In return for the loan of the bull, Medb's messengers offered Daire fifty cattle, a plot of land in Connacht, a chariot and the friendship of Medb. Daire jumped for joy at this generous offer and accepted immediately. He called a feast to celebrate and invited all the messengers. However, some of them had too much to drink and became very loud. They were overheard saying that if Daire had refused Medb's offer, they would have robbed the bull anyway. When Daire heard this, he was furious and he sent them away. When Medb received the news, she decided to go to war. She wanted the bull and she would have it, even if this meant going to Ulster and taking it by force. So she began to assemble a huge army from the other three provinces of Ireland. Ailill also called together his armies to join with those of his wife. Some of the greatest warriors in the country were included in the joint forces of Medb and Ailill. Most of Ulster's best warriors were suffering from a terrible curse that had been put on them by a goddess called Macha. Once a year they were struck down with a sickness that lasted for nine days. Therefore, Medb felt very confident of success in battle.