Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/170

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
136
HEROES OF THE DAWN

by your art, and tell me where she is hidden, my head will not be on my shoulders much longer."

"I can help you," said Uchtdealb, "but I wish you to make me a promise first."

"I will promise anything," said Illan, after a moment's hesitation, "if you will help me to find Tuirenn. What is it you wish?"

"Well," said the woman of the Sidhe, "I will take you to Tuirenn on condition that you make me your wife again when she has returned to the Clan Basna."

"I give you my promise I will," Illan answered. "Now take me straightway to Tuirenn."

Uchtdealb conducted Illan to the house where Fergus lived, and said that Fionn had sent for the hound she had left with him. Very unwillingly Fergus brought both the hound and her puppies; he had become so attached to them that he would have liked to keep them always.

Then Uchtdealb spoke to the hound, saying:

"For the sake of Illan, whom I love, I forgo my vengeance on you, and I bid you