Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/171

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THE FAERY WOMAN
137

resume your form. But over your children I have no power, and they will always remain hounds."

She touched the enchanted animal with her little yew rod; and immediately it changed into Tuirenn, to the unbounded amazement of Fergus and Illan. But Illan was very glad that Tuirenn was found, for now his life would not be forfeit to Fionn; and the next day he took her and the puppies to Fionn, and told him how they were born while their mother was under an enchantment.

Great anger came on Fionn as he listened.

"Were it not for my word that you should go safely when Tuirenn was found, I would kill you where you stand," he said; "but from henceforth, until the day of your death, there shall be enmity between your house and mine. Go now, and remember that it will be an evil day for you should we ever stand opposed to each other on the battlefield."

Illan was glad to go, for no one cared to face Fionn's terrible wrath. I think that Fionn killed Illan in after years, for though he might forgive a wrong to himself, he