Myths and Legends of the Celtic Race - Knowledge Rush

CHAPTER V: TALES OF THE ULTONIAN CYCLE 167they made their dwelling by the lake, and there lived in the wildwood by hunting and fishing, seeing no man but themselves andtheir servants.And the years went by and Conor made no sign, but he didnot forget, and his spies told him of all that befell Naisi andDeirdre. At last, judging that Naisi and his brothers would havetired of solitude, he sent the bosom friend of Naisi, Fergus sonof Roy, to bid them return, and to promise them that all wouldbe forgiven. Fergus went joyfully, and joyfully did Naisi and hisbrothers hear the message, but Deirdre foresaw evil, and wouldfain have sent Fergus home alone. But Naisi blamed her for her [199]doubt and suspicion, and bade her mark that they were under theprotection of Fergus, whose safeguard no king in Ireland woulddare to violate; and they at last made ready to go.On landing in Ireland they were met by Baruch, a lord of theRed Branch, who had his dūn close by, and he bade Fergus to afeast he had prepared for him that night. “I may not stay,” saidFergus, “for I must first convey Deirdre and the sons of Usnasafely to Emain Macha.” “Nevertheless,” said Baruch, “thoumust stay with me to-night, for it is a geis for thee to refuse afeast.” Deirdre implored him not to leave them, but Fergus wastempted by the feast, and feared to break his geis, and he badehis two sons Illan the Fair and Buino the Red take charge of theparty in his place, and he himself abode with Baruch.And so the party came to Emain Macha, and they were lodgedin the House of the Red Branch, but Conor did not receive them.After the evening meal, as he sat, drinking heavily and silently,he sent a messenger to bid Levarcam come before him. “How isit with the sons of Usna?” he said to her. “It is well,” she said.“Thou hast got the three most valorous champions in Ulster in thycourt. Truly the king who has those three need fear no enemy.”“Is it well with Deirdre?” he asked. “She is well,” said the nurse,“but she has lived many years in the wildwood, and toil and carehave changed her—little of her beauty of old now remains to her,