Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/161

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE FAERY WOMAN
129

her jealousy some harmful thing may happen to Tuirenn."

"Do not fear for Tuirenn; I will always guard her with the greatest care and love, remembering that if anything evil happens to her my life will be forfeit to you," said Illan boldly; yet secretly he felt some misgivings when he thought of Uchtdealb, for she belonged to the faery race, and, if she chose, had power for either good or evil over human life.

On that understanding Fionn gave Tuirenn to Illan, though he would not let her accompany her husband when he returned to Ulster, but arranged to send her afterwards with a guard of his most trusted Fian chiefs.

A little time elapsed after the departure of Illan, then Fionn called his son Oisin, and Caeilté and Goll mac Morna, and gave them orders to take Tuirenn to her husband's home. They found Illan anxiously watching for them, but before Goll gave Tuirenn into his hands he reminded Illan of the conditions Fionn had imposed on him, and Illan swore by the sun