Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/153

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PURSUIT OF GILLA DECAIR
121

did they ever seek to wage war on the King of Sorcha again.

After the battle was over Fionn said to the king:

"I have helped you against your enemies, now I must depart on my own affairs, for the Fians would cry shame on me did I not continue my search for their comrades."

The king inquired whom Fionn was searching for, and on hearing the tale of the Gilla Decair and of Diarmuid's long absence, said:

"Delay your departure a little while, O Fionn, for to-morrow a great feast will take place, and all my people will gather to thank you for your help, and give you homage. When that is over, I and my men will help you in your search for Diarmuid, nor will I leave you till he is found."

So Fionn waited, and on the morrow, as they were all feasting outside the dun, a great company of warriors, armed with keen battle-swords and tall sharp spears, came marching across the plain, and Fionn gave a shout of welcome when he saw that, foremost of all, walked Diarmuid with a Druid by his side.