, hereby ask solemnly and demand an honest answer. Are you willing to pay the price to help your friend find happiness or are your wishes false? Answer once and answer all before ancient and irreversible leprechaun law; pay the price or walk away.”
O’Brien raised his chin; eyes fixed on the kids.
Rose, Bobby, Diamond and Lala glanced at each other and gulped.
“Well? What will it be?”
The Time Warriors and Beyond 