Part 61 (2/2)

But Naisi answered:--”We cannot follow thy advice, beloved Deirdre, for it would be a mark of fear: and we have no fear.”

And as they came nigh the palace Deirdre said to them:--”I will now give you a sign if Concobar meditates good or evil. If you are brought into his own mansion where he sits surrounded by his n.o.bles, to eat and drink with him, this is a token that he means no ill; for no man will injure a guest that has partaken of food at his table: but if you are sent to the house of the Red Branch, be sure he is bent on treachery.”

When at last they arrived at the palace, they knocked loudly with the handwood: and the door-keeper sw.a.n.g the great door wide open. And when he had spoken with them, he went and told Concobar that the sons of Usna and Fergus's two sons had come, with their people.

And Concobar called to him his stewards and attendants and asked them:--”How is it in the house of the Red Branch as to food and drink?”

And they replied that if the seven battalions of Ulaid were to come to it, they would find enough of all good things. ”If that is so,” said Concobar, ”take the sons of Usna and their people to the Red Branch.”

Even then Deirdre besought them not to enter the Red Branch: for she deemed now that of a certainty there was mischief afoot. But Illan the Fair said:--”Never did we show cowardice or unmanliness, and we shall not do so now.” Then she was silent and went with them into the house.

And the company, when they had come in, sat them down so that they filled the great hall: and alluring viands and delicious drinks were set before them: and they ate and drank till they became satisfied and cheerful: all except Deirdre and the Sons of Usna, who did not partake much of food or drink. And Naisi asked for the king's chessboard and chessmen; which were brought: and he and Deirdre began to play.

FOOTNOTES:

[CLXXV.] This and the other places named in Deirdre's Farewell are all in the west of Scotland.

[CLXXVI.] Irish name, _Drum-Sailech_; the ridge on which Armagh was afterwards built.

CHAPTER IV.

TROUBLE LOOMING.

Let us now speak of Concobar. As he sat among his n.o.bles, the thought of Deirdre came into his mind, and he said:--”Who among you will go to the Red Branch and bring me tidings of Deirdre, whether her youthful shape and looks still live upon her: for if so there is not on the ridge of the world a woman more beautiful.” And Lavarcam said she would go.

Now the sons of Usna were very dear to Lavarcam: and Naisi was dearer than the others. And rising up she went to the Red Branch, where she found Naisi and Deirdre with the chessboard between them, playing. And she saluted them affectionately: and she embraced Deirdre, and wept over her, and kissed her many times with the eagerness of her love: and she kissed the cheeks of Naisi and of his brothers.

And when her loving greeting was ended, she said:--”Beloved children, evil is the deed that is to be done this night in Emain: for the three torches of valour of the Gaels will be treacherously a.s.sailed, and Concobar is certainly resolved to put them to death. And now set your people on guard, and bolt and bar all doors, and close all windows; and be steadfast and valorous, and defend your dear charge manfully, if you may hold the a.s.sailants at bay till Fergus comes.” And she departed weeping piteously.

And when Lavarcam had returned to Concobar he asked what tidings she brought. ”Good tidings have I,” said she: ”for the three sons of Usna have come, the three valiant champions of Ulaid: and now that they are with thee, O king, thou wilt hold sway in Erin without dispute. And bad tidings I bring also: Deirdre indeed is not as she was, for her youthful form and the splendour of her countenance have fled from her.”

And when Concobar heard this, his jealousy abated, and he joined in the feasting.

But again the thought of Deirdre came to him, and he asked:--”Who now will go for me to the Red Branch, and bring me further tidings of Deirdre and of the sons of Usna?” for he distrusted Lavarcam. But the Knights of the Red Branch had misgivings of some evil design, and all remained silent.

Then he called to him Trendorn, one of the lesser chiefs: and he said:--”Knowest thou, Trendorn, who slew thy father and thy three brothers in battle?” And Trendorn answered:--”Verily, it was Naisi, the son of Usna, that slew them.” Then the king said:--”Go now to the Red Branch and bring me back tidings of Deirdre and of the sons of Usna.”

Trendorn went right willingly. But when he found the doors and windows of the Red Branch shut up, he was seized with fear, and he said:--”It is not safe to approach the sons of Usna, for they are surely in wrathful mood: nevertheless I must needs bring back tidings to the king.”

Whereupon, not daring to knock at the door, he climbed nimbly to a small window high up that had been unwittingly left open, through which he viewed the s.p.a.cious banquet hall, and saw Naisi and Deirdre playing chess. Deirdre chanced to look up at that moment, and seeing the face of the spy with eyes intently gazing on her, she started with affright and grasped Naisi's arm, as he was making a move with the chessman. Naisi, following her gaze, and seeing the evil-looking face, flung the chessman with unerring aim, and broke the eye in Trendorn's head.

Trendorn dropped down in pain and rage; and going straight to Concobar, he said:--”I have tidings for thee, O king: the three sons of Usna are sitting in the banquet hall, stately and proud like kings: and Deirdre is seated beside Naisi; and verily for beauty and queenly grace her peer cannot be found.”

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