Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/234

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
194
HEROES OF THE DAWN

"You see the long green mound in the field outside—that is where Diangala, their most powerful enchanter, is buried," Donn replied. "He came to the battle, thinking that his spells would be stronger than our magic arts and keen bright blades. But he was overcome, and death met him on the green grass under which he now lies."

"That was a great loss indeed," said Fionn. "Had they others to equal that?"

"Another time we captured from them all the treasure they valued most; cups and vessels of shining gold, and many jewels of great price, but the loss of this treasure caused them less grief than the death of Diangala. Another loss they had was Fethna, their woman-minstrel, who made music of most surpassing sweetness and power, that brought joy and peace and dreams of high deeds into their hearts, and when we killed her they mourned exceedingly."

"It is not right to make war on women," said Fionn sternly.

"She came in the guise of a man," Donn explained, "and in the stress of the fight a